Canada to Miami every year?

[vivelibre]

Hey, I have this dream, I would like to buy a Catalina 34 and sail from Montreal to Miami and I would like to leave in November and come back to Montreal in April or May. I would like to do this several times. Is this realistic? I know there are two ways, the de-mast canal way and the long way around, how long does each way take (from Montreal to New York). Any other information pertaining to this question would be much appreciated. Thank you and have a nice day.

[Boatguy30]

I've known people that worked in Lake Superior in the summer and did many trips back and forth.

If you need to use the boat as a residence in the summer it makes sense. Otherwise most people store over hurricsn season after doing in once or a few times round trip over that distance.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, vivelibre.

[njoynthewater]

We are currently moving slowly down the east coast. I say slowly as weather has been making travel along the coast a bit of a test of patience.It may be difficult to give you a definitive answer to the question as to how long. From our experience so far a heater on your boat will add to your comfort level.

[sailorboy1]

the schedule sounds ............................... cold

[Pete17C]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

the schedule sounds ............................... cold

not as cold as staying in Montreal for the winter

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Pete17C

not as cold as staying in Montreal for the winter

Yeah, but after spending the winter in Miami, the return trip is going to feel REAL COLD!

[AiniA]

It is doable but only using the Hudson River and the canals. The St Lawrence route is much longer and not for use in November and April/May. Check the canal schedule, the locks do not stay open as long (nor open as early) as they used to. Note that it will take you a long time to get to Florida and back. Some people really enjoy the trip, some do not.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

the schedule sounds ............................... cold

Quite. Leaving Montreal or in fact anywhere in Canada in November I think you would have a 99% chance of catching winter storms (called Nor'easters in the NE US area) that not only will be cold but bring very strong winds. Same thing for heading back north in April/May unless you take it really slow and don't reach Canada before end May or even early June.

[geoffr]

If you are leaving in November from Montreal you'll want a heater! We already have snow in the forecast and it's not November yet.

Leaving in November really only gives you two options:
1. St Laurence to the Atlantic and down the coast.
I haven't done this, but sound very cold and you will hit storms, not fun!
2. St Laurence to Lake Ontario and down the Erie Canal to the Hudson River.
I have done this in late October and found it rather cold (we don't have a heater) and we found that most marinas had closed up, so no services and finding fuel was a challenge (ended up going to a car station with Jerry cans!)
You will also need to check when the NY canals close..

I would suggest that you leave by late September for a more enjoyable trip south.

If you do leave earlier you have the option of going through the Chambly Canal, through lake Champlain and the Hudson River, which is quite a nice trip.

[grahamj]

From the NY State website:

"The entire New York State Canal System will close for the season on Wednesday, October 10th at 5 p.m."

I think that includes bits of the Eastern Erie canal.

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by njoynthewater

I say slowly as weather has been making travel along the coast a bit of a test of patience.It may be difficult to give you a definitive answer to the question as to how long. .

Mono-hull sailboats have destinations, not schedules!

[PuttingDoctor]

In the end the most economical solution is... truck it! You can attend to repairs upon haulout and your schedule is not an issue.
Returning in the spring could be an on water adventure without as much weather issue.
Wave as you go by.
Cheers!

[Row Bear]

I did the Lake Huron to Fort Lauderdale out the St Lawrence and around. Lovely trip, but I passed through Montreal in August and was in Maine in October. We took the ICW and arrived in Lauderdale early December.
It was a great way to see Nova Scotia and New England, which was part of the intent of the voyage.

My 2 cents...If you the plan is to get south, I would recommend that you drop the mast at Sorel and take the Richelieu River and Chambly lock system to New York canal system. The mast can go up on the Hudson river . Further you really want to get to Delaware/Chesapeake by November, otherwise weather and temps make the boating no fun.

[Row Bear]

Timing - we passed the Buffalo entrance to the Erie Canal in July. In New Jersey in October we were meeting cruising boats that had left Buffalo 2-3 weeks before. Montreal to New York is about 440 nm via the canals and it can be done in stages.