GL: Erie Canal

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/6/07 1:00:21 AM, Mike writes:


> I'm new on this list and am planning a partial great loop trip next year,
> hopefully on the Erie Canal.  I have ordered some of the guides and hoping
> this list can help me get started in the mean time.
> First, on the boat will be me and my 3 children, 2 adult men and a teenage
> girl.  We have a sailboat, a ketch, with a seven foot draft.  I see the NY
> canal web site says draft is 12 feet or 14 feet, but I wonder if there are
> shoals that would stop us.  If, say the Erie canal is shoaled, is there
> another deeper route possible?  I suppose I have a lot more questions, but
> first need to know if the boat can do it.
>

Mike,

Beofre you start, call 1-800-4CANAL4. The Erie Canal commission will send you
a free travel packet containing a canal chart, rules and regulations,
clearances (both depth and air clearance), attractions along the canal and a
lot of
other stuff. You can't beat the price.

You will have to lower your sailboat masts before entering the canal at Troy.
Most marinas in the Albany area have mast lowering facilities and will help
you chock them on deck. Your draft should be OK as long as you keep to the
center of the canal. If in doubt, follow an oil barge. Be sure to have good
fenders to keep your pristine hull off the lock sides.

Locking through the canal is a lot easier than most people expect. You should
have plenty of manpower aboard to handle the lines.

Don't forget the Fingerlakes, about 2/3 of the way through the canal from
Troy. They are wonderful to explore and the kids will love them.

Larry Z


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