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Erie Canal

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Rodger, Dec 14, 2018.

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  1. Rodger

    Rodger Senior Member

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    St.Catharines
    Proposed new opening dates for Erie Canal Erie Canal.jpg
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Going from our experience, this schedule would have removed 2 weeks for 2019 and 2020 and nearly 3 weeks for 2021. As a looper, we weren't impacted by the ending date, but I'm sure others are. When looping, I just want to get started on the Erie as soon as possible.

    There are also many towns that plan events and will lose time for tourist activity.
  3. Rodger

    Rodger Senior Member

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    The Erie Canal will open this Friday May 17/19 at 7 am.
    You better slow down if you are heading for the Erie Canal as it will only partially open due high water caused by the amount of rain we have had this spring.
    Lake Erie is at record levels now, and Lake Ontario is near record level should be there in a few weeks. They have closed the dam in Cornwall on the St Lawrence River because of the flooding in Montreal causing Lake Ontario to back up as it did in 2017. The attached picture is small boat dock Welland Canal, another 13" it will be over the wall in a few weeks as it was in 2017.
    The Trent Canal was due to open this Friday to but has also been delayed due to high water.
    Notice to Mariners

    NYS Canal System Opening Update

    May 14, 2019



    Mariners are advised that about half of the Canal System will open on May 17 at 7 a.m., including the Erie Canal, from Locks E-2 in Waterford to E-7 in Niskayuna, and from Lock 28A in Lyons to Lock 35 in Lockport, as well as the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.

    The Erie Canal from locks E-8 in Scotia to E-22 in Rome, and from Lock E-24 in Baldwinsville to Lock E-27 in Lyons, as well as the Oswego and Champlain canals, will have their openings postponed due to heavy rains and snow melt.

    Boaters will still be able to access the western end of Oneida Lake from Erie Canal Lock E-23 in Brewerton.

    Boaters intending to travel past Lock E-7 will be allowed to leave Waterford but are advised services as well as space at private marinas from Waterford to Scotia is limited. Information on marinas is available at http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/boating/marinas.aspx.

    Capture.PNG Capture.PNG
  4. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    I've read that they don't expect parts of the Erie to peak until mid June.
  5. ERTW

    ERTW Member

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    Taking a boat back from New Jersey through the Erie canal a 52 Azimut, bridge height is 16'1, is it possibly to do the Erie canal through to Tonawanda? Haven't check bridge heights yet maybe some of the experts here can shed light. Also what is the average days it takes once entering in at Albany?
  6. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Here are the bridge heights of the Erie.

    http://www.canals.ny.gov/boating/bridgeheights.html

    Now, I wouldn't try the Western Erie with anything over 15', especially based on current water levels and an acquaintance who just went through. 15' is even pressing your luck with one bridge. You're probably going to have to take the Oswego.

    Time is largely a matter of how many locks you're willing to tolerate in a day. 9 to 10 days would be a normal transit. Going the Oswego route adds distance, but adds speed. However, you then are subject to Welland traffic.
  7. Rodger

    Rodger Senior Member

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    I agree with olderboater about the Western Erie. We had heavy rain again today.
    Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are at an all time high and still rising.
    If you do cross Lake Ontario do not do it at night as, a captain who came across today saw hydrol poles and trees all over the lake.
    Yacht Forum member Capt.tilt brought a 51' Azimut up the Welland last week.
    I no off a few boats that have damage their props in Lake Ontario.
  8. ERTW

    ERTW Member

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    Thanks for the insight! How long does it typically take to transit the Welland? It's been about 15 years since I last went through it.
  9. Just Cruisin

    Just Cruisin Member

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    You should contact Roger on this thread. I used him last year to Transit the Welland. Did it in about 7 hrs but you have to pick the day because of commercial traffic. He will save you a lot of time and grief. Also, you won't have many fuel options on Lake Ontario as it has set high water marks and has severe flooding. You are going to have to take your time as well as it is full of trees and logs. You might consider fueling in Brewerton if you can make the trip thru Lake Ontario and the Welland without fueling. If not, Rochester, NY might be open, but I would check. Have a good trip.
  10. Rodger

    Rodger Senior Member

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    Opening date Erie Canal 2020
    2020 Navigation Season

    January 31, 2020



    Mariners are advised that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal System are scheduled to open Friday, May 15, 2020, at 7:00 a.m. for the 2020 navigation season. There will be no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal System in 2020.

    The hours of operation for the 2020 season are as follows:

    • May 15 to October 14: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

      In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from May 15 to September 16:

    • Lock C-1, Waterford

    • Lock E-7, Vischer Ferry

    • Lock E-8, Scotia

    • Lock E-23, Brewerton

    • Lock O-1, Phoenix

    • Lock O-2, Fulton

    • Lock O-3, Fulton

    • Lock O-8, Oswego

    • Lock E-24, Baldwinsville

    • Main Street Lift Bridge, Fairport

    • Lock E-32, Pittsford

    • Lock E-33, Henrietta

    • Spencerport Lift Bridge

    • Adams Basin Lift Bridge

    • Park Avenue Lift Bridge, Brockport

    • Main Street Lift Bridge, Brockport

    • Holley Lift Bridge

    • Hulberton Lift Bridge

    • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge, Albion

    • Main Street Lift Bridge, Albion

    • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge

    • Knowlesville Lift Bridge

    • Medina Lift Bridge

    • Middleport Lift Bridge

    • Gasport Lift Bridge

    • Exchange Street Lift Bridge, Lockport

    • Lock E-34/35, Lockport

    • Lock CS-1, Cayuga

    • Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls

    • Lock CS-4, Waterloo

      In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from May 15 to September 16:

    • Lock E-25, May’s Point

    • Lock E-26, Clyde

    • Lock E-27, Lyons

    • Lock E-28A, Lyons

    • Lock E-28B, Newark

    • Lock E-29, Palmyra

    • Lock E-30, Macedon

      In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-2 through E-6 and Guard Gate #2 in the Waterford Flight as well as Locks E-21 and E-22 will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Thursday through Monday from May 15 to September 16. During the same period, the hours of operation for the Waterford Flight will be 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Due to roving operators, some delays may be experienced during certain periods in the Waterford Flight.

      Vessels arriving at the Waterford Flight from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through the entire Flight.

      Vessels arriving at Lock CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls or Lock E-34/35 in Lockport from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both chambers. Vessels arriving westbound at Lock E-21 in New London or arriving eastbound at Lock E-22 in Verona prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks. Vessels arriving southbound at Lock C-4 in Stillwater or arriving northbound at Lock C-3 in Mechanicville prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through both locks. Vessels arriving at the Waterford Flight from either direction prior to scheduled closing will be admitted through the entire Flight.

      For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov
    02:43:18AM 1/31/20
  11. captaintilt

    captaintilt Senior Member

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    Thanks Rodger, have a few trips already lined up for early spring as soon as the canals open up. Will certainly keep you posted.