Bridge Question

[kpgraci]

If with mast up I can easily pass under a drawbridge do I still need to hail the bridge operator? Not for an opening, just to let them know my height and that I will clear. If not required, seems like it would a be a nice courtesy call to not freak them out, or would they rather not hear from me.

 

[Benny17441]

I south Florida some bridge operators refuse to open up bridges to boats under sail until they douse them. I would like to see their face as you sail under the bridge and give them an "in your face" courtesy call.

 

[kloudie1]

I think that is the correct thing to do.. I've heard many such calls from tugs and larger power boats going under the North Draw of the Causeway. call him about 5 minutes out and be sure to tell him you'll not need an opening. Not a good idea to go under without an engine running because of the strange air wash from the pilings and bridge deck.. Hope all is good, Ken

 

[Sailm8]

Not necessary. They just listen for the clank.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

In four full trips around the ICW, both gulf and east coast, I've never found that necessary. I suppose it might be done, sort of as a courtesy, but certainly not needed.

 

[kpgraci]

I would not be under sail. Some additional research seems to indicate it is not required.

I saw an interesting related question asking if it was OK to pass a line of boats waiting for a bridge to open if you did not need an opening...the answer was yes but a courtesy call to the boats on Ch 16 or Ch 13 informing them that you are passing them and going under the bridge (rather than jumping in line) would be appropriate.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

I get to sail under mine....They just tore down the Da** draw bridge after putting in a 65 footer. It is sooooo nice not to have to wait for the assigned time to proceed. :dance::dance:

 

[Ross]

The Amtrak bridge across the Susquehanna River is a swing bridge that requires a 25 man crew to open. It has 48 feet of clearance so we just scoot under it when we want to and don't bother anybody.

 

[kpgraci]

I imagine 12 men on two lines pulling while one beats a drum.

On an unrelated topic, Why do I feel more like a sailor when I'm motoring under a bridge than anytime else?

 

[Forrest15112]

I recently went through the rail bridge at the mouth or the Rigolets and, while already open, I gave a courtesy call to announce my intentions and just in case it was about to close. I called 5 times, no answer. I read on active captain, that the bridge tender rarely replies. I'd still give the courtesy call anyway.

 

[Witzend]

The Amtrak bridge across the Susquehanna River is a swing bridge that requires a 25 man crew to open. It has 48 feet of clearance so we just scoot under it when we want to and don't bother anybody.

Hey Ross, I'm thinking on pulling this year at the Perryville Yacht Club.
My 310 is at 46' 9", am I good at the Railroad swing bridge? Wiki says 52' from low mark. What is your mast height?