www.iFourWinns.com

Starting to get that itch already, and I'm now thinking about planning next year's trip! We've done the Trent-Severn waterway, and the Rideau/Ottawa River/St.Lawrence loop - now I'm thinking of trailering the boat (from Toronto) down to NYC, putting in somewhere in the harbor and heading up the Hudson to Albany, then through the Erie Canal over to Buffalo (where we'll get picked up again).

Just wondering if anyone has done this route, or parts of it, and if you have any tips/suggestions?

Thanks all

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2005 Sundowner
2008 Highlander V6

We are hoping to do the St. Lawrence, Ottawa, Rideau Canal trip this coming summer. I know several people that have left Kingston headed to Oswego and then down to NYC. They say the locks on that system are very dirty (walls covered in green slime) so bring gloves and old lines. It takes about four days each way.
If I were you I would be tempted to just trailer to Buffalo and then leave from and return to that point. The canals go by the "inland" route or you could take Lake Ontario to Oswego. This would give you two different routes to maximize your exposure to that part of the boating world. Plus I think you can even get onto the Finger Lakes. The system of canals is quite extensive once you start looking.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I have traveled the length of the Hudson many times. I would strongly encourage you to pick up the Great Lakes Edition of Dozier's Waterway Guide. It covers what you are looking to do and, as much as you can find the information piece-meal online, I have found this to be an indispensable resource. Marinas, anchorages, dock & dine, history - it's all there. Compliment that by rolling through your route on Active Captain and you'll be loaded down with info. I'm not familiar with boat ramps near the NY Harbor (I assume you prefer that to a travel-lift) but beyond that, here are a few suggestions of great spots to consider. So much obviously depends on how much ground you want to cover in a day. You could easily make it from NYC to Albany in one day, but why? This will get you started. I'll check back after the weekend to add more when I have some time...

-Liberty Landing Marina. It is in Jersey City directly across from lower Manhattan. A great place to start things off. It's just north of the Statue and, if you have the time to stay there a night, you'll be able to spend a day circumnavigating Manhattan. It's a great facility free from the chaotic wakes that plague other area marinas and you have a great view of the city, something you don't get if you stay on the city side. They have a water taxi right there to lower Manhattan as well.

-Alpine Boat Basin. As you head north, it is on the Jersey side just north of the George Washington Bridge. Cheapest gas on the river.

-Croton Point. One of the nicest anchorages on the lower Hudson. It's north of the Tappan Zee Bridge onn the east side. Good holding, great swimming.

-Haverstraw Marina. If you're taking your time on this trip, it's a really easy ride to here from the city. You could even tour the city and hit Haverstraw on the same day very easily. Huge marina with nice, albeit pricey restaurant and pool.

-As you get north of Haverstraw you come upon one of the most spectacular spots on this trip, World's End, which encompasses Bear Mountain (and the Bear Mountain Bridge) and West Point. I believe if you are military you can tie up at their docks and take a tour. North of there is another great area with the historic remains of Bannerman Castle and the Newburgh waterfront. Front Street Marina is a good stop for the night there, although it can rock & roll. A whole strip of great eats right at the waterfront - makes a good lunch stop as well.

More soon... stay tuned

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Outstanding! Thanks very much guys! This is a great help, and should make the next few months bearable as I firm up some plans. There's something very cool about thinking of floating around in NY harbor taking in the sights - and I've read the Hudson valley has spectacular scenery.

Never thought about starting in Buffalo, going down then back again, but worth considering if its doable in 10 days or so - hoping that by next summer Buffalo will be dug out of the snow - it's barely December, and they just got a 2 foot dump already!!

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2005 Sundowner
2008 Highlander V6