Hello Trevor, I have been single handed cruising now for nearly 4 years. I live on my boat full time, unless I am visiting friends.
Personally, I have had little or no difficulties. As a single handed cruiser but...... 1)Unless forced to do so, it is unwise to travel in twilight, failing light or darknes> reasons are elementary, if you get into trouble no one is likely to see you and it is easy to miss a problem deveopling in poor light. 2) things are just as easy (Usually) unless there is a paricularly difficult lock gate etc.. 3) Swing bridges are problematic. Mast of the landings are on the opposite side of a swing or lift brifge where it has to be "worked". SWING - I get as near as possible with a medium length bow rope. I keep the bow rope with me(And tie it where it is accessable) open the bridge and then "pull" the boat forward and through the bridge, keeping the moentum goimg with the handrail (Bow rope thrown back on bows by this time) and as the stern rope appears, I grab this to STOP momentum when boat is through. I make sure the end of rope is secure, close bridge, cross with boat and then "pull" the stern to the bank in order to get on again. Either side whichever is easier. As you wull realise, this takes more time. With lift bridges, I usually try to lift from the "wrong" side, (Sometimes impossible), and always difficult, then prop the bridge up with a boat pole or someting shorter, if too long. When I am "certain" it is SAFE and firmly in an open position, I cruise the boat through, then return the bridge to normal position. Very often a walker or another boater will help, if they are around. You have to be most careful and ensure that no risks are taken when on you own. There's usually nobody to help if you get into trouble on the quieter stretches. When possible, even if I have to wait an hour, I try to share double locks with someone. If you approach single hande cruising in this manbner, you should not have any problems at all. Just remeber that everything takes a little longer on your own. My advice is *GO FOR IT*. I like the frienship on the canals and I really do enjoy the lifestyle. I would consider a bricks and mortar home as a liability these days with maintenance, repairs and taxes etc.. ~Allan~ nb.Pengalanty Oh yes, I usually cruise between Watford and Milton Keynes on the GU, which is hardly "Bridge Hopping".
