Reviews from Rick Brunner (3)

  • Lock comment on Kentucky Lock and Dam

    Comment by: Rick Brunner on Oct 5, 2019
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 50'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Kentucky Lock info
    Mile Marker for Kentucky Lock TRM:22.4
    Phone : 270-362-4226
    VHF Chanel : 14
    Distance : Paducah to Kentucky Lock : 22.6 miles
    Lift : ~53ft
    Estimate wait times: 2.5 hours per tow ( double ) to lock through
    Will wait no more than 3 lock cycles , clock starts when you arrive on station. Our experience was 1.5 for first boats , 40mins for last boat to arrive on station.

    Arrival
    @I24 bridge, anchor in the channel
    Find a spot In the channel to wait assuming tow traffic and keep out of the channel / path to lock.

    Chief on duty told us Max wait of three hours.. could be min of 1 hour..

    Floating Bollards: 8 pins total
    Starboard (unbound )left descending side of lock
    30:
    70
    300
    525
    600 : note too close to rear door for anything but a smaller boat and according to lock master most turbulent

    Port (Upbound) right descending side of lock
    70
    300
    525

    Pin 600 on the starboard side was not usable except for a very small boat , so effectively you have only 4 pins on starboard side , the front pin at 30 is really tight to the front gate and between 30 and 70 it’s only 40 feet so if 30 is used it needs to be a small vessel , 40ft or less to allow some gap between the gate and bow assuming a mid kleat tie . Vessel at starboard 70 needs to be 40 or less to clear vessel at 30 pin and provide adequate clearance

    Summary you only have 7 pins 3 port 4 starboard , size placement is key on pin 30 and 70 on starboard side. The only other option to utilize pin 600 is to have the boat that is going to tie to 600 starboard enter the lock , wait on the lock doors to close and then back onto the pin

    • WG Editor Comment:

      We have always found the Barkley Lock to be quicker due to significantly less commercial traffic.

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  • Free Dock Review for Jim King Park at Sisters Creek Marina

    Reviewed by: Rick Brunner on Apr 23, 2019
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 51'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 5

    Great little secluded FREE 72 hour floating dock with water , bathroom facilities , no power , plenty of depth , will have a current depending on time that you enter and exit , out runs parallel to docks. Quite with lots of birds and great views

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  • Marina Review for Two Georges Marina

    Reviewed by: Rick Brunner on Aug 27, 2018
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 51'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 4

    Nice facility, new docks with adequate power and water connections, if coming through to make a quick stop and not an extended stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Only reason for a 4 vs a 5 , not too many restaurants or stores in the area , requires Uber unless good weather and you like to bike or walk.

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