How can I make a boatlock in Minecraft?

Solution 1:

Current as of Retail 1.1

Okay so the key mechanic that broke the traditional waterfall elevator was that boats no longer travel upward in a waterfall. However, boats will move rapidly upward in source blocks.

So what is a source block? A source block (also known as "still water") is water that is created during map creation or placed with a bucket. Water that "flows" from this block is informally known as moving water. So in order to create a modern boat elevator, we need to create a shaft of only source blocks.

Here is my construction.

1: I created a canal with a glass wall and an "entranceway" fitted with signs. These signs prevent water from flowing past them but still allow boats through.

2: I build up a second layer of glass walls around my new shaft. Then I flood this layer with water. Note that I have to fill each of the four blocks in this layer of the shaft with water from the bucket - these are now all source blocks. Notice how none of them are moving. If the water is moving, you need to add more hits from your bucket.

3: I keep adding glass layers and each time I do, I add a layer of source water.

4: Here I've added a spillway at the top where the boat can float after it has risen up the shaft.

You can download this world here:

http://reactor.tophatandmonocle.com/boatlift.zip

Solution 2:

This applies to versions before Beta 1.6.4

All you have to do is set up a waterfall. Boats, contrary to what one would expect, simply flow straight up waterfalls.

Alternatively, water cannot pass through doors. You can rig something with that if you're patient.