Cape may 663 bridge clearance

[smokey73]

The take home is when going under a bridge that is close to the boat's air draft, don't go at high tide, especially in a place where there is a significant tide. Cape May is around 4 feet.

Ditto on @dlochner post.
In addition, be particularly careful where the variation in High Tide is significant. It effects the MHW listed where some High Tides are well above the MHW. For instance, here in Beaufort SC the McTeer Bridge is a "nominal" fixed 65 foot bridge. Mean High Water is 7.6 feet (see below), which is the basis for the bridge design clearance. However, we have high tides that routinely range between 9 feet and 6 feet. So on one of those days with high tides above 7.6 feet you have to be very mindful of not only your air draft but the datum, the current tide level and its relationship to MHW etc. Note, the highest tide observed was over 11 feet. In places effects of prolonged wind can drive water up and the clearance can be even less!

Like @dlochner said, know your "loaded air draft" and be mindful of the variables that effect the clearance that is actually available.

Datums - NOAA Tides & Currents

 

[Davidasailor26]

@Cmp1110 I just noticed a new entry in the USCG’s Local Notice to Mariners. There will be work on both Cape May Canal bridges from now through December. The SR-109 bridge will be reduced by 5 feet, and the SR-162 bridge will be reduced to approximately 50 feet.

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/lnms/lnm05272022.pdf

 

[dlochner]

@Cmp1110 I just noticed a new entry in the USCG’s Local Notice to Mariners. There will be work on both Cape May Canal bridges from now through December. The SR-109 bridge will be reduced by 5 feet, and the SR-162 bridge will be reduced to approximately 50 feet.

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/lnms/lnm05272022.pdf

Glad I went through in early June!

 

[All U Get]

I would offer to improve the design used by ACE for all the bridges since most are in poor condition and lack precise measurements. A simple float with an arrow pointing to a number board ten feet or more above mhw, it would last longer and keep aquatic growth from obscuring the numbers.

 

[Cmp1110]

Went thru Saturday a little tight. 55 is not at high tide per the charts

 

[Cmp1110]

Pic was Saturday 7/9 at 3:45

 

[jssailem]

Congrats on a successful passage under the bridge.

 

[Cmp1110]

Congrats on a successful passage under the bridge.

Thank you