View From the Top o' the Mast - H41DS

[dkinzer]

I ascended the mast of our H41DS a few days ago to pull out the existing VHF coax (due to high VSWR) and install a new one along with a new antenna that is AIS-transmit compatible. While up there, I took the attached photo down onto the deck. I posted it on FaceBook and got a lot of comments about it so I thought that I would post it here, too.



While up there, I hoisted the end of a tape measure to the top and had my buddy read off the mast height from the base. It came in at 56' 9". I had previously calculated the height of the base of the mast above the waterline (using the water level technique) as 7-1/2'. This puts the top of the mast at just under 64'. The new VHF antenna protrudes above the mast almost 3' putting my total height at 67' (give or take depending on lading).

While our sailing friends were here (from Colorado) we had a re-christening ceremony. Fun times.

 

[jssailem]

Which side of the I5 Columbia river bridge do you have your boat. You'll be one of those boats stopping the Interstate Commerce while running down the river towards the ocean.

 

[dkinzer]

Yep. We're on Hayden Island, east of the I-5 bridge. At the present water level, we would need to request an I-5 bridge lift in order to go west. There is an alternate barge channel (south of the main channel) that Navionics says has a 57.7' vertical clearance. On July 4th, we ventured toward the bridge and the "ruler" on the bridge piling showed 54' because the river is running high right now.

Last fall, we took the boat to Schooner Creek Boat Works (west of the I-5 bridge) for a survey haulout and we were able to motor under the bridge using the alternate barge channel. The water level indicator on the bridge piling showed 70' of vertical clearance at the time so we had a few feet to spare.

 

[jssailem]

I heard from a Bridge operator, that they like to exercise the bridge. Preferably not at rush hour, but also not deterred. He said it reminds the drivers they are not the only bridge users.
I suspect it may be true. It also likely depends on how much flack the bridge office will get when they “exercise” the bridge.