Savannah to Agusta GA with 53' Hatteras Convertible

[Chustzjc]

I'm active duty military and my wife and I are planning to move full time onto a 53' Hatteras convertible, but we just found out that we're moving to Agusta early next year. I've read a few threads about navigating the river but those apparently were on smaller vessels. Obviously fuel and hotels are not an issue I'm just wondering if she could physically fit down the river, it's got a 4' 2" draft 15' 10" beam she's pretty tall too. Also are there any places to dock something this big as a livaboard? Thanks in advance!

[Boatguy30]

I thought there were damns not far up, but could be wrong

[Chustzjc]

The threads I read said there are locks that still operate, just don't know if that's all the way from the ocean to Agusta

[sailorchic34]

Augusta has a marina right down town with boats to 50 feet. Does not look liveaboard ish. No locks between Augusta and Savannah. Looks like a draw bridge or two as you get to Augusta. Thermond dam just north of August and No locks into it

In theory, it looks doable with vertical fixed bridges at 26 feet ish. You'll probably find a sand bar or two on the way up. But charts show 8 feet except for the sand bars. A long and twisty river.

Marinas look pretty thin up there, least on the River.

Boy there is nothing between the savannah ports and Augusta, No services, no docks, nothing, nada. Just two crazy big power plants and of course the Savannah River site in SC, whom I'm sure would be annoyed by visitors.

[Parlex1]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ver-35118.html

[a64pilot]

You stationed at HAAF?

[Capt Sam]

The Savannah River is not an easy run. Smaller boats have had trouble.

[Chustzjc]

Sounds a little too risky trying to bring something that big up that river, what about over land transport to Clarks hill lake? Even if I got it there is there any place that can put it back in the water? I see big house boats but I doubt they need the huge lifts it takes to put one of these convertibles in the water.

[h2ojunke]

Years ago it was a commercial waterway so it is possible.

We know the river well from Tybee Island to Clyo. As for depth I would only do it with a scout boat and/or someone with local knowledge. The lower part of the river (Houlihans to Rincon) runs both directions due to our 8-10 ft tides and that puts the sand bars in some strange places.

Bridges are another concern, when we were running that part of the river (wakeboarding in the wildlife refuge) we didn't have to worry about it as we were in a smaller powerboat and the wake tower could be dropped. There is a bridge just north of the ports at Houlihan landing and a train tressel that parallels I-95, both are opening bridges but are not staffed. I have no idea the cost or method to have them opened. North of Clyo I am not sure of bridges but since barges used to transit the entire river I would assume all are opening.

The wildlife refure is amazing country, sounds like an adventure, no swimming at night, and good luck.