Florida Bridge Heights Question

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sailaway78

sailaway78

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May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Planning a trip across the gulf mid May. Plan A is to head straight across, Plan B is to hug the coast if the weather is a little iffy, and Plan C is to use the ICW as much as possible if necessary. We will be sailing an Allied Mistress 39' ketch, which has a mast height of 49'6". My charts show several bridges with clearances of 50', which will get our antenna and wind instruments. Does anyone know how accurate these chart readings are, or have any up to date info. on bridge clearances along the ICW, particularly in the Fl. panhandle. Thanks in advance for any info.
 
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SeaRanch

50" Bridges, FL Panhandle

I have a '87 Hunter 31 (Hunter Spec list mast at 47'4") and have gone ICW from Applachacola to Gulf Port, MS with no problems. St Andrew Bay in Panama City, completed at new 65" bridge last year (may not be correct on charts). The other bridges in this area that may be a problem are the "Dupont Bridge" at the West end of St Andrew Bay (I believe it is listed as 50') and the Ft Walton Beach Bridge. Some of my friends with 50' masts go through the FWB bridge by waiting for lowest tide and have had to "tilt" the boat to not hit the bridge (maybe a FWB sailor will provide add'l info) Good Sailing.
 
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Herb Parsons

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Jun 7, 2004
334
Coronado 35 Lake Grapevine, TX
Plan A

Damn the iffy weather, stick with Plan A. No bridges in the middle of the gulf! If you make sure you have a good crew, what could POSSIBLY go wrong? :)
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,509
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Ft Walton

If you pick your times Navarre and Brooks Bridge are most likely OK (how much higher are the wind instruments)unless we get a strong north wind for a few days, you know that drill I'm sure. The Marler Bridge (Destin Pass) is definitly out it is charted now at 49' but that is optimistic. So if you go inside you will stuck inside from Pensacola to Panama City. I think I'd actually rather go that way anyway. I just made a trip from Tarpon Springs to Destin Straight across and it was ok just the first five minutes across the Gulf are exactly like the last five.
 
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Benny

Not only the bridges, but the traffic and

hazards of night time navigation. Stick to plan "A" as it will be faster and more relaxed. Pick a weather window but in that size boat you should not have any problems. The fact that you are considering plan "A" indicates you have adequate crew for a watch schedule; if not stay close to shore and anchor at nights. I would stay away from the ICW.
 
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Herb Parsons

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Jun 7, 2004
334
Coronado 35 Lake Grapevine, TX
I Need to 'Fess Up

I wrote what I did as a joke. Phil and I are helping Tony, a friend and fellow contributor here, move his new-to-him boat. Although I've got a 25-ton master's, I've never done a delivery like this before, and am definitely looking forward to it. Tony has a 100 ton, and Phil has more experience than either of us. The cook is less experienced, but Tony's going to have him concentrate on cooking, so the three of us will stand watch. It'll be a blast, but if we need to, we'll hug the coast or go the ICW. (I'm still hoping for blue water though).
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

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May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Bridges

Thanks guys, and you too Herb. All I can find shows 50' on two or three bridges. Plan A is definately the preferred route, but Tony works offshore, and has 14 days to make it, or wait another month, and then it is hurricane season. We just spent a week getting things all checked out and ready. Can't wait.
 
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sailortonyb

Herb

Actually, Bill is the most experienced of all of us. He has sailed the west coast, east coast and has many Bahama trips under his belt. Bill has had several professions including a graphic artist, but also is a gourmet cook and has owned managed several restaurants. It was he that volunteered to be the cook/chef. Although he wont be steering the boat, he will be available for us to draw upon his wisdom, not to mention his wit. Bill has a story a minute. you guys will love him.
 
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sailortonyb

I forgot to add...

We just got back to Rockport about 5pm. We spent the night in Kemah to make last minute decisions on which marina to go to. We setttled on Waterford Harbor Marina.Its quite impressive. Check it out on waterfordharbormarina.com
 
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