From Oswego on Lake Ontario to Troy on the Hudson River, there are 30 locks to negotiate. When you approach each lock there is a sign posted giving you the name and number of the lock and the details on the amount of descent or ascent. On our last trip through in 1994 a canal pass for a boat 26-39 feet was $15 per day or $75 for a seasonal pass but you can get the latest rates at their website . The pass was the best option for our relaxed pace. 

At Lake Ontario you are 245 feet above sea level and from there you ascend to 420 feet at Rome, NY, then descend to 1.3 feet above sea level in the Hudson River. 

Since our mast is keel-stepped, it really overhangs the boat at both ends making it vulnerable as we come up against the lock walls. We thought this wooden "battering ram" that Eileen Quinn and David Allester built to protect the ends of their mast on "Little Gidding" was a great idea. 

Note: We met Eileen and David going south in 1994. Eileen is a cruising sailor and singer who writes wonderfully entertaining songs about the cruising life. She performs at many events across North America each year and you can preview her cassettes and CD's on her website.

Once safely up against the wall, we line up one of the lock cables amidships and then bring a bow and stern line to it.

When the lock operator sees you are ready, he begins to fill or empty the lock, depending where you are in the system. One of us holds the lines making sure they slide smoothly up or down. You don't want a line to snag and be left hanging in the air as the water drops! (The lock operator would stop the water instantly if he saw trouble.) ----- Photo 14 - CU showing muddy gloves.


It's a good idea to wear a pair of old gloves since line handling can be a mucky job! The other member of the crew stands by, ready to fend off if necessary. Two-Step's full keel makes her vulnerable to the turbulence when the lock is filling so she can suddenly veer. Most boats sit quietly however and, since we make the transit off-season in mid-September, we usually have the locks to ourselves and don't have to worry about other boats.