Most sailors drop their mast when entering the Erie canal at Albany. With mast down you might be able to motor to Buffalo to avoid the Welland. Navigation depth is 12 feet and is a 7 day run from Albany to Buffalo.This site gives bridge heights http://www.canals.ny.gov/boating/bridgeheights.html The other option is the Trent-Severn, however I believe you will have draft problems since they only have a six foot draft navigation. You might want to check and see if it is deeper this season due to snow pack. Risky at best. This is the fastest way to Superior. Going up in the Welland locks requires three people on board and to be avoided if you can. You should contact Roger St Amand to help you through the Welland locks. He knows the freighter schedule, the lock masters and all the best tie spots in the locks. (_yachts4u@ican.net_ (mailto:yachts4u@ican.net) ) One person has to be at the helm at all times. The Great Lakes have no depth problem. If you go through Lake Erie call and we can have dinner at Put-in-Bay. Great stop. Craig Anderson 4197229218 _Treadnwater@aol.com_ (mailto:Treadnwater@aol.com) In a message dated 4/9/2016 9:42:15 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, baypelican@gmail.com writes: The Hudson River, Eastern Erie Canal, the Welland and the Lakes will permit a seven foot draft. You did not mention your air draft which will be very important on the Erie. Marty Campanella Bay Pelican KK42 _______________________________________________ http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com