eastern erie canal

[Captmayhem]

I don't want to jinx it, but a new toy may be in my future.
She's up north and west, I would likely be bringing her from Oneida to Raritan bay.
HELP!
guide books/web sites
first hand guidance
I'm stepping up from a 23' to a 39' here(hopefully) so any and all advice is worth everything I pay for it, but still gratefully received.
At this point I'm not even sure of the questions I need to ask, so please, treat me like an idiot and point out basics.
I've mapped it out to about a 5/6 day motor, any places to must see? must avoid? be watchful of?
great over night stops?

 

[dlochner]

Congratulations Capt. This would be my stomping grounds, more or less.

Need a few more details to help more. I'm assuming the boat is on Oneida Lake, at the east end or west end?

The mast will have to come down for the trip down the canal. If you have experience you can step the mast at Castleton for short money and DIY or go on down the Hudson to Catskill and Hop-n-nose Marina and they can step it.

Catskill to NYC is a 2 day trip. Oneida Lake to Catskill is a 2-3 day trip. Add a day to step the mast. Another day from NYC to Raritan.

A nice place to stop is the museum in Kingston, NY. Get there early to tour the Museum and the boat building school. Last summer transient dockage was $2 a foot.

We stayed at Liberty Landing in NYC. Expensive, but a beautiful spot across the river from Lower Manhattan.

A guide book for the canal section isn't really necessary, but you can get one for about $25 from the NY State Canal System website. Boating on the Canals - New York State Canals You can tie at the locks from free. A permit is necessary for small money to transit the canal.

Marine stores are few and far between up here, so be prepared. Shipping from Defender is overnight for regular rates.

PM me and I'll be glad to help you get going as much as I'm able.

 

[Captmayhem]

thank you, actually the boat is a lot further out than that, seller will deliver to raritan , but I'm keen to bring it through the canals.
Deal will be struck hopefully this year, but she's wrapped up ready for winter so this won't happen until may/june time next year. Of course the anniversary is this year with free passage,lol

 

[Will Gilmore]

Hey, that wouldn't happen to take you near Otsego Lake and Cooperstown? Home of Ommegang Brewery. The best beer in the country. The brewery is built after the Old World style of their parent company in Belgium.
I highly recommend their Three Philosophers quadruple. I highly recommend it

- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Scott T-Bird]

We stayed at Liberty Landing in NYC. Expensive, but a beautiful spot across the river from Lower Manhattan.

Ahem ... Liberty Landing is in Jersey City, New Jersey ... same location as the Statue of Liberty
This is a first ... somebody from New York describing any place in New Jersey as a "beautiful spot" ?? I nearly fell over.
Good summary, btw!

 

[dlochner]

Ahem ... Liberty Landing is in Jersey City, New Jersey ... same location as the Statue of Liberty
This is a first ... somebody from New York describing any place in New Jersey as a "beautiful spot" ?? I nearly fell over.
Good summary, btw!

There is also the Delaware Water Gap, another scenic place. And the view from the Palisades State Parkway is also great. Of course the best part of NJ is getting a good view of NY.

 

[Captmayhem]

There is also the Delaware Water Gap, another scenic place. And the view from the Palisades State Parkway is also great. Of course the best part of NJ is getting a good view of NY.

I lived in jersey once, there's a reason they don't charge tolls to get back in, no one would go back

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I lived in jersey once, there's a reason they don't charge tolls to get back in, no one would go back

It is funny how it works that way ... We have to pay at all bridges and tunnels going to NY, PA, & Delaware even, but we don't have to pay to go home. There is the free bridge in Phillipsburg (Rte 22), but Dingman's Ferry bridge charges in both directions, I think. So does Lewes Ferry.
Yes, there are some who move to Pennsyltucky. They have to leave home at 4:00 am and drive like maniacs on Route 80 & 78 on their way to work.

 

[dlochner]

It is funny how it works that way ... We have to pay at all bridges and tunnels going to NY, PA, & Delaware even, but we don't have to pay to go home.

Maybe there's message there.

 

[Captmayhem]

It is funny how it works that way ... We have to pay at all bridges and tunnels going to NY, PA, & Delaware even, but we don't have to pay to go home. There is the free bridge in Phillipsburg (Rte 22), but Dingman's Ferry bridge charges in both directions, I think. So does Lewes Ferry.
Yes, there are some who move to Pennsyltucky. They have to leave home at 4:00 am and drive like maniacs on Route 80 & 78 on their way to work.

yep, I see them smashed up at the side of 78 every damn day

 

[dlochner]

Back on topic.....

Here's a recent video of a journey down the Hudson from Catskill to NYC.

Gives an idea about what the river trip is about.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I've been following them on You Tube since they bought the Tartan. They do a pretty nice job with their blog.

 

[Caboteur]

This is a great cruise: you'll need the Richardson's chartbook for the Hudson River and adjacent waterways... That'll cover the whole trip. There are many pleasant stops along the canal. Many towns are trying to make comebacks after suffering industrial demise... Little Falls is beautiful, great antique shops. Get the NYSCS guide and enjoy the trip. Don't just take the boat home, make this it's first cruise with you. The crane at Castleton costs 50.00$ the full service "insured" mast raising at Hop-O-Nose costs 4$/foot of mast... About 200$: they know what they are doing and you just watch! To me that 150$ mast and boat damage insurance is a no-brainer, but that's me. The rest of the Hudson is great to see. Get a guide and breathe in the sights.
I took about two weeks from Oswego to NY, but then I took about two months to make it from NY to Nassau!

 

[Captmayhem]

This is a great cruise: you'll need the Richardson's chartbook for the Hudson River and adjacent waterways... That'll cover the whole trip. There are many pleasant stops along the canal. Many towns are trying to make comebacks after suffering industrial demise... Little Falls is beautiful, great antique shops. Get the NYSCS guide and enjoy the trip. Don't just take the boat home, make this it's first cruise with you. The crane at Castleton costs 50.00$ the full service "insured" mast raising at Hop-O-Nose costs 4$/foot of mast... About 200$: they know what they are doing and you just watch! To me that 150$ mast and boat damage insurance is a no-brainer, but that's me. The rest of the Hudson is great to see. Get a guide and breathe in the sights.
I took about two weeks from Oswego to NY, but then I took about two months to make it from NY to Nassau![/QUOTE


Thank you, exactly what I'm looking to do, do I need to book ahead for the mast raise?
I will be on a schedule, but will try and enjoy the cruise.
Been reading a lot about the lower Hudson police illegal boarding's, what paper do I need to have/can have with a boat that is not yet registered in my name and is not in it's home port? I plan on having insurance of course and asking the seller to get a bill of sail notarized his end. What else can I do?

 

[Captmayhem]

This is a great cruise: you'll need the Richardson's chartbook for the Hudson River and adjacent waterways... That'll cover the whole trip. There are many pleasant stops along the canal. Many towns are trying to make comebacks after suffering industrial demise... Little Falls is beautiful, great antique shops. Get the NYSCS guide and enjoy the trip. Don't just take the boat home, make this it's first cruise with you. The crane at Castleton costs 50.00$ the full service "insured" mast raising at Hop-O-Nose costs 4$/foot of mast... About 200$: they know what they are doing and you just watch! To me that 150$ mast and boat damage insurance is a no-brainer, but that's me. The rest of the Hudson is great to see. Get a guide and breathe in the sights.
I took about two weeks from Oswego to NY, but then I took about two months to make it from NY to Nassau!

Caboteur

Any must stop places? I'll be drafting about 6'6" any areas to avoid?

 

[Captmayhem]

Richardson's chartbook for the Hudson River and adjacent waterways..... anyone have a latest version they no longer need? I'll help relieve you of it whilst pressing silver into your palms

 

[dlochner]

Been reading a lot about the lower Hudson police illegal boarding's, what paper do I need to have/can have with a boat that is not yet registered in my name and is not in it's home port? I plan on having insurance of course and asking the seller to get a bill of sail notarized his end. What else can I do?

Richardson's chartbook for the Hudson River and adjacent waterways..... anyone have a latest version they no longer need? I'll help relieve you of it whilst pressing silver into your palms

There are less expensive options to the Richardson's book. Go to the NOAA Charting section (http://www.noaa.gov/charting) and down load the relevant charts. I think they even have a couple of free charting programs or get Open CPN. Navigation on the Hudson is pretty straight forward, stay in the channel. There are sections where the river gets quite wide and shallow, especially at low tide.

Expect increased security patrols from the Tappen Zee Bridge south, primarily, Coast Guard, ICE, and Border Patrol. The closer you get to NY Harbor, the more you will see and they will be watching you. The CG and others will be escorting passenger ships, ferries, as well as just patrolling the harbor, bridges, and rivers. When we went through the harbor last summer, we weren't stopped, but at several points the patrol boats kept an eye on us until we were away from any potential targets. The best course of action is keep your distance from any commercial vessels and don't go wandering around sightseeing.

As for the "illegal" searches, that they are illegal is a myth. The CG has the authority to stop and board any vessel in US waters and any US flagged vessel any where in the world. The Border Patrol and ICE also have wide latitude to stop vessels. There is no 4th Amendment Protection from these agencies. With the current political climate ICE and Border Patrol are under increased pressure to stop illegal entry to the US. In most places crossing the US border by water is on the honor system. Unlike airports, roadways, and commercial vessels, no on is sitting at harbor entrances asking for passports. I've been stopped (but not boarded) by the Border Patrol 20 miles offshore on Lake Ontario. They wanted to know who I was, who was with me, where I came from, and where I was going.

In the Shaun and Julia video I posted, they mentioned being boarded by the police, but they didn't say which agency. They are Canadians on a Canadian flagged vessel. That just increases the chances of an inspection by ICE or Border Patrol. Also, they are required to check in daily with ICE because they have a cruising permit.

Finally, as for paperwork, register the boat in NJ before you leave. USCG Documentation will take months, but a NJ registration should only take a few hours at the DMV. If you do get boarded by the USCG they will look for a current registration, no overboard discharge from the head, and safety equipment, more or less in that order. The less explaining you have to do, the better off you will be. The USCG won't be particularly interested in the documentation paperwork or insurance.

 

[njlarry]

If you are planning to register the boat in the republic of new jersey, you have only a short time after the purchase or you will be charged a fine. Unless you have it already registered, it doesn't matter when you actually bring it to nj waters.
BTW, if you bring her to MD, a registration is good for two years.

 

[Caboteur]

Being an Alien on a foreing flagged vessel I would never think of criticising the innumerable departments patrolling the Hudson. I've been called on VHF, on my cell phone and boarded several times, always politely and respectful of the boat and passengers. I have vessel documents, AIS, MMSI, an up to date radio license (Canada) and a HAM radio with an operator's license. Yes, on a cruising permit we aliens must register with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) every time we change Port. It's part of visiting a country which is often the target of frustrated people or groups.
Traveling the NYSCS (New York State Canal System) if a pleasure in itself. My last two travels were from Sept 13, to Sept 18 2016 and on the way back from May 12 to May 22 May 2017. On the way back the canal opened on May 19 because of repairs and high waters and the new administration of the canal. Check the dates before you plan your trip.
Notable, or not, places to stop on the way... from west to east.
Oneida lake, if you or your admiral wants new silverware the Oneida factory is the place to shop for high quality stainless at outlet prices. Sylvan beach, free dock, tons of people in summer not too many in spring & fall, decent restaurant. Utica, just a dock at AquaVino restaurant. Little Falls, great town dock and ex-train-station converted to marina. Canal Place a must see and visit, you might come away with a treasure or two. The next decent stop is at Amsterdam, good dock, decent shower. Waterford, this is the end of the canal, Free dock, decent showers, all cruising amenities in town. Many cruisers on the way back from the Bahamas & en route to Lake Champlain or the Great Lakes stop here & congregate.
The Hudson river: Castleton-on-Hudson, there is an inexpensive crane to raise your mast... open to wakes from passing boats and no professional help. Nice little Club, friendly atmosphere. Catskill, Hop-O-Nose marina is the best known place to have your mast raised. ($4/foot of mast). We were ready at 8:15 and done at 8:45! Spent the rest of the day helping others to get ready and had dinner at the restaurant there... Good food decent price. Loew's, WMart, Pharmacy & Bank a short bike ride away. Kingston, worth the detour, boating museum and town. Night life active but not intrusive. From here there are several anchorages but often little water. Nyack is worth a stop; you'll need to take a mooring ball and call in the shuttle, the town is definitely easy walking distance. You're under the Tappan Zee and in your home waters from now...
A few warnings: there are little fuel and pumpout stations on this route, plan accordingly.

 

[Captmayhem]

dlochner, was only talking about the police, not the federal agencies.
I do run opencpn so will download the charts, thanks for the reminder

once I hit staten island which way is the normal was to go around it? I know it would be busy on the protected side, is it safe to go the open water route? I know weather will be a deciding factor also.