08/8 – 08/15 - Western Erie Canal Cruise

A question for you Erie Canal cruisers: what electronic chart chips are you using for that area? We have a Raymarine E-Series; looking at their charting, it looks like a guy might need two different Platinum charts or maybe one Gold chart would cover the area. Any overlap that would give coverage in the Trent-Severn?

The plan right now is to head that way in July. :D

Thanks for any suggestions.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Re: Chartplotter chips on the Erie.

You really don't need a chartplotter for the Erie Canal as it is less than 100 ft wide in most places and goes east to west. You will use the NY state Canal corp book most of the time, as it has ads with POIs.

My old Raymarine uses C-Map chips that only had the eastern half of the canal, i.e. the portion covered by NOAA charts. I never missed having the chart display on the two times I've cruised the western half, and didn't really see an advantage to using it on the eastern half. Cruising at night, when I thought it could possibly be valuable, I found it wasn't useful due to GPS and Chart inaccuracy and the need to keep night vision to search for logs.

Similarly, you don't really need it on the Rideau, if you get the two Canadian charts that cover it. Though if you can get a chip with the Rideau it will probably give you some comfort as there are a few lakes to cruise through. You will want a chip that covers Lake Champlain and the Hudson as those are wide waters with anchorages that you will want to explore.

For what it's worth, Rick from Maine
 
I agree with Rick on GPS. My Garmin chips don't cover the Erie and you don't need it. I think the new ones may include it. The canal guide is great and all you need. I had a chip for the Rideau and found it helpful. It gives you a nice track that you can follow through the lakes. That way, Rick could not accuse me of getting him lost in the woods!

As far as Erie Canal electric service goes, most outlets are 15A, but I have an adapter if they are 30A. It's good to be prepared!

Dun
 
I've got the NY Canal System guide. Having run with that great chartplotter in places where I didn't have an electronic chart, seems like being back in the dark ages. :wink: So, you're saying I probably won't need the sextant, either? :mrgreen: The Platinum chart gives you a lot of land info, as well. I get the whole "it's a canal" thing. Even cooler with 3-D on the chart and a sweep-down angle! :roll: Aerial photos. Oh, and satellite image overlays.
 
Dear Rick:

We have a prior commitment that week. However, we may be able to join you for dinner as you come through the area between Brockport and Lockport. (We'll be at our cottage on L. Ontario ca. 10 miles north of Medina).

Fond memories,
Wayne
 
To all:

Since no one has yet mentioned it, I will, to make sure it is not overlooked: You will need to purchase a NYS Canal Pass for this cruise.

Wishing I could come along (I have a seasonal Canal Pass),
Wayne
 
Hi Everyone--- after the Erie Canal Cruise we are planning on a day trip by auto to the Thousand Islands mainly to see the antique wooden boat museum in Clayton. Claims to have over 250 antique boats at this location, many in the water. Has anyone been there and is worth the trip? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
 
I have been there many times and every time I go back there are improvements made and more boats. If you are into wooden boats, this is a can't miss trip for as close as you will be. If you have the time I would also highly recommend heading up to Alexandria Bay and take a tour of Boldt Castle and/or take a tour boat ride thru the islands. The ultimate would be for you to take the C-dory up, you could spend countless hours touring around the islands admiring all the homes and cottages, it's the perfect boat for this area. send me and email if you need any help with directions from where you are coming from on the Erie.
 
Thanks for the input Sloppy Joe, we will definitley make an effort to stop there after the Erie Canal, even though it is some what out of the way. Is it actually in Clayton, NY? Seems to be about 225 miles from Rochester, one way Thanks again Rich
 
Just taking delivery this coming week on a 22 cruiserfrom Y Landing. I would like to join you! Will be coming from Cross Lake {just east of Rochestor). Sounds like a great time! Steve
 
Steve, that's where my TC255 came from originally (Y-Landing), I'm the second owner. You might ask them, and let us know if you can, how they plan to handle warranty issues now that Fluid Marine has sold the line to Sea Sport. Would like to know that dealer's take on the transaction and how he plans to sell his boats...

Have fun on the cruise, it's a great area!

Charlie
 
Sorry Steve,

I can't allow a NEW boat on the cruise. It will make my 10 yr old Hunky Dory look too shabby! I might have to wax it!

Of course you are welcome to cruise with us. This will be a great cruise to get used to cruising in a C-Dory.

When you pick up your boat this week, say "Hi" to Dave for me. The predicted weather for this week is lousy. I hope you get a chance to cruise Winnipesaukee when you pick it up.

Will you have the boat named when you join us? We could have the christening in Seneca Falls. Did I mention that the christenee provides the beverages?

Rick from Maine
 
Charlie and Rick
Thanks for your kind welcome! Charlie I will check on warranty and let you know.
Rick I am still anguishing on what to name the boat can you help? Trying not to get the war dept. too involved. I will be sure to have plenty of keystonelight and milwaukees best on board for the cristening Steve
 
Dun,
I leaving on a recon mission to the Seneca Falls area. I wanted to check out where we will meet (wall) and where to leave the truck and trailer, lunch ramp locations etc. Anything sugestions or what and where to look at while I watch some one lock thru to get the idea and flavor of what is going on?
D.D.
 
dave deem":1g12kpxo said:
Dun,
I leaving on a recon mission to the Seneca Falls area. I wanted to check out where we will meet (wall) and where to leave the truck and trailer, lunch ramp locations etc. Anything sugestions or what and where to look at while I watch some one lock thru to get the idea and flavor of what is going on?
D.D.
Click to expand...

Dave,

We plan to be along on the September cruise and will appreciate any information you develop on the recon. Look forward to meeting you guys.

Harper
 
We left our pickup and trailer at the Seneca Falls State Park boat ramp about 3 weeks ago. There seems to be plenty of parking, but other than being in the Park no REAL security. We asked at the gate when we entered about leaving the vehicle and they said sure no problem, we talked to a young man driving a State pickup and got the same response - seems to be a "no worries Mate" situation. I did give the lad one of my cards and he said he'd give it to the Park Supt.. I also left a card on the window so someone could call if they needed.
 
We left the rigs at Lake Seneca State park two years in a row, and never had any problems. We even left our motor home there for a week twice. Others have done the same, and no problems have ever been reported. The trip from the launch ramp to Seneca Falls takes about an hour, and requires going through one lock at Waterloo, where you can buy your canal pass. there are plenty of facitities and shopping at Seneca Falls. If you all will tell me when you plan on arriving, we can set up a meet time. Some of you may want to explore the Finger lakes/wineries before meeting up with us. We may do the same.

Dun
 
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