Federal Lock to Champlain Advise

C

captcraig

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2007
RO Number
26632
Messages
41
Any advise greatly appreciated
Time to move through?
Avg speed going through?
Places to Anchor?
Sites that are a must to see?
Places to avoid?

Thanks in advance
 
watch your air draft.
waterford, ny is a nice place to spend a night or two.
floating docks, water, 30amp power. nocharge for two nights.
 
I'd say it's two to three days from Kingston to Westport on Champlain. Boogey up to the Fed, expect some delay and then about 10 mph which is the limit on the canal until you pass lock 12. Once North of the last lock watch the channel in the wide open spaces. It may be difficult to pick out the markers since they are spread out.
It's a great ride, settle back and enjoy it. It's been since 1999 since we did that trip so I can say much more.
 
Gosh its probably been about that long since we did it, too!! Ugh, I'm getting old...

Take your time and enjoy the ride, thats what Dan said...
 
Thanks, as I am doing this single handed is there a site where I can check out the locks individually and to see what securing methods each require?
 
quote:
Originally posted by captcraig

Thanks, as I am doing this single handed is there a site where I can check out the locks individually and to see what securing methods each require?

Click to expand...

The Federal Lock is the only one where you will need to use your own lines. The rest have weighted lines already in place which are easy to grab and hang onto. Plan to fender the rub rail on both sides as you never know if you'll be directed to one side or the other. You can usually have your pick if it is not busy, but sometimes the wind or mechanical issues with the lock will make it prudent or a requirement to be against a specific wall. A lot of people bag their fenders with garbage bags when running the locks as the walls are slimy. You will also want to wear gloves for the same reason and have a boat hook handy (with a spare for when the first one goes overboard). My crew and I always wear PFD's when locking through as well.
 
The NYS Canal System also has a cruising guide, which is very detailed and infomative.
www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/cguide/index.html
Lots of tips on places to stop, as well as travel times from lock to lock.
 
Depending on how high the water is you will want ball fenders at the water line also. Don't the lock walls slope away from the boat at the top like they do on the Erie?
 
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