Crazy question - NW Passage vs. Panama

[FabioC]

I would choose I-90

[Scorpius]

Originally Posted by IT_Mike

You have to get a boat from Northwest U.S. to the Carolinas.

Which do you choose; the Northwest Passage or the Panama Canal (and why)?

I've never transited the canal, and it seems a little overwhelming. Not that the NW passage seems any easier.

The other question would be; which is quicker if everything goes well?

I've done both: Vancouver to Florida via the Panama Canal on Scorpius. Vancouver to Halifax on a mini-icebreaker (ice-reinforced Gulf of St. Lawrence buoy tender) escorted by a series of full-size icebreakers.


Like others have said, unless you are a VERY experienced sailor with a VERY tough and well-equipped boat, and an overwhelming desire for a very, very challenging adventure, stay away from the North-west Passage. Communities are VERY far apart and services range from non-existent to extremely limited. Even fuel should be arranged a year in advance so that the Co-op stores can bring extra in with the Sea Lift.


The Canadian Coast Guard will simply ban you from even entering the Passage if they deem the ice conditions too difficult for your boat - and many attempts don't make it through in one year - meaning that your boat will be stuck somewhere very, very remote in minus 50 degree temperatures for nine months. Take a hint from Sir John Franklin.


Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced.

[caradow]

Originally Posted by IT_Mike

BTW, a little background (although I think the discussion is helpful)

Experienced East coast, coastal, sailor looking for his next boat. Lots of great boats on the west coast, but that adds the complication of getting them east. Looking in the 40-50' range, so shipping across to Texas is a challenge (I think, never shipped a boat this size).

The NW passage seems like a bucket list kind of thing, but I don't know anything about it, i.e. time, difficulties, etc. I've done the Erie Canal, but not Panama. I've heard some tales, and figured this group probably had a wide range of feedback.

Not to deviate from your original question but I too over a year ago was looking up and down the east coast for a boat and was repeatedly disappointed time after time. However i started looking in the Caribbean and found my boat.
Have you thought about that?
I wish you much luck in your search so don't give up, you will find what you are looking for.
Also as a previous poster noted the trip north is usually a down wind slog.
Getting it home could not only be an adventure but fun.

[carstenb]

The canal is easy peasy. The upwind slog on the eastern side is not for the faint-hearted.

I've never done the NWP but I do now a couple who went through some 10 years or so ago (I believe they were the first fiberglass boat that went through)

Definitely not for those who are not very, very experienced sailors. Our friends have told us that it is all engine, and while the scenery is breathtaking most of the time, it is also boring.

Diesel is a major issue and if you decide to try it, you really need someone sitting at home following and giving you updates on the ice pack daily

Not worth it.

[caradow]

Originally Posted by carstenb

The canal is easy peasy. The upwind slog on the eastern side is not for the faint-hearted.

I've never done the NWP but I do now a couple who went through some 10 years or so ago (I believe they were the first fiberglass boat that went through)

Definitely not for those who are not very, very experienced sailors. Our friends have told us that it is all engine, and while the scenery is breathtaking most of the time, it is also boring.

Diesel is a major issue and if you decide to try it, you really need someone sitting at home following and giving you updates on the ice pack daily
faint-hearted
Not worth it.

I assume when you say "the eastern slog is not for the faint-hearted" you are referring to heading east to the Windwards from Panama?
I certainly agree however I believe this gentleman wants to get to Georgia or at least the east coast.
Therefore Panama- Cayman-Northwest passage (only at night) or take the West coast of Cuba would not be too difficult. At least in my experience.
Just trying to understand your statement.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by caradow

I assume when you say "the eastern slog is not for the faint-hearted" you are referring to heading east to the Windwards from Panama?
I certainly agree however I believe this gentleman wants to get to Georgia or at least the east coast.
Therefore Panama- Cayman-Northwest passage (only at night) or take the West coast of Cuba would not be too difficult. At least in my experience.
Just trying to understand your statement.

The slog from the eastern end of the canal north. The first 6-800nm north until you pass Nicaragua are straight uphill unless you are very lucky.

I've tried a long uphill passage like that, 8 days sailing against the Christmas winds coming south from Bahamas - not interested in doing it again

[caradow]

Does sound painful but guess the calendar was your enemy.

[IT_Mike]

Originally Posted by caradow

Not to deviate from your original question but I too over a year ago was looking up and down the east coast for a boat and was repeatedly disappointed time after time. However i started looking in the Caribbean and found my boat.
Have you thought about that?

I have looked, although all my 'preferred' boats seem to be in the Pacific (Hawaii and eastern Asia included). We're looking to move aboard with our three year old son and spend a few years in the Caribbean to acclimate him and my wife, then branch off to wander the world. I've seven years to retirement, and SL has made it possible to work from anywhere.

With that goal, I'm looking to boats over 37 but under 50 (42 seems to be a sweet spot). I'm considering steel, but comfortable with fiberglass. No ferro. I'm looking for two cabins (wife insists he needs his privacy in a decade), and a draft of 6' or less. Ketch preferably, cutter or sloop accepable. I prefer mono's, but recognize a cat may be best for the family. Good sized tanks, watermaker, and a decent galley. I'm very handy (built two homes myself), but need something we can 'improve' while living aboard. All of this to be decided next spring.

Current favorites?
Cheoy Lee Offshore 41
Hans Christian with head in the bow (seen them in 33/37/38)
A few Bruce Roberts

[caradow]

You being handy will be a big plus.
Wish I were more the mechanical, electrical engineer type.
Wish you the best.

[Don C L]

Of course there are many but have you considered the Peterson 44?

[Tedd]

I don't have any experience with either kind of passage but I have spent time in the Canadian arctic. It's hard to grasp how remote it is if you haven't been there. My first thought when I got to Ellesmere Island was, "This is the closest thing I'll experience to what it would be like on a different planet." I genuinely felt like I wasn't on Earth anymore. Even the smallest setback can become a major problem, up there. For example, just getting a part to repair your boat could take ages and cost a fortune. And that's after you've managed to get yourself to a settlement of some kind, which could be hundreds of nm from where the problem happens. For that reason alone I would be biased toward the Panama option.

The NW passage would be an awesome adventure, though.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Of course there are many but have you considered the Peterson 44?

Not a bad choice, or perhaps a Valiant 40.
In a more traditional vein a Mason 43 hits the mark, and there is one already located in South Carolina.

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/198...utter-8481063/

[DoubleD]

I would think the cost of outfitting a boat for the NWP trip would be more than trucking a boat coast to coast. If NWP is on your bucket list, then cost is not as much of a consideration. Another option not mentioned is west to east around the horn. Not saying its a good option.

DD

[jordanbigel]

Originally Posted by IT_Mike

BTW, a little background (although I think the discussion is helpful)

Experienced East coast, coastal, sailor looking for his next boat. Lots of great boats on the west coast, but that adds the complication of getting them east. Looking in the 40-50' range, so shipping across to Texas is a challenge (I think, never shipped a boat this size).

The NW passage seems like a bucket list kind of thing, but I don't know anything about it, i.e. time, difficulties, etc. I've done the Erie Canal, but not Panama. I've heard some tales, and figured this group probably had a wide range of feedback.

A friend recently bought a boat in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. He is sailing it to Texas (Corpus Christi I think) and trucking it across to San Diego (app. 1400 miles).

Seems like the opposite route might be a good option for you.

Also, no thanks to the NWP for me, too cold by far. However, I have to agree, if you use the adjective "overwhelming" to describe the canal, what adjective would you use to describe the NWP?

I would choose something like "scary" or "frightening" or "effing nuts", but that's just me, I have a serious phobia about cold. I shiver when it's below 40F and wear winter coats below 50F. Brrr.

[double u]

Originally Posted by IT_Mike

You have to get a boat from Northwest U.S. to the Carolinas.

Which do you choose; the Northwest Passage or the Panama Canal (and why)?

I've never transited the canal, and it seems a little overwhelming. Not that the NW passage seems any easier.

The other question would be; which is quicker if everything goes well?

no offence intended, but asking that question shows that you have absolutely no clue about the NWP, none, zero! Forget it!