Kentucky Lake to the Gulf ?

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John Pollitt

Looking for any info from anyone who has made this trip before. All the way, or even part way. Tentative plan is for mid-April next spring. Have found sources for charts, etc, but would like to get some human feedback from anyone who has been on the water in that area. Main area of concern is bridges, as I have yet to find anything definitive on them online (maybe I'm just searching wrong). I'll be sailing my H26, which has a listed mast height of just over 40'. Also, availablity of fuel and food along the route that early in the season. Even online sites that you may know of would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. John S/V Icymoon
 
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Larry

Kentucky Lake to Gulf

John, here are a few suggestions: The Tennessee River Cruisers Guide by Fred Myers, 4th Edition published in 2001. Quimby's 2001 Cruising Guide. US Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Tennessee River Navigation Charts, January 2000. US Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Tennesse-Tombigbee Waterway, current edition. Cruising Guide to the Tennessee River, Tenn-Tom Waterway, and Lower Tombigbee River by Marian, Thomas W. and W.J. Rumsey. I don't believe a mast height of 40 feet is going to be a problem. I have gone only a short distance from the Kentucky Lake Dam to mile 42.0 and under only 1 bridge. Vertical clearance is 51 feet and higher on all bridges at pool stage, according to the materials listed above. Hope this helps and good luck.
 
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Joe Remke

KY Lake to Yellow creek

I have made the trip from KY Lake to Yellow Creek, the northern start of the Tenn-Tom waterway to the gulf several times. At 40', mast height should not be a problem. There is a RR bridge around Waverly, TN, south of KY LAke that may have to open. Check the Corps of Engineers charts for bridge height and power line height info. Marinas with fuel are available along the route. Lock operators are reasonably tolerant of sailboats and will usually get you through the locks without too much wait. Watch out for barges and bass boats. Joe
 
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