Height of peak above water

[hoddinr]

Just wondering if anyone had data on the height of the peak of the gaff above water line. 
And while you're at it, the height of the mast with the gaff and sail lowered while motoring.

Lots of somewhat low bridges in SW Florida, and it would be nice to know the clearance so I may not have to signal for a bridge opening.

Appreciate your knowledge!

Ron

[Tom L.]

I checked with Compact at the St.Petersberg boat show and they had a hand marked copy of the Sun Cat brochure. The height of the mast off the water was 19'-2" to the top of the mast not including lights or wind vanes. I don't know about the top of the gaff but it's real easy to lower the peak halyard to be even with the top of the mast for bridge clearing.

[capt_nemo]

I have the following recorded in my notes, for whatever it's worth.

The height of the mast off the water, approximately 20'.

The height of gaff peak with sail up, approximately 26'.

capt_nemo

[hoddinr]

Those are good numbers.  Thanks.  We have several small bridges that are 26 ft nominal clearance at mean low tide. 

Getting under them just got easier!

Ron

[reedtg3]

BTW, has anyone tried sailing (or motoring) a Suncat (with the gaff up or scandalized) under the US 1 bridge to the North of Bahia Honda State Park?  The published height of that bridge is 20'.
Cattail Tom   

[Ferd Johns]

BTW, has anyone tried sailing (or motoring) a Suncat (with the gaff up or scandalized) under the US 1 bridge to the North of Bahia Honda State Park?  The published height of that bridge is 20'.
Cattail Tom   

I have the exact same question, Tom. Thanks for asking it. I thought perhaps at low tide, with a "crew-weight-induced" heel?

Ferd

[reedtg3]

Does anyone know whether the posted vertical clearance under bridges is above mean high water or mean low water?

[capt_nemo]

If I remember correctly it is ABOVE MEAN HIGH WATER.

And, checking with Google, various bridge heights are reported ABOVE HIGH WATER.

capt_nemo

[Dave]

My understanding is the same - bridge height is relative to mean high water.  However tides are published relative to mean and I have been unsuccessful is finding any source for the difference between the two at a bridge.