34-Foot Lockmaster, 3 Nights

Lockmaster 34 Foot runs through Erie Canal Adventures. Rated 4.9 across 36 reviews. Runs 3, 4 or 7 nights. From $2770.

Overview

You helm this one yourself. The charter hands you a 34-foot Lockmaster canal boat for three nights out of the Erie Canal Adventures marina in Macedon, with arrival set for 12:30pm and an orientation that mixes classroom time with on-the-water training before you cast off. After that, the route and the daily pace are yours to set.

The marina sits about 30 minutes east of Rochester, and the canal runs well in both directions from it. Westbound stops include Fairport, Pittsford, Spencerport, and Brockport on the way toward Medina and Lockport, while the eastern route passes Palmyra, Newark, and Lyons, with an optional continuation onto the Cayuga-Seneca Canal toward Seneca Falls and Waterloo. Nights are spent tied up at town docks, where maintained power and water connections match the boats' plug-in setup.

The 34-footer is the operator's pick for one couple, a small family, or anyone new to boating, being easier to take through locks and villages than the larger hulls in the fleet. The base rate bundles fuel, tolls, training, cleaning, linen service, and full equipment, with NY State sales tax added at booking. Three-night charters run Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday, and the days are self-directed: waterside picnics, bike rides into the next town, slow mornings on deck.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Macedon marinaCheck in at 1125 Marina Parkway, Macedon, by 12:30pm on departure day. Hotel pickup is not provided, so travellers make their own way.
2. Orientation and trainingStarting at about 12:30pm, the session covers classroom instruction plus on-the-water training before departure. Staff also run through the safety gear aboard.
3. Cast off along the canalHead west toward Fairport and Pittsford, or east toward Palmyra and Newark, at the canal's legal speeds. Lock passages are part of the route, and the bow thrusters help with docks and locks.
4. Overnight at a town dockTie up in a canal village with power and water hook-ups. Cabin air conditioning works while docked, and canvas shading keeps the deck usable in sun.
5. Explore ashoreOne beach cruiser bike per adult is carried for pedalling into towns and shops. A small propane grill and an extra cooler support cookouts by the water.
6. Optional Cayuga-Seneca detourEastbound charters can continue onto the Cayuga-Seneca Canal toward Seneca Falls and Waterloo. The operator may restrict cruising on Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida Lakes, and Lake Ontario.
7. Return to portThe boat must be back at the departure marina by 9AM on the final morning so staff can ready it for the next charter.

What To Expect From The Tour

You drive the boat yourself, so most of the preparation is about timing and provisions rather than following a guide. The points below come from the operator's own charter details.

• Bring your toiletries. Bedding runs to memory foam mattresses, laundered sheets, quilts, pillows, and fresh towels. The operator asks guests to bring their own soap, shampoo, and personal toiletries.
• Stock up on groceries. The galley carries a compact refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, and a K-Cup-style coffee maker, with pots, pans, dishware, and utensils supplied. An extra cooler and a small propane grill round out the options. Shopping before the 12:30pm arrival makes the first evening simpler.
• Use the bikes. One beach cruiser per adult comes with the boat. They are intended for pedalling from the dock into nearby towns and local shops.
• Keep to the clock. Orientation cannot start late, so arrival by 12:30pm is firm, and the boat must be back at the marina by 9AM on the last day. Plan road travel and departure logistics around both times.
• Plan for sun. Canvas shading covers much of the boat, and cabins have air conditioning while docked. The operator's own advice is to bring a hat and sunscreen.
• Lean on the app. Maps, guide information, and a custom mobile app come with the charter, covering sample itineraries, docking tips by town, restaurant picks, and real-time trip tracking. Onboard radios handle communication with lock staff.

Common issues. The schedule has no give: orientation starts at 12:30pm on departure day and the boat must be back at the marina by 9AM on the final morning so staff can return the vessel to rental standards. Cancellation terms are strict, with the full fare forfeited inside 45 days and half the fare between 46 and 90 days before the charter. A $500 damage deposit is held against damage, and liability coverage is required, either through a homeowner's policy or the operator's $110 per-operator option. Cruising on Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida Lakes, and Lake Ontario may be restricted, and small dogs are only possible on designated boats for a $300 fee arranged by phone.

Choosing Your Erie Canal Cruise