Navigating from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes

PropBet · 06-05-2008, 02:00 PM

Can anyone share with me their experiences in navigating (sail or motor would be appreciated / applicable) from the Atlantic through the inland channel(s) into the Great Lakes?

I'm trying to better understand the feasibility of this being a winter / summer run to and from the Caribbean. (versus coming north, and truck / trailer transporting the rest of the way in to Lake Michigan)

Much thanks-
PB

Ken Bracewell · 06-05-2008, 06:24 PM

I've done it many times. Height will be the limiting factor because if you're over 21' (?? Can't remember exact limiting height) you can't go through the NY State barge canal. The trip through the St. Lawrence is pretty, but much longer! The trip from NYC to Troy (2st lock) should take 1-2 days. The canal system will then take another 2-3 days. After that, you've got the trip from Oswego to the Welland Canal before transitting Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron, and then Michigan.
The NY trip is also very nice.
Sailboats will have the mast stepped at each end.

PropBet · 06-05-2008, 08:40 PM

Good input. Thank you Ken.

I did find some good info and have been reading a bit at greatlakes-seaway.com. I had not read however on the height restrictions (yet) on the NY channel. If I add 2 or 3 more days to take the northern route, I'm OK with that, should we be in a boat that wouldn't clear. (which may be quite possible)

From looking further at the charts, it doesn't look, other than a few areas with some minor obstacles, it doesn't look too bad.

Thus hearing first hand input is greatly valued.

Ken Bracewell · 06-06-2008, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PropBet

If I add 2 or 3 more days to take the northern route, I'm OK with that, should we be in a boat that wouldn't clear. (which may be quite possible) .

Probably closer to a week. It's a long way around and the currents are strong.

Many people make modifications to masts on motoryachts so they can hinge them for clearance.

NYCAP123 · 06-06-2008, 09:18 AM

Google NYS Canals. All info is right there

PropBet · 06-06-2008, 10:31 AM

Looking at the Bridge Height Tables at the NYSC website, we can't fit through in either case, so it looks like the northern route is our only option.

NYCAP123 · 06-06-2008, 11:07 AM

Propbet,
Above the Cape Cod Canal it can get big and lonely. DK what you're running, but did you consider doing the Miss. River?

PropBet · 06-06-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

Propbet,
Above the Cape Cod Canal it can get big and lonely. DK what you're running, but did you consider doing the Miss. River?

I did initially, however my thought process was in coming up the Atlantic coast from the Caribbean, while making a couple of stops along the way to visit, etc., and then turning the corner into the channel. Longer is OK with me in this case.

I guess I don't have a defined reason behind it, other than my "mental chart plot" of the route.

From the looks of it, it looks like one could make the passage from Miami to Lake Michigan in about 2 weeks? (considering somewhat of a leisurely pace)

Running either in a B-57, or slightly larger motor boat. (which there are discussions about making it in a Nordhavn 72 as well)

Good info either way, and I appreciate all of the input.

NYCAP123 · 06-06-2008, 12:40 PM

Several years back I brought an 11kt boat from Lauderdale to Mulgrave, Nova Scotia (Straits of Canso) running 24/7 enroute to Chicago. With a 3 day stop for weather & fuel in New Bedford it was about 2 weeks to Mulgrave. You should also check with the St. Lawrence Seaway regarding the need for a pilot.
I've done Miami to NY (running days only) in as little as 5 days, but also as much as 13 days. Lake Michigan liesurely in 2 weeks sounds a little ambitious.

PropBet · 06-06-2008, 01:44 PM

sorry, sorry, sorry, that should have read 3 weeks total.

5 days, Miami to the Nova Scotia inlet. (call it 1 week)
2 weeks from the inlet to LM.
3 total.

This is leaving out weather considerations.