35 LOCKS down the Erie Canal with a baby & toddler [E282]
February 25, 2024 · 22 min · 1K views · Spencerport, New York
What this video covers
The crew of a cruising sailboat transits the Erie Canal with a toddler and an infant, navigating locks and bridges while managing childcare and cold, rainy weather. To maintain boat control during lock transits, the parents secure the infant below deck in a safe zone and keep the toddler entertained on deck with snacks and games.14:18 They prefer locks equipped with vertical cables for line handling, noting that some locations require extra-long dock lines due to widely spaced cleats.15:29 The vessel utilizes a full cockpit enclosure and weather gear to maintain comfort in 15-degree Celsius temperatures.20:44 When approaching bridges, the crew uses a handheld VHF radio on channel 13 to request passage.17:32 The boat maintains a position on the north side of the canal near Fairport to avoid shallow water, as the south side requires a draft of less than four feet to prevent grounding.8:09 The crew emphasizes that docking is the primary method for stopping, as anchoring space is limited throughout the canal.21:44
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