Crinan Pilots

[BlowingOldBoots]

I notice that the listing for the Crinan pilots has been removed from Scottish Canals web page. If you want to use a pilot to go through the Crinan canal with a pilot assistance, I have used Joe who's fees go to Mary's Meals 01546 603799. I used him when I single handed through the canal and it was very fast and effortless.

Call Joe on 01546 603799.

[Peter Pilot]

Joe has been piloting for many years now so really knows the canal.

If you can't get Joe then you might try www.crinanpilots.uk who pilot 7 days a week.

Transiting the canal has been slower than usual at the bottom of the Dunardry flight this year.

Due to the water shortage there are restrictions at the sea locks for lock-ins. Additionally the maximum draft is currently 2.0m, but this may change over the forthcoming weeks if the forecast rain appears.

[Corona]

Just a word of warning, there have been reports of a bit of gouging, so be aware. Just agree the charge before the transit.

[Peter Pilot]

Corona. That's not good for the proper pilots. I always send a booking confirmation text which includes the price.

[Aja]

Peter

By linking to your website which has two pilots available, whom you seem to refer to in the previous post as 'proper pilots', are you saying that other pilots, not listed on your website, are somehow not 'proper'?

Donald

[Peter Pilot]

Donald,

The persons I consider as "proper pilots" are not exclusively on that website. The two of us give great customer service and aim to make the transit as smooth and enjoyable as possible within the constraints of the operational factors on the canal. There is a good reason why our customers recommend us and book again for their return journey.

The quality of the pilots varies a great deal. There are pilots like myself who are available 7 days a week / or pilot regularly, through the canal, and others who pilot for a bit of extra cash. Anyone can have their name put on the pilot list posted on the Scottish Canals website. None are vetted by Scottish Canals.

[Peter Pilot]

Sea lock restrictions have been lifted but the fresh water maximum draft remains at 2.0m.(1.9m sea water).

[Peter Pilot]

The maximum draft is still 2.0m freshwater.

Crinan sea lock is currently open three hours either side of high tide

The sluices at locks 12 and 13 are now only operated by canal staff.

Transit times from Ardrishaig to Crinan were 7 hours on Thursday and 8,5 hours on Friday. These were boats ready to enter the sea lock at 8.30am and getting first lock in.

[Corona]

My thanks to Boots for the recommendation, it is appreciated.
To be clear after reading above I continue to provide the service daily, ignore the implication that I do not. I do it for reasons of health and sociability, the money goes to charity which avoids income tax complications at the end of the season. Up to now I have been contributing about £3-4k pa (not all of it from the canal) to Mary,s Meals by depositing each thousand earned in the MM shop in Lochgilphead but it has transpired that despite their profitability and their community benefit MM has decided to close or abandon all their volunteer run shops in Argyll. They no longer need the smaller donations and the recycling of clothing to needy locals is not their function? The volunteers will carry on but supporting local good causes. In consequence I am seriously considering switching my paltry support to Water Aid.

[Peter Pilot]

Sad to hear that News about MM.

Freshwater draft now increased to 2.2m