??Overland from the Ohio R to L Erie??

gfenner · 22-03-2008, 14:02

I'm seeking the most efficient way of traveling from the TN river to Lake Superior. Can't northbound on the Mississippi due to current, so I'm considering taking our boat up the Ohio River and finding someone to carry the boat overland to Lake Erie. Does anyone know of a marina and location on the Ohio with a travel lift that could be used as a pick up location? Vessel is only 36' and 15,000 lbs dry.

gfenner
BlackSun

**Pblais** · 22-03-2008, 15:44

Ohio R. to the Illinois R. north to Chicago, North on Lake Michigan to Lake Huron south take a left at Sarnia, Ont. and there you are - Lake Erie with all it's wonders to behold! Leave in late May have a wonderful summer sail (lots of motoring too). Try to take as long as possible. 15,000 lbs is nothing to lift. Almost anything called a travel lift can hoist 15,000.

FYI, The Mississippi River north from the Ohio is quite scenic (the only scenic part of the whole river) but utterly impossible to reach Lake Erie from any place. Actually you run out of navigable water in northern downtown Minneapolis. That makes it farther away than from the Ohio River.

You could truck it from any place but it's a lot cheaper to motor the boat. Could be an exciting trip to boot.

**Steve Rust** · 31-03-2008, 00:21

No reason to haul your boat overland. Just as Plabias suggested. This is an easy trip and as long as you don't do it in the spring the current is not an issue. The current in the Mississippi in the section from the Ohio to St Louis will be the strongest of the whole trip. Above St Louis it is pretty mild and the Illinois is very easy. Illinois River to Lake Michigan, thru the Mackinaw Straits into Lake Huron. A short hop to the Saint Mary's River to the Soo Locks and your into the east end of Superior. I have done this going the other way and then went north to Minneapolis on a 40 foot trimaran with a 17 hp diesel. If you were in a hurry you could be in The Soo in two weeks. Just wait for the water to drop after the spring melt.

bix85 · 04-07-2008, 06:10

In my research about cruising (I have yet to do any), I found this link about cruising the route described by Pblais. I can't tell you where, but I once found references to bridge clearances. One of the lowest is in Chicago.

Great Loop Cruising Narrated Photo Tour

Ron

Bradley · 04-07-2008, 06:22

The MS River has crested all the way from the Illinois River to the Ohio River. This time of the year, the River should go do down rather quickly. It is going down about 6 to 9" a day and that will probably speed up as the MO river is just a couple of days from receding to flood stage.

Give me a shout if you need a couple of days help along the way.

22-03-2008, 14:02	#1
gfenner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1	??Overland from the Ohio R to L Erie?? I'm seeking the most efficient way of traveling from the TN river to Lake Superior. Can't northbound on the Mississippi due to current, so I'm considering taking our boat up the Ohio River and finding someone to carry the boat overland to Lake Erie. Does anyone know of a marina and location on the Ohio with a travel lift that could be used as a pick up location? Vessel is only 36' and 15,000 lbs dry. gfenner BlackSun

22-03-2008, 15:44	#2
Pblais Moderator Site Helper Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hayes, VA Boat: Gozzard 36 - Bright Eyes Posts: 4,407 Images: 7	Ohio R. to the Illinois R. north to Chicago, North on Lake Michigan to Lake Huron south take a left at Sarnia, Ont. and there you are - Lake Erie with all it's wonders to behold! Leave in late May have a wonderful summer sail (lots of motoring too). Try to take as long as possible. 15,000 lbs is nothing to lift. Almost anything called a travel lift can hoist 15,000. FYI, The Mississippi River north from the Ohio is quite scenic (the only scenic part of the whole river) but utterly impossible to reach Lake Erie from any place. Actually you run out of navigable water in northern downtown Minneapolis. That makes it farther away than from the Ohio River. You could truck it from any place but it's a lot cheaper to motor the boat. Could be an exciting trip to boot. __________________ Paul Blais s/v Bright Eyes Gozzard 36 37 15.7 N 76 28.9 W

31-03-2008, 00:21	#3
Steve Rust Moderator Site Helper Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Minneapolis MN Boat: Searunner 40 Trimaran, Siruis 22 mono, 16 foot MFG daysailor Posts: 509 Images: 82	No reason to haul your boat overland. Just as Plabias suggested. This is an easy trip and as long as you don't do it in the spring the current is not an issue. The current in the Mississippi in the section from the Ohio to St Louis will be the strongest of the whole trip. Above St Louis it is pretty mild and the Illinois is very easy. Illinois River to Lake Michigan, thru the Mackinaw Straits into Lake Huron. A short hop to the Saint Mary's River to the Soo Locks and your into the east end of Superior. I have done this going the other way and then went north to Minneapolis on a 40 foot trimaran with a 17 hp diesel. If you were in a hurry you could be in The Soo in two weeks. Just wait for the water to drop after the spring melt. __________________ Don't trust your dog to guard your lunch. Patrick, age 9

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04-07-2008, 06:10	#4
bix85 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio, USA Boat: Hobie 16, for now Posts: 24	In my research about cruising (I have yet to do any), I found this link about cruising the route described by Pblais. I can't tell you where, but I once found references to bridge clearances. One of the lowest is in Chicago. Great Loop Cruising Narrated Photo Tour Ron

04-07-2008, 06:22	#5
Bradley Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO; S. Caribbean Boat: Prout Snowgoose Elite Sir Battical Posts: 61	The MS River has crested all the way from the Illinois River to the Ohio River. This time of the year, the River should go do down rather quickly. It is going down about 6 to 9" a day and that will probably speed up as the MO river is just a couple of days from receding to flood stage. Give me a shout if you need a couple of days help along the way.