Kent Narrows Passage

[La Bella Vita]

How you doing?

Sailing from Rock Hall to St. Michaels, we have done the trip several times but never through Kent narrows. Has anyone with a 410, ( I believe the mast is 58'6") or larger boat gone through the narrows. I have read the charts, just confiming with anyone that has experience.....Thanks......Ron

 

[Bill Roosa]

Should not be a problem

Watch the currents. They can get to 2 knots during max flow.
The MD 50 bridge has a clearance of 68' at the span knee and 75 at mid span and the overhead power cable has a clearance at the low point of 85'.
You will not have a problem unless there is a 10 flood at time of passage.
The 63' mast on my 40.5 fits fine.
of more concern is the shoals at the south end of the passage. The chart shows 6' but I've seen 5.5' so just go slow if you have significant draft.
Don't forget that the navigational markers change after going through the bridge, you change from "returning from the sea" to "leaving for the sea" and the markers reverse color.
The bridge monitors ch 12 and there is limited room to maneuver so you want to contact them before you enter the channel so you can plan to get there as the bridge opens.

 

[La Bella Vita]

Kent Narrows

Thanks Bill, for the info. As for the right of way, does current determine right of way or does the bridge attendant help direct traffic?....Ron

 

[Mulf]

Bill is right on the mark except

I have not seen the shallow depths he warned of, but I do pay attention to my chartplotter as to water depth. Dreamboat has been through there at least a half dozen times so far this summer. The bridge tender will usually give guidance whether northbound or south bound boats go first based on the current. Those with the current have the first shot as it's a challenge to stay put while waiting. I've been running in reverse and showing minus 1-1/2 knots speed to stay in one place. The only other tip I will add is that the draw opening is narrow and the current when flowing north is somewhat at an angle from your port side as you head through southbound. Be aware of that. I like to power through the opening at 6+ knots to maintain control & direction. If you are the first through be sure to wait for the bridge to be fully up for the same reason. But really it is nothing to worry about. Happy sailing!

Added after review: Bill has a typo on saying Channel 12. It is definitely Channnel 13 like all bridges.

 

[Bill Roosa]

it was a typo

Got fat fingers as it is indeed channel 13 not 12 as I indicated in my first post.

 

[jayncee]

Re: Bill is right on the mark except

The chart says the bridge has a clearance of 65 ft. Our mast is 63.4 plus the antenna and wind indicator. Where have you seen it say 75 feet? Maybe I a missing something.

Jayncee

 

[rkssail]

Kent Narrows Draw Bridge

Also keep in mind that the bridge opens on the 1/2 hour, not on demand and that its last lift is at 9:00 PM. As stated, vessels moving with the tide proceed first. If your not sure about the tide you will have to ask the bridge tender as they rarely volunteer that info. I've been through the bridge many times and have always felt the bridge tenders could be a little more helpful directing traffic. If you are waiting on opposing traffic, it can be hard to tell when the last vessel has cleared.

 

[pete0001]

Re: Kent Narrows Draw Bridge

Bridge tenders are not supposed to direct traffic and you shouldn't ask them to. Many boaters there either don't know the rules of the road or ignore them regarding who has the right of way. My suggestion is to cue up behind other boats so you aren't the first one thru.