French Canals - Max Draft

[Options409]

Hi All,

Considering cruising through France on my Beneteau 42cc. All but one canal section seems fine with some draft clearance. My draft is 1.8m, max draft on some sections is indicated at 1.8m... Does this mean I’ll be scraping the bottom at times or some locks will just not be passable if water levels are slightly under “normal” levels.

Some advice from sailors who’ve navigated the Canals would be much appreciated. Thanks...

[JeanF73]

Ah, French Canals!

First, it is my understanding that due to Corona French Canals are closed to navigation de plaisance at this time.

I crossed with a 44’ sailboat from the med to the North Sea.

Reported depth in the French canals is only vaguely accurate at the time of the statement.
A number of events can and will change the navigation conditions/ depth daily:
- lack of water
- berm damage
- lock damage
- dredging or lack thereof, etc

Lockeepers can also, on occasion, slightly raise the level between 2 locks.

So 1.8 meter draft is kind of a gamble but has been done.

[ohdrinkboy]

Try messaging Nick on the youtube channel Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose. They did the french canals on their sailboat.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9r...FbnUSjtmv6Jq6w

[Options409]

Originally Posted by JeanF73

Ah, French Canals!

First, it is my understanding that due to Corona French Canals are closed to navigation de plaisance at this time.

I crossed with a 44’ sailboat from the med to the North Sea.

Reported depth in the French canals is only vaguely accurate at the time of the statement.
A number of events can and will change the navigation conditions/ depth daily:
- lack of water
- berm damage
- lock damage
- dredging or lack thereof, etc

Lockeepers can also, on occasion, slightly raise the level between 2 locks.

So 1.8 meter draft is kind of a gamble but has been done.

Thanks. Yes fully aware the canals are currently closed. I’m in Sardinia... Every single marina in Mediterranean Europe is closed. It’s a trip I’m considering at the end of 2021...

You crossed in a 44’ sailboat. What was your draft? Did you run aground? What route did you take? I’m looking for actual experiences...

Ruby Rose and Distant Shores had retractable keels, show shallow draft. I have contacted both, so will see what they say but I’m guessing they were never concerned about depth.

Thanks

[Tin Tin]

French canals water level goes up and down with snow melt, drought etc, some have been silting up and there are budgetary constraints about dredging. The other big factor is weed. A lot of weed grows from the bottom and can slow the boat way down on a deep keel and foul the prop too. Lots of shallow draft yachts have gone through but I think 1.8m will be a stretch in some places. You can always get hauled on crane put on a truck and sent to the next open canal, its only money.

[Pete7]

Sailing Magic Carpet are doing a series on YT at the moment on a South to North route. Whilst their draft is about 1.4m the current in the Rhone is a little worrying, be interesting to see how they do with 21hp driving a 32ft Vindo. Interesting yacht, fell over in a workshop and was written off. Young shipwright bought her and rebuilt her including a new GRP transom.

Don't forget your 1.8 draft will increase when in fresh water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1yQIywiHxk

[Copacabana]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Sailing Magic Carpet are doing a series on YT at the moment on a South to North route. Whilst their draft is about 1.4m the current in the Rhone is a little worrying, be interesting to see how they do with 21hp driving a 32ft Vindo. Interesting yacht, fell over in a workshop and was written off. Young shipwright bought her and rebuilt her including a new GRP transom.

Don't forget your 1.8 draft will increase when in fresh water.

Pete, the Vindö 32 is actually 28 feet LOA and I believe their engine is a Yanmar 18hp.

[Stewie12]

There are several routes to the Med via the canals. There are some good guide books such as Canal Route to the Med by Michael E Briant.

[Cpt Mark]

Originally Posted by Options409

Thanks. Yes fully aware the canals are currently closed. I’m in Sardinia... Every single marina in Mediterranean Europe is closed. It’s a trip I’m considering at the end of 2021...

You crossed in a 44’ sailboat. What was your draft? Did you run aground? What route did you take? I’m looking for actual experiences...

Ruby Rose and Distant Shores had retractable keels, show shallow draft. I have contacted both, so will see what they say but I’m guessing they were never concerned about depth.

Thanks

Watch Ruby Rose's videos. They hit the mud.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Cpt Mark

Watch Ruby Rose's videos. They hit the mud.

They did the Canal Du Midi, which is much shallower than the main routes north / south through france.

They also have twin rudders which didn't help getting close to the banks.

Pete

[dannc]

Originally Posted by Cpt Mark

Watch Ruby Rose's videos. They hit the mud.

And had lots of fun/trouble with weeds.

Later,
Dan

[Va2shp]

I have a Maxi95 with a draft of 1,7m and plan to go thru the rivers and canals this year if possible, if not this year, the virus should be out of the way for next year. If interested I can share with you my plan route.

[Options409]

Thanks for all the notes. I guess it’ll require a fair bit of research. I believe I can take a lot of weight off the boat, especially if the rig is trucked north. This will reduce draft a bit.

I actually want to be to Sweden for a summer where my son lives. Thought the canals would be more enjoyable and less season dependant than going the long way around. Sailing south not a problem as the season gets longer and weather gets better as you move south. Sailing North though is less desirable if I want to get the most out of the short summers in the Northern Europe.

Shipping the boat North could be another option.

[Options409]

Originally Posted by Va2shp

I have a Maxi95 with a draft of 1,7m and plan to go thru the rivers and canals this year if possible, if not this year, the virus should be out of the way for next year. If interested I can share with you my plan route.

Be great to see your planned route. 1.7m seems doable.

[Va2shp]

I have work on many differents routes here is the one I choose to take that you can see on google maps. Should you want more details, more route options I have work on I would be please to send it to you if you give me an email address.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1W5...Mb&usp=sharing