---

Have you read the book, "Only In America"? it's about three guys who trailered a 17 foot whaler from California to Florida where they launched. They boated up the east coast to New York, through the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes then through the Great Lakes to Chicago then down to New Orleans. Makes a trip from Norwalk, Ct to Montauk seem easy. I'm sure it isn't but many people have made substantial trips in 17' Whalers so it can be done. Just plan carefully, have contingency plans and don't take any chances.