Hudson River/Erie canal in Spring

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Maxwell

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We are looking at a boat that is currently on the east coast. If we can come to terms we would take delivery in the spring. Although the simpler way would be to have it trucked to Lake Michigan, I think bringing her back on her own bottom over 2 weeks would be a lot more interesting. However I have 2 concerns running it back. First, the from what I found, the Erie canal does not open until May 1 (we usually splash around April 15) so part of the boating season would be cut a little short. Secondly, I am a bit worried about debris etc in the Hudson/Erie Canal. There is always a lot of junk (logs, picnic tables etc) in the rivers around here early season and I really do not want to hit something and have the boat laid up in some other state for an extended period of time (not to mention the added cost of flying a few people who would make the trip with me home).

Does anybody local or that has made this trip have any thoughts/wisdom to share?
 
http://www.canals.ny.gov/index.html The amount of debris in the water is largely dependent on snow runoff and rainfall.

There are times the locks are closed to stem flooding.
 
Losing two weeks of the season is a small price to pay for a great trip and getting to know your new boat. My only concern is that it should be ready for such a trip amount delivery. It could be a fantastic time to spend with family enjoying the new addition. Much of this trip is at no wake speed and you have time to spot much of the debris that might be out there.
Best of luck and post pictures.
 
We were in Lockport, NY a couple years ago in April. The Lock Commission lowered the level in the canal and
was cleaning sticks, bicycles, logs, couch's... ect out of the locks and canals. There was so much stuff,
including built up mud and shells in the locks, we were surprised. The junk that gets thrown in that canal is
amazing.
We went to a marina to the East of town and the docks were on the parking lot. Just some poles sticking up
outta the sand. Hardly any water.
 
What is the air draft on the new boat? The pool is likely to be higher in the spring and you will have a couple bridges < 16 on the western half of the canal. Also, 2 weeks to do this trip seems awful aggressive!

Good luck
Niles
 
Niles and Hogan are right - the canal often has flooding problems in May, it is not unusual for it to be closed 2 out of 4 weeks in May. You will need to be flexible and have a contingency plan, like leaving the boat at a marina and returning when the water has subsided.
 
In addition to everything mentioned above, will you know for certain that your new-to-you boat will be physically and mechanically sound before undertaking such a trip,,,ie; oil, filters, belts, hoses, pumps, electronics, etc?
 
I appreciate all of the feedback.

I don't think air draft will be an issue. The new boat's air draft is 10'3" to the top of the hard top and add 2' for the open array (8" per Furuno + mast)will leave us under 13'.

I was basing the 2 weeks on others from my YC who have made the trip. He took his sail boat through the canal from Lake Erie to Manhattan in approximately 7 days. I would add 4 days to make it through the great lakes on the back end and another 3 to go from the Chesapeake to Manhattan on the front. I would have a crew of 3, (myself + a former CG friend and a former volvo ocean series sailboat guy) so it would be a pretty hearty crew. Does this sound realistic?

I may plan on trucking it but keep the option open to run it back as we see what kind of winter/spring we have. Is there any way to loosely forecast (guess) whether the locks will be open based on the winter weather/snowfall/potential runoff? Given the possible flooding and lock closures it may be too much to schedule and not break the bank (anymore than buying the boat will do) or lose my job.

max
 
No way to predict canal closures based on weather unless your name starts with G and ends with D. One other thing to be aware of in May is that the locks and bridges close at 5pm for most of the month. So what normally can be a 5 day trip from Albany to Buffalo will most likely be a 7-8 day trip.

If you start around Memorial Day, you would be in much better shape to make the trip with no delays.
 
And when the locks do open in May is the time many of us stay clear of the river up north as that's when you can count on encountering debris that has been recently flushed.
 
You won't have a height issues at 13 ft. Sounds like the boat is fast so maybe 14 will work as long as you don't have delays. Dealing with Lake Erie could be worse than the debris in the canal if you catch it wrong. I did have someone tell me once that they ran from Buffalo to the Detroit river in one long a$$ day. At 14 days you won't have time to smell the cherry blossoms:)

Niles
 
I did exactly the opposite. I bought a 38' Carver from Lake Michigan and was going to captain it back. In the end, I would up having it trucked. I must say, I wish I took the trip via water.
 
Thank everyone for the advice. Given the potential time issues and higher probability of hitting debris I will likely look harder at trucking the boat at least to the great lakes if not Milwaukee. It kills me because this is the perfect excuse for an amazing boat ride however I can't afford time wise to get stuck someplace and if I were to wreck the boat before the admiral even lays eyes on her I wouldn't be the most popular guy at home. For now we're just keeping our fingers crossed that we can get the deal done in the next couple of weeks and move on with the rest of the purchase process. I'll revisit the issue of getting her to Lake Michigan once that is complete.

max
 
We made the run through the canal druing the first week in May 2 years ago. Debris was present, but not an issue for us. It is a nice trip, shoulkd you decide to do it.
 
Maxwell, Another option is to do the thrip in two or three parts. The first part from Chesepeake to the hudson. Leave the boat there, then have the wife join you for the trip thru the canal. leave the boat on the other end of the canal, and come back for a third trip. Either end of the canal can be done on a long weekend. Depending on where in the Chesepeake and your speed you may be able to do the first leg in two long days.

If crew is an issue I would run the first leg woth you.
 
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