How Many More Days from Buffalo to NYC via the St. Lawrence vs the Erie Canal ?

[windtraveler]

We are heading from Chicago to the Caribbean in mid-September. We are planning on taking the Erie Canal (from Buffalo to NYC) but I'd really like to take the St. Lawrence. Can anyone tell me, ROUGHLY, how much more time it might take - assuming we'd want to make at least a couple stops to sightsee... like Acadia Nat'l Park in Maine.

We are obviously up against the upcoming fall weather/temperatures so please factor that into your suggestion.

I'm thinking the cost of lowering and stepping the rig for the canal would cover the extra fuel ... we burn about a gallon an hour. Our comfortable motoring speed is about 6-7 knots.

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[Drew13440]

Only you can figure out the time difference, given your cruising style. But, you will be adding well over 1,000 nm to your trip at a time of year that can be really, really nasty coming out of the seaway into the Atlantic. October can be a georgous time in NS and Maine, or.....

[mooregm5]

Hi Scott,

You are probably talking about a month longer, at least for planning purposes. As said, fall could make this longer too. I'm assuming that this would be a very leisurely trip, otherwise you would not consider the extra distance.

As far as saving money, you'd be better off on the canal. Nearly every town has a free wall (terminal wall or lock wall), many with free power or water. You could do the canal at a very relaxed pace staying put to sight see every day, and taking a month to do it. Weather is largely not a concern here, other than occasional high water that subsides after a day or two, and obviously storms.

The mast needs to be dropped, but the Hudson end has a DIY pole for $55. Buffalo you have to pay the going rate. Also, the Welland (and other?) canal requires that you have 3 people on board. The Erie has no such requirement.

[Joli]

Kind of late for the St Lawrence. Buffalo to NYC is maybe ~ 10 days and the rig must be on deck.

[windtraveler]

Thank you all for this information! It is very helpful. We will stick with the canal!