Bridge clearance

elixer · 07-07-2009, 04:28 PM

I'm looking at buying a 1995 38' Chris Craft cruiser and the listed bridge clearance is 10' 3". The slip it needs to go in is listed as 10'. I read that the listed clearance is empty of fuel, water, etc. so when under way with people and gear in it the clearance could be a few inches below the what is listed. Does anyone have experience with this model or know how much I can expect to drop fully loaded? I presently have a 32' Chris Craft in the slip now that fits fine.

NYCAP123 · 07-07-2009, 07:08 PM

You won't get 3+"s with people. Plus, you'd hate the cut it so close that a 1/2" ripple could take off your radar. Is you're clearance situation a bridge or a roof over the slip? If it's a bridge the listed clearance is usually at high tide and at the lowest point. You may get the needed clearance at center or by avoiding High tide. Also, does the masthead light drop?

K1W1 · 07-08-2009, 02:25 AM

Hi,

What about only coming and going when the tide is down enough to let you pass safely underneath?

elixer · 07-08-2009, 09:19 AM

I'm in fresh water in Lake Cumberland, Ky. Sorry I didn't mention that.

K1W1 · 07-08-2009, 09:45 AM

Hi,

No probs, I saw you were a Ky poster but never thought your boat was on a lake.

Capt J · 07-08-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elixer

I'm in fresh water in Lake Cumberland, Ky. Sorry I didn't mention that.

A boat will naturally sit an inch to 3 inches lower in the water in fresh water, versus saltwater as it's not as bouyant. That, and some extra weight might get you there. But it sounds very very close to me. What part on the boat is sticking up? Can you bring the boat to your slip to see if it will fit before buying?

NYCAP123 · 07-08-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elixer

I'm in fresh water in Lake Cumberland, Ky. Sorry I didn't mention that.

Ky. right. No tide

And I assume no bridge so this is a roof over your slip. That really leaves you with the anchor light. Is the 10'3" to the top of that and can it fold down? Otherwise the math doesn't work, and don't forget to adjust for someone throwing a wake through the marina.

elixer · 07-13-2009, 09:48 AM

Well I was at the slip this weekend and did some measuring. Apparently the marina gave me some bad numbers. I have approximately 11'6" of clearance so I should be OK. The boat has a radar unit on top that may have to go but I'm going to try it first. And yes, I'm going to make sure it fits before I buy it.

Thanks for the help.

hat4349 · 07-20-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

Ky. right. No tide

And I assume no bridge so this is a roof over your slip. That really leaves you with the anchor light. Is the 10'3" to the top of that and can it fold down? Otherwise the math doesn't work, and don't forget to adjust for someone throwing a wake through the marina.

I'd also don't forget to adjust to what a storm or wind can do on the height of tides even in a lake. If you get a bad storm with winds blowing into your slip it can push up the water level on you and could cause damage. I saw this in covered slips on the bay from storm surge. I don't know if you the lake you are is large enough to have this effect from winds but you definitely want to take bad weather into account.