Jack:
I have twice taken my 35-1 both ways in the Erie Canal.
I entered the Erie in Oswego. You can enter it at Buffalo to avoid the
Welland Canal. The canal will be an easy ride going down. There is a
charge and you may take a day getting through. On the other hand you
will likely save time by going through the canal and sailing straight to
Oswego.
The marina will drop your mast onto whatever support you have made. In
Oswego there is a supply of wood from others from which you can scavenge
wood. Take an electric drill with a bit and a box of 3" square hole deck
screws and a hand saw. Put a 2x6, maybe two, from the keel step up
through the mast collar brace it so it does not move in the collar. This
vertical post will carry much of the weigh of the mast. At the bow make
an X with 2x4s. The bottom end can go on the toe rail. Put a vertical
2x6 from the middle of the x to the deck/bow chain plate fitting. Lash
the structure to the pulpit or toe rail to prevent for and aft motion.
The stern may also work with an X configuration. In contrast, I used two
vertical posts affixed on either side, with the bottom end on the tow
rail and lashed to the stern pulpit Across these put two 2x6s
horizontally to create a span on which will rest the mast. You may want
another vertical 2x6 to carry the load from the middle of the span to
the cockpit.I used the span because I need room to helm the boat. You
may not need it. Add braces where needed. Remember the goal of the
structure is to be able to withstand horizontal shocks if the mast hits
a wall, or the boat gets rolling around because of a power boat wake in
Oneida Lake. Get everything (antenna, etc.) off the mast head. Both ends
of the mast can be in contact with the walls of the lock .
If you want I can send you pics.
Take two 2x4s about eight feet long to use to fend of the lock walls in
the lock. Wear leather working gloves.
Use a 2x6 to make fender boards for going through the locks.
Have a handheld VHF, or hook up your antenna, so you can contact the
lock master.
You can tie up at the lock overnight.
The marinas at Catskills will lift your mast. I think Hop O Nose is the
one you will need. I used a smaller one but my mast was smaller.
Contact the lock folks to ensure the lock will be running. It was closed
last year for a few periods because of construction.
Buy Skipper Bob's book to learn of anchoring options in the Hudson and
all the way down the ICW.
In New York don't go to the 79 street marina - too wavy. You can anchor
behind the statue of Liberty. Or go to Sheep's head Bay in Brooklyn
where you can anchor or use a ball at one of the yacht clubs. Here you
can get the subway to NYC if you want to.
You can make time by sailing on the ocean rather than going through the
ICW. But watch out for the weather. Frankly I enjoyed the ICW. You can
save time by avoiding Georgia- go from Charleston to Fernandina Beach on
the ocean.
Hope this helps.
Don
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