From the Great Lakes to the East Coast

[miwallace]

Hello all, I'm new to the site but hope to be a regular before too much longer. I'm planning to purchase a sailboat, 40 ft range, somewhere around the winter of 2014/15 and as I search MLS for boats, I see several in the Great Lakes area and was wondering how long it would take to come from the northeast end of lake Michigan to the east coast ie NY? I know there is a route through the lakes via Detroit, Lake St Clair and eventually to the NY State Canal System, where I also understand the mast would have to be unsteped and stowed for the motor trip. I also understand there are folks that will do the un-stepping and stepping of the mast once on the Hudson. THE question is how long would this trip take if all went well and I was using the days and hours to the fullest? I will eventually be in Beaufort SC

[AiniA]

Without killing yourself but going pretty steadily, figure 3 weeks to NYC. Nicer if you slow down a bit and enjoy the trip.

[miwallace]

Thanks AiniA, So I take it that you have been this rout and I'm also wondering if there is published information as to waypoints, good anchorages, marinas etc..for this route?

[svPilgrim]

Hi

There as some good print guides - Ports comes to mind ($50 +/-) and an online guide (free) called http://www.great-lakes-sailing.com/Great Lakes Sailing Guide - loys of information and you can download it all.

There are all kinds of options from major cities to small towns and isolated anchorages.

Sounds like it will be a terrific trip!

[boatpoker]

done the trip many times. I agree with svPilgrim, 3wks is about right.
Try Skipper Bob's Guides.

[tryrsh]

Did this run out of Sandusky, this summer. Little over two weeks too NYC, three weeks should be about right. Nice trip...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, miwallace, and tryrsh.