93 Hunter 40.5 How tall are we

Benny17441 · Apr 25, 2014

I would say you got a pretty good reading at 64.5'. Probably need 65' to clear the antenna. There is no real number as it depends on how heavy the boat is loaded down. Being the fact that you are sitting real close to the air draft of most bridges I would consider if at all possible timing any approach at low tide.

Bill Roosa · Apr 25, 2014

I think you just did measure it.
Another good way to "test" a bridge for height is to approach along the length of the bridge so that if you do touch it is not going into the bridge (under it going forward) but going along the bridge so you just scratch the mast head.

bananabender56 · Apr 25, 2014

The height doesn't normally include the fruit as these are usually owner specd. We had 64.5 ft bridge clearance but would normally ping the VHF antenna. The ICW clearance boards lie - we pinged the antenna while showing 67 feet and cleared a bridge showing 66 ft.

Michael G · Apr 26, 2014

Glad to see you made the trip. We are thinking of going south next fall and the Wilkerson Bridge was a worry of mine. On your way back stop in Hampton and give us a shout , would love to get together and talk.

Mike
"Island Girl"

smokey73 · Apr 26, 2014

A strong South Wind effects that Wilkerson Bridge

Michael G said:
Glad to see you made the trip. We are thinking of going south next fall and the Wilkerson Bridge was a worry of mine. On your way back stop in Hampton and give us a shout , would love to get together and talk.

Mike
"Island Girl"

Mike, It is a really nice trip if you take your time. My wife and I did it in May of last year. The Dismal Swamp Canal is not "dismal" at all but with our mast height make sure you stay in the middle and be careful when you have to move over a little for passing traffic. I did a little tree trimming once or twice. That is of course if the Canal is open when you want to come through. There is a number to call. Make sure you have the ICW Guide and the Anchoring Guide for the trip.

If the wind has been coming from the south for an extended period of time the Wilkerson Bridge can be below 64 as was the case when we came through. The problem is that once you leave the Albemarle Sound on the ICW the Wilkerson Bridge is at the end of a long run and you'll have to backtrack if the clearance is too tight. There is not much tide there so we did not take the chance and went around Roanoke Island - a long an slow trip and even though it looks wide open, there is a very narrow channel, but no bridges to contend with that way. In retrospect I probably should have tried to go the ICW and when I got near the bridge called up to someone who had passed recently. I understand there is someone there that can heal you over to make the clearance (for a fee of course) and I should have checked that out. I'd do it in advance if you are going to make the trip and maybe you can let us know.

Does anyone else have any info on that service near that bridge and how you arrange for it?

Send me a PM and I can give you some perspective on coming down with an air clearance of 64.5 or so.

smokey73 · Apr 26, 2014

Marco Garcia said:
Thank you all for your answers. I will consider 65 the minimum now to clear a bridge and think about those 66 67 boards on tide info. I like the side scratch method, but may not work on some narrow span bridges. Does anyone knows how far down are those marker lights on the bridge. Seem like 1-2 feet but hard to say from below..

Mike, I'll take you on the offer, but it may take some time until my return... I am starting my fall trip south in Spring due to Time schedules with work...Planning on having the boat south of lat 26* next winter so perhaps we'll meet there...

Marco

Marco and other: I was taught that when its real tight and you can't be sure of the height to go through the bridge backing, rather than forward. That is of course if you can maintain steerage way without going to fast and a lot of other factors. The theory was that you generally had a lot more thrust in forward than reverse. I've never done it other than when under instruction but wonder what other's think of this. My general theory is "wait until the tide goes out" but that is not always possible in areas with small tidal changes where the wind has as much or more effect on the height of the tides.

Just wondered what other people thought of this approach

Bill Jones · Apr 29, 2014

I used to own a 40.5 and spent a lot of time on the ICW. I've also crewed for friends going up and down the coast. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your photos! Brought back many fond memories of making the trip north and south.

simpsonc · May 4, 2014

Marco Garcia said:
Thank you all for your answers. I will consider 65 the minimum now to clear a bridge and think about those 66 67 boards on tide info. I like the side scratch method, but may not work on some narrow span bridges. Does anyone knows how far down are those marker lights on the bridge. Seem like 1-2 feet but hard to say from below..

I have a 41 hunter aft cabin with in mast furling, that requires 63'10" by renting a crane and measuring. I was concerned about the low bridges, so I called the coast guard. I was told that the midline light on the bridge is the lowest point on the bridge and that is where the bridge is measured from. I generally aim to just miss that.

Bill Roosa · May 4, 2014

A good way to estimate the bridge structure is to look at the bridge as you approach through binos. Use the cars/trucks going over to get a known size and use that to estimate other dimensions.

Rich Stidger · May 4, 2014

I have often thought about a hi-tech solution. How about getting a USB computer accessory camera and attaching it to a self-leveling stick that can be hoisted on the main halyard so that it is level with the top of the antennas or your highest point. Run the USB cable (yes you need a long one, probably amplified) to your laptop in the cockpit.

Hoist this contraption to the top and approach the bridge slowly watching to see the bridge level. Since your "eye" is now at the top of the mast, I would think that you could see if you would make it or not.

What do you think?

uncledom · May 5, 2014

If you think the Wilkerson bridge is low then you best stay clear of rt. 278 bridge behind Hilton Head Island. I would say it's another two inches shorter.
Check this out.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=epz6BBZm__0

SV Escapade · May 6, 2014

bananabender56 said:
The height doesn't normally include the fruit as these are usually owner specd. We had 64.5 ft bridge clearance but would normally ping the VHF antenna. The ICW clearance boards lie - we pinged the antenna while showing 67 feet and cleared a bridge showing 66 ft.

LOL, yes they do lie! We waited until a falling tide to motor out to the Moser Bridge on the 7 mile bridge in the keys. The tide boards read 67 feet. So off we went (made a "Securite'" call hoping not to get waked). We were oceanside to gulfside, just starbord of the centerline light. A quarter of the way through, the VHF bent back by a few inches. We have been under other bridges showing 66' without touching. So, do be careful out there!

uncledom · May 7, 2014

Ron White tells a joke about being between 5'8" and 6'2" depending upon which 7 eleven he's walking out of. I guess the same people put up the bridge boards.