Passage from the NYC to Lake Champlain

[ATBster]

We are currently living in CA and plan to relocate to the east coast when we retire, spending the winter aboard in the Carolinas and summer (<180 days!) in New York on Lake Champlain.

No east coast charts yet (will update when we go) and am curious about readers passagemaking experiences going from NYC, up the Hudson, and ending in Lake Champlain. We are a trawler 50' LOA, 5' draft, 16' beam, mast height 28'.

Seeking sage advice on route, challenges, and recommendations! Time not a factor (we plan to enjoy the ride) but are thinking of heading north in May and back south in October after the leaves change - avoiding the common hurricane season in the Carolinas. Any written references very much appreciated.
Thanks~
Moondance

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, ATBster.

... mast height 28'...

At normal pool level, minimum bridge clearance from Waterford, NY to Addison, VT is 17’ 0" at bridge C-28. At maximum pool level minimum bridge clearance is found at bridge C-13 with a clearance of 12’ 1.6".

➥ http://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising...al-bridges.php

➥ http://www.nycanals.com/Champlain_Canal

➥ http://www.champlaincanal.org/boating.asp

[Boatguy30]

The lowest clearance is 17' in the canal. Maybe higher coming from the N? But WAY longer.

[captbriand]

Going North, the first Rail Road Bridge is the test, but yes, the measure is 15'6" by measuring tape. They can play with the level, but rarely in the spring of fall because of frequent rainfall.