Great loop bridge clearance.

[Bill Conlyn]

Planning on doing the G A L, what is the minimum required clearance needed?
Thinking of replacing canvas Bimini with hard top, which would make lowering the radar arch difficult. Flybridge is primary helm. Boat is 44 plus 5 DeFever 49 CPMY.

[MV Wanderlust]

We have done a bucket-load of research on the Loop. There is a fixed bridge in Chicago that is 19'. If you can't squeak under that, you can't do the Loop as there is no bypass. From the articles we've read and the presentations we've attended, your boat is larger than most who attempt the Loop.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Bill Conlyn

Planning on doing the G A L, what is the minimum required clearance needed?
Thinking of replacing canvas Bimini with hard top, which would make lowering the radar arch difficult. Flybridge is primary helm. Boat is 44 plus 5 DeFever 49 CPMY.

I have not done the Great Loop yet, but would like to (in case anyone needs crew).

Here is something from my notes (source at bottom):
_____________

Excerpt:
"1.) Your Great Loop boat "must" be able to clear a 19' 1" fixed bridge. This means, after taking off or taking down, any removable objects on your boat such as; Bimini, Masts, Antennas, Radar Arch, etc. Your boat's super structure must be able to pass under a 19' 1" fixed bridge just south of Chicago on the Illinois River.

NOTE: There is no alternative waterway route around this bridge.

If your vessel won't make it under this bridge, your Great Loop becomes a Great U-Turn!

2.) Your boat "should" have a draft of 5 feet or less. In other words, all that part of your boat that extends below the water, should not be deeper than 5 feet. I can not stress enough, the shallower your draft the better! If your plans include cruising the (optional) Canadian Heritage Canals, your fully loaded draft must be 5 feet or less.

NOTE: There have been vessels in the past that have made this voyage with 6 feet drafts by passing the Canadian Canals. You can do it - it will however limit your route options.

3.) Beam - For pleasure boats in the USA, beam or width is never a problem. You must have a beam of 23 feet or less however, to
enjoy cruising the Trent-Severn & Canadian Heritage Canals.

4.) Fuel - your boat must have a minimum fuel range of 250 miles. This is the farthest distance between fuel stops if you take the Tennessee-Tombigbee route. So, unless you plan on carrying additional fuel in jerry cans, your boat's fuel tank(s) capacity must allow you a cruising range of at least 250 statute miles.

If you plan to cruise the full length of the Lower Mississippi River (optional route):

Your "diesel powered" boat must have a cruising range of 376 miles.

Your "gasoline powered" vessel must have a cruising range of 450 miles.

SOURCE: Your Great Loop boat requirements and restrictions