Great Loop anyone??

You know the answer to your own question. None of us can tell you what your own measurements will be with your actual boat. You need to measure from highest point to water line. Then make necessary adjustments for extra weight (fuel,water).
We can provide methods if measuring if need it.

You're going to have to measure your boat exactly. I've found the bridge was closer to 20' on the Chicago waterway the times I went through it. But I'd think you'd be under 19'2. Keep in mind the locks on the Chicago waterway are going to be closed 2020 for repairs and maintenance. I don't remember the exact dates, but they're the dates a yacht would want to go South.

PtJude

Maybe take the riggers off for the cruise? My Post 50 is advertised as about 17'6" to the hardtop before the additions...but be sure to drop a plumb line for a more accurate measurement.

double check those numbers though...I'm doing it from memory.

To be honest, having just finished the inland part of the loop, there is absolutely nothing from Chicago to Mobile worth seeing.

I would strongly urge you to consider turning around at Chicago and go back down the east coast. Unless you like spending weeks slogging down muddy rivers with nothing to see.

I agree that half of it is very boring......there are some area's in TN I liked where there where white sandy cliffs and such......my favorite area of the loop (aside from the East Coast) BY FAR is NYC to Oswego or Buffalo, NY depending on which route you do. I've done both......

Well, unless you consider the beauty of the Tennessee River or the TN Tom or the Cumberland River or the Ohio River or the Missouri River or you could go down the Mississippi and even pick up the Arkansas River. So much beauty on the inland rivers.

Yes, but when you remove that salt fish gear equipment, time to bring on board two or four nice fresh water bass rods so you can fish some of those fine Rivers you may anchor on. Super fishing on those rivers which can be done from your tender, no mater the size tender. I row my 9' 80lb inflatable on the Chesapeake while at anchor from my 42' for both Largemouth and Stripers on the upper bay rivers...
This would break up the ''boredom''.

All killer fisheries....and beautiful .

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When you measure with that 25' Stanley tape, try to measure while on a light load of fuel and no water in the water tank, and no gear onboard.
Just to get your worst case scenario measurement .

Use a plumb line and a level -near empty fuel tanks and water as suggested. Dinghy on the bow? Take it off. Than add 4-6 inches. Hell of a long way to go to find you have to take your open array down. Ask another Post 50 if they've fit under that bridge?

Go into a Post thread with a direct question? Some may not recognize you?

"19 mean clearance" Does that mean it can be less than 19? Is the water beneath the bridge tidal ?

19' is the least clearance I'm aware of it ever being. In the event of a flood it could be less but haven't known that to be the case and would be extremely unlikely during the loop season for heading south. When we came through it was 19'9". We had an air draft of 18'10" and had just under a foot of clearance.

AKA, eye to eye with the pigeons on the bridge girders... With the exception of Funchal Madeira, I would venture that the flight of five in Lockport in early spring was the prettiest place that I've been to by boat.