Mast height > vertical bridge clearance
For the first two years we had our O'Day 27, we kept her at the Washington Marina. The Marina is located just under the Case Bridge at the top of the Washington DC Channel.
NOAA states the bridge clearance as 37 feet.
The O'Day model information states mast above water at 38 ft. 6 in.
We bent the windex once on the first passage under.
We never went out (or back in) at high tide, we always kept everyone on board the boat on one side to produce some heel, and had an anchor and full solar shower ready to use as ballast on the boom if needed. These methods seemed to work, although we held our breath many times watching our VHF anntena scrape each I-beam going under the span.
Interestingly, I think the portion of the bridge nearest the marina buildings is quite higher than 37 feet. The 'channel' marker lights on the bridge are likely the 37 foot areas. Although narrower and/or shallower, there may be other areas you might find offer more clearance. After the first few passes, we began passing under that span and didn't have the same issues.
We left the Washington Marina because of the noise, not the bridge. Constant air traffic to the White House, I-295 traffic and sirens (this goes on 24/7) are not amenable to sailboating, IMHO.
For the first two years we had our O'Day 27, we kept her at the Washington Marina. The Marina is located just under the Case Bridge at the top of the Washington DC Channel.
NOAA states the bridge clearance as 37 feet.
The O'Day model information states mast above water at 38 ft. 6 in.
We bent the windex once on the first passage under.
We never went out (or back in) at high tide, we always kept everyone on board the boat on one side to produce some heel, and had an anchor and full solar shower ready to use as ballast on the boom if needed. These methods seemed to work, although we held our breath many times watching our VHF anntena scrape each I-beam going under the span.
Interestingly, I think the portion of the bridge nearest the marina buildings is quite higher than 37 feet. The 'channel' marker lights on the bridge are likely the 37 foot areas. Although narrower and/or shallower, there may be other areas you might find offer more clearance. After the first few passes, we began passing under that span and didn't have the same issues.
We left the Washington Marina because of the noise, not the bridge. Constant air traffic to the White House, I-295 traffic and sirens (this goes on 24/7) are not amenable to sailboating, IMHO.
