bridge ?

[lynnboy021]

i have a 20ft boat with two 8ft antennas and 6 big fishing poles so my ? is can i always ask the bridge person to open the bridge so i dont have to stop the boat and take the poles out plus fold the antennas down? do i have to pay for them to open or do i have to give my info or the boats info plus how do i ask to open the bridge??/ lol sorry it might be a dum ?...

 

[blzrul]

Re: bridge ?

Where do you boat? Where we are, if you can lower it, you lower it because every time the bridge opens, traffic stops. And they only open at certain intervals, not every time a tall-masted boat needs to pass - so you have to tie up and wait until they're good and ready. You can usually call the person who tends the bridge to find out how it works - we have a cruising guide for our part of the world that lists the hours, phone numbers and/or hailing channels, along with the clearances. Our boat is over 22 feet from waterline to top of our mast and we've never had to have a bridge open for us.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: bridge ?

Sounds like a very low bridge!

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: bridge ?

lol sorry i dont know what kind of bridge is it but cars do not go on it people only. the ones that cars drive on it, ya i dont need to do anything. i am from MA and i go to lynn waters and i have no problems but when i go to Gloucester MA like 5 mins from the ramp there is that bridge. sometimes the person just opens the bridge and lets me go by but i just wanted to know just incase i need to ask..

 

[sasto]

Re: bridge ?

Depends on the "almighty bridge tender" in my case. In the ICW when traveling I have been asked to put my equipment down or wait till a yacht comes thru. They have taken my info when I requested an opening due to the fact I was single handed and felt it unsafe to leave my post to lower outriggers and antennas. If I continued on requesting openings without lowering my equipment they would have charged me...about $200 here.

Always remain calm, courteous and professional when dealing with a bridge tender, they can be your friend or foe.

 

[lprizman]

Re: bridge ?

call ahead,,,if possible,,,pay??? taxes cover that

 

[sasto]

Re: bridge ?

call ahead,,,if possible,,,pay??? taxes cover that

Lawman will fine ya....up to $15,000.

Call ahead on channel 9, identify yourself and direction you are headed. You must lower any hinged devices such as antennas or riggers that may impede you passing under the bridge otherwise.

If you are unable to pass under even with lowering then leave them up and request an opening.

 

[dingbat]

Re: bridge ?

Do yourself a favor, don't run with your fishing rods out. Good way to loose a couple.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: bridge ?

Bridges open on varied schedules. Some open for boat traffic, some open on a time schedule (i.e. 15 minute intervals), and some will only open if your vessel is unable to reduce it's profile. If the bridge tender identifies that you are capable of reducing your height, but are not doing it, he will probably tell you to remove your fishing gear and safely continue on your way. If you had a fixed flybridge or tower, that is a different story. Then they operate by their regulations.

The only exception that I'm aware of is a claimed medical emergency. But, how many times would you be willing to call that out and expect to get away with it?