6' Depth for Chicago-Mobile (via Tenn-Tom)?

[Lighthouz]

Has anyone taken a boat with a depth of 6' or more from Chicago to Mobile via the Tenn-Tom? I am looking at taking a 50-footer to the Gulf via that route and interested to hear from folks who have done something similar.

[iSaint]

Made for commercial traffic so I'm sure it's fine. Search "The Great Loop."

[Lighthouz]

Thanks for the response - I have extensively searched that and other terms and seen conflicting comments about actual depths in various parts of the route. Also have studied the Navionics charts for the whole route - which raise some questions. Thus, having done about as much homework as one can - I am now seeking out those with actual "been there done that" experience.

Any anecdotes?

[japarker11]

LH,

Anecdotes you get!

A 48" draft trawler in the family half looped it in early 2013 (Dec/Jan/Feb.....) grounded twice in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and Illinois River sections. Most likely due to operator error, late late season pool elevation maintenance, and lack of local knowledge.

Rest of the way to Mobile, never saw anything less than 14' on the DS.

Its all mud, just don't have a wing keel!!!

John

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Lightouz.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF Lighthouz!

Make sure you stop by on Pickwick for a MAI TAI!

[meridian28]

Corps of engineers controlling minimum depth is 9 feet. The only time I had a problem is when I got off the main channel.


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