Erie Canal Recommendations

[svReboot]

As my float plan develops I am looking at an Erie Canal transit. I am looking for recommendations for dropping the mast at the West end, and stepping it at the East (Albany area) end.

Thanks in advance

[MMNETSEA]

Hello Roger,

Is it the intention to remove the mast in Buffalo or somewhere else ?

If the mast is say 60ft , which could mean 9ft overhang either end. Is it an option to truck it down to say Albany or Waterford for re-stepping?

How many crew total for the transit through the locks?

Richard

PS :- Here is a website with excellent pictures of Erie's Locks and bridges -

CLICK

[svReboot]

Richard:

Thanks for the great pictures. It takes two as I understand it to transit the locks.

With respect to the mast options, I am getting in contact with a couple of the marinas at each end to find out the standard operating procedure. I will let you know when I find out.

Roger

[MMNETSEA]

Thanks Roger,

It will be valuable info - and more valuable will be your detailed experience.

What is specific interest is how the mast is carried on your boat with pictures. And is the boom used to prop the mast in any way??

[svReboot]

Originally Posted by MMNETSEA

Thanks Roger,

It will be valuable info - and more valuable will be your detailed experience.

What is specific interest is how the mast is carried on your boat with pictures. And is the boom used to prop the mast in any way??

I hope to get some pictures and contribute to the Wiki...

[Sammy]

Here are some local contacts for the Buffalo area. All are in area code 716:

Marinas with service yards:

RCR 856-6314

Anchor Marine 773-7063

Smith Boys 695-3472

Rich Marine 873-4060

First Buffalo River Marine 849-0740

Note that RCR & First Buffalo River primarily handle sailboats, the others are more known for prower boats since they are beyond the Blackrock lock. RCR is the most experience sailboat yard in the area IMO.

For Sail repair and rigging Obersheimer's Sailor Supply - Charlie Obersheimwer has been in business longer than I can remember and I have been sailing for over 30 years. He also carries supplys and has a wealth of local knowledge. 877-8221

Boating supplies CHEAP: C-ME Marine Sales 873-5232, not a big selection but their prices can't be beat, cash or charge only-no checks, no returns.

Transient dockage, most of the above and Small Boat Harbor 828-0027, they have excellent facilities including a bar and restaurant on site & very clean shower facilities.

You have to use the Blackrock canal to exit Lake Erie, the International Railroad Bridge has only 20' of clearance and the current is very swift in this section of the river.

Hope this helps.

[CaptChuck]

Roger-

I made a very simple support for my mast using 2 x 4 and 2 x 8 lumber and a saw horse in the middle. The overhang is not a problem in the locks you just need to remember it is there when you tie up for the night. Aproaching the dock it is important to remember your boat is now a lot longer. I secured my mast to the port side of the boat leaving a lot of room to move around since you will be tieing up in the locks on the starboard side. Transit on the canal was VERY easy. The lock tenders were always helpful. The only downside is some of the locktenders and bridge tender handle more than one lock/bridge. They must go from one to another and sometimes there is a delay. They will also call ahead and let the next locktender know when to expect you. They will try to have the lock ready when you get there.

Capt Chuck Dickhut

S/V Obsession

Catalina 320 #114

[Fred R]

On the Albany side use "Hop-a-Nose" Marina south of Albany on the Hudson....Google them for the #.

They are the best at rigging work and are very professional.

There is an area there, where you can leave the supports.

On the way back, I found supports there, that fit my boat.

There may be a place on the Buffalo side where people, traveling west, leave supports. I'm sure you can find wood to fit your boat.

Rig the bimini or some sort of shade/rain protection. My first trip I didn't and it was hell. Never forgot again....

Put your largest fenders forward of midship, that's the first place that will touch the slimey walls.

Approach slowly and do not tie the lines...loop them so that they will slide up and down.

Take your time in the Canal....lots of history there to explore.

fred

[MMNETSEA]

Thanks, Skippers

Sammy

Capt Chuck Dickhut

Fred

Very helpful info !