Lake St. Clair to NY, via Erie Canal and Hudson River

[wanderingloon]

We're planning a cruise from Lake St. Clair to Maine, and would like to know the best place to find info needed for using the Erie Canal and the Hudson River, to come out at NY and head up the coast to Portland. This would be done in a 42' boat (48' LOA), about 18' tall. Any suggestions welcomed!

[sailr69]

there is a 15 foot height limit on the Erie barge canal but you can still do it by going through the Welland canal and entering the barge canal at Ostwego NY. easily done. you will be going downstream through the Welland. it is a fun trip.

[TheBilges]

Try New York State Canal System (NYSCS) - Navigation, Locks, Distances, and Cruising Guides for the Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, Champlain Canal. Cayuga-Seneca Canal, and the Troy Lock. There is also some info on the Welland Canal and the Hudson River there as well.

Jerry

[SURV69]

I'm not sure, but I thought I heard that the 15' clearance was on the western end of the canal and that once the 15' low clearance is traversed(going east), that the clearances are a little higher.

If this is the case, it might make using the Welland Canal better yet.

[wanderingloon]

Thanks so much for the very helpful info! That'll get us started! :-)

[vtsailguy]

I just did this in the spring from lake Champlain in a 41'.

Make sure you protect your sides with something in the locks. A thin sheet of plywood or carpet, cloth. The fenders pick up gravel front he walls of the locks and as they spin scratch your hull.