Ahoy J. Michael aboard the Hatteras, The real "show stopper" clearance is a railroad in the down position in Chicago. Refer to # 1 in the web site below http://www.greatloop.org/frequently-asked-questions-cms-84 This is another air draft restriction from Albany to the Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario, to and through to the Welland locks to Lake Erie. http://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising/nyscs.php A Mini Triangle 3 month summer cruise takes you up the Hudson River to Lake Champlain through Canada to the St Lawrence seaway down to Lake Ontario Oswego Canal back to Albany. Refer # 3 in the first web sight. Although you have several other concerns, this might put you at ease, many of us in single engine trawlers have navigated the entire loop and ENJOYED every moment and nautical mile along the way, when at times we were single handed. . Low Bridge, everybody down, Low Bridge, we are coming to a town. You'll always know your neighbor You'll always know your pal. If you ever navigated on the Erie Canal Ciao, Capt. Joe In a message dated 3/3/2014 10:14:40 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, jmlejets@gmail.com writes: I am potentially planning a Great Loop Trip in my Hatteras, 70', draft is 5' and bridge limit is variable, I can put mast down, but it is big hassle. How often will I need to put the mast down? How low do I need to get for safe clearance limit? Can it be done in this boat? Is there a single source document or web site that gives a good overview and potential problem areas? Thanks for the input. Best regards, J. Michael MERMAID TALES 70' Hatteras CPMY _______________________________________________ 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 Ciao, Capt. Joe

What a great site for info on the NY State Canal System, Capt Joe! Wife is from Seneca Falls, NY and I'm from Chautauqua Lake area. We had hoped to make the loop, but lost our boat in a weather event three years ago and we're too old now to start over again. * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** D C "Mac" Macdonald ** * Grand Lake & OKC - OK * ** AGLCA (#217) & USPS ** * * (no current boat) * * ** USAF & FAA, Retired ** ** Amateur Radio K2GKK ** * * k2gkk@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > From: CaptJoe60@aol.com > Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2014 11:19:32 -0500 > To: great-loop@lists.trawlering.com > Subject: Re: GL: Great Loop Limits > > Ahoy J. Michael aboard the Hatteras, > > The real "show stopper" clearance is a railroad in the down position in > Chicago. > Refer to # 1 in the web site below > > http://www.greatloop.org/frequently-asked-questions-cms-84 > > This is another air draft restriction from Albany to the Oswego Canal to > Lake Ontario, to and through to the Welland locks to Lake Erie. > > http://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising/nyscs.php > > A Mini Triangle 3 month summer cruise takes you up the Hudson River to > Lake Champlain through Canada to the St Lawrence seaway down to Lake Ontario > Oswego Canal back to Albany. Refer # 3 in the first web sight. > > Although you have several other concerns, this might put you at ease, many > of us in single engine trawlers have navigated the entire loop and ENJOYED > every moment and nautical mile along the way, when at times we were single > handed. . > > Low Bridge, everybody down, > Low Bridge, we are coming to a town. > You'll always know your neighbor > You'll always know your pal. > If you ever navigated on the Erie Canal > > > Ciao, Capt. Joe