Its been a long while since I've posted anything to the Shipsblog blog (or updated the site for that matter), except for the occasional update from visitors to the site. Here's a recap of the last couple years:

• In 2005 no real work was done on the site due to work, travel, and family matters that took priority.
• In 2006 the NYS Canals were flooded a good part of the season limiting our trips to day trips and a couple of local overnights. No posts were done to the site.
• In 2007 we upgraded our boat to a brand new 2007 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer which unfortunately had many problems (never buy a first model year boat - don't know what I was thinking) so we had very limited boating time and one trip to Fairport. Since I have already covered the Fairport/Pittsford sections of the canal in the blog I didn't make an entry, however in 2008 I plan on an entry for every outing as I have in the past.

The results of the 310 Sundancer issues are as follows:

• After some outstanding support from Smith Boys of Rochester NY in particular our salesman, we had many problems effectively taken care of over several visits.
• The problem was that as soon as one problem was fixed, others arose. I won't list the fixes needed in this post, but there were about 27 different quality issues that we discovered, some minor, some major. Overall there were just too many to want to keep the boat.
• After our salesman directed us to Sea Ray's customer service and a long, calm talk with their customer service manager, we discussed hauling the boat out of the water, shipping it to Smith Boys, and overhauling it to correct all problems. But after a long summer with so many disappointments on that particular boat, swapping it out for a new one was mentioned and considered as an option.
• Sea Ray was clearly genuinely concerned about their reputation as a quality boat maker and worked with Smith Boys over the course of the next few weeks to decide what to do.
• To my complete amazement and delight and the hard work of my salesman, Sea Ray agreed to a swap out of the 2007 310 Sundancer to a brand new 2008 310 Sundancer at the 2007 year price! Lesson learned: It pays to be calm and not angry in these situations; according to my salesman that impressed Sea Ray's representative the most. And I felt that Sea Ray understood that with that many problems with a particular boat, the boat is "tainted" and owners just don't want to use it for fear of the next big problem.
• So today, January 19, 2008, I'm headed up to Rochester where the new 2008 310 Sundancer was delivered last week. The salesman and I will scour the boat in dry dock to check for any obvious problems.
• In mid-May as the boating season starts here in the Finger Lakes, my family will take a shake down cruise staying at the marinas in Rochester on Lake Ontario to find any possible problems that can be fixed immediately at the Smith Boys site in Rochester. We plan on at least a couple days of travel (weather permitting that early in the season), to test it out.
• For Memorial Day 2008 our plan is to get the new Kopasetic home via Lake Ontario to the Owsego Canal and onto the Erie Canal, then head west to Cayuga Lake.
• As a side note, we have renovated our lift to add padded sides above the bunks that make docking a simple, safer process. I will post pictures and tell the tale of our dock as a separate part of the web site. You can read earlier posts to learn what we did about building a dock on a Finger Lake.

Thanks all for your patience while I get back on board the Shipsblog and continue to update and add to the site.

Captain Ben

Labels: 310 Sundancer, captains update

posted by Ben Kopf 8:34 AM

Friday, January 18, 2008

 

Hello Everyone,

My work on Shipsblog came to a standstill over the 2007 season for several reasons, but after a transfer of the site to a new internet service provider and working out some kinks in the site, I'm ready to start updating the site with new information and updated information. I appreciate everyone's patience as we make the changes to the site.

Happy New Year and have a great boating season in 2008!

Cheers,
Ben Kopf

Labels: captains update

posted by Ben Kopf 10:44 PM

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

 

Hi All,

Captain Ben reporting in after another aborted summer on the NYS Canal System. This time it wasn't the weather, the kids, or the locks - it was the brand new Kopasectic II. We traded in our Sea Ray 270 Sundancer for a model new 310 Sundancer that had all the features we liked and that could keep the family happy during long canal cruises. But...I bought the first model year of a new style boat, which anyone can tell you is asking for trouble.

I won't get into the problems we had, suffice to say that we are getting a new 310 Sundancer next year courtesy of Sea Ray (and what I could only describe as lemon law practices). It will be a new 2008 310 Sundancer in which I added one amenity - a generator.

All told we only got onto the canal system 3 times during the summer of 2007, so the site has no new territorial expansion. My real job as a software UI designer also heated up, making my hobby site a second priority. For those of you who wrote - I thank you. For those of you who gave up checking in on the site content - I understand.

This winter I hope to bring some entirely new (and updated content) to the ShipsBlog site, with our end goal being a MapQuest like page that will let you plan your travels and waypoints.

We are still a not-for-profit organization, so my real job takes precedent, but I'm hoping to make a go of www.canalquest.com in the not so distant future.

Everyone have a good winter, and when we take delivery of the new boat in May of 2008, we hope to hear more from you and hopefully you'll hear more from us!

Regards,
Captain Ben (not a real captain, but that's what they call anyone piloting a boat).

Labels: 2007, boating, status, winter

posted by Ben Kopf 4:29 PM

Sunday, October 01, 2006

 

The summer NYS Canal trips were postponed until the 2007 boating season due to flooding. A crucial lock on the canal was closed preventing us from taking our trip to Lake Champlain. Stay tuned as the site is updated...along with the Kopasetic.

Ben Kopf

Captain of the Kopasetic

October 1, 2006

posted by Ben Kopf 8:48 AM

Friday, March 17, 2006

 

So Google recently purchased Writely, a free web word processor that is fairly robust and compatible with MS Word.

It seems to have a few bugs but I'm going to have a go at using it as my processor for the ShipsBlog this summer 2006.

Captain Ben

posted by Ben Kopf 4:02 PM

Sunday, May 29, 2005

 

Personal Log
My friend Jim hit the water with me on Memorial Day for what has become almost a tradition - we take the first official "pleasure cruise" on the Kopasetic to break her in for the season. We took a short trip south on Cayuga Lake to Taghaunnock Falls to park off her shores and enjoy a beverage. Then we headed back north and stopped at the Lighthouse Restaurant where we had some appetizers. After our munch we went back to the lift and my second docking went perfectly in the new lift.

Ships Log
Weather was great for the day. Water was calm and perfect - picture perfect boating. The boat again ran beautifully but I still want to get Ron Merriman of Merriman Marine in Ithaca NY to give her the annual physical.

Recommendations
None to mention from this outing.

posted by Ben Kopf 1:03 PM

Saturday, May 28, 2005

 

Personal Log
Our first outing in 2005 is later than I would have liked, but the weather in the Finger Lakes this spring has been abysmmal. We drove to Hibiscus Harbor to fill up with gas and head south down the lake to Sheldrake and our newly built boat lift and decking. Finally I feel like I have bought a lift that can handle the Kopasetic without my first mate and I ending up in divorce court. It's a Magnum 15,000 pound dual beam lift and was installed by Ron Knewstub of Knewstub marine (in Ithaca NY at 607-277-4519). Ron and his crew did a great job on decking for our beach, and in the construction of what apprears to be a very solid lift. We spun by Aurora NY and the Aurora Inn and look over another Knewstub Marine job - they have finally added a dock! This is some of the best dining on Cayuga Lake. We arrived at our dock with nervous expectations regarding the new lift. Where the bunks set right? Would it lift the boat? Does the electric work? To our amazement we putted into the lift, hopped off the boat, and worked the lift controls and watch the Kopasetic perch PERFECTLY on the behemouth. Ahhh...
We also added a power post with 30 AMP hookups so the boat can be used as a second home and we can keep the batteries in top shape.

Ships Log
The weather was a bit chilly but manageable our first day out. Cayuga Lake was calm and accomodating. The Kopasetic was running like a gazelle and it was so good to be behind the helm for the first time. Uneventful trip overall - just a straight shot from HH to Sheldrake aside from our detour to Aurora.

Recommendations
Knewstub Marine - Ron and his team do fantastic work; had I known about his outfit 6 years ago I would have saved thousands of dollars and would have been satisfied with my beachfront. I cannot recommend SunStream lifts after 3 years of use - it was a clever design but unsuited for larger boats in rougher waters. They also were completely unresponsive to my complaints about the lift, and they are extremely overpriced - never again.

posted by Ben Kopf 12:33 PM

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

 

Personal Log
We heard about the Oswego Harborfest from our friends Ron and Deb and I started planning by calling around for a slip in early May. Harborfest is a massive all-city party where thousands converge to listen to music on any one of 5 stages, watch a world class fireworks show, see ariel acrobatics, shop from craft vendors, eat from dozens of food venues, and play at the amusement park that is set up for the festival. Robin and I were very excited about going and got her sister to babysit so we could be adults for the event (we weren't). We planned on 5 days to boat up, stay for the 3 day festival, and do the return trip. In the course of the trip we would be traveling through 9 locks for a total of 18 lockthroughs, and digitally capturing the Oswego Canal portion of the NYS Canal. We bookended the trip with a stay at the RiversEdge Mansion B&B on Wednesday night and Sunday.

Ships Log
The weather our first day was great, the water was a bit choppy but settled in the canal of course. The Kopasetic and its new props was running great, and the wind was minimal. Second day we hit thunderstorms and had to reverse course to the protection of Lock O3 on the canal, after I asked a passing boater what the weather was like ahead. An hour later the storm had passed and we were on our way to Oswego. Weather the rest of the week was great except our long trip back was all rain. The flaky wiper on the starboard side got quite a workout.

Ports of Call
7/21 (Wednesday) Our first stop after we gas up at Hibiscus Harbor is about 5 hours from Cayuga Lake at Rivers Edge Mansion B&B, a fantastically appointed B&B with outstanding rooms and food. The beds are a welcome comfort after a full day on the canal.

Owners Kelly and Dean Wright are very personable and interesting to talk to. They provide a large dock right on the canal as you can see in the their website photos.

7/22 - Up around 8:00 for an excellent Kelly made breakfast and I head down to the dock to prep the boat for the cruise up the Oswego Canal. Two clowns drive by at 4 times the speed limit (for the record, it's not 10 MPH - it's 5 MPH on the canal except in places where you are over 100 feet from shore, and there are very few of those on the canal except for lakes). This sends the Kopasetic bucking up and down and slamming into the dock. Kelly witnessed this dumbfest and called ahead to Pirates Cove Marina to try and get them to slow down. They do, and called ahead to lock O-1 where they are prepared to have "mechanical difficulties" that slow down the morons for an hour. So much for speeding saving them any time! Anyway we get underway and head through locks O-1 and O-2 and just past O-3 when the weather looks nasty ahead. We hear thunder and I ask a southbound boater what it's like. "Lightening and getting worse" he claims so I decide to head back to Lock 3 and call the lockmaster who gladly lets me dock off the north wall of the lock. Just in time as it turns out - we put up our canvas except the back and it's like sitting on a porch in a downpour - beautiful! After a light lunch onboard we set out again in about an hour as the rain stops and I walk to get a weather report from the locks ahead by asking the lockmaster. Looking settled, we head up to Lock 4 where we stop for lunch and have a fanastic meal at Lock 3 Restaurant. Then we arrive in Oswego and follow a couple of accomadating boaters to the Oswego International Marina. After a bit we find slip D-9 in their great dock system and go bow first (since we want to view the fireworks looking sternward). The marina is fantastic and seems new. While the docks are floating so they can retract them in winter, they are rock solid to walk on. The marina has the best showers I've seen on the canal, and the marina manager is Little Debbie (as opposed to a larger Debbie I'm told works in the Oswego Marina (non-international). So we decide to go over to a local watering hole and have a couple glasses of wine before walking up town to find a good restaurant. We do find one at King Aurther's and have some good food before heading back to the boat for the night. I end up sleeping on the dinnette station because the bow is too small and the undercabin too claustophic for me (plus its full of storage). Robin continues to fight a nasty bacterial cough.
7/23 (Friday) - We start our day by meeting the neighbors on the D-9 dock, real nice people who have a kind of club and a website. They are busy setting up a frozen drink table right on the dock. Rob and I head into town and pick up a couple of trolley pins that let us ride all weekend for 2$. We walk down to the craft fairs and meet several local and traveling vendors. The day is courgeous and the town is starting to hop. We get back to the boat to hear Juice Newton playing from the main stage. We find a guide to the activities and I notice that Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets are playing Friday night on the Jazz stage, a group I've loved for years (I'm a blues man). So we eat on the boat, drink with the neighbors and trolley over to see the blues. We get fairly bold after some wine and dance madly in front of a couple thousand people. Others finally join us. Robin loses her shoes and after the music I sneak her into a bar for some wine before trollying back to the boat and passing out.
7/24 (Saturday)- Robins cough is so bad I talk her into going to the Oswego Hospital where they treat her in under an hour with anti-biotics and cough meds. Then we walk down and pay a cuople bucks to see an antique show in the local armory. After that it was down to the boat where she rested and I grab the camera and start taking pictures for the Ships Blog website. She awakes in time for a nice dinner at O'Learys Pub which is a great party spot to boot. We trolley back and I go into the marinas second floor where a bunch of slo-boaters are having a ritzy pre-fireworks gathering. I pass myself off as a sailor for free food and beer, and then the fire works start on land. I watch them from there for a bit and then hurry down to the boat were sit on stern and view the most spectacular works I've seen in years. Apparently Ron stopped by (they drove up for the fireworks) but we missed them. It's timed to music which is blaring out of everyones boat stereos. After the fireworks we sleep well.
7/25 (Sunday)- An early shower and a breakfast over in town and we are on our way back down the Oswego Canal. An ariel show is planned for today, but we aren't interested and decide to head down to avoid too much traffic on the canal. Even so, we see up to 7 boats in the locks. We eat at the Lock 3 restaurant again and have another fantastic meal. Then it's down to the Erie Canal where we head slightly east to re-visit Rivers Edge B&B; we asked Kelly for a different room this time to explore a bit and are amazed again at the comfort and class with which they run their place. Exhausted after our 3 day party we sleep.
7/26 (Monday) - Now its off to Cayuga Lake for the long cruise home. We stop for more gas at Coopers Marina (we stayed there last year) and have drinks at the local Italian eatery. Got the boat pumped out as well. It rains the entire way which is dissappointing but we are glad it was today and not during the festival. We settle the Kopasetic into the lift at home and greet Cindy and the kids. What an adventure!
Recommendations
I couldn't recommend the River's Edge B&B enough, and the same goes for the Lock 3 restuarant and the Oswego Festival - all events were spectacular and fun and people are real friendly and party hard. The showers at the marina made the stay particularily enjoyable as well.

Next Up
Visitors from Atlanta




E_riveredgenmansionb%26b2_picture.jpg

posted by Ben Kopf 9:00 AM

Saturday, July 10, 2004

 

Personal Log
We traveled across Cross Lake on our way east to Brewerton last fall; seemed like a pretty lake so we always wanted to go back, especially to check out the "North Shore Inn" at the north end of the lake (or course). So we did a night of snack, game, and video gathering for the kids and packed up the car early in the AM for a trip up to Hibiscus Harbor where the boat is still slipped (yes, the dock contractor is two months late with our addition). The kids are getting better at being "not bored" and Ben is even helping with the lock-throughs and is great at keeping his little sister busy.

Ships Log
The weather was perfect - sitting in the mid-70's and the canals are warming up so there's no chill from the water. The water was fairly calm as we headed toward CS-1 to boat up to the Erie Canal section and east toward Cross Lake. The Kopasetic is running perfectly, but I still plan on having Ron Merriman take a look at he overall performance and smoothness of the shifters - he does that for me each year just to tweak the idle for the slow canal speeds and lock-throughs. On our way home I managed to clobber both of my stainless steel props by being unobservant and not noticing that the red/green navigation guides were under the LEFT side of a 3 pier bridge heading west - GRIND! I turned off the engines, reached down and felt mangled steel. Ouch. So we limped back down the canal to Hibiscus Harbor doing about 8.5 MPH since anything faster would have vibrated the boat and prop shaft and caused even more damage. Big expense I find out later - over $1300 to get them both replaced. Fortunately I can have the old props fixed (apparently they can fix anything but nubs) for replacements when we run into something else - it's an enevitable fact of boating. I should have been more careful and adhered strictly to the red/green indicators - DOH!

Ports of Call
We started at Hibiscus Harbor and made our way via lock CS-1 to the Erie Canal junction with the Cayuga-Seneca. It's a pretty stretch of nature as we cruise past Montezuma Wildlife refuge and head slowly toward Cross Lake, about 20 miles east. We reached Cross Lake around 1:30 and headed north to find the Northside Inn. Soon we were there and did a good docking paralell to the Inn at the tip of the dock. Friendly folks hanging around the dock helped us in as well. There was a wedding at the Inn so we hoped we could get food and they were serving the general public. Turns out the bar was still serving food so we ate up, walked the grounds for some pictures, and got back on the boat to head west on the canal.

Recommendations
Don't veer from the navigation path!!! Bring along a spare prop or two (in my case) and get a prop wrench - they are not that difficult to replace and when you are on a canal on a lengthy trip they are essential, unless you want to spend some time at a marina.

Next Up
South to the Ithaca Inlet

posted by Ben Kopf 8:00 AM

Friday, July 02, 2004

 

Personal Log
Last year I neglected to get digital pictures for the Visual Tour at the south end of Cayuga Lake, specifically the inlet area where there are marinas and restaurants, so I talked my bud Jim into joining me on a day cruise for that purpose. We met at the house in Sheldrake and headed up to Hibiscus Harbor for the outing. My other motivation is to bring the boat back to Sheldrake, where I've given up waiting for the contractor to finish the dock addition he has not yet started. Jim's always a big help getting the boat properly positioned for that first lift docking.

Ships Log
The weather is outstanding and the water is calm. The boat's props are replaced with nice shiny new ones and we fill up with gas and head south. Ron and I took the boat out yesterday after he replaced the props and he tweaked a couple items so it's running smoothly.

Ports of Call
After HH we stopped at the Sheldrake Winery near home so I could test their rather scant dock space for depth. It will handle one boat our size (27') but not two. Looks like it's a privated dock that the owners let the winery use (probably due to some association). But they at least have one of the green highway signs indicating that the dock is for the Sheldrake Winery and it sticks out nicely when you are cruising by - it's the same ones that point to all the wine trail wineries along Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. We ended up going to the Boatyard Grill for lunch and met some of Jim's family. First time I've been there in over 4 years due to a run in with the manager who would not apologize for the ridiculously long wait my friends and I suffered through time and again there. Seemed like the service, while improved, is still about the same - it seems like a clique of locals hang there mostly (like many waterfront bars). Dined on overcooked steak and bad side dishes - most folks tell me the food is "hit or miss" at the Boatyard but I've struck out every time. Yuck - in the words of Rodney Dangerfield "I've had better food at the ball game...". But there is no better place to sit and have a frosted beverage on the inlet to just watch boats and folks. I will mentioned the Bistro Q however, since the food tends to be better in my experience, and they have done an outstanding job improving their inlet side dining experience. Most of the Ithaca Inlet is still kinda dumpy however - probably from years of the local "don't change a thing" people who typically protest everything that might improve the look of the town. What a waste of great waterfront. After that late lunch I took the crew out for a quick spin up lake, and then Jim and I dropped them off at the Coast Guard station dock (of course you cannot dock there for any time, my other pet-peeve about the Ithaca Inlet - no dock space except at the restaurants) we headed up to Sheldrake to dock at dusk in the lift.

Recommendations
I've ranted for years on what a lost opportunity Ithaca has squandered regarding their waterfront. For a town that is now burgeoning with big box stores and yuppies galore (to the chagrin of the old hippy locals), they really need to pursue a better waterfront experience, especially for visiting boaters. It is just not worth the price of gas to drive down from the canal to that town. I have heard so many boaters from the canal system and even Hisbiscus Harbor say the exact same thing, I am not a lone voice looking for a place to park and walk to some of the many great eateries in the town, or to visit the Ithaca Commons. The town should realize this potential (I'm told the new Mayor is keed to this) and develop that area to the hilt.

Next Up
Short Summer Trips

posted by Ben Kopf 9:05 AM

Saturday, June 19, 2004

 

Personal Log
We attempted to stay at SLSMP last year but had to cancel plans. It is a really well maintained and managed marine park, with great kids playgrounds and a small water park. There are showers for boaters in the marine restroom, and a concession stand with basic fare. Highly recommnended! Call to reserve a slip - we got transient slip #1 for the Kopasetic and docked next to some great people. This was our first overnight with both kids! Haley is now over 3 and Ben is 8 so they are much easier to manage. Benjamin is great at helping with his sister. He has a recital Saturday, so we have the convenience of a car at the park as well. Since we had electric, the kids busied themselves with movies and games when they were bored, and Ben had his new bike in the car so he had a ball. Robin and I took them out to dinner at "Uncle Joe's" in Geneva, which had some great basic Italian fare.

Ships Log
The weather was a bit chilly for Robin (low 70's) but fine by me. The lake was a bit choppy getting to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, but of course the canal was calm. The boat ran perfectly. We still need to do a bit more foredeck cleaing but we found a canvas cleaner in Connecticut that did an outstanding job cleaning and treating the canvas over the winter. We are pretty used to what is needed for a weekend cruise, so our supplies were good. Still, having the car made this an easy trip - we didn't have to cook on the boat (which made it a cleaner trip.) We slept Rob or Benjamin and Haley in the forward berth, me on the dinette berth (which as small but comfy) and Benjamin once in the aft berth.

Ports of Call
We started at Hibiscus Harbor and went through locks CS2-3 to arrive at Seneca Falls where we took the kids to a canalside ice cream place, Bailey's. There is a walk-up window for the canal which is great. We walked around the now familiar town and started out for CS4 and the park. We were a little rusty in the locks, but after the first set we flet like old pros again. Seneca Lake State Marine Park is expansive and has great amenities. As mentioned, we were lucky to get slip # 1. It had a view of the Riverside Inn and Stivers Seneca Marine (a full service marina). Barett's Marine is also only a stones throw away. So gas is plentiful and the Inn has a restaurant with pretty good food (I actually recall a spectacular meal there last year, but it wasn't as good this year - this area is notorius for turning over cooks). We loved this marina and the people who stay there as residents. A band played until 1 AM at the Riverside, so we sipped wine and looked out the stern to enjoy the music, which comes from a deck platform built for dancing and bands. We were far enough away that the noise didn't bother the sleeping children either. Our new friends joined us one evening and we partied until late.

Recommendations
This was one of our best boating outings ever, and not just because we had access to a car (but that helped make it great). The Cayuga-Seneca is a fun 3.5 - 4 hour cruise with only 3 locks (two of which are back to back and managed part of the time by Karen, our savior when the boat broke down our first canaling year). It is the perfect weekend getaway, and you have Seneca Falls in route. Highly recommended!

Next Up

posted by Ben Kopf 10:31 AM

Sunday, May 30, 2004

 

Personal Log
The weather finally comes around and we get a short day cruise to start the boating season! A very wet spring has kept everyone off the lake. Last year we put in much earlier, so it looks like a short season so far. I am patiently waiting for a new section of dock to be put on at the house on Cayuga Lake that will turn the dock into a "4" configuration to make it easier to dock on the horrifying Sunstream Lift I purchased. If I had to do it all over again I would have built a deck with a lift under it; maybe later. So we are keeping the boat once again up at Hibiscus Harbor for the first part of the season.

Ships Log
Weather was warm with a bit of a chill but we are desperate to get the Kopasetic out for our first cruise. Water was relatively calm. First start of the engines since the re-commissioning for the 2004 season. Last weekend we came up to clean and load the gear for the season and it appeared that the port engine battery was dead. (Started once only, then it dropped volts to nothing.) Turns out Ron Merriman was coming up the next day (Saturday), so he figured it out - dirty battery posts. A thorough cleaning and all was well.

Ports of Call
We took my mother and the two kids for a quick run around the north end of Cayuga Lake.
Recommendations

Next Up
Seneca Lake State Marine Park

posted by Ben Kopf 1:08 PM

Monday, October 06, 2003

 

Personal Log
We awake to better weather for our trip back to Sheldrake. The trip over all was great and we had a good time. Ben was a bit whiny and bored but putting along on the canal is not the ideal time for most 7 year olds. The season ends and we are saddened to see the lonnngggg winter come in. I'll take the boat up to Hibiscus Harbor for winterizing next week, sadly.

Ships Log
Weather turns good and the boat and the canal are running like glass.

Ports of Call
My camera runs out of juice and that makes me kick myself because it meant no pictures of Coopers or the restaurant in Baldwinsville, but we snapped enough on the way east to finish the visual tour.

Recommendations
The canals are staying open longer in 2004, so plan on some fall folliage trips.

Next Up
2003 Season Ends

posted by Ben Kopf 12:40 PM

Sunday, October 05, 2003

 

Personal Log
It's cool and rainy, but we are determined to get to Onieda Lake and reach our farthest eastmost point on the NYS Canal. Ben and Rob are in good spirits even with the weather, and Ben busy's himself with games and helps us lock through. I'm just loving piloting along the canal.

Ships Log
Weather - drizzly and cool. Canvas is up most of the time, making trip logging with the camera a real pain. But the boat is running great and the canals is smooth and calm.

Ports Of Call
Our first stop of the day is the Waterfront Tavern at the Brewerton Waterfront Wall. Wish more towns were like this! We ate some good food there out of the rain and just arrived when it opened. The town has a huge waterfront wall for boaters, and across the lake is Sylvan Beach, an amusement park with several neighboring marinas. So we leave the dock at Brewerton and after a brief poke out into Oneida Lake we start our trip back west - didn't want to get caught on the canal after dark or after it closes, which is earlier this part of the year. We arrive at Coopers Marine when it starts to get dark. Ben stayed on board while Robin and I decide to visit an Italian restaurant, Beneventos where the drinks were great and the food looked good but we didn't sample any because we had a large lunch and food along the way back west. We met some fun people at the restaurant and partied until closing and made it back to the docks. Benevento's is right near the dock where we stayed at Coopers.

Recommendations
In Brewerton there are several great places to stay. Cooper's turned out to be a nice marina with reasonable facilities (as opposed to the death pit bathroom at Pirates Cove). Remember that the canal lock operation hours vary over the season so be sure to check at the NYS Canal web site.


Next Up
Home for the Season

posted by Ben Kopf 12:38 PM

Saturday, October 04, 2003

 

Personal Log
It's our last chance for a decent length cruise as the end of the season nears. We delayed this trip 1 week because of Hurricane Isabel, but I wish we hadn't - it turned out to be the better weekend and the canal was uneffected. So it's a bit colder and wetter but we still just love it out on the Erie Canal, so we decide to take Benjamin while Haley was watched by a friend.

Ships Log
Weather was chilly and wet most of the trip, but we did have some sun and decent temperatures (65-70) over the two night trip. The Kopasetic is running great, the canal is smooth as usual. Purchased a AD/DC convertor so Ben could play games and watch TV during our trip and not just at the docks. Recommended.

Ports of Call
Our trip started in Sheldrake with a stop in Hibiscus Harbor for fuel. We stop at Lock 24 Restaurant which we really liked. The lockmaster was very accommadating as usual and we tied up just after locking through using the large ballards for ships of old. Then we walked the lock stairs and across to the restaurant for good eats. After Lock 24 and an uneventful trip we arrived at Pirates Cove Marina. There were hardly any boaters there as the season is ending. The docking was fine and the grounds are ok, but the bathrooms in this place are disgusting. This has been our biggest complaint at every marina on the canal system - the restroom facilities are truly gross in most cases, except for state or town run parks and canal areas. I had to wear sandals to shower at each privately owned marina this year because the floors/rugs were all filthy - and I'm not that finicky. They could at least remove some of the larger insects that infest all these restroom. If you are luck enough to have a boat with decent shower pressure - use it. There is no food at Pirates Cove, but the personnel are decent and helpful enough. Glad to move on after a nights rest where Rob and I took the aft berth and Benjamin had the foward berth. I cooked up some soup and we nuked what else we needed.

Recommendations
I cannot recommend Pirates Cove Marina for overnights until they do something about the restrooms - gross. But they have a pool and reasonable slips and fuel so for day stops it's Ok.

Next Up
Cooper's Marine

posted by Ben Kopf 7:36 AM

Monday, September 01, 2003

 

Personal Log
Cindy and Stephanie (Robin's sister and her daughter) join us for an afternoon trip south down Cayuga. Cindy drove out from New England with Stephanie and her two kids and watched Ben and Haley for us while we take our much awaited 4 day trip west on the Erie Canal.

Ships Log
The weather was a bit cooler but still pleasant on the boat with the camper canvas up. The water was calm and the boat is running like a top. (Putting my mind at ease for our upcoming long trip.)

Ports of Call
We started from our dock in Sheldrake and slowly toured the west shoreline south to Taghaunnock Falls Park, where we floated around for a bit before heading north along the west shore again at faster speed. Then we putted past our dock to check out some construction on the west shore north of us. A total trip of about 2 hours and we were back docking in Sheldrake.

Recommendations


Next Up
Goose Watch Vineyard?

posted by Ben Kopf 2:36 PM

Saturday, August 30, 2003

 

Ships Log

Ports of Call

Recommendations

Next Up

posted by Ben Kopf 9:34 AM

Friday, August 29, 2003

 

Ships Log

Ports of Call

Recommendations

Next Up

posted by Ben Kopf 9:33 AM

Thursday, August 28, 2003

 

Personal Log
I've never had more fun boating than on this canal trip! There is a sense of incredible history, a sense that this is the way our country grew and you can't help but think of the countless thousands that came this way before. I've seen one documentary that compares the original Erie Canal to the current Internet because of the way it lowered costs and dispersed goods and information.
Rob and I are both enjoying canal travel in our own way. I love piloting us along and getting real familiar with the Kopasetic, while she is happy lounging on the bow or lounger reading and enjoying the scenary. I have been snapping pictures continually along the way for the Visual Tours [link] on the site, and she busies herself with one of her sewing projects that doesn't involve a sewing machine.

Ships Log
The weather is beautiful again today. Highs near 80, lows near 65. The wind has been slight, and the engines and electrics onboard are all purring.

Ports of Call
Our next ..
Recommendations

Next Up

posted by Ben Kopf 9:32 AM

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

 

Personal Log
Our long term goal for the Ships Blog site is to record and review the entire NYS Canal experience which includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Since we have 2 young kids it is rare when we can actually do overnight trips. Thankfully, Robin's parents stopped in for a week and watched after the family while Rob and I took our first real long trip on the canal system. We had read up and heard good things about Fairport and Pittsford, so with some anxiousness I put together a float plan to travel from Sheldrake to Brockport, a short distance from Buffalo. It's one thing to take a day trip over to Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake from Cayuga Lake because we never feel that far from home base in Sheldrake, but it seems like a real adventure heading toward Buffalo on the longest section of the NYS Canal System. I can't just pick up the phone and have a buddy bail us out if the boat craps out for one thing. And we are unfamiliar with the territory, so we don't really know what is available or how long a section takes to travel. Sure the guide gives you minutes between locks, etc., but you end up having to calculate the travel times for piece of mind.

Ships Log
The weather was perfect for this trip with only a lightning scare on the last day (with some rain). We left Sheldrake on Wednesday and headed to HH for fuel, a pumpout, and to add water. Hibiscus Harbor is a great place to start a longer canal trip (and many foks from Florida summer there), because you are only about 10-15 minutes from CS1 and another 20 minutes to the Erie section. The boat is running great and the temperature is in the mid 70's. I checked the weather all week, and some thunderstorms are predicted for Friday night, but we plan on being in safe harbor.

Ports of Call
Click here to see our float plan for this 4 day trip. LINK TO FLOAT PLAN
We left Sheldrake and made are maintenance stop at HH, then it was on to Fairport for out first overnight on the Erie section! The trip was beautiful and the scenery most of the way was great. But is high speed crusing is your thing, stay off the canals - please. More than once some dolt came tearing by us doing 30-40 (as opposed to the 10 MPH limit) and never sounded a passing horn. I nearly collided with one guy on the Cayuga-Seneca for the same reason. I check astern now whenever I am manuevering left or right on the canal just for this reason. I found a handy sticky wide angle mirror at Target that is now on my cockpit dash so I can glance in it before turning or "changing lanes". So I reiterate - if you have a Fountain and want to impress someone with speed, please stay off the canal system.
Another hazard is partially submerged debris (usually logs) so you should always keep your eyes ahead, even at that slow speed. My credit goes to the canal maintenace crews for doing a fantastic job in general, but they can't get them all.
In general we used the recommended times in the NYS Canal Guide and the time was very accurate going the speed limit. I was nervous about the power hook ups available at Fairport, and the information for canalers about each town on the Web is terrible or very hard to find. Plus, there is no one (not even a tourism bureau rep to my knowledge) that could confrim anything. So we asked the lockmaster at E30 if he knew about the hook ups. He didn't but was nice enough to call up the canal to Tay at Mid-Lakes Navigation since he thought he would know. We were advised to stop in and talk with him so around 6:15PM we met Tay at the marina, and he checked around and we were assured that Fairport had what we needed (30 AMP) right along their canal harbor.
On our way past Perington we noticed the start of the Canalway Trail in this section and marveled at how well kept and beautiful this section of the canal is. We saw dozens of people using the trail for jogging, hiking, and biking.
We made Fairport around 6:55PM and did a picture perfect docking right along side the Liftbridge Cafe, which was crowded with diners at this hour. Of course no one noticed our docking, they only notice when you ram something ans start swearing at the first mate, or when you attempt it nine times and fail - then all eyes are on you. Fortunately we looked like a seaworthy hubbie and wife team, and no one batted an eye - God that felt good!
Well, I tried to hookup the boat to power and the shore power cord wouldn't fit! The harbor has those power posts that have two (so I thought - read on) receptacles, one on each side. So I went looking for the harbor masters hut and found it was on the south side of the canal (we docked on the north) and walked across the very cool Fairport lift bridge to find him. I found the hut only to see a sign claiming he'd be back at 6:00, but he was no where to be found and he was supposedly around until 8:00PM according to a sign. So I talked with a canaling couple and he explained that those were 20 AMP power hook ups and that I would need an adapter. I checked his power post where he was using the adapter and noticed a receptacle for 30 AMP that he missed, so he lent me his adapter and I trucked back to the boat to try it out. Lo and behold, with a little bit more investigation (that required me to actually bend over and look up into a shroud) I discovered we had 30 AMP receptacles too! Duh.
After returning the adapter and explaining that I was not normally considered mentally handicapped, Rob and I had a fantastic dinner at The Harbor House (yes, it was pricey)., on the south side of the canal. We ate on the deck and looked out over the harbor and had a perfect view of the Kopasectic. This was a fun moment - our "home" floats on a busy canalside while we enjoyed good wine for desert and talk about tomorrow's travel.
After dinner we walked the town and checked out the shops to look at in the morning, and headed back to the boat for a movie and sleep. I thought it would be strange to have our boat in so busy a part of town, but you get used to it and people leave the canalside after 10PM anyway. Earplugs saved Robin because every so often the liftbridge alarm sprang into action, and there was a busy piece of Amtrak not far from the canal (historically the railroads followed the canal - hey, they already cut a path).

Recommendations
Planning - I cannot stress enough the importance of prior planning before you embark on an extended canal trip. Knowing where you are going to stay, how long the trip will take (accounting for locks), and where to get fuel is essential for pleasant canaling. I spent over a week of evenings pouring over the NYS Canal Guide and working out a plan on a spreadsheet. And don't forget to check the weather and the Notice to Mariners NYS Canal page for the latest information just before you embark.
Equipment - Power adapters are an essential and I'd recommend a 15, 20, 30 AMP versions. I also purchased a DC to AC converter for around $60 that we used to charge batteries of our camera and cell phone (don't forget their chargers - done that). See the Ships Blog Equipment Check List [LINK] for more ideas and recommendations.
Locks - While most of the Erie Canal locks have the same type of ropes and ladders for you to hang onto while in the lock, some are spartan and tougher to deal with - for example, on this trip Lock E30 only had ladders. So I would always have the following while canaling:
1. Water resistant or waterproor gloves - I use the kind with a rubber palm section and little knobs for grips. Any decent hardware store should carry them.
2. Boathooks - at least 2. When the two of us are entering a lock, since Robin is on the bow, I manuever over close to the wall, stick a hook out the canvas window next to the cockpit while piloting, and snag a rope or (whatever I can). Sometimes I can use my gloved right hand, other times the moorings are far enough apart that I need a boat hook. A boat hook is indispensible in other ways too, for example, picking objects out of the water - I've retrieved a lot of hats with mine.
3. Dock rope - a small section of dock rope can be used in conjunction with the cable style moorings we ran into occasionally, and with the "firemans pole" style you can loop the rope around it and just hang on while the boat is raised or lowered and it just slides up the pole. REMEMBER - never tie up a boat to any lock mooring - you can tip the boat over or worse.

Next Up
Erie Canal West - Day 2

posted by Ben Kopf 12:00 PM

Sunday, August 24, 2003

 

Personal Log
Patrick, one of my friends from the Northeast had been promising to buy my old cantalevered boat lift (we used for the pontoon boat and the Weekender just by aadjusting the bunk types) and planned a weekend visit with Liz, his girlfriend to come and trailer it away. We decided to take them and our friends Jim and Jewel on a cruise across the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to Stivers Marine and Restaurant. Robin and I stopped there on our Finger Lakes Wine Festival trip and really enjoyed the atmosphere and food.

Ships Log
The weather was perfect and around 75 degrees. The water was calm in Cayuga Lake and, of course, calm in the canal so the cruising was great. The Kopasetic has been running perfectly all summer although on the return I noticed a bit of slop in the port engine throttle so I made a note to have Ron M. look at it while he fixes the windshield wiper on the starboard side (only one). The boat was gassed and ready to go, we left around 10:00 AM. It takes about 4 hours to traverse the CS canal, but less if the locks are waiting as they were for us - we called a head for both sets of locks. Given good lock through you can easily make the trip in about 3 1/2 hours - if you go the speed limit of 10 MPH, which I try to do.

Ports of Call
I left the boat at Hibiscus Harbor for this trip, and we drove from Sheldrake with Patrick and Liz while the kids stayed with a baby sitter. We made the canal in about 1/4 hour and headed toward Seneca-Falls. Passed through locks CS2 and CS3 easily - I'm becoming an old pro at lock docking. We didn't stop in Seneca Falls, and kept cruising through Waterloo to Geneva and Stiver Marina and Restaurant. This is a very cool marina with a great restaurant sporting excellent food. I wasn't as impressed on our first visit, but I was blown away by our second. We called via Cell (the marina monitors VHF 16, but I'm not sure the restaurant part does) to reserve a spot and the 6 of us sat down on the end of a large deck overlooking the canal and the Kopasetic. Across the deck from us was their band and dance area which I understand plays good bands until 1:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. After eating we cruised out into Seneca Lake and across the lake to Geneva's Ramanda Inn on the lake, which I'm glad to see put together a small dock system (for about 6 decent size boats). We docked and went up for cocktails on their patio overlooking the lake. After that we went straight back to the canal entrance at Seneca Lake State Marine Park and back to Hibisicus Harbor. After our recreation I drove a bit quicker on the way back, something I vow to avoid from now on.

Recommendations
Stivers Marina - great people, atmosphere, and marina docking. Good place to fuel up before you head out on Seneca Lake or on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Probably the best beginning canaler experience. The locks and their tenders are great folks (as most are on the Canal System), and it's a relatively easy set of 3 locks to traverse. Locks CS2-3 are connected, in that one feeds into the other, making the lift experience even more interesting. Karen tends the lock from 3:00 PM on and we've gotten to know her well since our break down last year returning from Seneca Falls.

Next Up
The Erie Canal West Trip!

posted by Ben Kopf 11:32 AM

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

 

Personal Log
Our friends stopped by for dinner but since it was early in the after noon we took a short cruise on a usual loop. Robin and the kids stayed back because we couldn't get a babysitter at the last moment.

Ships Log
The water was calm, the weather was great. Boat all fueled up and running great.

Ports of Call
We left Sheldrake and cruised down to Taughannock Park where we had some wine and enjoyed the view. I explored the entrance to their "harbor" again as we floated offshore. Didn't bother trying to dock at their swim area - too little room. After that we took a slow cruise up to the Lighthouse at Kidders for dinner, which as pretty good. Then it was back to the home port where Jim helped me get the boat on the lift as usual. I noticed that the rubber padding on the bow lift rails was coming off - yet another problem with this thing (the primary one being not getting on the lift in rough seas).

Recommendations
Boat lifts are plentiful, but considering the money I've thrown into lifts and my dock, I would definitely build a boat house next time. I didn't because I thought it would spoil neighbors views, but I'm now thinking that over. If I build a good looking boat house, it enhances the view.

Next Up
Stivers Marine and Dinner with Friends

posted by Ben Kopf 12:18 PM

Friday, August 08, 2003

 

Personal Log
My sister Cindy has college pals that like to visit the Trumansburg Bluegrass Festival and they rented a not so hot cottage on Keuka Lake. After that disillusionment they asked if they could stay at our house for the weekend and we obliged. Our boating was limited, but fun.

Ships Log
The weather was a bit colder than the norm for this time of year, and the water was mild. Boat is running perfectly.

Ports of Call
I took Cindy and friends from Sheldrake (it is great having the boat at the house, except the lift is a huge pain in rough water) on a trip up to Silver Strand B&B to check out their deck from the water (they stayed there a couple years ago). Then we took a slow circle around lake from east to west and headed and back to home port in Sheldrake.

Recommendations
Some of the B&B's on these canal access Finger Lakes are ideal for boaters looking for a relaxing overnight off their boats. I highly recommend the Silver Strand in Sheldrake - they have a large accommadating dock and great rooms. Skip and Maura run a great place and her food is first rate. [REVIVEW LINK]

Next Up
Jim, Jewel and the Captain

posted by Ben Kopf 5:30 PM

Saturday, August 02, 2003

 

Personal Log
The lads from the North East - Tom, Del, Patrick, Mike, and Glen, visit for our fourth annual poker getogether in Sheldrake, and boating mayhem ensues. We actually played poker this year!

Ships Log
Weather was brilliant, water we calm, and the winds were light to non-exsistent. Boat is running cherry as usual. Fueled up at Don's Marina (if you can call it a marina - pretty delapidated).

Ports of Call
Saturday we departed from Sheldrake and we took the day and went through CS2 and CS3 to Seneca Falls. We walked into town and ate at a small Italian place called the name but I know we walked past the waterfront bar and up the ramp. Then we walked west along main street and crossed the street when we saw the restaurant, Henry Bs Authentic Italian Cuisine. Then we walked back towards the boat and stopped in the empty waterfront bar for a beer/bathroom break. We soon departed for Interlaken and headed south down Cayuga lake. We found a nice deep place to swim and most of us jumped in. After a few moments in the water I looked behind us and could see a tremendous black thunderstorm headed our way. I quietly got into the boat and started putting up the canvas covers as the others asked what was up. A quick point to the northwest and they we eager to help. I started the boat and began to head home. Of course we didn't finish putting up the canvas in time and the cold, heavy rains drenched everything. I started the engine, Del wiped the fog from the windshield and we headed for your dock. A bit scary, but we traveled the last 10 miles unscathed. After we docked we closed up/cleaned up ship and headed to the house. By this time the rains had reduced to a sprinkle and the beers at the house we sounding mighty tasty.

Recommendations
Seneca Falls is the best stop along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. There is always room for boats, the town has some good restaurants, and every supply you might need is in walking distance (except for boat repairs which you could do on the Seneca side at Stivers Marina.

Next Up
Cindy and Friends Visit

posted by Ben Kopf 1:09 PM

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

 

Personal Log
My brother Dan visited so we took the Kopasetic on a trip to Taughannock Park and floated off shore for some beverages.
Ships Log
Weather was great, around 75 degrees and sunny, which has been kind of a rarity this summer during the week. Water was calm but not glass, and the boat is running perfectly.

Ports of Call
Departed from our dock in Sheldrake and boated slowly along the shore to Taughannock park. Only one place to dock a boat my size at Taughannock, and the space is real limited. Never understand why there isn't better docking at parks on Cayuga Lake - a real short sighted vision of tourism seems to permeate the state and local tourism board. Boaters would gladly pay a small fee to step off, enjoy the waterfall (highest east of the Mississippi). After a nice float we headed back toward the Lighthouse Restaurant for food and drink. Real nice evening overall.

Recommendations
More docking in the parks! Taughannock has small craft docking only (a low bridge prevents (>8' tall) larger boats from even entering the harbor. The Lighthouse is supposedly putting in fuel pumps (gas only) which would be great for us down the road.

Next Up
Poker Party!

posted by Ben Kopf 7:08 PM

Thursday, July 24, 2003

 

Personal Log
After bemoaning the fact that we can't just jump in the boat after I get home from work decided to bring the Kopasetic back home from Hibiscus Harbor. I needed a way of keeping the boat safely off the dock when it isn't on the lift, so I bought mooring whips, long fiberglass poles that have ropes that attach to your bow and stern cleats. The whips act like a spring that pushes the boat away from the dock, but are flexible enough to pull back and let people board. They are supposedly just the ticket for rough dockage (and when the wind kicks up in Sheldrake the water is definitely rough), so I asked Jim's help to install them the night before I brought the boat down. That went very well - we removed a couple dock boards in the location of both whips, added some angle braces to the stringers of the dock for security, and installed the whips in about 3 hours.

Next I contacted Ron M. to help me fit the boat to the new bunks on the Sunstream lift. I kept the boat was on the mooring whips waiting for Ron to arrive later in the week. The bunks didn't need adjusting as it turns out, but we figured out exactly where the boat should be before raising the lift so it will be well-balanced. The lift runs on battery (which always seems to be dead), so I have to boost its charge with my protable battery pack. The boat is now "safely" on the lift and is reasonably balanced. Given the sometimes rough Cayuga Lake water, I rest easier when it is out of water. Bottom line is we will not be staying at Hibiscus Harbor next year, although I will have the boat stored there. It is costly to rent a slip and seems like a waste now that we have explored the immediate sections of the canal and now have a safe harbor at the house on the lake. While the dock was under reconstruction and the lift was broken (until earlier this summer), HH was the best place to be on Cayuga Lake.

Ships Log
I met with Jim and we drove in his car up to HH and brought the boat down to Sheldrake where we used the new mooring whips. The weather was perfect and the water was calm. The boat is running great. It was a smooth and uneventful trip. That night the mooring whips had to prove their stuff as the wind picked up and I could hear the waves crashing. I almost got up to check on the boat in the middle of the night but decide to trust the whips. Turns out the boat did bang the dock cushions a couple times but no damage done - the whips held it out! Still I will use even more tension next time. Ron M. came up the next day and we check the best positioning for the boat on the Sunstream Lift. No adjustment was necessary but we go it lined up and centered perfectly and I have marked a boat hook with the proper gap from the dock

Ports of Call
Hibiscus Harbor and down to Sheldrake, with no real stops along the way.

Recommendations
Well if I had to do the dock situation all over again, I would have built an oversized lift house to fit up to a 40' boat and would have ignored the groans of neighbors as I built yet another structure on the lake. I have put way too much money in the water so to speak. Bottom line, pay up front big or pay later bigger.
Next Up

posted by Ben Kopf 6:30 PM

Friday, July 18, 2003

 

Personal Log
We have wanted to do more than 1 overnight for about 3 years (since owning the older '88 Sea Ray Weekender) and with Robin's parents in town we finally have a chance to boat some distance without the children. I arranged for slips and tickets to the festival about a month ago, and the reservations were set and the tickets arrived last week. This would be our longest outing yet, and covered all of Seneca Lake. I intended to take as many Ships Blog mapping photos as possible, and to create checklists for boarding, departing, and cruising. If anything we had too much stuff, but we felt confident we had what we needed for a great weekend aboard the Kopasetic.

Ships Log
At 10:00 Friday morning the clouds parted (it was thundering and pouring all early morning, but the weather report called for clear sky past noon), and we headed north to Hibiscus Harbor, where the boat was well prepared and ready to go. It was around 72 degrees and the water was fairly calm. Seneca Lake can get really rough, but Cayuga was dead calm in the AM so we hoped for the best as we crossed over CS-1 to Seneca Lake. The boat was running perfect since Ron's day before tweaking.

Ports of Call
Our first stop besides the locks on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal (CS2-3, a joined set of locks, CS4, a single lock) was Stivers Riverside Inn for a late lunch (see review). The atmosphere and staff was excellent, and I introduced myself to Donna, one of the co-owners (plugging Ships Blog naturally). Then we were off to take pictures of the docks at the Ramada Inn on Seneca Lake before heading south to Sampson State Park where I had reserved a slip in their protected man-made harbor. Sampson was great - a beautifully maintained and serviced dock system with excellent facilities and commissary. We took our portable collapsing chairs and had wine while watching the sunset before retiring for the evening. The next day we slept late and showered using the park restroom before heading down to the Village Marina in Watkins Glen, home of the annual wine festival and our motivation for taking the trip. We caught a bus up to the Watkins Glen International Speedway (famous for the races held there such as the Winston Cup), and had a fantastic time as wine tasters. This event was much bigger than we thought, with bands, food booths, Corning Glass show, and dozens of craft vendors. After the event we bussed down to Watkins for some antique shopping and then went back to the boat to prepare for guests and dinner. We met Jim, Jewel, Max and Dina at the Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant (see review) and had a great dinner with fun conversation. After dinner we headed to the boat for a cruise up Seneca to Hector's Falls, a beautiful waterfalls where we let the boat float and had wine. Then it was back to the marina for more wine and fun at the dock (where we tended to be a bit boisterous according to my better half). After the guests left we went to sleep to get up early enough to treat Rob's parents to a good dinner Sunday. Sunday we headed up the west side of Seneca Lake to take shots for the Visual Tour section of the website and crossed over about 3/4 up on the east side to find the Lakeshore Grill, a small but beautiful restaurant that used to be an officers club when the Naval station was active nearby. The restaurant just opened as we pulled up to their small dock set (they plan to enlarge the dock if the restaurant is successful - it only opened late last year). I spoke with Beth, a manager there and told her about the web site and my plans to promote more boat docks for shared public use. We ate a light lunch that was good, and headed out north to the CS canal for our trip back to the harbor. When we reached CS3 I was pleased to see Karen, the lockmaster who helped us so much in 2002 when the boat was having electrical problems. We chatted for a while and I gave her some web site cards. Then it was off to HH to close up the boat and leave for home from the best boating I've ever done.

Recommendations
As I mentioned, our trip to the Wine Festival was the best boating adventure we have done so far. The weather, the boat, the facilities and restaurants were perfect. I will have full reviews of the restaurants soon (and will provide links in the blog) but I can say that Watkin's Glen is one town that knows how to make their lakeside location a real revenue stream. The Village Marina is a superb place to stay with plenty of slips and easy docking and gassing up. I spoke with Mike, the gentleman in charge when we arrived and promoted the site as usual. A big tumbs up to the marina and town for making the trip down Seneca Lake worth the gas (unlike a certain college town I know at the south end of Cayuga Lake). I highly recommend this outing for anyone on Cayuga with a couple days to spare and agreeable weather ahead - it is a super fun trip and the views around Seneca Lake are fantastic. The only problem is the lack of docks for all the vineyards on the lake - they should take a lesson from Goosewatch or the Thirsty Owl (next year they plan a large dock and intercom to buzz for a golf cart ride up to the vineyard.

Next Up
Bring the Kopasetic Home!

posted by Ben Kopf 1:03 PM

Thursday, July 17, 2003

 

Personal Log
I met with Ron Merriman (Merriman Marine Service can be reached at 607-257-4096), and we went through a checklist of items that need to be fixed on the Kopasetic. Ron is an excellent boat mechanic and all around boating knowledge source. He also builds and races amazing go-carts as a hobby. We purchased Ron's 1988 Weekender and have gotten to know him well.

Ships Log
Ron fixed: the antenna (replaced with a Shakespeare model), the starboard windshield wiper, the starboard navigation light (the bulb corroded), and we tweaked the starboard engine so it was tighter off nuetral.
The weather was great but we only ended up taking a small cruise to pumpout the boat and fill up the gas for the upcoming weekend.

Ports of Call
Hibiscus Harbor, and a quick trip out the harbor to the bay to test the starboard engine and antenna (I just called HH on channel 16 and it was loud and clear).

Recommendations
If you have a boat in the Ithaca area, you can't find a fairer more talented mechanic than Ron. He has gone out of his way to help us and has even helped me decide on what boat to upgrade to after we sold his Weekender.

Next Up
The Finger Lakes Wine Festival!

posted by Ben Kopf 6:30 PM

Wednesday, July 16, 2003

 

Personal Log
Robin's parents have a large motorhome and cruised up to stay at our house for about a week. One night after work I met them at Hibiscus Harbor and we had a great little cruise through Cayuga-Seneca Canal Lock 1 up to the Richmond aqueduct. Thanks to them we will have a childless cruise to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival this weekend.

Ships Log
The boat was running pretty well but there's a slight hesitation on the starboard shifter. Ron M. is meeting me tomorrow at the harbor to service a few components. The weather is gorgeous but a little on the cooler side as we returned to the harbor.

Ports of Call
From Hibiscus Harbor we boated through CS-1 up to the Richmond aqueduct and all along the way Rob's parents made good use of their digital camera to take pics of the birds in the Montezuma Wildlife refuge that the canal cuts through on it's way to connect with the Erie Canal.

Recommendations
If you are into bird watching, stopping for a picnic along the Cayuga-Seneca at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge is a great treat. There are dozens of Blue Heron, swallows, and swifts darting in and around, with hug clusters of birds doing synchronized flying.

Next Up
Quick Trip for Boat Maintenance

posted by Ben Kopf 6:33 PM

Monday, July 14, 2003

 

Personal Log
The "Nevato's" are good friends I met through my work with Robert in software development, and are long time residents of the region. Their open-minded good nature make them ideal boating companions and we try to hook up at least a few times during the season. Bob is mid-sabbatical and we had been trying to get together for some time (sans our children). The opportunity presented itself on Saturday when we tapped into our college student babysitter resource Kelly, and we decided to meet at the the harbor Saturday AM. The Nevato's have a boat but it's a long haul to Hibiscus Harbor from their slip near Ithaca, so we decided to take the Kopesetic on a run through some sections of the canal.

Ships Log
15-20 MPH winds created us at the harbor, but since we were headed into the canal's protection, we braved the 3' swells in Cayuga Lake and headed up to CS-1 for a long day on the NYS Canal. The wind was still fairly strong on the canal, but the boat handled the heavy waves with aplumb. Bigger is definitely better in regards to boats and rough water. The rain was threatening most of the day but we only saw a few drops. The engines seem fine, although there is a strong sounding grind putting the port engine in gear; time to get Ron M. to look into this, along with a fix to a windshield wiper and antenna. Made the mistake of trying to fill up an already full gas tank; I've got to remember to look at the guage before pumping gas!

Ports of Call
We headed out from Hibiscus Harbor north into CS-1 and took a right turn onto the Erie Canal section of the NYS Canal system. We traveled about 20 miles of canal before anchoring for lunch (at first in front of a "Rifle Range - Live Fire" sign that was hidden in some brush - then we moved hastily). The remnants of the old Barge Canal are interesting to look at and the Nevatos provided an outstanding lunch. A bit of rain hit after we stopped so we put up the front shields and putted back to the intersection of the Erie and Cayuga-Seneca Canal and decided to cruise up to the first lock west of the CS on the Erie. After that we went back through CS-1 and into the Hibiscus Harbor for a good meal before departing for home.

Recommendations
When the wind is blowing strong and the weather looks iffy, nothing beats the canal as a source of refuge. The threat of large waves are virtually non-exsistent on the land cuts of the NYS Canal system (technically Cayuga and Seneca Lakes are part of the system). Since we have a camper canvas that works well in pounding rain, we can continue to cruise regardless of weather (the exception are thunderstorms with lightening, but even then I'd feel safer on the narrow cut of the canal than on big water).

Next Up
Inlaw Outing Through CS1

posted by Ben Kopf 11:57 AM

Saturday, July 05, 2003

 

Personal Log
Robin was gracious enough to watch the kids while Jim and I met at the harbor and headed out for a picture taking mission. We decided to run down the west side of the lake with a specific shot map printed directly from the web site for the creation of the Cayuga Lake Visual Tour. As usual, Jim was the helpful first mate and the trip went very smoothly.

Ships Log
The weather was great, the lake was smooth, and the engines were purring. I again checked the fluid levels and Jim and I started out with a full tank because Robin and I filled it up on the last outing. Nice to start with a full tank.

Ports of Call
We left Hibiscus Harbor, headed south down the west side of Cayuga all the way to the Ithaca Inlet and then back north up the east side of the lake to complete the Visual Tour of Cayuga Lake. However I still need to get shots of the Ithaca Inlet at the south end of the lake - I'll avoid ranting about the lack of docking options in Ithaca this entry.

Recommendations
A digital camera - nothing better for recording web shots.

Next Up
Boating with Pat and Robert on the NYS Canal

posted by Ben Kopf 12:00 PM

Thursday, July 03, 2003

 

Personal Log
My software company took a week break for all during the July 4th week so I really wanted to spend some time boating. We took the kids to a theme park for most of the week, but on our return I insisted on a cruise. All the sitters were on vacation unfortunately, so we decided to brave another cruise with the kids. This time we came armed with Winnie the Pooh, my portable power pack, and a TV-VCR combo that runs off DC. I set up the system and readied the boat (this is easier to do if the family stays on shore), and Robin, Ben Q. and Haley joined me. The boat needed fuel so we gassed up and were ready to go. Haley settled in immediately to the Pooh Bear and was content the entire trip! Victory by TV.

Ships Log
The weather was perfect again (that's it, summer is definitely here now) and the boat ran perfectly. The water was very calm at first but chopped up on the way back.

Ports of Call
I wanted to get shots for the web site going south down Cayuga Lake, so we left Hibiscus Harbor and slowly cruised all the way down to Milliken Station and just did a turn around to head back to the harbor. The battery finally died on the power pack but we managed so squeeze 2.5 hours out of it, plenty to make the trip before the toddler put the cranky pants on.

Recommendations
For a two year old (and depending on your opinion of TV and kids) nothing holds their attention better than their TV friends, in our case, especially Pooh. Get a TV that runs on DC and your youngsters won't notice that the family room has shrunk to the size of a boat cabin - they won't even notice they are on a boat! Highly recommended. I also started to get Ben Q. involved with piloting, which he was thrilled about.

Next Up
Logging Cayuga Lake with Jim

posted by Ben Kopf 12:31 PM

Sunday, June 29, 2003

 

Personal Log
Among our many friends in the Finger Lakes area are Jim and Jewel F. (I'm trying to avoid last names in the log for privacy reasons, unless the person is related to a commercial venture and the disclosure helps their business), and we have known them almost since the beginning of our move to the Ithaca area. Jim works with me in the software business and has been on many boating excursions with me as mentioned in many log entries. His skill on the boat is a great plus when we lock through or have a particularily difficult docking. He also is an avid (learning) sailor who races on the occassional Sunday from Ithaca Yacht Club. Other crew included Jewel, Robin, Ben Q. and Haley, and Razayah, Jim and Jewel's grandson.

Ships Log
We gassed up at the harbor and I checked the fluid levels on the boat and finally remembered to pop the hatch for same. Engine and electrics still seem in great shape. Weather was great as we headed out, but there were definitely some heavy weather clouds to the west. Still, the water wasn't too choppy, and the temperature was a perfect 80 degrees. Jim and I put up the camper canvas last outing to stretch it out so it was still on.

Ports of Call
We drove straight to Sandy Cove to let the kids swim. As we pulled in and achored we noticed an ominous cloud stack west across the lake, so in a smart move, Jim and raced to put up the camper cavas on the Kopasetic. Just as he snapped the last snap on the front and dove in the boat the clouds opened up and poured! Since there was no thunder and lightening, we felt safe at the cove. We left the back canvas off and it was like sitting on a front porch during a summer rain - what a great feeling with the rain hitting the top like we were camping and the view out the back of sheets of rain coming down. After the rain stopped the kids went in swimming. Afterward we pulled anchor and headed down to the Lighthouse restaurant. On the way Robin requested we drop her and Haley off at our house (Haley was getting the cranky tireds) so we docked briefly and headed south to the restaurant for a great lunch. Then as we cruised back toward the harbor I noticed one of our neighbors and friends Joe A. near his dock so we docked at their dock and talked and had some wine for about 45 minutes. His family walked down (one of his daughters, Leigh, is our favorite baby sitter who spends many days at our house during the boating season) and joined us and we chatted. Eventually it was off up the lake and back to the harbor where we parted company and I drove down the west side of the lake while our friends drove down the east side of the lake to Ithaca.

Recommendations
If there isn't any threat of lightening, boating in the rain can be a great experience, especially if you get the cloud burst situation like we did. Great fun. And our camper canvas option on the Sea Ray offers better protection against the sun than the one piece bimini, worth every penny of they offer this on your boat. Plus it acts as a separate room for overnights.

Next Up
Vacation Break Cruise

posted by Ben Kopf 1:00 PM

Sunday, June 22, 2003

 

Personal Log
The fist mate Robin and I tried and failed to get sitters for the kids, so we once again experiment with Ben Q. and Haley as crew. The key is how to keep them busy and not bored. Robin plans on helping me create a kids section to Ships Blog, and we are compiling every bit of information we can from magazines, our experiences and others, regarding boat cruises with children.

Ships Log
The weather was pretty good and it appears that the spring misery is over! The boat is running great again and I finally know what to look at when scoping the gauges on the cockpit dash. I've had electrical problems in the past, so one eye is always on the voltmeters for the engines.

Ports of Call
We made this a loop trip without any ports of call because the kids (once again) seemed anxious to return to the harbor and home. We drove the usual Wells College loop down to Aurora NY and back to Hibiscus Harbor.

Recommendations
If you have very young children (pre-4 years), I would be lying if I didn't say "find a sitter and leave them home". Unless someone can tell me of a fool proof plan to keep them occupied, very young children are a constant distration from a safety point of view (read, keeping them on the boat and not in the water), and in our case, Haley at 2 is just too young to appreciate the beauty of zipping along in a power boat. Next time out with the kids we are bring a power source for the VCR to see if Winnie the Pooh will be our next best mate.

Next Up
Cloudburst at Sandy Cove

posted by Ben Kopf 4:00 PM

 

Personal Log
My good friend Jim F. and I finally got a chance to spend a day on Cayuga and just tour down to the Cauyga Lake inlet at Ithaca NY for fun at a couple of the local bars. Jim maintained designated captain status thankfully and took over on the way back to Hibiscus Harbor. I decided to not log pictures of Cayuga because it was rather overcast. The shots I am trying to capture for Ships Blog should be taken on sunny days (if we ever get any).

Ships Log
The boat was running great once again, we gassed up before heading out and cruised at medium RPM's down the lake. I'm finding that 3100 RPM seems to be that ideal gas effeciency to speed ratio for the Kopasetic. The name is finally on the boat! Ron Merriman affixed the large "Kopasetic" lettering to the transom in a hurried effort just before a downpour during the week.

Ports of Call
We drove past Wells College in our usual look at the town; the town of Aurora NY plans on putting a large dock in sometime in the future. The construction on their town hall and community center is completed and they seem to be building something down on the lake. I want to investigate the plans so will contact the local chamber of commerce to see what's up. Then we headed down to the Bistro Q in Ithaca NY for some wine and a bite to eat. Jim's wife Jewel happend to be on the deck of nearby Castaways Bar, so we docked up and chatted with her for a bit. On the way past the Boatyard Grill restaurant I hollered in true "had a bit too much fun" fashion some fandom obsenities since I am still upset by the managers treatment of me and several guests a couple years ago - we have not dined there since.
It's a long story that I should avoid describing for fear of enevitable litigation if published. Suffice to say, we have never found their food worth the enevitable long wait during busy times. Then Jim piloted us back to HH where a slopping docking ensued and a long wait with plenty of water to feel safe to drive home.

Recommendations
The Bistro Q is a fun restaurant with pretty good food and BBQ. They could really use better docking and I'm still not certain what the plan is for same. Their new promenade is part of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, an ambitious project that will eventually connect the Ithaca waterfront, a long neglected part of the town. I cannot say anything positive about boating to Ithaca - I honestly feel the local population treat power boaters with disdain and have no interest in building facilities to enhance the boaters experience in the town. I have spoken with several town representatives that seem on the surface to want to promote tourism by water, but the town drags it's feet at every opportunity in a misguided attempt to prevent any development. Sadly, they have seen the result of this attitude - they resisted every large commercial venture and didn't prepare for the enevitable population growth and now the town's infrastructure cannot support the traffic. Foolish in my opinion. (Sorry dear reader, but I have to get my jabs in when I can regarding this town.) I just wish they would wake up to the bounty provided by embracing the lakefront and the revenue stream provided by visiting boaters.

Next Up
Sunday Boat Cruise with the Kids

posted by Ben Kopf 12:35 AM

Saturday, June 07, 2003

 

Personal Log
Last year I wrote a letter in response to an article in Boat US magazine (the Boat US member's only magazine - if you haven't joined, you should) asking readers for their favorite places to boat. I talked up the Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes region, specifically Cayuga and Seneca Lakes since they are considered a part of the NYS Canal System. About 3 months later I received a call from their associate editor, Scott Croft, and we had a great phone conversation where he told me he was going to rent a canal boat and tour the area I mentioned. I was thrilled and really looking forward to showing off our beautiful region. Scott's plan was to rent a boat for week, tour the canals, and then stop by my boat or house on the way back to their home in Washington DC. My plan was to take Scott (and his wife - I'm withholding her name to give her some semblance of privacy) on a tour from Hisbisus Harbor to a couple shoreline vineyards and then have a early dinner at The Lighthouse. Ahh, the best laid plans...

Ships Log
Captains Note: Normally I wouldn't include a log entry since we didn't boat, but let's just say it's rained so much this spring I'm beginning to consider our home a houseboat. The rain, rain, rain. I sat on our deck Saturday morning lamenting the cold wet day and decided to have the Croft's just come straight to our house in Sheldrake, NY, rather than attempt a boat outing on such a miserable day. . They arrived around 2:30 and Robin entertained Scott's wife while he and I had some wine (and then beer, something I should never mix) and talked about boating on the NYS Canal and the Finger Lakes. He took notes as I blathered on about "no place to dock", "no place to stay", and the local resistance to all things tourist. After I few drinks I just talk and talk, so hopefully he found some useful tidbits in the cacaphony of slurred words and not-so-profound pontification. After a talk on the dock, three of us minus Robin drove to The Lighthouse (only about a mile away from our house) and ate lunch and continued to imbibe. I accidently clicked my 90 second digital pocket recorder on in my jacket and heard some drunken fool talking with the Crofts. After the lunch we parted company and I foolishly drove the mile to my house. I can say that Scott and his wife are two of the nicest people I have ever met, and regardless of my Merlot induced behavior, I really hope to see them again. A call to Scott on Monday morning assured me that my behavior wasn't TOO bad, and that he still intends to mention the Ships Blog web site in his article - like I said, a great guy.
Ports of Call The Crofts used Mid-Lakes Navigation to charter The Cayuga a grandly laid out canal boat and toured a good deal of the NYS Canal system; be sure to read the column entitled "Our Favorite Places" in an upcoming Boat US magazine.

Recommendations
Charter a boat and do the NYS Canals! The locks are really easy (see our Locking Through section for information) and the sites are amazing. As the Crofts learned on their trip, some parts of the canal are heaven, and some are pretty gross - study up before you decide on your float plan.

Next Up
Who'll Stop the Rain?

posted by Ben Kopf 1:30 PM

Friday, June 06, 2003

 

Personal Log
I enjoy taking my colleagues from work on boating trips after work during the summer when the daylight hours permit, so we happened to have Brian P., a co-designer based in Autodesk San Francisco in for a visit this week. He joined Max, Jim, John and myself (the Ithaca design and project management team) on a great trip for dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Kidders Landing. Certainly the most enjoyable cruise I have taken this year, and it let me introduce another person (Brian) to the beauty of boating on the canal system (yes, Cayuga Lake is considered part of the NYS Canal system).

Ships Log
The weather was pure perfection - the first day of really good boating weather yet! The lake was absolute glass and dockings were done with a smoothness that belied my novice boating stature. The boat was running well, nothing unusual to report. Left in daylight, returned at dusk, so I turned on the nav lights.

Ports of Call
We started from Hibiscus Harbor with a quick spin down to Wells College in Aurora, and decided to catch dinner, so I called the Lighthouse and made reservations for our arrival in about 20 minutes (Debby the head waitress knows our family, so she happily set us up with a great spot on the Lighthouse porch). Then we took a cruising speed 3100 RPM jaunt down to the restaurant located in Kidders Landing (near our home in Sheldrake where we briefly slowed to take a look at the new paint job on the house). We docked on the adjoining O'Malleys dock, a currently defunct restaurant under renovation for opening next season, and walked next door to the Lighthouse. The plan from the owners of both restaurants is to share their docks - a move I think is a benefit to both. The food and atmosphere at the Lighthouse was excellent, I can honestly say I had one of the best pieces of haddock I have ever eaten! Everyone, even our visiting colleague from the food capitol of the west was impressed. After a libation we headed back up the lake to HH for a dusk docking that went flawlessly.

Recommendations
Call Ahead! By a simple cell phone call we were ready to go when we hit the restaurant. It helps them and it helped us get back before dark. I am going to start keeping our local yellow pages on the boat just for this reason (saves a hunt for a number by phone). We are lucky to have good cell phone connection on Cayuga Lake - something to keep in mind when purchasing a cell phone - does the plan service your local boating area?

Next Up
Boat US!

posted by Ben Kopf 6:25 PM

Sunday, May 11, 2003

 

Personal Log
In the first break in the weather in days, we have a decent Sunday to take the kids on their trial 2003 run. Our goal is to figure out ways to keep Haley (2) and Ben Q. (7) amused and happy as we putt around the lake. The fact is, most kids get a thrill boating when you are rocketing along at high speed - something you can't (or rather, shouldn't) do on the canals. So how do we keep the children occupied at 5 knots?

Ships Log
The boat is running great once again, but I still intend to have Ron Merriman look over the mechanics and electrics before we take any serious trips. The boat is in bristol fashion as the saying goes, so off we go after a full tank fuel up at our Hibiscus Harbor port. Weather is good but a bit cool for this time of year. Waves were non-existant. As we pulled into CS1 I and walled up I noticed some hurried movement around the lock gates as the Lockmaster and a helper were peering into one of the lock valve control chambers. As the north lock gate opened to let us out toward the Cayuga-Seneca Canal interconnecting portion to the Erie Canal, I called up and found out that the valve cable has twisted and jammed. The Lockmaster gave us an estimate of "20 minutes to 24 hours" before he could let us south through the lock again! After a quick look of "what do we do to get home?" to Robin, I decide to hang around the lock terminal wall to see what happens in the next 20 minutes. I was monitoring Channel 13 when a boat approaching from the north was asking for admittance, and we both noticed the north lock gate start to open after only 10 minutes of downtime! I decided to take the opportunity to bolt back to Hibiscus as the lids were restless (after only an hour of boating), and I didn't want to take that chance that this was a short fix.

Ports of Call
We decide to do one lock with Haley and Ben Q. on board to see what effort is involved. So we cruised up to CS1 (Cayuga-Seneca Lock 1) at Mud Lock, NY to have our first lock through of the season! Then we planned a quick run up to some old Erie Canal lock ruins just past I-90 on the CS canal. As logged, the trip was cut short by a lock failure (hey, these things are 100+ years old) and the kids were anxious to return to solid ground.

Recommendations
To be honest, on our 27' Sea Ray, busy two year olds have little room to roam and get frustrated quickly. We have decided to find sitters for the youngest one (at least) for any lengthy outing, and are not planning on any overnights this summer with either kid. We will continue to explore ways to keep children interested in boating and report our findings on the Children's Boating pages on the main site. I recommend that anyone planning an extended trip on the NYS Canal remember that there can be long delays if there are lock problems; pad your trip with extra hours or days as necessary. Then if all goes well, you can use the extra time to enjoy your favorite ports of call.

Next Up
Scott Croft and the Boat US Interview!

posted by Ben Kopf 2:05 PM

Saturday, May 03, 2003

 

Personal Log
We drove up to Geneva for some shopping and stopped at the harbor on the way back for a quick cruise. I spend yesterday on the boat organizing and inventoring the works. We want to see how Haley (now 2) will handle the boat. I met several fellow harbormates: Fred, Stu, Cyril, Derryl, and Tom. All nice guys with the same fanatic interest in boating. I blabbed about the Ships Blog site and told them to spread the word.

Ships Log
The boat is running great and my docking skills seem to have returned quickly; no problems backing into the new land slip even with the addition of the post between the slip docks.

Ports of Call
We cruised up to the town of Cayuga where I scoped out their new "marine park" which doesn't have any docking facilities! What is it with these lake towns?

Recommendations
The future promises more docking on Cayuga Lake, but it is still relatively rare. This is the most unused lake I have ever seen, but I suppose that's because most of my previous boating was done in New England. Maybe I shouldn't complain...

Next Up
Trial Outing with the Carpet Rodents

posted by Ben Kopf 8:29 PM

Saturday, April 26, 2003

 

Personal Log
Finally! What a winter - seemed like it would never end. I had the boat put in the water on April 15, but a freak snowstorm delayed the commissioning until April 22. On the 19th I drove up to the harbor to put in some gear and start the outside prep work. Turns out no one was there with the keys (I have to have a second set made), but I did clean the cockpit top to bottom. The next weekend on Sunday the 26th Robin and I drove up and spent 5 hours cleaning - she did the cabin while I worked on the exterior some more. We had most of the gear with us, but I am determined to inventory everything that goes aboard, down to a pencil. I made a recording of all items my first weekend up, and will continue to do same next weekend.

Ships Log
After all the cleaning, Jim and Jewell met us for an afternoon cruise, and though it wasn't hot, it was very pleasant. We did the Wells College Loop nice and slow, but I kicked it up to get there and to check the engines - purring like kitties. Electrical looks good, boats immaculate, I'm happy with the way it's running. We are putting in a shore locker for storage of unused pillows and cushions, etc.

Ports of Call
We just drove from our new land slip in Hibiscus Harbor to Aurora and took the slow coastal tour back to the Harbor. Work progresses in Aurora as the town spends the American Doll woman's fortune.

Recommendations
Inventory your boat items! Not only is it a good idea from an insurance point of view, but it forces you to really think about what you need on board. I plan on checking off anything we actually use this year, and consider leaving the unused items in storage next season.

Next Up
More Organizing and the Kids Join Us

posted by Ben Kopf 8:23 PM

Wednesday, October 02, 2002

 

Personal Log
Well the season winds down and I have to get the boat to storage. I had a change to buy a trailer, but figured we'd still need to keep the boat at Hibiscus Harbor next year anway, so I decided to have them store it indoors.

Ships Log
The water was choppy and intense, but I was alone with the tunes cranked so it was fun. The weather's getting colder, but the boat is running great.
Ports of Call

Ports of Call
Robin drove the car up to HH while I drove the boat from Sheldrake up to the harbor. We then cleaned out all the stuff, took inventory of what we never needed to leave it off the boat for next year and lighten the load, and ate a good dinner at the Wheelhouse Resturant [LINK] at the harbor.
Recommendations
If you can swing it, I'd recommend inside storage, but if you do, put an extra tarp over your existing canvas (they don't bother shrink wrapping if its inside) - spiders and other critters poop all over the canvas and hull otherwise.

Next Up
See you next Year

posted by Ben Kopf 10:12 AM

Saturday, September 28, 2002

 

Personal Log
I brought the boat down to Sheldrake from HH to unload more gear and prep it for the winter.

Ships Log
Water was very choppy and it was in the high 50's. Boat is still running cherry.

Ports of Call
Robin dropped me off in Hibiscus Harbor where I prepped the boat for the rough ride down to Sheldrake. Pretty cold run but still it's boating so it was fun and it's the first time I took the Kopasetic on a solo run. I met Rob up at HH, we unloaded the gear and prettied up the boat for storage.

Recommendations
If you ever boat alone - always wear a personal floatation device (PFD). You never know what will happen and if its just you on the boat, no one is going to be there to assist you if you fall over board. I bought the kind of PFD that has CO2 catridges that expand on impact with the water - very comfortable and secure.

Next Up
Seasons Over

posted by Ben Kopf 8:11 PM

Saturday, September 14, 2002

 

Personal Log
Pat and Robert are good friends that also have a smaller Sea Ray, a 20' sport cruiser. They are avid boaters and try to get out as much as possible. Their biggest lament is one of my pet peeves - no place to store or dock a boat in Ithaca. They manage to find a slip below the water treatment place on Rt.34, but it will soon be replaced with a large hotel/restaurant called the Remington, built by Cornell.

Ships Log
The day was beautiful and the water calm again. The boats previous problems are non-existent now, and it's running great.

Ports of Call
We met at Hibisicus Harbor and cruised out to do the Wells College Loop. Beautiful homes, renovations galore in town, and soon a public dock for transient boaters will make this a favorite stop sometime in the future. The food is 5 star at the refurbished Aurora Inn, and the town is fun to cruise by off shore. After we cruised the shore we stopped and anchored at Sandy Cove a stones throw from HH, where Pat and Bob produced cheese and crackers, foccacia bread, and olives. We drank wine and chatted, then the couple went up to the bow for a slow cruise back to the harbor - the sunset was spectacular and we got some great pictures [LINK].

Recommendations
Sandy Cove is wonderful for swimming but is usually very crowded - not so in the fall when most boaters are turning over their keys to storage marinas. The autumn leaves and sunsets are gorgeous from that spot.

Next Up
The Last 2002 Run

posted by Ben Kopf 8:10 PM

Saturday, September 07, 2002

 

Personal Log
Jim and Jewel visit for a day cruise.

Ships Log
Weather was great and the water was calm once again. The Kopasetic is running perfectly.

Ports of Call
We drove up to HH to take the boat over to Seneca Falls for a late lunch. We got subs and took them on the boat to drift in Van Cleef Lake (a pretty lake that was created by the dam that CS2 and 3 circumvent.

Recommendations
Bring a cell phone on the boat along with your VHS; Verizon works throughout the Finger Lakes on the water, and as far as we have gone, on the Erie Canal and Cayuga-Seneca sections of the NY State Canal System.

Next Up
Pat and Robert Fall Cruise

posted by Ben Kopf 11:08 AM

Saturday, August 31, 2002

 

Personal Log
One of my poker pals from New England promised to come out later in the summer with his wife Kim and two of their 4 kids. Since we have 7 bedrooms at the house there were plenty of accomodations.

Ships Log
We took the boat out a couple times during their visit for short cruises along the shore; the kids stayed with one of the parents and the other when out with me. The weather was wonderful and the water was calm. The summer has been ideal. Boat engine running fine and the battery alternator setup was replace by Ron M. so the electrical is working fine now.

Ports of Call
We made a trip along the shore to Taughannock Falls Park and south toward Ithaca along the shore. The second trip I took Kim north with one of kids to drop the boat off at Hibisicus Harbor.

Recommendations
Find a reliable and capable marine mechanic. Ron is great at what he does and keeps his promises on time and money.

Next Up
The Flanigan's Outing

posted by Ben Kopf 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 24, 2002

 

Personal Log
After a couple weeks off boating Robin and I had a good friend stay at the house and watch the kids so we could do what we've waited for all summer - an overnight on the canal! We got reservations at the Rainbow Cove Motel halfway down Seneca Lake and planned our trip during the week. Most hotels and accommodations are booked at this time of year, so I'm glad we planned ahead.

Ships Log
We packed up our gear and lit out from Hibiscus Harbor with a full tank. The weather was "perfect" - not too hot, not too cool, even in the locks. The Kopasetic seemed to be running fine (I should have checked my guages before we left). With the help of some boaters we docked in rough water at the hotel, and just in the nick of time because the port engined konked out. It turns out that a short in the electrical system had me draining the cranking battery the whole trip. We planned to go all the way to Watkins Glen and back to HH via the CS canal once again, but were forced to limp home on one engine (God Bless twin engines) the following day in the early AM.

Ports of Call
The Cayuga-Seneca Canal was our road to Seneca Lake and we stopped in Seneca Falls for a bite to eat. Then it was off on our first visit to the largest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca. Rainbow Cove is a charming little motel halfway down the west side of Seneca Lake and we docked in fairly rough water at their 200 foot parallel dock. The rooms are sparse but clean and we ate dinner at their restaurant. The food was good, but nothing special, mainly American fare. After dinner we walked down and sat on the dock on provided benches and had some wine. The folks that hellped us dock were there and offerec to tow us all the way back to Cayuga if we had trouble in the morning. Really nice couple that actually got married on their large boat. They were staying at Sampson State Park and invited us over, but I was too worried about the engine to go.

Recommendations
We love Seneca Falls and their boater friendly atmosphere; Stivers Marine impressed us with their friendly service and Crows Nest integrated restaurant (not open when we arrived). If you want a great weekend day trip, consider traveling the Cayuga-Seneca between the lakes, and call ahead for some accomodations or transient slippage (beware that Ithaca has far less slips than Watkins Glen).

Next Up
The Provo's Visit

posted by Ben Kopf 9:19 AM

Saturday, August 10, 2002

 

Personal Log
After all the boating last week, we ended up visiting family and friends in Maine and then took the kids to Darien Lake. As soon as we returned I was anxious to get on the boat.

Ships Log
The Kopasetic is running well, the weather is still fantastic, so we took a day cruise after getting a babysitter.

Ports of Call
Another cruising run in a relative short distance. This time we took in CS1 and the first segment of the Cayuga-Seneca going up to the Erie Canal section. We turned around at the junction of the two canals and headed back to Hibiscus Harbor.

Recommendations
There are some impressive remnants of the old Barge Canal system that still stand today. They make a great place to stop for lunch during your canal cruises. Bring along some canal reading material to bone up on the historic sites.

Next Up
Autodesk Picnic and More

posted by Ben Kopf 10:30 AM

Wednesday, August 07, 2002

 

Personal Log
It's about a 40 minute drive up to Hibiscus Harbor from Autodesk in Ithaca, so I started inviting colleagues from work up for after hours cruises. It makes a great ice-breaker for visiting Autodesk dignitaries, and really shows off the beauty of the Finger Lakes.

Ships Log
Over the course of the week (condensed here because I am posting this after the fact) I took out several of my work colleagues, usually around the Wells College Loop, and once up CS1 to show one of our VP's the lock workings.

Ports of Call
The Wells College Loop, CS1 and beyond (about to the junction of the Erie Canal), and to Goose Watch vineyard.

Recommendations
You can't beat boating to a vineyard; Cayuga Lake has three wineries with docks, one good one at Goosewatch Vineyard, one shallow and small dock at Lakeshore Vineyard (watch for low water!), and one shared with neighbor dock at Sheldrake Point Vineyard (they've been talking about putting in a dock since they started). Thirsty Owl is new in 2003 and they plan to have a dock with transporation from the shore to their vineyard/bistro up on the hill.

Next Up
After Darien Lake

posted by Ben Kopf