Champlain Canal

I agree if you are comfortable handling your boat it shouldn't be a problem. The first time I was in the locks it was my wife and young kids and I. I think my son my older one was only 8 and believe it or not he was a big help. The second time I had another couple with me this was great I never had to leave the helm which made it very easy for me.

A few things I recommend either lots of old fenders that you don't care about or even better large ball type fenders, more then one boat hook maybe even three in case you drop one or break one and strongly recommend gloves the drop lines are very slimy and gross to hold onto. And lots of beer for the lock masters:)
It's a fun trip and I only made about half way I can't wait to get to the lake should be a lot of fun.
 
We made the trip from Buffalo to Lake Champlain and back in 2005. (1,000+ miles round trip) Gray water is allowed, but you do need to unhook any plumbing you might have to overboard discharge of black water.

This is the cruising guide we used:
http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Hudson-Champlain-Lawrence/dp/0961641282/ref=tmm_other_title_0

Tons of great information in that guide about anchorages, marinas and towns. It seems to be out of stock at Amazon, but maybe Les can get you a copy.

There are some low bridges, our Mainship trawler air draft is 15' with radar mast down, and we cleared them all with no problem. I do know of another mainship owner without a hinged mast that was able to navigate all the bridges, this would be with an air draft of around 17'

Fort Edward does have some skinny water, don't stray far off the wall as there are some nasty rocks there. We draft close to 4' and had no problems getting in and out.

If you like to spend time on the hook, Lake Champlain is a dream destination. There are coves and protected anchorages galor. As other's mentioned, be sure to visit Vergennes and Burlington as well.

-Ron
http://RochesterBoating.com
 
quote:
Originally posted by ronlord

I do know of another mainship owner without a hinged mast that was able to navigate all the bridges, this would be with an air draft of around 17'

-Ron
http://RochesterBoating.com

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I had looked into making this trip last year. I wanted to go out the Erie, through the St. Lawrence, then back down the Champlain. I saw the 15.5' bridge clearance and decided to just head through the Erie, up into the 1000 Islands, and then back the same way.

I recently heard that the pool could be lowered to give additional clearance. Does anyone know the max clearance that can be had? I need about 17.5 feet.

The Erie was great, but I also heard that the Champlain is much more scenic.
 
Ladytaz here is a link to the Canal site take note to the phone number on the left side of the page for additional info.
http://www.canals.ny.gov/exvac/boating/bridgeheights.html

I'm planning on making this trip in July or August. I have plotted the trip as far as lock 2 and now I have to find a copy of the inland waterway G2 maps. I don't need it to navigate while underway so I hope to just find someone that can make my a copy to use on Homeport (Hint hint)
 
Hey Dave,
I was bored at work today and read this post. How far up Lake Champlain do plan on going? I know the lake pretty well and could answer questions if you have any, just have not been south of Whitehall or much North of Grand Isle/ the Gut area. Between those I have seen most everything there is to see.
James
 
I'm not sure how far I will go I need to get my hand on the charts so I can better judge distance and decide destinations. The trip is a go but the ports are still open.
 
No problem Mike I wasn't waiting on you. I tried to pick up a book at WW to my surprise they don't carry any. I have look at most of the State sites but had not found what I was looking for however the third link you posted looks good and I will probably go ahead and order that. I may wait until the show I have gotten some good info there in the past. I think there my even be a booth for the state canal system there if I recall. I can't wait for the show this year I have a short wish list I will add this to it. Top of the list is the Satellite Dome I will either order it there or on line when I return if I can't find the right deal. I have been a little preoccupied with other things so I haven't been thinking too much about boating but I'm starting to get the itch.
 
the book in the first link is the best one to get
 
I got my book today and I guess it's time to start planning this trip I would love to here from others that have made this trip. I the past I made very short trips each day and then spent the next morning exploring and the traveled a little more each day. This time I have more ground (water) to cover so I will have to travel further each day so I'm looking for input as to how far I can get each day keeping in mind the end goal is to explore Lake Champlain. Can I make it to Waterford in one day without killing myself. Then can I travel all the locks in a day the most I have done in one day in the past was 6, 12 would be twice as far. What places should we stop for the night and what is a must see. I have been to Waterford and Fort Edwards in the past I'm good with returning to boat.
 
Hi Dave,

Please see my post under "Upper Hudson" - I'm a longtime RO who isnt online as much as I'd like anymore, but its because I've been really, really busy of late. As the new President of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County in Clifton Park NY, my plan is to get quite involved in our River communities. But in all honesty its still new to me, I'm relocating after 44 years in Putnam County and am only on the job 3 months. So here's some thoughts from past trips as well as a few recent visits to our shore towns...

One big concern - thanks to the earlier flooding, I'm told the gas pumps are still inoperable in Schuylerville. That means you should top off in Rensselaer as the next fuel dock is at Lock 12. The Waterford Visitors Center is a nice place to stop before you enter the Canal - you actually have to "hang a left" (LOL) into the entrance to the Erie and pull up to the dock on the starboard side just before Erie Canal Lock 2. Once upon a time there used to be a Price Chopper dock across the river (on the Rensselaer County side) but its been years since I've been there, dunno if it still exists. A really nice place to stop is Lock 1 Marina to port, I've met Mike on a recent visit and he is a very nice, accomodating fellow and longtime boater. Another provisioning stop would be Mechanicville on the port side heading North near Lock 3, which has a town dock and I believe free electricity. I can find out more about this stop if you are interested.

One thing for sure - please keep my new upstate cell number handy: 518-522-7251. Since I'm the "Chamber Guy", if you are in a bind and need anything between Troy and Schuylerville let me know, if I cant get it to you myself I'll reach out to people who can help. Hope your trip is marvelous - wish I wasnt so damn busy closing out of my house in Mahopac and buying a new one in Clifton Park, so I could get out on those waterways myself - its the reason I'm moving up there!!!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II

Can I make it to Waterford in one day without killing myself. Then can I travel all the locks in a day the most I have done in one day in the past was 6, 12 would be twice as far. What places should we stop for the night and what is a must see. I have been to Waterford and Fort Edwards in the past I'm good with returning to boat.

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If your time is limited you can certainly make Troy or Waterford in one long day and run the locks in another. If you're looking for a more leisurely schedule, consider running to Catskill, then Schuylerville (Lock 5) then Whitehall (Lock 12).

Pete - glad to hear you met Michael at Lock 1 Marina. I have been thinking about them as this is the worst start to the season they've experienced since buying the marina.
 
I have 9 days to work with round trip Sat to Sun last time I made this trip I did the leisurely route I stopped at Catskill on the way and Kingston on the return then Albany on the way and Troy on the return we only went as far as Fort Edwards and that was great but I want to get into the lake and have time to explore. This leads me to think I should try to push at least on the way out and maybe relax a bit with an extra stop on the return.

I have been to Waterford town dock I hope to return found memories I have also been to the Price chopper dock that was a fun excursion by dink.

What I like to know are places to go once I have reached lock 12 places to explore and visit while we are there, place to stay hopefully free or reasonably priced. I know Waterford and Fort Edwards have free docking with power and water I'm hoping there are others as well. It would be nice to do this trip on a budget for a change.
 
We did an overnight in Vergennes, up the Otter Creek - free town dock (not sure if it still is) by the waterfall, and Vergennes is a quaint little burg. A day in Burlington, and it's rather easy to walk most of the City . . .make sure to hit the Chocolate factory. If you get all the way north, there are some islands with some history near Plattsburg (which has a decent marina w/ a good restaurant). I'll have to pull my notes to get more detail.

We did the trip in a week - it meant keying our stops on the Lake, and not on the Hudson. (you can easily make Lock 1 Marina in a day, and be in the Lake mid-day the second day.)

Hope this helps.
 
I look at the chart last night and I think a middle stop maybe at the walking bridge first night and then Waterford the second no need to push hear complaining. The next day I agree all 12 locks and spend a night at lock 12. From this point I'm not sure, I don't want to miss anything big but at this pace I have 3 days to explore before start back.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II

I look at the chart last night and I think a middle stop maybe at the walking bridge first night and then Waterford the second no need to push hear complaining. The next day I agree all 12 locks and spend a night at lock 12.
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And it will actually only be 11 locks once you are in Waterford, past the Federal Lock in Troy. There is no Lock 10.
You're ahead of the game already!
 
Yes I read that but I don't know why there is no lock ten. I could understand no lock 13 but 10?
 
IF I recall, the original canal had a lock 10 - one of the upgrades to the canal system (increasing water depth and lock size) allowed the elimination of lock 10. . ...
 
"Pete - glad to hear you met Michael at Lock 1 Marina. I have been thinking about them as this is the worst start to the season they've experienced since buying the marina."

Thanks - I hope the Chamber can be of some use to them this season. This weather has been crummy - havent seen the Hudson in a couple of days, but the Mohawk was moving like the Rondout in Spring over by the Waters' Edge restaurant in Scotia. I'm not feeling so badly about being unable to use the boats much this year, cause the weather hasnt been so great anyhow.
 
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