Coffeeville Lock and Dam

Comment by: William Mcnutt, Excellent Seas, on May 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.5'

This was my first transit of the Coffeeville Lock, and also my first transit of ANY lock at night. The lock keeper was polite and VERY patient, especially on my approach.<br /> <br /> My night vision stinks, and he kept directing me to "the other side of the long wall," but all I could see in my searchlight beam was WOODS. At night, the lock chamber is completely shielded by the long wall, and the parallax view makes it look like it's not there until you get around the long wall.<br /> <br /> He did want either USCG documentation or state registration. <br /> <br /> I was able to raise the lock on channel 16 without any issue and the ride up, approximately 40 feet, was VERY smooth.<br /> <br /> I approve of this application of my tax dollars.<br /> <br /> Oh, one other thing:<br /> Here in the Mobile River Delta, there are lots of low-lying bayeux, and the Mobile itself flows pretty dang slowly. This means that it's a VERY good, perhaps ideal, breeding spot for moths and other light-seeking bugs. This isn't a big deal when your speed is north of 4 knots, but when you cut back to 2 knots or less to approach the lock, every moth and bug within a two mile radius will be IRRESISTABLY attracted to your chart plotter to the point of obscuring the screen. Be sure and screen the air through your teeth.

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Comment by: Gary Harkins, Nauti-Dog, on Nov 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'

Monitor 14

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Comment by: Robert, Slow Dancing, on May 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Lockmaster asked for state registration or USCG documenation number for recreational vessels locking through. <br /> <br /> This lock does not have the traffic-light signals that are used at other locks.

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