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What is the lowest overpass one can go under in a MacX with the mast stepped? i.e. what's the total height from waterline?

I use 36' for my and understand that the is 2' shorter.

I have gone under a 39' bridge several times. And once under a 37.5' bridge (Doctor's Inlet just South of Jacksonville on the St. John's River). The fishermen were yelling at me about the bridge but I made it. Had to get through since Whitey's Fish Camp was on the other side.

Cheers,
Jim

I've been using 33 ft, but I haven't actually measured it.

Actually, I did when I first splashed it, but promptly forgot what I measured. I have a crooked antenna on top to act as a bridge feeler, in case I'm getting close.

Here's the sheet from the original literature showing a 28 ft mast height above the cabin. What they don't tell you is what the height of the cabin is above the water line, which will also change depending on water ballast status.

c130king wrote:I use 36' for my and understand that the is 2' shorter.

I have gone under a 39' bridge several times. And once under a 37.5' bridge (Doctor's Inlet just South of Jacksonville on the St. John's River). The fishermen were yelling at me about the bridge but I made it. Had to get through since Whitey's Fish Camp was on the other side.

Cheers,
Jim

I hope you don't forget to consider the tide next time, that 39' might change a lot

My slip this summer was behind a 35' bridge. I only saw 35' on the sign at low tide, normally high was around 32'. I cliped a line to the top of the mast and ran it down to the water and marked it, then took it off and measured it, about 32.5' including the extra going from the centerline to outside the boat. My comfort zone was 33' or wait it out. The current under the bridge would run up to 6 knots and we had a few close calls and longer than expected trips waiting on the tide.

gianpaolo wrote: I hope you don't forget to consider the tide next time, that 39' might change a lot

Definitely aware of the tides. And there is a clearance measurement guide at the waterline that changes as the tide changes.

The 39' bridge is a lift bridge...but I don't ask for it to lift normally but if it was a really high tide and got to say 37.5 or less I would ask for it to lift.

The 37.5 bridge was at high tide when I went through. But the water was pretty calm and I went through dead slow so I could watch closely. Coming back out after our greasy fried seafood the bridge had 39' of clearance.

Cheers,
Jim

:facepalm:
Sorry, sorry.

I meant Unstepped.

i.e. if I lower it.

Funny, thats what I thought your were trying to ask.

See 'minimum height of garage thread' recently - try search??

Unstepped, about ten feet. Varies some what depending on your particular set-up (ball height, trailer, etc.)

Russell

If I leave the mast attached to the deck step and just lower it down to the arch support, it is much higher than if I completely remove it and attach to the bow support bracket.

eg:

@Russ--how does your boat change colors like that? Is one color for sailing and one for powering?

I was wondering the same thing! Obviously the waterway under the bridge is a 'slow zone', hence the blue. Switch to white for land travel at highway speeds!

DaveC426913 wrote::facepalm:
I meant Unstepped.
i.e. if I lower it.

I go under a 10' RR bridge. In the mast holder, I broke the wind vane. Now I drop the mast to my shoulder when I go under.

10 foot (approximately) is clearance on the trailer in stored position. What is your clearance on the water for a bridge? With the mast up I'm figuring 38 ft. (5 for the boat, 30 for the mast and 3 for the antenna.) What are the measurements for the two Macs Russ posted?

Russell

hoaglandr wrote:Unstepped, about ten feet. Varies some what depending on your particular set-up (ball height, trailer, etc.)

Russell

hoaglandr wrote:10 foot (approximately) is clearance on the trailer in stored position. What is your clearance on the water for a bridge? With the mast up I'm figuring 38 ft. (5 for the boat, 30 for the mast and 3 for the antenna.) What are the measurements for the two Macs Russ posted?

No. Not trailer.

On-water. Mast in lowered position - but still in foot.

I want to know what the minimum height of a bridge I can motor under after lowering the mast but keeping it rigged and ready.