Gulf ICW Bridge Clearances

[F51]

Is there a published list of vertical bridge clearances on the Gulf ICW between Galveston and Tampa? Or is my only alternative to trace the route out on the ICW charts and hope I get them all?

[ActiveCaptain]

Ask and yee shall receive. We track all bridges.

But while bridge heights are obviously important, that little yellow/orange marker to the west of that bridge is even more important. Those are hazards and there are currently about 600 of them along the various ICW's. About half are from Local Notice To Mariners which few people read or update any longer. The others are from cruisers just like you who have passed by and reported their findings.

We like to say that we put the "notice" into Notice To Mariners.

If you use the data, you're karma-bound to contribute back your own findings though!

[s/v 'Faith']

For a more 'user friendly' list, and one you do not have to register for;

Check the Cruisers Net. Here is a link to the bridges in the 'Northern Gulf'
with schedules.

Great resource, used it for years.

[RTB]

I picked up a Waterway Guide "Southern Edition". Waterway Cruising Guide | Editions

I'm sure you would find it useful for the trip you mention.

Ralph

[AnchorageGuy]

As Ralph mentioned, Waterway Guide has the bridge tables listed with all of the clearances. Be aware that Florida has re-marked all of their bridges to show the clearance at the bridge for "low Steel". This will be the lowest point under the bridge within the channel. You will have about 4 feet additional at the center of the span and they usually have a sign somewhere stating that. If not, call the bridgetender for the correct clearance. This is for opening bridges of course, so the fixed bridges will be as charted. If you have a sailboat, there are several bridges along the GIWW from Texas to Florida that are fixed at 50 feet. If you have a mast higher than that, it means jumping in and out to avoid these areas. We have done the trip twice with our sailboat and wrote about it on our Sea Trek site. Good luck. Chuck

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by RTB

I picked up a Waterway Guide "Southern Edition". Waterway Cruising Guide | Editions

I'm sure you would find it useful for the trip you mention.

Ralph

Yes, yet another option better then the 'active Captain' site... less haste, just turn a page.

[ActiveCaptain]

One of the best things about boating is that there are always alternatives and tradeoffs. There is no difference here. The original poster should try the different resources since cruising along this part of the ICW appears to be something new. With fresh eyes and an unbiased view, the truth will become obvious.