Erie Canal anyone?

diver_dave

Advanced Contributor

Apr 27, 2012

#1

OK, the only tie-in here is that my boat has Crusaders, but my job may force a move.

The intended target is Rochester area New York. Place of business very close to the Erie Canal, just East of the big city. I still have not yet even seen this canal. Do ships still use it? Is it recreational now? Is it a museum piece? Anyway, is this area at all reasonable to keep a 32' inboard sportfisherman? Lake Ontario for a couple ? months in the water would be the new cruising grounds.
Last 30 years we've been all over the Bahamas, and fishing the gulf stream, diving in 75 to 85 degree water, etc. Yes, a huge change to be expected up there. I'm on the fence, thinking not to force my current hobby set to work up there, but embrace the new surroundings

I did get my ice diving cert. while on a long Chicago business trip one time! inputs?

makomark

Silver Medal Contributor

Apr 27, 2012

#2

DD:

No first hand experience but work with some that reside in that area. Based on my remembering some discussions, there was never any "ships" using the canal...large barges maybe. that said, even todays's standards would call them small (maybe 100' max). Do know there are several organizations that sponsor canal cruising events so there is a body of knowledge out there.

If you'd like, I can ask if one of them would point you in the correct direction. Just send me a PM and I will pursue.

Finally, there are several www sites focused on the canals of upstate ny... may get some more nuggets there. The season is much shorter, that's for sure.

bulletine

Regular Contributor

Apr 27, 2012

#3

I also do not have experience up there. I read the trawler forum and these people cruise all over. I am sure they will advise you correctly. The website is not easy to search, so some work is required, you could also post the question. Here is the link to sign up:

http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/trawlers_lists.trawlering.com

Sea Clam

Banned

Apr 27, 2012

#4

The NYS Canal is alive and well, Here's a little reading for ya. http://www.canals.ny.gov/index.shtml

. Do ships still use it?

Yes, We have a few Canadian cruise ships that use the canal in the summer.

is this area at all reasonable to keep a 32' inboard

Yes with no problems. You'll love up here in the summer time.

diver_dave

Advanced Contributor

Apr 29, 2012

#5

Thanks all; I have some reading to do!!

fastjeff

Gold Medal Contributor

Apr 30, 2012

#6

Question: Is the canal a no-wake zone?

Jeff (former Syracuse boater)

Sea Clam

Banned

Apr 30, 2012

#7

Here's a map showing what speeds you can do on the canal.

http://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/staticmap.html

willow

Regular Contributor

Apr 30, 2012

#8

I did the Erie and then the Oswego into Lake Ontario. The Erie is pretty "dead" except for recreational boats. Dave if you want pictures of most of the canal locks and enroute, as well as personal comments send me an [email protected]