| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 11:18:28
I first thought about cruising from my home waters of Narragansett Bay all the way to Lake Champlain back in 2007 when I heard it was possible. At the time I had my first boat, a 28ft express cruiser. Here is the link to my original questions on BE
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=106242
Well.... now we are actually doing it and we're leaving on Saturday. Me, wife, 4 kids. I thing I might be crazy. I am excited and terrified. I have never been that far from home on my boat and we are taking 3 weeks which will triple our normal voyage length. But my kids are getting older and i'm not sure how much longer they'll really be willing to do this. Right now they are thrilled and can't wait to leave.
I have all the charts, a cruising guide, and the NY Canal Systems guide. I have read every post and blog I can find. Boat is in good shape and I don't know what else I can do to prepare except load the food and get out of here.
Not sure what my web access will be like but I plan to post some updates. My rough itinerary is something like this...
Hamburg Cove, Libery Landing(NYC), Rondout, Waterford, Fort Edwards, Port Henry, Burlington, Burton Island, Canada, Valcour Island, Wesport NY, Whitehall NY, Mechanicsville, Croton, Haverstraw, Port Jeff, Mystic/Watch hill, home.
Of course this is all subject to change but boating gods willing we'll get a night in Canada, snap a pic or two and start heading home.
Wish me luck, I'll be sure to tell you all about it.
|
| 50 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Prospective |
Posted - Aug 28 2012 : 05:42:03
Brian. Thanks for the interest. Trip went great. There's a post on here with Champlain in the title. Lots of pics. Enjoy! |
| Brian |
Posted - Aug 27 2012 : 23:23:01
no more posts??? Want to know how this all went with pictures |
| Nancy |
Posted - Aug 07 2012 : 20:37:54
Oh that is painful just reading about the props. But it sounds like it's all coming together incredibly smoothly. Wow, that is very fast service on the props. We've been planning to have ours re-pitched, and H&H in Salem is telling me ten days. Maybe the prop shops leave room in the schedule for emergency jobs like yours.
Keeping fingers crossed for no vibration when you launch.
|
| Prospective |
Posted - Aug 07 2012 : 19:16:44
Great day today. Rented car and did CIA for lunch. Then. Vanderbilt mansion and rosavelt home. Props are back and we should launch tomorrow am. Just hoping no other issues crop up. If all goes well will be in haverstraw tomorrow. |
| boatbum |
Posted - Aug 06 2012 : 19:55:41
I hate it when that happens. If you are held up long enough, check out places like Olana (across from Catskill), Clermont, Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, and maybe others. The East shore of the Hudson is loaded with places like this to visit. Work your way South to Hyde Park and then head back North again.
|
| Prospective |
Posted - Aug 06 2012 : 19:46:49
Hi nancy. Yes it was van sloutan and it's not good. Made the best of it and anchored off fort ti. Getting ashore was not bad at all but took a little figuring. Had a great half day at the fort and set off back south for the canal.
Well that's when the fun started. Pulling into fort Edward south of the 7th lock. Got wide of a mark and hit some big old rocks. Damaged my props pretty good. After an extensive consult with the sea tow captain on the Hudson (sea tow doesn't cover the canal!) we elected to head out the next day for a very slow 11 hr cruise to Coyemans landing marina. It was the longest boating day of my life but certainly the right move. Got in late but was hauled first thing in am. Shafts run and are ok. Props pulled and driven to precision prop in newberg. Carl and Hedy here at the marina have been super. Hope to be back on our way on Wednesday. In the mean time we are renting a car to head to Hyde park and check out some historic sights. Also got laundry and shopping done. All in all Not do bad. |
| Nancy |
Posted - Aug 05 2012 : 20:25:21
P, glad you got to see Snake Den. That and Partridge Harbor are both amazing. Bummer on the Port Henry marina. If that was Van Slooten, it has good reviews on ActiveCaptain. Go figure. Anyway, I hope it worked out anchoring near the fort. Will be interested to hear if you had to bushwhack your way in. Maybe you pretended you were the British attacking! |
| VTBoater |
Posted - Aug 03 2012 : 20:22:21
There was a pair of Bald Eagles in Button Bay when we were there in early July, really cool to see them flying, fishing, etc...
Glad you enjoyed the lake, it is a spectacular place. The only problem is the season is so short. We rarely are in before May 15th, sometimes later due to the high water. We get hauled around October 1st, any boating after that is pretty cold.
I get jealous of the longer season you Ocean Boaters get.
Have a good trip south. |
| Carvervirgin |
Posted - Aug 03 2012 : 18:48:41
Pro, reading your update on the wi fi at Burton island. So glad you are enjoying the lake.
|
| Prospective |
Posted - Aug 03 2012 : 18:13:32
Well today got a little screwed up. Great night in Valcour boogied down to port Henry for a planned two days to restock and somehow get down to ft Ticonderoga. Made reservation a week ago. But pulled in today. They didn't seem to have any idea where to put me. Marina was rocking hard from boat wakes and place looked like a total dump. So we didn't dock. Turned around and headed down to ft ti. Anchored just below the fort and managed to find a way up. So we will visit tomorrow. Only bummer is we could have spent another night further up the lake had we known. But didn't feel like back tracking. But we did pull in to snake den harbor for a few minutes. Wow. 200 ft cliffs right next to water and 100ft depth right next to shore. Got great pics is a bald eagle and nest. Tomorrow ft ti in the am and back into the canals. This lake has been amazing. |
| Laissez-Faire |
Posted - Aug 01 2012 : 19:00:39
thanks Prospective |
| Prospective |
Posted - Aug 01 2012 : 16:43:35
17 feet for the Champlain. Get the ny canal guide. It has all the bridge clearances. I have the cruising guide to the Hudson river and lake Champlain but its a bit dated. Active captain has better current info on marinas. I am on a mooring in deep bay. Beautiful place with clean clear water and wooded shoreline. Very peaceful. |
| Laissez-Faire |
Posted - Aug 01 2012 : 07:34:49
I have done the loop twice, trying to do it one more time, would like to do Lake Champlain this time, but
can't seem to get the real bridge info, can someone give me the "real" clearance. Also is there a
good crusing guide (slips, diesel fuel, free dockage, suggested places)
tx in advance |
| Nancy |
Posted - Jul 31 2012 : 22:15:41
Good to have an update, P. You're covering a tremendous amount of ground! |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 31 2012 : 19:35:35
Arrived in st jean Quebec today. Nice little town right before first lock on chambly canal. Accomplished a major goal of crossing a border. Tomorrow will head back into the lake. Still more to see. Burton island was fantastic. Next stop is deep bay inside tread well bay then on to valcour. Things have been very smooth and we are having a great time. Hope it stays that way. |
| Nancy |
Posted - Jul 29 2012 : 19:44:41
Riverbed, thanks for the nice words. Be sure to let me know if you get back this way.
Dug50, geeze, it's a whole nother world over there on C dock! lol! Guess we ought to say hello one of these days.
Prospective, it was great meeting you and your family. Glad you enjoyed Burlington - I knew you would! Have a great time at Burton and do.not.be.bashful about calling if you need anything. What a gorgeous day today! |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 20:08:57
Over on a dock Headed into Burlington for the afternoon. Great city. Very cool. Heading out for burton island tomorrow am after fuel and pump out. Champlain marina has been great. |
| Carvervirgin |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 16:19:54
Pro, I was out fishing this morning and lightly looked for you at the marina as I launched the fishing boat next door at the public access. We are having engine trouble so I will be at the marina at Marble Island all afternoon tomorrow. If you are out and about (dingy?), stop by slip 95. Carver 356, "bucket list". Enjoy the lake. Weather is improving for you. John
|
| dug50 |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 14:50:22
Glad to hear your trip is going well and that you're staying at Champlain Marina for a couple of days. That's my home port (Warren Peace on C dock). Unfortunately I am out of town for a few days and won't be able to welcome you personally. The Staff at the marina are real friendly and helpful. If you need anything ask for Greg and he will take real good care of your. Enjoy your stay and the rest of your trip. |
| Riverbed |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 11:45:30
PRO!
Sounds like you're having a blast! When you get back, you'll have to post some photos!
And Nancy - I say your Albin at the marina on Wednesday and she's a beauty! Wish I had known it was yours. Spent Wednesday and part of Thursday at WVMT/95 Triple X radio just down the street.
Ate way to much on Church Street! |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 06:51:53
Safely tucked into Champlain marina in malletts bay. Thanks to RO Nancy for the warm welcome at the dock. Yesterday was a long haul 4.5 hrs in canal and 3.5 on plane to here. Kids handled it like champs. Planning to slow down a bit. Here for two nights. Will head into Burlington by taxi today to sight see and provision. Plan to spend next few days exploring the northern lake and then work our way back down and into the canals in 8 days. This lake is stunning and no way a week could ever do it justice. But I think we are gonna get a flavor for it. |
| VTBoater |
Posted - Jul 26 2012 : 19:46:58
Still feel like you are pushing too hard to appreciate the beauty of the southern end of the lake, there are plenty of anchorage spots between the Champlain bridge and Shelburne/Burlington if you are tired of traveling or want to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Burlington also has moorings that are on a first come first served basis, maybe an option to explore the area. Or there are several by the hour slips in front of the Burlington boathouse/ splash resturant. |
| Nancy |
Posted - Jul 26 2012 : 18:56:21
An early welcome to Champlain Marina! Yes, we are absolutely there. Look for us on A dock - the pretty Albin 28 with white hull and black bimini and no name on her transom yet.
Nancy |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 26 2012 : 18:10:47
Tied up at the ft Edward town wall at lock 7. Pretty in eventful trip so far but we've covered a lot of ground. Perhaps to much to really appreciate it. I plan to have another long day tomorrow and push all the way to mallets bay. Staying at Champlain marina for 2 days to rest and relax. Good price for diesel too If you are there please look for us. Then on to burton island perhaps. Burlington was booked for this weekend and next. Still figuring how to squeeze it in. |
| Carvervirgin |
Posted - Jul 26 2012 : 12:17:23
Prospective, sorry about the rain but good timing to be in the canal. The weather improves over the next several days. We'll be on the boat all weekend in Mallett's bay if you need anything. Keep posting. |
| HOGAN |
Posted - Jul 25 2012 : 18:00:43
Aren't they at Rondout Yacht Basin? |
| boatbum |
Posted - Jul 25 2012 : 17:44:13
quote:
Originally posted by Prospective
Hi everyone. Made it to rondout creek. Great 2 days in manhattan. Hope to be on lake by Friday. First lock tomorrow afternoon. Living the dream. Will post pic upon return!
If you are at Rondout Harbor please say hi to Cheryl and Jeff for us. Freedom is the name.
|
| sierra |
Posted - Jul 25 2012 : 17:28:25
Enjoy your night in Kingston! Without re-reading the thread, I forgot if someone mentioned having gloves on board. You'll want them for the locks after the Federal.
Continued great trip! |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 24 2012 : 20:39:41
Hi everyone. Made it to rondout creek. Great 2 days in manhattan. Hope to be on lake by Friday. First lock tomorrow afternoon. Living the dream. Will post pic upon return! |
| dumy |
Posted - Jul 20 2012 : 16:26:45
Nope-Buoy 39 no longer sells diesel. You may want to call ahead for your fuel stops.
Seems that you're familiar with that area of the lake. John & Cindy run a neat little operation and are real good folks.
Ron |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 09:55:29
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll
Don't you lose prime while underway? 5 people inside the cabin might get a bit overheated in the recent weather we have been having? Maybe you don't run your AC while underway? Either way I will still try and get you the answer.
Bill
Nope, never run the A/c while underway. Strictly a dock thing for us. My kids don't like riding down below underway anyway. They like to hang in the cockpit. But I am curious to know where the pump is normall located. |
| Billylll |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 09:51:48
Don't you lose prime while underway? 5 people inside the cabin might get a bit overheated in the recent weather we have been having? Maybe you don't run your AC while underway? Either way I will still try and get you the answer.
Bill |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 08:25:58
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll
Good luck on the extended cruising, I am sorry the guy that owns the 36' Tierra Open at my marina hasn't shown up yet so I can't answer your AC pump question. I hope you get the AC working while moving especially with 4 children onboard. It sounds like a great trip. My wife and I keep saying next year when it comes to cruising and still haven't left the Jersey shore or Delaware River yet. Hopefully you will post some pictures or perhaps do a web blog sharing the trip with the members on the board. If you record the voyage your children will cherish the memories when they get old enough to appreciate it and look back at your pictures. We have to leave the boat tomorrow and won't return until sometime Thursday hopefully the Tierra owner will show up before we leave.
Above all be safe and have fun!
Bill
Thanks Billy. With all of the other prep I might not actually get to the A/C. But at least I know I can use it if needed. Just have to prime it.
I will be taking lots of pics and keeping journal. I'll find some way to share it with the gang. |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 08:24:20
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG
Have fun!
Make sure you have active captain data stored locally on your laptop or smart phone. I consider it a must have on any trip outside home waters and a lot more important / up to date than cruising guides. PolarNavy on your laptop or charts n tides / eSeaChart on your smart phone. Download the update before you go.
Pascal, thanks for the tip on Active Captain. Now have EseaCharts loaded and synched on the ipad and have been exploring active captain info. Lots of up to date intel. |
| Billylll |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 21:12:28
Good luck on the extended cruising, I am sorry the guy that owns the 36' Tierra Open at my marina hasn't shown up yet so I can't answer your AC pump question. I hope you get the AC working while moving especially with 4 children onboard. It sounds like a great trip. My wife and I keep saying next year when it comes to cruising and still haven't left the Jersey shore or Delaware River yet. Hopefully you will post some pictures or perhaps do a web blog sharing the trip with the members on the board. If you record the voyage your children will cherish the memories when they get old enough to appreciate it and look back at your pictures. We have to leave the boat tomorrow and won't return until sometime Thursday hopefully the Tierra owner will show up before we leave.
Above all be safe and have fun!
Bill |
| VTBoater |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 19:50:23
The protection at Fort Ti is not bad from North, Northwest, or West winds. It would take quite a strong south wind to be a big deal to anchor there for the day, the lake there is not wide and not tons of fetch there, the waves rarely get very big. The guidebook says there is a set of stairs that can be dinghy'ed up to, I have not tried but it must be possible. Maybe you could call them and verify the stair option.
In my opinion the Lake is truly gorgeous from the Crown point bridge to Burlington, it seems to me a bad idea to rush through there just to get to Canada. Kingsland Bay, Button Bay, Converse Bay, Basin Harbor, are just great places. The New York side with all the small harbors through there is amazing. Up North of Treadwell bay in my opinion is not as scenic, admittedly some of that seen from the road and not the lake.
Mallets bay is nice, Thayer beach is worth the stop although the water is very shallow right now. Champlain Marina is an excellent marina.
|
| Harlan |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 18:14:00
Be sure to visit Chipman's Point Marina in Orwell, VT. Very nice & helpful people plus tons of history. Don't be put off by the appearance of the place, definitely one of the most interesting places we have visited. |
| Nancy |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 17:59:44
Prospective,
Malletts Bay is especially good if you want a night in a slip, clean showers, and easy provisioning. There are several good anchorages, too, including three with public beach access. Champlain Marina has diesel.
Nancy |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 13:29:28
quote:
Originally posted by gardnersf
Prospective, sounds like a great trip. We just got back from a week on Block and I am ready to go back out again. btw, are yuo in Cove Haven Marina? We just moved there this year
Hi Scott, Thanks. Doesn't look like we'll make Block this year. First time in 6 years. No, I'm not in Cove Haven any more. I'm on the other side of town at the Yacht Club. Cheaper and more friendly to DIY'rs. But I do miss the easy docking over at cove haven. |
| gardnersf |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 13:25:09
Prospective, sounds like a great trip. We just got back from a week on Block and I am ready to go back out again. btw, are yuo in Cove Haven Marina? We just moved there this year |
| PascalG |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 09:27:44
Have fun!
Make sure you have active captain data stored locally on your laptop or smart phone. I consider it a must have on any trip outside home waters and a lot more important / up to date than cruising guides. PolarNavy on your laptop or charts n tides / eSeaChart on your smart phone. Download the update before you go. |
| rawidman |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 08:50:52
Cruises like that are great. That's why I own a boat. Have fun and report back. |
| Prospective |
Posted - Jul 17 2012 : 08:31:45
Hey everyone, thanks for the well wishes. I especially appreciate the tips from area boaters. River, we "think" we'll be in Burlington around the 28th or 29th. For everyone suggesting Vergennes, I definitely considered it. I think my wife and I would love it but not sure about he kids. With so many great spots on the lake we decided to avoid the detour up otter creak. As for Malletts Bay, we hadn't planned on heading in there. But given all the recommendations we may have to find a way to visit. Some of it will just depend on how we feel. One leg in question is leaving Fort Edwards on the Canal. If I can make Burlington without an intermediate stop I'd pick up a day farther north on the lake and could fit in Malletts. Hope to be hitting Valcour mid-week and may avoid some crowds.
Another question for Champlain boaters. If I wanted to visit Fort Ticonderoga from my boat how would I do it? From what I've read the anchorage in front of the Ft is exposed and doesn't provide good or any shore access up to the fort. Was thinking about stoping in Port Henry and hiring a taxi or something to get there. Any suggestions?? |
| Nancy |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 21:19:52
Prospective, I'm in Malletts Bay, too, at Champlain Marina. If you need anything while in the area, you can email me at albin28te95 at gmail dot com. If you get blown off your intended course, there are almost always transient slips available, and the facilities are very nice. Gas dock is open 8:00AM to 8:00PM.
We just spent a beautiful weekend at Valcour in Spoon Bay. There were lots of boats, but it wasn't overcrowded. We did have to put up with a seven-boat Canadian raft Saturday afternoon playing very loud music, but they all left after an early dinner. Sloop Cove is usually our favorite at Valcour, but it's weedy and mucky near shore this year due to the low water.
Verizon broadband should be pretty good almost everywhere. |
| msalow |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 21:07:04
No need to be "terrified," just think of it as a new experience on the water. 4 kids on a 3 week cruise?...I'm sure it'll be nothing but smooth sailing. Seriously though, that's a trip that few (outside of the ROs here) would ever embark upon, so enjoy and pat yourself on the back. |
| Riverbed |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 20:41:05
ITK!
What an awesome trip!
I agree with everyone about Malletts Bay. Do you know roughly when you might be in that area (Burlington to Malletts)? I'll be in the area on Wednesday the 25th and would love to buy you a burger.
Post some photos! |
| VTBoater |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 20:26:05
Hey Ron,
Does John sell Diesel at Buoy 39?
We know them and were there a couple weeks ago, my sister in law has a camp on their leased land.
Their gasoline price was the best on the lake at 4.05.
Prospective - FYI the Vergennes trip is pretty neat, you need to set aside 24 hours for it. It is about 8 miles up the river at a strict 5 mph the whole way up. Can be hot and buggy, we went up a couple weeks ago for a night in 65 degree windy weather and it was a great choice to be able to walk around, fish, etc... in poor weather conditions. |
| dumy |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 20:02:53
Sounds like a great cruise. We are on Champlain one mile south of Fort Ticonderoga on the Vermont side at Buoy 39 Marina.
As stated above-pass the bouys on the correct side. For instance at one point south of Diamond Island the green can has 90 feet of water on the West side and 2 feet with snags on the East side.Stay out of Fields Bay.
If you do go up Otter Creek to Vergennes keep a sharp lookout for deadheads. Easy walk to town from the free city docks on the North side.
You mentioned the Valcour Island anchorage.
Nice spot but possibly one of the most popular
(read "crowded") anchorages on the lake. Get there early.
As for "air draft" on the Champlain Canal bridges you should have no problem with the water as low as it is.
As you most likely know, passports are now required to enter Canada.
I never know when I'll be around, but when in the Fort Ticonderaga area give a shout to "Rondor" on the VHF.
Lots of anchorages to be had.
Have a great time.
Ron
|
| VTBoater |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 17:09:52
I have been boating here from the Malletts bay area since 2007 and still have not made it up to Canada. We did a two week trip recently ending at the Fort Ticongeroga area. Some hightlights - Basin Harbor is really neat, nice pool and beautiful grounds, a little pricier than most destinations around here. Button Bay is a favorite of ours, you can dinghy over to the state park and they have a nice pool there, the only one in a Vermont state park. Good protection in North winds there also. North of Plattsburgh is Point au Rouche (sp?) beach, Deep Bay, and I hear Treadwell bay Marina is very nice. Valcour is our regular stop, spent the weekend there. Hiking, campfires, beaches, coves, awesome place.
As mentioned the lower lake water quality is a little ugly until north of the new Crown point bridge. Brownish water and floating seaweed. It get a lot better from there up.
Have a great trip. |
| Audrey II |
Posted - Jul 16 2012 : 16:23:46
Let us know when you will be in Haverstraw.
Have a great trip! |
-
