The NY Canal system offers a wonderful shortcut from the Great Lakes to the Mid Atlantic coast. The alternative route to the ocean would be the St Lawrence Seaway, way north east around Nova Scotia, and then back south west along the coast to NYC. From where we entered the canal at Oswego NY, this would require over 1500 miles of travel. Short cutting through the middle of New York State cuts the travel distance to under 300 miles.
On the downside, the canal was built for barges that were not very tall so the bridges we must go under only provide about 25 feet of clearance. So, for sailboats, the mast must come down. There is a marina just inside the river at Oswego that we used to help us.
The first step is to build supports that will hold the mast above the deck while we travel. I built a support for one end on the radar arch. Then I built 2 more supports for the bow and middle.
Next step was to move the boat over to a wall where there is a big crane that can pull the mast. The mast is about 60′ long and weighs 700 lb. so a large crane is needed. All the sails, hardware, lines, and wires need to be disconnected before the mast can be lifted.
Next, a sling is rigged around the mast and it is lifted straight up and out of the boat. On our boat the mast goes through the deck and steps on the keel so there is about 6′ of the mast that is in the cabin. The first 6 feet pulled up must be exactly vertical to avoid any damage. After the mast is high enough to clear the cabin, it is tilted over and lowered into the supports I built. Everything is lashed and strapped down so it is secure.
It was 2 very full days of hard work for us to get the mast down, but we are very happy with the way everything worked out. The mast is up and out of the way and, for the most part we were able to keep the decks clear so we can move around. We just have to remember the big stick hanging off each end.
Now we are ready for the canal.
Whew! Hard work, but worth it in the end! LOVE YOU!!!!!
Love the title of this update!
You will be coming down the Hudson River along Manhattan eventually. I went on a boat ride around Manhattan – going underneath the bridges there is really fascinating.They were built during different periods in New York history, so the construction details to each bridge is different. You will also notice how the elevation changes from upper to lower Manhattan. The skyline is really great – even for non-city folk 🙂
Yeah, I know, you still have many miles to go until you get there. 🙂
Be safe and have fun!!
So what ur saying is you need a full time, on board carpenter. Well well ok then!
I am loving my vicarious adventure through your posts! God Bless and Safe journey. Look forward to your next entry.
Reading you post brings back fond memories. Looking forward to following your travels online. Enjoy!
Thanks Dave. I feel like I’m following your footsteps. I’m reading your Active Captain reviews.
As usual, a fascinating account or your projects and travels. Hope all continues to go well!
Wow – what a project!