Tenn-Tom waterway

[Tom]

Anyone know about the currents in the tenn-tom??? I was motoring last week near Mobile and was surprised by the current. I slowed down near a buoy until there was no relative motion and the knotmeter was reading 3.0.. the tide was out so that probably increased the current. I was considering a cruise up the Tennessee river to Knoxville. But if the current is usually that fast it would take a long time in a sailboat going 5.5 knots. Looking at the map there are some lakes where I'd assume weak currents but a lot of it seems to be a ditch or river.

 

[Jerry Clark]

Current on the Tenn-Tom

I am also planning a trip down the Tenn-Tom next fall. From talking with a number of my friends who have made the trip, current is almost nonexistent during most times except from the last lock south. From there down to Mobile there is some current - 1 knot or so.In the spring, when northern rains bring flood conditions, current should be present throughout the system.sv Persistence

 

[Ol' Dave]

Cruising the Tennessee-Tombigbee is the subject of an article by Randy Parker in this December's SAIL Magazine. In it he chonicles his trip from Pickwick Lake in Tennessee to Gulf Breeze, Florida on an O'Day 25.Also of interest is Fred Meyer's Tenn-Tom Nitty Gritty Cruise Guide and Marian, Thomas & Rumsey's Cruising Guide to the Tennessee River, Tenn-Tom Waterway and Lower Tombigbee River (International Marine)Charts are available from the Mobile District office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.I guess this proves I have a BAD case of cabin fever, with too much reading and not enough sailing.

 

[Terry Arnold]

Tenn-Tom

Tidal influence an amazing distance above Mobile, maybe 30-50 miles. Thus, going up from Mobile in a sailboat or slow trawler is prudent to take tide state into account before starting. Also, Since Mobile and Lower Tombigbee unimpounded up to the Coffeeville lock, current in this stretch is always going to be very much a function of flow rate in the river system....generally much greater in winter and spring, less in summer and fall....except after a hurricane. On the other hand, the Lower Tombigbee runs through about as wild a stretch of country existing in the SE making it a truly special experience to go through it. That article referenced in Sail was an all out run for speed during summer length daylight hours with several crewmembers. For other times, anchorages need to be carefully planned for there aren't many good ones. Anchoring alongside the bank not pleasant with the zillion candlepower light of a tug waking you at 1am. The Rumsey guide, though a wonderful document and worth having just for the local history and wildlife articles, is out of date since Marian Rumsey has died. I got in trouble more than once trying to use one of her anchorages in the Tenn-Tom that were no longer viable.

 

[David Perkins]

Hello Tom, We live on the Tenn Tom waterway just below the Tom Bevil lock and dam, the currents usualy run less than 1/2 knot. but after heavy rains it sometime gets up to 3 knots but thats very seldem ever.  Any more questions or information you need email me at freedom_sailer@yahoo.com

 

[Tom]

Hey david Perkins

how's the Mac?? This is Tom the PO of your mac. I lost your address . Anyway We bought a Pearson 323. Love the standing headroom and extra space. But I miss the simplicity and low expense of the mac. Out in the Middle of Mobile bay when the wind is up i'm glad that we have the p-323. But when the wind is light I know the mac is faster. Trade-offs!!!! I am thinking of sometime coming up the Tenn-Tomm to get to KY lake or maybe all the way to Knoxville.Later Tom