DAYS 41-42: The TRUTH About Low Bridges & Newark to Spencerport

Newark to Spencerport, NY: 42 miles; 7 hours {Locks E-27 to Lock E-33}

Spencerport
FREE dock with electric, water, shower, bathroom; a coin-operated laundromat is a short walk away. A nice walk around town, plan to grill out and having docktails with other Loopers.

We stayed an extra day because of a failed lift bridge ahead of us.

TRUTH About Low Bridges: 
There are two very low fixed bridges along the canal at 15.5 feet but they aren't the only ones. There are a LOT MORE than simply two low fixed bridges! Every old railroad bridge along the western part of the Erie Canal is a low fixed bridge at about 16 feet and you need to be prepared for all of them. They start at Lock E-29 so have your boat ready with a spotter up top and everything pulled down. Be prepare to hit reverse at the last minute. 

The Real Tests are at Locks E-29 to E-30: 
There are bridges and guard gates between these locks; if you are close to the limit for either of these, stop at Macedon NY and take down your radar, isinglass, and/or Bimini top. It's NOT too soon because more are on the way. Around Lock E-33, you have the two 15.5 bridges followed by a quick series of back to back 16 foot fixed bridges and guard gates. The wind will always work against you if you try take everything down while underway; so, why risk splashing that radar? 

Another good reason for full fuel and water tanks, weighs you down.

RESOURCES: You'll need to use the Boater's Resource Guide packet for this next leg of the journey (you picked this up in Waterford). After Spencerport, it's all lift bridges and a handful of Guard Gates. The packet has a list of phone numbers for the Bridge Masters and states the distance between locks/bridges to help you determine your trip wisely. You never want to be stuck between bridges without safe dockage/anchorage. The Bridge Masters will also advise you where to dock if there is a problem up river. Lock E-34 is forever away at Lockport.

SPEEDING IN THE CANAL: There was a Pontoon Looper a good distance behind us and he closed the distance quickly - too quickly. The Bridge Master scolded them like a naughty child.

Bridge Masters communicate with each other; then there's the Bridge Master operating three bridges, driving from one to another to let you through. They have been known to hold off requested passage if you are speeding in the canals. It is perfectly within their right to do this for safety reasons. If everyone follows the rules then everything works out for the best.

MOTTO: Remember: NEVER be the entertainment.

This is how close we were to the first low fixed bridge with the Bimini up. We scooted under the bridge by a hands length. We were ready and had the radar down, side isinglass stored, and were prepared to drop the bimini if necessary. 

Pay attention to the water levels of the canals and ask the Lock/Bridge Masters what the water is doing up ahead. Maybe they have reduced the water level because if an inoperable lock, bridge, or failed dam. Next to having the Boater's Resource Guide at the helm, communication with the Bridge/Lock Masters will be the best resource.