Bridge Clearance In Nassau

[jdragat]

Does anyone know the height of the two bridges in Nassau Harbor? My mast is 70' and I am trying to determine if I will fit under before I get there.

[skipmac]

If you're planning a trip to the Bahamas don't you have the charts? Certainly the bridge clearance would be noted.

I would look but my charts are on the boat and I'm not, much to my regret.

[skipmac]

Just found an old cruising guide on the bookshelf. Shows 69' at HW. Tides in the Bahamas are typically just a couple of feet or so. I think a 70' mast would be cutting it pretty close even at low tide.

How exact is that 70'? Are you including antennas and whatever?

[Sunspot Baby]

My Explorer charts show 21 meters (68.8) feet. So, like skipmac said; cutting it pretty close.

George

[Dave852]

I went under at low tide in my st francis 50 (70' 6" mast). The vhf antenna was bending 90 degrees every beam. Also stayed close to Potters cay where you have the most height. However once was enough as it is not a lot of trouble to just go around Paradise Island keeping the stress levels down.

[Vasco]

Unless you're going to a spot between the bridges it should not be a problem. You can enter the harbour from either the west or the east.

[skipmac]

If you do decide to give it a try watch the currents under the bridge which can run 3-4 kts. Make sure the current is pushing away from the bridge if you attempt it so you can back out at the last minute if it looks like you won't clear.

[Vasco]

Problem with trying to squeeze under under this bridge is that there's a lot of traffic and although the speed limit is 6 knots nobody adheres to it. There's all sorts of large wakes in this harbour and they will bounce you all over.

[BareFootViking]

I know this is a old thread but...
1- my GARMIN, ActiveCaptain and NavNet charts do not show this bridge clearance.
2-Explorer Charts show both spans at 21meters...however the East span is about 10' lower than the west span! So, beware. Explorer Charts are the best.

If you can't make it under, then A: come in thru "the narrows" between Salt Cay and east end of PI in good light or B: go to Chub Rock then south to Porgee Rock on the recommended route(straight shot, 9' at low water). Both lights are reliable and your radar will pick up the gaps in the rocks.