Cruising through the Hudson river and Erie canal

[Ghy6525]

I would like to see if anyone has any tips on cruising through the Hudson River to the Erie Canal in to Lake Erie in Late summer/Fall. 30 or 32 ft sailboat ideally shallow draft keel 4 ft.

Is it possible? Cost? Mast Stepping Cost? Things to know?

[Vasco]

Yes it's possible. Best place to take the mast down is at Riverview marina in Catskill. Also DIY at Castleton Boat Club. Cost about $200 at the marina. Cost of Canal pass varies, check their site. Sometimes it's free. New York State Canals

Canal closes usually in late Nov. So I guess it's a one-way you're doing.

[Ghy6525]

Rick,

Thanks for the info. One way trip yes. Heading to the Detroit area for winter. my Plan is to purchase a boat down in Florida and sail north through the ICW to Michigan. after spending some time in the Bahamas. I take you take your boat from Toronto to the Bahamas? if so how long have you been doing this?

thank you,
G

[darylat8750]

Very do-able. Pay attention to tide/current from NY harbor all the way to Waterford. The Hudson is "the river that flows both ways".

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Ghy6525

Rick,

Thanks for the info. One way trip yes. Heading to the Detroit area for winter. my Plan is to purchase a boat down in Florida and sail north through the ICW to Michigan. after spending some time in the Bahamas. I take you take your boat from Toronto to the Bahamas? if so how long have you been doing this?

thank you,
G

I did it for 14 years then I got smart and bought a boat that never has been north of Charleston.

Been through the canal many times, my own boat and helping others. When you get close post again and I can give you a few tips.

[tryrsh]

Did it last summer ... Fun, fun trip. But honestly your going the wrong way!!! Cheers

[marlinmike]

Nice trip, canal operators are exellent, cost is low given you can tie up at certain towns for free and at some locks, also within these old towns things are just not expensive, kinda a walk back in time.
I would also add you don't need to go crazy with fenders unless you cannot handle your boat, use to read stories about hay bails etc and that's way over kill.

[tryrsh]

As far as buying a boat and sailing north my experience was they are cheaper and in much better condition on the Great lakes. Your experience may differ I suppose.

[sck5]

fender boards are a good idea. some of the canal and lock walls are kind of rough. you can make them out of 2x4's or 2x6's