Nav Alert comment on Tennessee River, Mile 259.4, Wilson Lock, Main Chamber Closure

Comment by: Gary Reed, Unwinding, on Sep 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 5.5'

Update to previous post …
We were able to lock down midday through both Wheeler and Wilson. Lock Operators were very engaging and got us down ahead of tow approaching Wheeler and held lock at Wilson for us. This was with 5 tows below Wilson and 2 tows above Wilson. You must communicate with both Operators to schedule.

Wilson Auxiliary Lock is a two chamber lock. Two pins only in lower chamber on LBD. Upper chamber is primarily a tie on RBD. Only one pin working in upper chamber on LDB and it's only 50 feet from miter sill.

Lock Operator told me significant cracks in lower door assembly operating mechanism. 7 foot crack in one. He has heard the most optimistic date for returning the Main Lock to operation is first of the year!! He further stated that locking "doubles" (15 barges) through could take up to 24 hours given the lock size (60 x 300) and double chambers.

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Nav Alert comment on Tennessee River, Mile 259.4, Wilson Lock, Main Chamber Closure

Comment by: Gary Reed, Unwinding, on Sep 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 5.5'

This is a major outage on the Tennessee. Wilson Auxiliary Lock is a two stage lock. Large tows (~ 15 tows) are taking extremely long time to lock up/down. Lock has been down due to high winds today (9/27). As of this evening (9/17 - 7 PM), there are five (5) tows waiting to lock up and one (1) tow waiting to lock down. Even after this "log jam", Lock Operator this evening stated this would be an ongoing issue until main chamber returned to service and no timetable has been established. We are at Joe Wheeler looking to lock down asap. We may be here for a few days. Plan accordingly! I would certainly advise to talk to Wilson Lock before locking down at Wheeler Lock. With respect to upbound, staging at Florence Harbor is an option if they have space.

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Marina Review for Baylen Slips Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Reed , Unwinding, on Jul 31, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Arrived Pensacola following Gulf crossing, staying a month or so before heading up the Tenn Tom for the Fall / Hurricane Season. Wonderful spot ... downtown Pensacola is awesome with many great restaurants, Saturday Farmer's Market, Pensacola Bay Brewery, and more (Joe Patti's Seafood) within walking distance. Ron and Shay are competent and do a great job as Dock masters. We will definitely be back!!

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