Has anyone had experience using the cross Florida canal, specifically getting a H35.5 past the fixed bridge? We are planning on taking our boat down to the Port Charlotte area and understand that we may have trouble getting under the bridge.
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Jim Russell
Mast Height a Problem
I think you will find that your mast height exceeds the clearance. Check the charts.
I think you will find that your mast height exceeds the clearance. Check the charts.
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Dakota Jim Russell
55 Foot Clearance ???
Checking the charts and not my memory, there are several 55 foot clearance bridges between the lake and the east coast of Florida. I was thinking there was one with a minimum of 50 feet between the lake and the west coast, but can't find it tonight. Hopefully your question along with my responses will generate some additional and credible information.
Checking the charts and not my memory, there are several 55 foot clearance bridges between the lake and the east coast of Florida. I was thinking there was one with a minimum of 50 feet between the lake and the west coast, but can't find it tonight. Hopefully your question along with my responses will generate some additional and credible information.
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Dave C.
RR Bridge
There is a RR draw bridge just to the East side of Lake Okeechobee that has a opened vertical clearance of 47'. Drop your mast in Stuart and re-step in Ft. Myers or plan a leisurley cruise down the Keys.
There is a RR draw bridge just to the East side of Lake Okeechobee that has a opened vertical clearance of 47'. Drop your mast in Stuart and re-step in Ft. Myers or plan a leisurley cruise down the Keys.
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Al Augustine
port mayaca lift bridge
the lift bridge at port mayaca is 49 ft. clearance. calling indiantown marina will verify. they have a system for getting higher masted vessels under the bridge . they also can unstep the mast and it can be restepped in Glades Boat Yard,the other side of the lake. but I think they can get you thru without doing that.
the lift bridge at port mayaca is 49 ft. clearance. calling indiantown marina will verify. they have a system for getting higher masted vessels under the bridge . they also can unstep the mast and it can be restepped in Glades Boat Yard,the other side of the lake. but I think they can get you thru without doing that.
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Roger Mummah
Port Mayaca RR LIft Bridge - approx 49'
Hi Roger and others. You WILL have trouble making it under the Port Mayaca Bridge!!! I drove to Port Mayaca to get a look at this bridge and got some photos of it. I can scan and email if you want to see it. It's a lift bridge that lifts straight up, as opposed to a bascule bridge. So the entire width of the bridge is the same height off the water. The actual height varies a little and I have a phone number for the bridge tender. He can walk out of his shack and tell you the actual height at that time. The method of getting taller masts under the bridge is to put some (empty) plastic 55 gal drums on one side of your deck and filling them with water to heel the boat. Seems like I read that they have gotten 55' masts under it, but you'd better get that info from someone who knows for sure. I can make some calls and check this out if you want. If there is a problem, then the Indaintown Marina is there to step the mast. I think they are only a couple of miles from the bridge. I have a databse of all the stops across the Okeechobee Waterway I could email you (it's in Microsoft Excel) or I could mail you a hard copy. There are also some web sites for the waterway. We have friends on the west side (Ft Myers, ect) and we are on the east side (Boynton Beach, FL) let me know if we can help. We also have stuff on the ICW trip from VA to Florida. When do you plan to cross the Okeechobee Waterway? We may be going that way in January 2001. We think our mast is 49' to the tippy top of the VHF whip, so I think we can make it. Biggter IS NOT always better. Have a good trip, Roger and Susie Mummah remummah@worldnet.att.net (s/v Endless Summer H31 #58)
Hi Roger and others. You WILL have trouble making it under the Port Mayaca Bridge!!! I drove to Port Mayaca to get a look at this bridge and got some photos of it. I can scan and email if you want to see it. It's a lift bridge that lifts straight up, as opposed to a bascule bridge. So the entire width of the bridge is the same height off the water. The actual height varies a little and I have a phone number for the bridge tender. He can walk out of his shack and tell you the actual height at that time. The method of getting taller masts under the bridge is to put some (empty) plastic 55 gal drums on one side of your deck and filling them with water to heel the boat. Seems like I read that they have gotten 55' masts under it, but you'd better get that info from someone who knows for sure. I can make some calls and check this out if you want. If there is a problem, then the Indaintown Marina is there to step the mast. I think they are only a couple of miles from the bridge. I have a databse of all the stops across the Okeechobee Waterway I could email you (it's in Microsoft Excel) or I could mail you a hard copy. There are also some web sites for the waterway. We have friends on the west side (Ft Myers, ect) and we are on the east side (Boynton Beach, FL) let me know if we can help. We also have stuff on the ICW trip from VA to Florida. When do you plan to cross the Okeechobee Waterway? We may be going that way in January 2001. We think our mast is 49' to the tippy top of the VHF whip, so I think we can make it. Biggter IS NOT always better. Have a good trip, Roger and Susie Mummah remummah@worldnet.att.net (s/v Endless Summer H31 #58)
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steven f.
49' is correct
I have an 18 H33 and have been throught this waterway with no problems. My mast is (I think) 48'. With the mast head tri-lite/antenna we cleared with inches to spare. You might want to keep in mind the amount of rains prior to your trip. In a normal summer this area gets a LOT of rain and the river level does rise slightly. The flood control system keeps it very steady but if your crossing right after a heavy period of rain and you dont have much room to spare your gonna be in for some headaches. If you can swing the clearance make the trip, its a slice of inland florida few take the time to see. Make sure you stop in Indian Town, very neat place to hang for a day.
I have an 18 H33 and have been throught this waterway with no problems. My mast is (I think) 48'. With the mast head tri-lite/antenna we cleared with inches to spare. You might want to keep in mind the amount of rains prior to your trip. In a normal summer this area gets a LOT of rain and the river level does rise slightly. The flood control system keeps it very steady but if your crossing right after a heavy period of rain and you dont have much room to spare your gonna be in for some headaches. If you can swing the clearance make the trip, its a slice of inland florida few take the time to see. Make sure you stop in Indian Town, very neat place to hang for a day.
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Fred Radcliffe
Too high?
Brought a 40 ft trawler west through the canal. Am taking a Hunter30-T through in the spring. 50 ft high. If you call Indiantown Marina they have the way to contact the people that can get up to 58 ft through. I think it costs under $100
Brought a 40 ft trawler west through the canal. Am taking a Hunter30-T through in the spring. 50 ft high. If you call Indiantown Marina they have the way to contact the people that can get up to 58 ft through. I think it costs under $100
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