How to measure bridge clearance on boats.

[PANDA]

Pulling into the Harbor last Friday I noticed some signs for the water depth indicating the bridge clearance under Lake Shore Drive. As I pulled under I looked up and the bridge looked alot closer to the top of the radar arch verse last year. Kinda too close for comfort. The radar and antennas were off the boat for transport and I installed them back when I got to my slip. Then I got thinking, will this boat even clear with the radar installed? I talked to the harbor master and he said the lake was up 1.5ft this year and alot of boats can't even get in the harbor anymore. He looked at my boat and he said you need to be very carefull. It will be close with the radar on. Granted the boat is low on gas and it was only me on it I still don't want to take any chances. Might have to remove the radar for the year.

How do you measure bridge clearance on boats? I was thinking straight long piece of wood off the side or back of radar and then run a tape messure to the water? Any other ideas?

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[Lord Tin Foilhat]

I just whip my slong out and swing it. If it hits, the bridge is too short.

 

[jason05gt]

That's what I would do. Run a straight edge from the top of the radar dome and use a tape or string to measure the distance from the water.

 

[Flyn]

Full speed pass should let you know if you are OK.

 

[Yaj Yak]

i would do the straight piece of wood to the dock and then dock surface to the water. probably would make sure you are dry.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

place ad on Craigslist for hoes. load up boat, go under bridge.

 

[DanJ]

Fat chicks wanted for ballast.

 

[jason05gt]

I think he'll be okay. Panda stocks the boat with shirtless bros.

 

[PANDA]

place ad on Craigslist for hoes. load up boat, go under bridge.

With the tanks full and only 1 more passenger I would be at about 2000 additional pounds on the boat

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

thats good for another inch or two of draft. just don't drive too far while you're out or you will never get the boat back in the harbor

 

[PANDA]

I honestly think it will be close with the radar on but would like to measure the clearance. If it is under 12 inches I am going to leave it off for the season.

A lot bigger shit then this boat in the harbor.

 

[PANDA]

Harbor master was telling me in the summer when that tunnel is wavy as fuck the boat can easily go up and down quite a bit.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

do you even use it? id assume its just as old as the boat and is that awesome green CRT screen style?

 

[PANDA]

do you even use it? id assume its just as old as the boat and is that awesome green CRT screen style?

not really that's why I wouldn't mind taking it off for peace of mind.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

is their a height gauge on the bridge anywhere? Thats pretty common in almost any waterway.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

it'd be smart to pull it off then IMO

 

[PANDA]

is their a height gauge on the bridge anywhere? Thats pretty common in almost any waterway.

They installed them this year

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

measure from the top of the radar arch to the rub rail, then the rub rail to the dock, and dock to the water. its going to be too much of a PITA to go from the radar arch all the way to the water and be accurate. better off taking it in chunks.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

id be scared of anything less than a foot of clearance. waves, like the harbor master said.

 

[Yaj Yak]

With the tanks full and only 1 more passenger I would be at about 2000 additional pounds on the boat

damn. how big of a tank is that

 

[PANDA]

damn. how big of a tank is that

200. Its pretty low right now. also figuring water and waste, and my huge dad.

 

[PANDA]

Did some rough calculations last night. (Rounding up, so could be a few inches high) We got 11ft bridge clearance and the boat sits at 10.83ft with the radar, low on gas, and no load.

I have no fucking idea how some of these boats got in the harbor that look much better then this one. If the lake keeps rising might have to look for another harbor next year.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

dang

 

[Yaj Yak]

i figured [MENTION=16]PANDA[/MENTION] would first send a letter asking to raise the bridge.

 

[PANDA]

i figured [MENTION=16]PANDA[/MENTION] would first send a letter asking to raise the bridge.

Send a letter to the city of Chicago asking to raise a bridge under LSD. I will get right on that.

Shitty part is that if this continues to rise next year this harbor will be not used by anything with a radar arch.

11ft clearance fuck. What does the 12 bridge have?