396 & Erie Canal

[zoomiejim]

Has anyone traveled the Erie Canal in a 396? Air Draft is over 18' but I think there is a bridge that is ~15 and change. Is this correct?

[mjk1040]

I believe you are correct in your assumption. Goggle NYS Canal System, you will find the list of all the locks and bridges with their respective clearances'. I know at least one that is shown at 16' at normal canal levels. Unless you can drop your radar arch your going to have issues I'm afraid!

[bud37]

Qr Bbpost Has anyone traveled the Erie Canal in a 396? Air Draft is over 18' but I think there is a bridge that is ~15 and change. Is this correct?

You may know of this group already , but just incase.There is a group called the AGLCA i think, they will probably have all the details for the whole loop. Heights , maps, charts, updates etc.

[quickdecision]

From Buffalo to Oswego 15'-6", Oswego to the Hudson, 21'-6"

Ron

[nazinteck]

I have a 325 Carver with radar on top of my arch. I measure about 15'6" tall. I entered the Erie Canal near Baldwinsville from the Oswego River and traveled West right through to N. Tonawanda. I made it under all the bridges but with little room to spare. Most of the abutment depth indicators were reading 16' or 16.5' in late May 2018 and they were pretty accurate. Sorry to report that an 18' draft won't make it without modification.

[denpooch]

Hey Naz. Whats it like going through the locks? I know its a 2 person job but is it something the Admiral can handle or would I need a manly man for second mate?

[mjk1040]

denpooch; the admiral and I do it alone. It can get trying if there's a wind blowing. Having all fenders preset, the admiral can hold the entire boat with the center cleat line around a cable or ladder run and back to the forward side of the cleat and she stands at the aft and hold the boat all by herself. Lock Masters can not assist do to liability issues. I may also suggest that you stay at the helm at all times, since you are really the one controlling the boat. Sometimes I may have to disembark to set the initial line for the admiral.

[denpooch]

Mike are you simply 'hanging' the fenders in normal fashion or do you have them attached to a piece of 8ft - 1x6, so that it's the wood plank rubbing against the lock wall whilst she ascends and descends? I have read that some utilize the latter.

[mjk1040]

Never seen that set up in our area. Bow, Mid-Ship & Aft fenders. The bigger the better. Gloves for the Admiral. We never pull the stand off line that tight and never try riding the lock wall up or down, but boat will boob bow and stern as the water level is changed, but it can't go any where. If ur boat is equipped with thrusters, I've seen some just use the thruster to keep the boat next to the lock walls. Turbulence in the lock can vary depending on the flow of water into or out of the locks. Most locks in our area also have rope lines hanging down into the locks and some grab a line bow and aft and hang on traversing the locks. If u have never gone through the locks, and there are double locks in some areas, it can be intimidating, but just take ur time. If you are near a lock system I would recommend a few practice runs maybe with someone that has gone through before to help guide you. I'm sure there are many different ways to lock a boat.

[denpooch]

Never been through any locks. I boat downstate in the LI Sound and there ain't none around here. I am hoping to get north late May/Early June. Me thinks that I can get as far west as the Oswego lock due to height restrictions. If all goes well this year, I will likely figure a way to enable the radar to 'stand down' with some kind of hinge system. Good info. Thanks Mike.