Erie Champlain Canal Boat Company, Inc.

Erie Champlain Canal Boat Company, Inc. featured in Canals and Rivers, 2008! http://www.eccboating.com/cr-article/page1.html

-----------------Barging Through Life: At 7 mph-------------------- --------------From: Robert Davenport, New York, NY---------------... Magical and majestic, part Amazon River, French Canal, and Northwoods Lake, the Erie Canal and its locks are a true national treasure that floats effortlessly and timelessly through Upstate New York. Rich in history and magnificent panoramas, and studded with an amazing array of waterfowl, wading birds, and birds of prey, the Erie Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Erie Canal boats are handsome, charming, and intimate, and are the only way to journey along the Canal. Cruising at a leisurely seven miles per hour, the boats embody the pace and peace of a time long past, permitting the captain and crew to enjoy every river bend, mountain vista, wild flower, fish and bird. The lock keepers are very friendly and assuring. We loved chatting with them as they hoisted or lowered us through their amazingly simple routines. What began as sweaty palms approaching the intimidating locks, soon became comfortable banter with new found friends. Richard Powell, entrepreneur of the Erie-Champlain Boat Company is always attentive and helpful, and never more than an instant away by cell phone to provide advice and counsel. The services along the Canal are still Spartan, but with a little planning, after each day’s voyage, we were able to dine on fine wine and local cheeses and produce, delighting in cool evenings and spectacular sunsets. From never having been on a boat larger than a row boat in sixty-one years, in two short hours I became an experienced and skillful captain capable of maneuvering the Canal and more than forty of its locks over our week’s expedition. While perfect for a family outing, I think it would be better to go with a lover.

CRUISE HISTORICAL NEW YORK with CAPTAIN RICHARD POWELL! RATES: Adults: $15 per person Seniors 60+: $13 per person... Children 4-10: $10 per person Group Rates are Available Please call for reservations (518) 432-6094 (518) 577-6363

You will travel in comfort, safety, and style aboard Erie-Champlain Canal Boat Company’s fleet of custom-designed boats. Descending from a long heritage of European and American boat building, each vessel - with its classic lines, rugged steel hull, brass trimmings and rich colors has its own personality and charm. They are rented to you fully equipped, providing the ideal floating home away from home for enjoyable hours of tranquil cruising. Erie-Champlain Canal Boat Company... offers you an enchanting way to experience a world few people ever have a chance to see. Experience an open textbook of history as you pass through the waterways and countryside. A self-captained boating vacation spells quality time for friends and family to discover and explore new places at a gentle pace in the privacy of your own boat. Unlike mariners of yesteryear, you will travel in comfort; safety and style while indulging in the pastimes you enjoy most. Awaken to the crisp fresh air of a summer’s morning as the smell of coffee lures you to breakfast with shipmates on the fantail. The mist clears revealing a lovely day ahead for hiking along scenic trails, a round of golf, touring historic places or just cruising along waterways that abound in wildlife and splendid scenery. The cruising season begins on June 1st and ends on a colorful note with peak fall foliage throughout October. Weekly charters depart on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. and return the following Friday by noon. Early arrivals may stay on the boat on Friday evening for an additional charge of $100 (subject to availability). Special arrangements may be made for extended charters.

The 41 feet long and 10 feet wide canal boats are equipped with two double-berth cabins and additional sleeping in the dining area-where the existing table and benches convert into sleeping facility. Also included is a spacious galley; two heads and a shower. Privacy doors separate cabins if needed. Your fully equipped galley includes plates, bowels, mugs,glasses, flatware, pots and pans, tea kettle, can opener, colander, ladle, spatula, knives, cutting board, dish clothes an...d much more. Central heat, stainless steel gas range and oven, sink, electric refrigerator, cooking utensils, table service and plenty of storage. Engine: 40 horsepower Yanmar diesel, with single level control, and electric bow thruster is standard equipment to help with your port and starboard maneuvering. Included is plenty of fuel to start your week. Open Bow: Cushioned bench seats with a table for your outside dining. VHF radio, first aid kit, life jackets, life ring, smoke detectors, flashlight and flares provided. For more info visit our website! http://www.eccboating.com/index.html See more