Yes, it's mast-down all the way, with lots of bridges and guard gates to pass under. A few movable (lift) bridges, but they're not high enough when up, either.fishheadbarandgrill wrote:Based on my review of this old thread and reviewing most of the pix (which are fantastic), it looks like a transit of the canal would be a motoring experience. Is that the case? If so, I'll just leave the mast at home. Can someone confirm?
BUT, you can sail Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, which are connected to the Erie Canal by the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, though they're a detour, and not requiring transit if staying in the Erie Canal.
If you do leave the mast behind, you'll need to rig a steaming light. I would use a stub mast with steaming light, which is good for a hand-hold, and for lashing bicycles to and such, like the for-rent canal barges do.
If you make the trip, stop overnight in Fairport. Great little town, great docking with water and power ($7 per night for a Mac
), and my boat will probably be there. Or come on-a-my house for dinner and/or a car ride for supplies. 
All-season pass for locks and lift bridges is $50 for boats under 26 ft, and the Mac is 25 ft 9 in, and my registration says 25 ft (they go by the registration). There's no requirement to have a pass to boat on the canal, but they won't lock you through or raise the lift bridges without one.
End-to-end is on my bucket list.
