Do I need prior boating experience to charter the Lockmaster 42?

No prior experience is required. Erie Canal Adventures provides full orientation and hands-on driving lessons before departure.

What types of accommodations are on board the Lockmaster 42?

The boat offers two double-berth cabins, additional sleeping space in the living area, two heads with showers, and a cozy bow seating area.

Can I bring children on these charters?

Yes, all ages are welcome, but guests should consider the length and activity level of the trip for younger children.

Are bicycles provided during the trip?

Yes, each Lockmaster 42 is equipped with four bikes to explore local towns and towpaths during stops.

What meals and provisions are included?

The boat includes a fully equipped galley with kitchenware; guests are responsible for their own groceries and meal planning.

Is there internet or cell service available on board?

Cell service may be spotty along the canal, and onboard internet is not typically provided, offering a chance to unplug.

Erie Canal Adventures: Lockmaster 42 Charters in Macedon, NY | Bike Tour | Lodging

Macedon, New York, a quiet town along the historic Erie Canal, serves as the launching point for an immersive waterway journey aboard the Lockmaster 42. Operated by Erie Canal Adventures, this unique charter offers a hands-on cruising experience through one of America’s most storied inland waterways. The Lockmaster 42 stands out with its blend of classic canal boat craftsmanship and modern amenities, making it a top choice for multi-night adventures lasting 3, 4, or 7 nights.

The Lockmaster 42 boats feature two comfortable double-berth cabins, additional sleeping quarters in the living area, and fully equipped galleys with ovens, stoves, a microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker. The canvas-enclosed bow seating area provides a cozy spot to soak in the slow pace of canal life and to watch the locks in action. Unlike typical day tours, this charter invites you to take the helm yourself, complete with professional orientation and driving lessons, deepening your connection to this historic navigation channel.

As you cruise, the landscape shifts from charming canal towns to quiet stretches lined with sycamores and willows, while the canal’s calm waters encourage wildlife sightings like herons and kingfishers. The business supplies four bikes per boat, perfect for pedaling along towpaths to small villages, markets, and local eateries. Erie Canal Adventures’ maintenance and customer service ensure a smooth, relaxed journey, where you handle the pace and stops.

This experience stands out within the Northeast’s adventure offerings by combining a hands-on boating skill element with the region’s rich transportation heritage. The Erie Canal’s engineering feats and tranquil waters create a memorable backdrop for families, couples, or small groups seeking a distinctive connection to New York state’s outdoor and cultural landscape. Anchored at 1125 Marina Pkwy in Macedon, Erie Canal Adventures and their Lockmaster 42 charters invite travelers to unwind and navigate history at their own rhythm.

About Erie Canal Adventures

Erie Canal Adventures operates out of Macedon, New York, offering self-drive boat charters on classic Lockmaster vessels and a larger Harriet H. Wiles charter. The company provides short and week-long options with 3-, 4-, and 7-night charters across its fleet. Guests choose from Lockmaster 34, Lockmaster 41, Lockmaster 42, or the Harriet H. Wiles to suit group size and comfort needs. Each Lockmaster model offers cabins, a galley, and an enclosed bow area; the Lockmaster 34 includes a private cabin and kid bunks, the Lockmaster 41 and 42 feature spacious galleys and double-berth cabins. The Harriet H. Wiles adds a queen master suite and a larger bath with modern amenities.

Every charter includes a full orientation and on-water training; some trips include driving lessons. Onboard essentials and complimentary bikes for local exploration are provided with multiple boats. The Harriet H. Wiles charters specifically list fuel and cleaning as included services. Erie Canal Adventures focuses on safe, self-guided cruising along the Erie Canal corridor, supplying orientation, necessary supplies, and clear instructions for boat handling. The fleet’s layouts support couples, families, and small groups seeking a hands-on canal experience. Booking information, availability, and detailed boat specifications are available through the business’s reservation channels. With straightforward inclusions and family-friendly layouts, Erie Canal Adventures presents a practical option for chartering classic canal boats from Macedon for multi-night trips.

Staff provide clear safety briefings, and the fleet is maintained to practical standards for reliable cruising. Reservations are managed directly through the business's booking system online.