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Old 30-05-2014, 14:02   #1
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Erie Canal?

Anyone ever take the erie canal from lake erie to the Hudson River? How was your experience? How long did it take you? Thanks
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Old 08-06-2014, 19:29   #2
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Re: Erie canal?

Leaving on that trip (from Cleveland) on Tuesday...I think it will take 8-9 days from Buffalo to the Hudson River.

It is about 350 miles, so if you can average 50 miles/day, that's 7 days. Add to that one day (1\2 day x two) for un-stepping/stepping mast.

PM me in a couple of weeks and I will let you know my experience. Hope this helps.
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Old 08-06-2014, 21:56   #3
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Re: Erie canal?

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Originally Posted by floater81 View Post
Anyone ever take the erie canal from lake erie to the Hudson River? How was your experience? How long did it take you? Thanks
Are you sail or power? Bridge heights are a factor as many are as low as 20'. Even lower if you're talking Erie all the way. 20' assumes the Oswego. One of the better descriptions of the route is on captainjohn.org as this is part of the loop. Also the state of NY has some excellent information on the Canal site.
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Old 09-06-2014, 08:50   #4
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Re: Erie canal?

Did the Erie Canal last year, enjoyed it. We took 6-7 days but pushed through way too fast. The western half was probably my favorite. Two weeks would be a nice pace I would think.
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Old 09-06-2014, 09:33   #5
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Re: Erie canal?

It is a great trip. Take your time and enjoy it. Good places to tie up every night. Friendly folks at the locks and lots of small towns. The only downer is that as you travel along the canal you see the signs of decay from the loss of industry in this part of the country.
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Old 09-06-2014, 09:47   #6
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Re: Erie canal?

As has been said, taking your time is essential. You can push through it in probably ten days, but really you should take two weeks or more. There's a lot to see along the way and you may want to spend more than one night in some places. The western half is very pretty and in places much more rural than the eastern half.
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Old 09-06-2014, 10:09   #7
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Re: Erie canal?

Cruising the NY State Canal System ... lots of photos, tips and links.
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Old 09-06-2014, 10:20   #8
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Re: Erie canal?

We did the opposite direction back in 2011 and took 2 months. We could easily have added another month or two. 50 mile days is not the way I would recommend it. Those would be long days when you figure all no wake speeds and time for locks.

You need to get under 15' bridges to do the west end.

Once on the canal, anything short of a hurricane is a non-issue. There are free to cheap stops every 5-10miles (often with free power & water). The stops are typically in the heart of downtown so no need for a car. We ate out a lot as our way of giving back since it was so cheap.

Do figure out how tie up in the locks beforehand. Extra large fenders and close quarters handling but nothing to be overly concerned about if you can dock reasonably well.

It's a great trip.
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Old 09-06-2014, 10:24   #9
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Re: Erie canal?

There are probably thousands of blogs about this trip.

Here's one: Home Page
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Old 09-06-2014, 10:47   #10
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Re: Erie canal?

Guess the OP lost interest. Still good info for others.
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Old 10-06-2014, 10:29   #11
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Re: Erie Canal?

I agree all good information.
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Old 10-06-2014, 11:21   #12
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Re: Erie Canal?

Did the trip in 2002 via the Erie and Oswego Canals across Lake Ontario to Kingston Canada and back to Long Island. I seem to recall something like 9 days from Long Island to Oswego. We had a schedule going up to meet up for a Rendezvous I think I allowed 14 days. Some things to be aware of:

Summer thunderstorms may dump a lot of water (and debris) into the Mohawk River/Canal on any given day. You may have to clear your engine intake of reeds somewhere along the trip. Had to do it twice heading up Once going down. Bring a mask you may have to go over the side at some point.

Tie up at locks bow facing the current. Unless you like a mat of debis piling into your stern (including tree limbs).

Those same weather systems can dump enough water that NYS close down the locks until water level subsides. So you may have an unexpected lay day or two.

Best to cross Lake Oneida in the morning before the winds (and waves) kick up and make sure the mast is secured well on deck. Would be a drag to lose it over the side.

As others have said no schedule is best just enjoy the cruise. Would like to do it again now that I have electric propulsion.
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Old 11-06-2014, 07:21   #13
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Re: Erie Canal?

thank you everyone for all the info, very helpful.
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