Georgian Bay to Florida

[idle hands]

I am in the process of purchasing a Hatteras 80 MY in Florida and am wondering if it is possible to cruise it back from Fla to Georgian bay and if so what route(s) are available to me?

Boat specs are

Loa 79'10" Beam 21'3" Displacement weight 190,000lbs Draft 5'8" and height from waterline to radar arch 21'1"

[GRIT]

You could always go up the east Coast USA, around Nova Scotia and up the St Lawrence. Then across Lake Ontario, through the Welland canal, across Lake Erie, up the Detroit river, North along the East coast of Huron, through the North Channel and into Georgian Bay.

I did that trip in reverse (from Midland) to the Bahamas. Great trip.

There's the New York State Barge Canal from Lake Ontario to NYC, but I can't tell you anything about going through there.

Cheers, and good luck.
Paul (Presently in PEI, so stop by if you're taking the St Lawrence route.)

[tyke32]

Erie Canal, although saving you 3000 miles has low bridges approximately 10 ft.

[captseamus]

Stay in the Main Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and than down the East Coast... Run offshore when possible and the ICW... Radar arch height is a cause for trouble... off in the canals I believe.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, idle hands, tyke32, & captseamus.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by tyke32

Erie Canal, although saving you 3000 miles has low bridges approximately 10 ft.

The limiting height between the Hudson River and Lake Ontario is 21' but is often more depending on time of season and water level. There is usually another 1 -1.5' late in the season as the water level drops. The limiting height between the Oswego river and Lake Erie is 15' 6" but again is often as much as 17'.

If your radar is the height factor you could remove it at Waterford (where you turn from the Hudson into the Erie Canal) and then make your way to Lake Ontario thence the Welland Canal and up to Georgian Bay. I've done this trip at least 20 times.

Here is an article with Canal information and a number of links for more and current info.

[tyke32]

Yeah you're stuck going all the way around the maritimes. But with a strong crew and good weather, you should be able to stay offshore Fla to Maine and then down St. Lawrence. I assume you have 1500 mile+ cruising range so pop in in NY or NJ and away you go. Welland Canal is OK and fighting the current at Sarnia/Port Huron is a bitch but that's your only route I think.

[Kettlewell]

Don't forget the option of the Mississippi River to Chicago and then Lake Michigan up. That is another option. I think the height restriction there is at Chicago at around 19' 1", if this website is accurate.