396 & Erie Canal

[mjk1040]

If you get the radar out of the way you shouldn't have any problems. We are on Cayuga Lake, let us know when your in the area and we may be able to meet you some where along your trip for drinks if you want. let us know and I'll pm you a cell number. Hope all goes well on your trip. Once at Oswego what are your plans?

[denpooch]

I am not sure of the plans yet Mike. We're in the pre-plan dreaming of the trip stage. I would love to meet you and enjoy a few together. I don't know what's up at Oswego but I am open for any and all suggestions. Thanks.

[CaptBob]

We have many locks in our area (Middle and East Tennessee.) I try to convince newbies that it is marine tradition to lick the lock on your first trip through. We stopped this on just in time!

locklick2.jpg

[tomschauer]

That is one dedicated crew member!

[nazinteck]

denpooch. I use a buddy to travel through the locks. My main concern is wind and my first mate can't help much with our medium sized 32' Carver Aft when the wind is blowing. I stay at the helm while my second mate fends us off the wall. I use fenders but they do get pretty filthy. Gloves are a necessity. I have seen fender boards used as well and they work well too. Every lock I used last year had drop down lines. Lock tenders are very easy to work. Flooding the lock can create turbulence so working together is imperative. Stay alert at the helm. Draining the lock is a lot less imposing on the captain in my opinion. The Lockport locks are especially challenging heading West as the wind can be a real problem as you ascend. Fuel is a big issue on the canal. I just have two separate 80 gallon tanks and some fuel docks listed on the Erie Canal website haven't been there for over 20 years according to locals. You need to plan. Call the fuel dock the day before to ensure they are open and the times they are available for gas. Nowadays I also carry a filled 6 gallon fuel can just in case and strap it to the swim platform. It's not the best method, but it can be a lifesaver if needed. Traveling West passed Rochester also requires several bridges to be raised. Bridge tenders may also have more than one bridge to tend to as well. Call ahead and let them know your in the system. The bridge tenders are also very helpful. As helpful as the canal staff was, they don't possess much boating knowledge for fuel, pump outs, overnight stays, food, etc., so planning is essential. Good luck with your travels.

[mjk1040]

Ah just come to Cayuga Lake and party with us! Come in at cocktail hour and we'll slip u in somewhere!

[denpooch]

Thanks folks.

[3dognight]

Have you confirmed your air draft it 18+ '?
My 530 has a listed air draft of 19' plus i have Radar & Sat domes, and i was making plans for the loop which needed me to hinge the arch to get under a fixed RR bridge of 19'7"
turns out guys with 560/570's have gone under the RR bridge with all their radar/domes and have cleared the bridge. I will be measuring my air draft this spring but im sure it less that the carver listed number

to measure run a flat surface, like a 2x6, across the radar arch and then drop a weighted line to the water surface.
Measure the line & anything above the arch.

[zoomiejim]

Thanks for that 3dognight! I will indeed measure to see if the numbers are the same as the spec sheet! When are you looping?

[zoomiej]

Qr Bbpost Have you confirmed your air draft it 18+ '?
My 530 has a listed air draft of 19' plus i have Radar & Sat domes, and i was making plans for the loop which needed me to hinge the arch to get under a fixed RR bridge of 19'7"
turns out guys with 560/570's have gone under the RR bridge with all their radar/domes and have cleared the bridge. I will be measuring my air draft this spring but im sure it less that the carver listed number

to measure run a flat surface, like a 2x6, across the radar arch and then drop a weighted line to the water surface.
Measure the line & anything above the arch.

Have not confirmed, and will do when things warm up here! Thanks for your response 3dog