How to Moor a Narrowboat on Armco

Armco is one of the most useful things you will find when mooring on the canal network. It gives you a solid edge to tie to, usually without needing to hammer pins into the towpath, and it can make stopping for lunch or settling in for the night much easier.

That said, mooring to Armco is not quite the same as tying to bollards or rings. You need the right gear, sensible rope angles and a few safety checks to make sure your narrowboat stays secure without causing problems for other boaters, walkers or cyclists.

This guide explains how to moor a narrowboat on Armco in a practical, step by step way, with tips for everyday cruising and overnight stops.

What Is Armco on the Canal?

Armco is a type of steel piling often used along canal banks to protect the edge from erosion. It usually looks like corrugated steel with a rounded or ridged profile. On many canal sections, the steel piling has a top rail or gaps behind it where you can attach mooring equipment.

Boaters often refer to any suitable steel piling as Armco, even though Armco is technically a brand name. Whatever you call it, the important thing is that it provides a strong edge for mooring when used correctly.

You will often find Armco on popular towpath moorings, straight canal sections, visitor moorings and some stretches where the bank is too soft for mooring pins.

What You Need to Moor on Armco

Before attempting to moor, it helps to have the right equipment ready. This is especially important if you are single handing or stopping in wind or rain.

The most common options are Armco chains and piling hooks. Both are designed to attach to the steel piling and provide a secure point for your mooring ropes.

Armco Chains

Armco chains are short lengths of chain with a ring, loop or hook attached. They are fed through or around part of the steel piling, then secured so your rope can be tied to them.

Chains are popular because they are strong, adaptable and less likely to jump out if there is wash from passing boats. They can be a little fiddly at first, but they are reliable once you get used to them.

Piling Hooks

Piling hooks are shaped metal hooks that slot behind the Armco piling. Your rope is then tied to the hook or passed through the eye.

They are quick and easy to use, which makes them handy for short stops. However, they can sometimes work loose if the line is pulled upwards, if the piling is an awkward shape, or if passing boats create heavy movement. For overnight mooring, many boaters prefer chains or use hooks with care.

Other Useful Gear

For a secure and comfortable mooring, keep these items accessible:

• Bow and stern ropes in good condition.
• A centre line for bringing the boat in and holding it temporarily.
• Fenders to protect the hull from the steel edge.
• Gloves for handling wet ropes, chains and metalwork.
• A torch or head torch if mooring in low light.
• A mooring hammer and pins as a backup if Armco is not suitable.

Choosing a Safe Place to Moor

Good mooring starts before the ropes go on. As you approach a potential spot, slow down and assess the area. Not every length of Armco is suitable, even if it looks tempting from a distance.

Look for a stretch where the canal is straight enough for other boats to pass safely. Avoid mooring on bends, close to bridges, by lock landings, near water points unless you are using them, or anywhere marked with restrictions.

Check the bank as well. A good Armco mooring should have enough towpath space to step off safely and walk along the boat. Be wary of crumbling edges, hidden holes, uneven ground and thick vegetation.

Before committing, consider:

• Is the water deep enough close to the edge?
• Will the boat sit reasonably close to the bank?
• Are there signs showing time limits or no mooring?
• Will you block access to services, bridges or lock areas?
• Is the towpath safe for getting on and off?
• Are there overhanging trees that could scrape the cabin or drop branches?

If the boat will not come near the edge because the canal is shallow, you may need longer ropes and careful fendering. If it is too shallow or exposed, it is usually better to move on.

How to Moor a Narrowboat on Armco Step by Step

The exact method depends on your boat, crew, weather and the shape of the piling, but the basic principles are the same.

1. Approach Slowly and Parallel to the Bank

Slow right down before you reach the mooring. Bring the narrowboat alongside the Armco as gently as possible, ideally nearly parallel with the bank.

If there is wind, think about what it will do to the bow and stern. A breeze pushing you onto the bank can help, but a breeze pushing you off may require a more decisive approach and quick use of the centre line.

Use short bursts of engine rather than rushing in. A slow approach gives you time to correct the angle and avoids heavy contact with the steel edge.

2. Step Off Safely With the Centre Line

If you can step ashore safely, take the centre line with you and hold the boat against the bank. Never jump from the boat. If the gap is too large, reposition the boat rather than taking a risk.

Keep the centre line under control, but do not tie the boat permanently from the centre line alone. It is useful for holding the boat while you set your bow and stern lines, but a narrowboat should normally be moored using lines at each end.

3. Attach Your First Chain or Hook

Start with either the bow or stern, depending on the conditions. If wind or flow is moving one end away first, secure that end first.

For a chain, feed it through or around a suitable part of the Armco, then pass the end through the ring or use its fastening method so it grips securely. For a piling hook, slot it behind the steel piling so that the pull of the rope holds it down and in place.

Give the attachment a firm pull by hand before trusting it. If it shifts, slips or looks poorly seated, try another spot.

4. Tie the Rope at a Sensible Angle

Your mooring lines should not usually go straight out at right angles from the boat. A shallow angle along the bank helps stop the boat moving forwards and backwards.

As a general rule, take the bow rope slightly forwards from the boat to the bank, and the stern rope slightly backwards. This creates opposing angles and helps hold the boat steady.

Tie the rope securely using a knot you know and can untie later. A round turn and two half hitches is a common choice for tying to rings, chains and hooks. On the boat, use the cleats, dollies or T-studs as intended.

5. Secure the Other End of the Boat

Once the first line is on, set the second chain or hook for the other end of the boat. Again, check that it is seated properly and that the rope angle helps prevent fore and aft movement.

Aim for firm lines, not guitar-string tight lines. The boat should be held in place, but it still needs a little give as water levels move and passing boats create wash.

6. Add Springs if Needed

If the boat is moving backwards and forwards too much, use spring lines. A spring is an extra rope that runs diagonally from the boat to a mooring point further along the bank.

For example, a stern spring may run from the stern forwards to a chain near the middle or front of the boat. A bow spring may run from the bow backwards. Springs are especially useful on busy stretches, windy moorings and places where passing boats cause noticeable surge.

7. Set Your Fenders

Lower your side fenders once the boat is secured. Fenders help keep the hull away from the steel piling and reduce banging or scraping.

Do not rely on fenders to solve a poor mooring. If the boat is surging or swinging badly, adjust the ropes first. Then set the fenders at the right height for the edge.

Remember to lift side fenders before setting off, especially before entering locks. Side fenders left down can snag in narrow spaces.

Armco Chains vs Piling Hooks: Which Is Best?

Both have a place on a narrowboat. Many boaters carry both because canal edges vary.

Armco chains are usually better for overnight mooring or when you want a more secure attachment. They tend to cope well with movement and can be fitted in different ways, depending on the piling.

Piling hooks are quick and convenient. They are useful for lunch stops, water breaks and moorings where the hook sits firmly behind the rail. The main caution is that they need the correct downward pull. If a rope pulls upwards, the hook may lift out.

If you are new to Armco mooring, practise using both on a calm day. That way, when the weather is poor or the towpath is busy, you will already know what works with your ropes and boat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mooring on Armco is straightforward once you get the hang of it, but a few mistakes can make the boat noisy, insecure or awkward for others.

• Using only a centre line: This can make the boat rock badly and put strain on fittings.
• Setting ropes too short: Very short lines can snatch as the boat moves.
• Using poor rope angles: Lines straight out from the boat allow it to surge backwards and forwards.
• Forgetting fenders: Steel piling can scrape paintwork if the boat is rubbing.
• Trusting a loose hook: If a piling hook is not seated properly, it may lift out.
• Mooring where you should not: Lock landings, bridge holes and service points need to remain clear.
• Leaving trip hazards: Keep ropes tidy across the towpath and avoid creating hazards for pedestrians.

Good Etiquette When Mooring on Armco

A good mooring is not only about securing your own boat. It is also about sharing the waterways considerately.

Leave enough space for other boats where possible. If you are mooring on a popular visitor stretch, avoid taking up more room than you need. Pull in neatly and adjust your position if it helps another boat fit in safely.

Keep ropes low and visible. If ropes must cross part of the towpath, make sure they do not create an unnecessary trip hazard. On most Armco moorings, your lines can be kept close to the edge rather than stretched across the walking route.

Run your engine and generator only within permitted hours and with consideration for nearby boats and homes. Also check local signs for stay limits, as many visitor moorings have time restrictions.

Mooring on Armco in Wind or Bad Weather

Wind can make Armco mooring more challenging, especially if it is blowing the boat away from the bank. Prepare ropes, chains and hooks before you make the final approach so you are not searching for equipment at the crucial moment.

If cruising with crew, agree who is doing what before you come in. Clear communication prevents rushed movements and reduces the chance of mistakes.

In stronger wind, it can help to secure the windward end of the boat first. Use the centre line to control the boat, then get a proper bow or stern line on as soon as possible. Once one end is secure, the rest becomes much easier.

After mooring, check the lines again after a few minutes. The boat may settle differently once the wind catches it or after the first few passing boats go by.

Leaving an Armco Mooring

When it is time to leave, plan the order of untying. In calm conditions, it is usually simple: lift fenders, untie one end, untie the other, collect your chains or hooks, and move away steadily.

In wind, think carefully before removing the line that is doing most of the work. You may want to keep a centre line or stern line in hand until the boat is ready to move.

Do a final check before setting off:

• All chains, hooks and ropes are back on board.
• Side fenders are lifted.
• No rope is trailing in the water.
• The towpath is clear of your equipment.
• You have checked for oncoming boats, cyclists and pedestrians.

A calm departure is safer for you and kinder to moored boats nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you moor anywhere there is Armco?

No. Armco does not automatically mean mooring is allowed or suitable. Always check for signs, restrictions, lock landings, bridge holes, service points and private moorings. You should also make sure the water is deep enough and that your boat will not obstruct navigation.

Are Armco chains better than piling hooks?

Armco chains are often more secure, especially for overnight stops or busy stretches with passing boats. Piling hooks are quicker to use and can be perfectly adequate when they sit firmly, but they need to be checked carefully to make sure they cannot lift out.

How tight should my ropes be when mooring on Armco?

Your ropes should be firm enough to hold the boat close to the bank, but not so tight that they snatch with every movement. Leave a little give for wash, wind and small changes in water level. If the boat surges, adjust the rope angles or add springs.

Do I still need mooring pins if I have Armco chains?

It is sensible to carry mooring pins as a backup. Not every mooring has usable Armco, and some rural banks have soft edges with no steel piling. However, where good Armco is available, chains or hooks usually avoid the need to hammer pins into the towpath.

Can I use the centre line to moor overnight on Armco?

The centre line is useful for bringing the boat in and holding it temporarily, but it should not normally be the main overnight mooring line. Use proper bow and stern lines, and add springs if needed. This keeps the boat steadier and reduces strain on the centre line fixing.

A Simple Routine for Secure Armco Mooring

The easiest way to moor well is to follow the same calm routine each time. Choose a safe stretch, come in slowly, step off carefully, secure the bow and stern with good rope angles, then add fenders and springs as needed.

With a pair of reliable Armco chains or piling hooks and a little practice, mooring on steel piling becomes one of the simplest and most convenient ways to stop on the canal. Take your time, check your attachments, and your narrowboat should sit comfortably while you enjoy the towpath, the view and a well-earned rest.