Instructions for crossing the slipways of the Elbląg Canal

If you are crossing the slipways of the Elbląg Canal for the first time, ask the staff for help in attaching the vessel to the lift truck.

It is advisable to see in advance from land the construction of the trucks and the crossing of another vessel by walking along the slipway.
We adjust the position and attachment of the vessel on the truck to suit its construction and tonnage.

Instructions for crossing the slipways of the Elbląg Canal

Before entering the slipway, secure items in the cabin and on deck to prevent them from shifting and tipping over as the lift truck travels up and down.
Tie the mast to the support.
Lift the centreboard, rudder blade and take the engine out of the water (from the well too) and secure them in the top position as soon as you enter the truck.
Vessels with a permanently mounted propeller should position themselves in such a way that it protrudes beyond the truck floor (the trucks on the extreme slipways of Buczyniec and Całuny have a floor of approx. 3.5 m projecting behind the truck walkway, on the central slipways by approx. 1,5 m).
Put mooring lines 'in gear', with the ability to be loosened from the deck or truck to adjust the seating of the vessel on the truck floor as it emerges from the water.
Once the vessel is fixed, give a gong signal.
A member of the vessel's crew is obliged to be on duty at the gong (in case of danger, alarm by the gong signal).

Note: A noticeable jerk is possible when truck starts!

When the truck drives out of the water, push the vessel away from the sides of the sloping structure of the truck with a boat hook or a long paddle so that the vessel is fairly evenly supported on the truck.
Once the vessel is seated on the floor of the truck, make fast the mooring ropes over the cleats - the ropes are to be tensioned and fixed to the barriers of the truck walkway.

Note: Do not move around the vessel while the truck is moving!
This can cause the yacht to "wobble".

Please note: It is forbidden to get off the truck during the crossing and to walk on the slippery truck floor!

At the lower positions of the slipway you pass close to the mouths of the bypass channels - watch out for water discharges that can push the vessel off its course.
When crossing slipways, to ensure safety and order, the crew of the vessel shall strictly follow the instructions of the slipway operators.

Sometimes you have to wait for a ship to cross or for the second lift truck to be "filled".