New York to Sandusky via erie canal

[nesscapade]

I just bought a Hylas 54 (70' mast, 6'3 draft) in Newport RI and want to bring it to detroit. My plan is to sail it to NY, up the Hudson then take either the Erie Canal to buffalo or go to Oswego-Toronto-wellend canal then to buffalo. I'd do the trip late may or early June next year. I've not done the trip before so any thoughts or ideas would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.
Yan
Flying Lady

 

[CalebD]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new boat!
That is a voyage I dream of doing one day, the NYS canal system.
Your boat is on the large side and your draft is 6'3" which would be a concern to me given the depth limits I see on this Erie Canal info page: http://www.canals.ny.gov/navinfo/navinfo.cgi?waterway=erieeastern
I'm sure that motor boats larger than your boat have done it though.
There are quite a few blogs out there by people who have written about this as it is part of the 'Great Loop'.

 

[FourPoints]

If it wasn't obvious from the info CalebD linked to, you will have to drop the mast for part of the trip, but otherwise you should be fine, just watch your depth!

 

[Rick I]

Your best bet would be to Buffalo rather than Lake Ontario. I think they require 3 on a boat in the Welland also it'll cost $200 to get through. Take the mast down in Catskill. Riverview Marina there is very friendly to transients. Safer than the DIY at Castleton. It's a great trip, lots of little towns on the way. Good tie-ups every night. Friendly lock keepers. Depending on the winter it may be difficult in May due to high water. If the water's too high they can't lift you, also it runs like Niagara Falls at each spillway. June is better.

 

[nesscapade]

Thanks for the info Rick. I'm leaning towards gojng directly to buffalo which would allow me to leave a bit earlier. Probably early June.

 

[CaptChuck]

You will love the trip. We did Buffalo to NYC in 2005. The Welland Canal I think is up to $300 each way. Second the vote for Riverview Marina. Good staff to work with. The depth issue was no problem in 2005. Most depth 10+ feet. When you get to Buffalo Go to RCR Marina (RCRyachts.com)to have your mast stepped. Darren & the crew do a great job.I am in slip 77 & will be happy to help and take you to stores etc. If you are interested in our ship's logs let me know & I can e-mail them to you. If you need crew I might be available.