rick&sue
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2014
- Messages
- 135
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2506J607
- Vessel Name
- POPEYE
Since we retired a little over a year ago, we have been checking items off our bucket list. The first three items, which we completed, were cruising Lake Superior, cruise the ICW from Mobile, AL to Carrabelle, FL and cruise Lake Michigan. The fourth item was to cruise the Erie Canal, and Hudson River of which we just completed.
We trailered the boat to Tonawanda, New York (from Wisconsin) and began the canal trip at the Tonawanda Wall on the canal on the 13th of September. We carry bikes with us so we can explore the towns along the way. We arrived at Waterford (the end of the Erie Canal) on the 22nd. Continued down the Hudson arriving at Liberty Landing in New Jersey on the 26th of September. We spent four days exploring NYC traveling by ferry and subway. Liberty Landing is a very convenient marina – easy walk to the ferry that goes to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the ferry to Manhattan. We then returned to Roundout Yacht Basin (Kingston) where we left the boat, rented a car and picked up our truck and trailer from Tonawanda, NY. We spent a number of days touring the various mansions and towns along the Hudson, with our truck, before pulling the boat and heading home to Wisconsin.
The weather was near perfect. We did have some rain and wind while at NYC but it did not interrupt our activities. The leaves were beginning to change as we went north on the Hudson – spectacular river valley. New York is a beautiful state and we met great people including the lock operators, marina staff, and the general public in NYC and the small towns - where ever we went. I was surprised by the few boats that use the canal system. Understandably we were cruising late in the season, but we went for many, many hours without seeing another boat. New York Harbor was another story – busy, busy, busy and waves from every direction. We took pictures of the Statue of Liberty, cruised up the East River and Governors Island. Overall, it was a fabulous trip and would encourage others to give it a try.
We put 90.1 hours on the boat with zero problems. I can’t say enough good things about the Ranger Tug. The R25 provides enough space for the two of us. Its easy for the two of us to handle the boat at the various docks and marinas. We are small enough that the marinas can put us about anywhere. Even a “full” marina can typically fit us in. We can comfortably anchor out when we feel like it. The shallow draft has saved me from grounding. We have taken waves over the bow in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior (incorrect forecasts). The boat can handle the rough seas better that we can. The flexibility of trailering allows for unlimited cruising grounds. We pull it with a 3500 GMC (single – no dual wheels) Diesel. I’m really happy with this combination – we can maintain traffic speeds in any terrain. 4WD is very useful for pulling out the boat on wet slippery landings and it’s a stable platform when I have had to make emergency maneuvers. The boat makes a great camper when we are on the road. The truck - without duals works well for visiting land based attractions and fits in my garage.
I would be happy to provide more details if anybody is interested in making the same trip. You can use my e-mail address- N1322D@GMAIL.COM
The next item on our bucket list is Olympia, Seattle, Vancouver, and inside passage (next summer) – of which I will need a lot of advice from all of you who cruise this area.
Rick & Sue George
We trailered the boat to Tonawanda, New York (from Wisconsin) and began the canal trip at the Tonawanda Wall on the canal on the 13th of September. We carry bikes with us so we can explore the towns along the way. We arrived at Waterford (the end of the Erie Canal) on the 22nd. Continued down the Hudson arriving at Liberty Landing in New Jersey on the 26th of September. We spent four days exploring NYC traveling by ferry and subway. Liberty Landing is a very convenient marina – easy walk to the ferry that goes to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the ferry to Manhattan. We then returned to Roundout Yacht Basin (Kingston) where we left the boat, rented a car and picked up our truck and trailer from Tonawanda, NY. We spent a number of days touring the various mansions and towns along the Hudson, with our truck, before pulling the boat and heading home to Wisconsin.
The weather was near perfect. We did have some rain and wind while at NYC but it did not interrupt our activities. The leaves were beginning to change as we went north on the Hudson – spectacular river valley. New York is a beautiful state and we met great people including the lock operators, marina staff, and the general public in NYC and the small towns - where ever we went. I was surprised by the few boats that use the canal system. Understandably we were cruising late in the season, but we went for many, many hours without seeing another boat. New York Harbor was another story – busy, busy, busy and waves from every direction. We took pictures of the Statue of Liberty, cruised up the East River and Governors Island. Overall, it was a fabulous trip and would encourage others to give it a try.
We put 90.1 hours on the boat with zero problems. I can’t say enough good things about the Ranger Tug. The R25 provides enough space for the two of us. Its easy for the two of us to handle the boat at the various docks and marinas. We are small enough that the marinas can put us about anywhere. Even a “full” marina can typically fit us in. We can comfortably anchor out when we feel like it. The shallow draft has saved me from grounding. We have taken waves over the bow in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior (incorrect forecasts). The boat can handle the rough seas better that we can. The flexibility of trailering allows for unlimited cruising grounds. We pull it with a 3500 GMC (single – no dual wheels) Diesel. I’m really happy with this combination – we can maintain traffic speeds in any terrain. 4WD is very useful for pulling out the boat on wet slippery landings and it’s a stable platform when I have had to make emergency maneuvers. The boat makes a great camper when we are on the road. The truck - without duals works well for visiting land based attractions and fits in my garage.
I would be happy to provide more details if anybody is interested in making the same trip. You can use my e-mail address- N1322D@GMAIL.COM
The next item on our bucket list is Olympia, Seattle, Vancouver, and inside passage (next summer) – of which I will need a lot of advice from all of you who cruise this area.
Rick & Sue George