Erie Canal

[Capt Andy]

I am planning a trip from Great Lakes to the Atlantic, via the Erie Canal & Hudson. Can someone give me an estimate of expected travel time Buffalo to Hudson, via the Erie, and Hudson to Atlantic?
Thanks for you help!

Andrew Mattingly

 

[Ed Schenck]

Took us about four Andy. Almost three in the canal and one week in the Hudson. It has been done in less than three however. We had to wait from Friday evening until Monday morning to get the mast down in Tonawanda for example. We only went under the bridge and spent Monday there. Next I lost my prop in Lock 35 and spent two days with finding a prop, having divers install, etc. We also spent three days(free) in Waterford at the end of the canal doing some boat maintenance. Then we did a long weekend in Kingston, NY, because I used to live near there and we went visiting.

We were anchored behind the Statue of Liberty on 8/29/07 after leaving Tonawanda on 8/7/07 if that helps.

 

[tommays]

http://www.nycanals.com/Main_Page

 

[frers33]

Erie Canal & south

Andy, We just made the reverse trip late this fall bringing a boat back to Lake Erie from the Chesapeake. We were in a hurry to beat the weather, so we didn't stop along the way. It took 6 days to do the Erie Canal. That late in the season the canal was only open from 7 or 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. If they couldn't get you locked through by about 4:30 that was the end of your travel that day. It took 3 days from New York City to Waterford. We came by the Statue of Liberty around 7:00 AM (one of the most impressive boating experiences we've had!) We got into Castleton the second day, where we took the mast down, mid to late afternoon. We left Castleton around noon and were in Waterford by 4:00 the third day. We also spent one day in Tonawanda getting the mast back in the boat and tuning the rig. Don't believe all the horror stories you hear about Wardell's. Dennis knows his business, and did a great job. The next time we make the trip it will be at a much more leisurely pace - lots to see and do along the way.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Should also mention that it can take a lot longer. Three boats from my marina left Tonawanda together. The other two were at least a week and half longer in the canal. The reason? The Admirals were in charge! A lot of the canal towns really catered to us. In one town the mayor came down to greet us. There were art shows and other activities that the women stayed over for. Then there were mail stops, the deal where a company forwards your mail to towns where you give them dates and names. Sometimes they had to wait a day for that mail. I wish that we had spent more time studying the history of the canal and the towns.

 

[letterman]

4 days through the canal.
3 days down the Hudson.
Going up will probably add a day due to currents.
The West side of the canal has most of the touristy stuff. On the Hudson, there is Waterford...not a big deal, but...then raise the mast....then West Point (A must see)...then NY city.