... we encountered on our two trips. This
isn't exhaustive or all-inclusive. Time references
are at ~6 mph, cruising speed on Oneida. [Year] references are noted where it might
matter.
Check the log books on your boat for recommendations
from other boaters. In 2000, the boats all
had brand new Cruising Guides on board with
information on facilities along the way.
Erie Canal:
Lock 24 Baldwinsville has quite a bit of sea wall and some floating dock for tying up on the west side of the lock. The town is putting in a small park adjacent. No water or electricity. You'll get a good look at this at the end of your checkout cruise. There's a decent restaurant at the lock.
Cross Lake Marina charges $0.75 per foot per night for dockage [1999]. There is fuel, a restaurant, showers, bathrooms available. We only used the restaurant, and perhaps we could have tied up for a short while to do that without fee. The marina is about 3 hours from lock 24 (at 6 mph)Lock 25 We didn't ask about drinking water, but didn't see any available. It was quiet. The lock master on duty offered a brief tour of the ~1918 equipment. It's a remote setting.
Lock 26 Quiet except for the occasional freight train on a nearby busy line. I don't remember hearing them during the night. Likewise, a remote spot.
Lock 27 (Lyons) There are 2 electrical outlets at the town dock on the north side, east of the lock. There was no charge for docking or power [2000].
Lock 28A - the lock master on duty was very friendly, pro-actively mentioning to us that there was water available if we needed same. The spigot is fairly close to the lock gate on the south shore, west end of the lock.
Newark (west of lock 28B) - free docking, electricity for a fee with a parking-meter like arrangement ($0.25 for 2 hours). Stores and restaurants nearby.
Fairport This is a nice overnight spot. There is an $8 fee for docking [2000]. There are a few restaurants nearby, supermarket, coffee shop, etc.
Cayuga-Seneca Canal:
Seneca Falls - very nice facilities with free docking, electricity, water, and pump-out (may have a fee; not necessary for a one week cruise on the canal boat). We came through here on a Sunday, so shops were closed as were the women's rights museums by the time we got out and about. There's a grocery nearby, and some restaurants.
Oswego Canal:
Phoenix - at the south end of lock 1, the town has a small dock, staffed with volunteers who assisted us in docking. There's a pump-out, fresh water, a few power outlets, a grocery, and restaurants nearby. This is ~90 minutes from Mid-Lakes Navigation's facility at Cold Spring Harbor if the current isn't strong.
Fulton - we tied up on the lock walls between locks 2 and 3. A guidebook on board our boat mentioned a small town marina, but we didn't see it on arrival. It is located immediately south of lock 3 on the east side. It is a nice facility, but it doesn't appear large enough to accommodate canal boats in the 34-44 foot range.
In 2000, the marina wasn't open as of June 25.
We had good dinners both years at the Lock 3 Restaurant overlooking lock 3. Meals tended to be large so skip lunch or plan on a 'doggie bag' if dinner here is in your plans.