Mast and de-demast on Champlain canal / Hudson river

[Homeward sailor]

Fair winds for your journey! We have our Hunter 356, Vahevala , on Lake Champlain and have dreamed about going south on the canal to the Hudson River route to points south. Our marina , Point Bay, in Charlotte, Vt is a good stopping over spot for fuel and pump out. Kingsland Bay, in Ferrisberg, Vt is a lovely protected anchorage just south of there. Essex, NY is also a lovely town with a few restaurants. Indian Bay Marina and restaurant in Willsbborough , NY, just north of Essex , NY looks like a nice safe anchorage and stop over as well.

[Sailon1]

Very useful info. I’ll be sailing from Toledo, Ohio to Florida this fall via Lake Erie, Erie Canal and Hudson River.
Thanks again!

[zstine]

A 45ft boat has a pretty big/heavy stick to do-it yourself if you haven't watched it done before. You need to have the attachment/pivot on the mast just slightly higher than the CG. If you get it too low, the mast will flip and smash to the ground. If you are too high, you won't physically be able to pull the bottom of the mast out to lay horizontal. Just be careful and research before you D.I.die!

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by zstine

A 45ft boat has a pretty big/heavy stick to do-it yourself if you haven't watched it done before. You need to have the attachment/pivot on the mast just slightly higher than the CG. If you get it too low, the mast will flip and smash to the ground. If you are too high, you won't physically be able to pull the bottom of the mast out to lay horizontal. Just be careful and research before you D.I.die!

This is of course true. I did it on a 45 foot boat there my first time ever doing it also.