Single Hand the Champlain/Erie Canal?

[JimJohnston]

I plan on moving my 30 foot Nonsuch, with unstepped mast on deck, from Champlain Lake through the NY Canals to Oswego but my wife became ill and I may have to do it myself.

Anyone ever done this and what kind of difficulties did you encounter? I'm thinking handling lines in the locks will be daunting.

Thanks

[valhalla360]

I would seriously try to find a friend to tag along.


That's a lot of locks and sometimes the surge when they open the valves is pretty strong pushing the boat around. A second person to help control the boat is really helpful. You might get away with it or you might spear an adjacent boat with your mast.


I'm not sure if they allow single hand on larger boats. Check with the Canal corp to be sure before you show up.

[sck5]

There are no lock cops that I ever saw. I have gone through locks single handed with my 33 footer but my new boat is 40 and that would be a bit harder to manage. You need to have PLENTY of fenders. Even better would be fender boards. And set up lines that can be led to one place. Basically you will want both a fore and aft spring line and to be able to ease or pull in on them both as needed. Wherever you pick to stand and handle the lines there needs to be a cleat.

Even better, get someone to help. Doesnt have to be a boat person. Just somebody who can grab a line when needed

[SURV69]

I may soon be in the same canal ... SOLO.

The first thing I'm thinking about is some sort of sacrificial cover for the ends of the mast(something with swim noodles come to mind). The next is how to handle 2 parts of the boat from one place ... again, I'm thinking something along the lines of something sacrificial to protect the bow, that will hold the bow a few feet from the wall... I'l handle the stern & midship.

But, I'm still thinking ... still wondering ...

[JimJohnston]

I am pleased to report that I have successfully enlisted the help of my brother. So I won't have to stress about the what-ifs and we'll have a good time. I'd say Surv69 that you should find someone else too if you have doubts.

Thanks all. Now I am looking forward to this trip and not worrying about it.

[CaptainBW]

Good that you found some help...you need at least one other person.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[hpeer]

We went through Albany to Oswego this summer. There is one lock that REQUIRES a port side tie.

Maybe put a humongous inner tube around the end of your mast?

I would not want to do it alone. Maybe if I had more experience in the locks. I always felt a bit precarious coming against the wall, the boat never really handled the way I expected it to. Not a big deal with two, might be a bit of a challenge with one.