Bridge comment on Pungo Ferry (SR 726) Bridge

Comment by: Angus Macdonald on Aug 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'

This was 2 hrs post purported low tide. Locals claim no astronomical tides here) Southwest wind-driven seiche frequent from hyper shallow Carrituck Sound. The 65 on this tideboard sure doesn't look like it sees a lot of daylight. No poll utility of this app. was going to ask, who built the Pungo Ferry Bridge A) CDC, B) Army Corp of Ruineers?

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Nav Alert comment on FL Inlet Caution: Hillsboro Inlet

Comment by: Angus Macdonald, Windigo, on Jan 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 6.0'

No overhead cable at Hillsboro for years. Tides are 3 kts peak through the narrow inlet. Plenty of room to hover in far less tide on either side before (but well back from the narrowing) the bridge opens. Friendly and helpful bridge minders; do communicate with them before entering the bridge fenderway for many reasons, one is that she can't see transiting boats when the bridge is up so pre-announce you're in cue and also when you're steaming through so no premature closures.

Have worked out with any co-transiting larger craft you can see in the que on opposing side of bridge, agree who's with the current and thus has right-of-way. Do watch for speedy craft unmindful of the rules (this is Florida). There now appears to be a dredge in residence here and it is docked tucked into the still water (but just behind the often submerged stone weir) to port as you go seaward. Therefore depths are not as uneven. If you draw more than 7 feet, Port Everglades is your inlet if transiting 2 hours or more after high tide and heading South. Also, avoid Hillsboro Inlet in a sporty (15+ kts) Northeast or Southeast wind. If you're heading North in adverse tide or wind, Palm Beach affords good passage to the sea.

Day markers at Hillsboro are good and aim to clear the red and white safe water bell-like marker to the east before turning North or South as both have hazards if one cuts either corner.

Do mind fixed bridges throughout the ICW as 65' at Mean High Tide now appears to be more of a goal than a specification, and King tides take 1 to 1 1/2 feet off your clearance - you'll need to wait. To make matters worse for those with 64+ masts, about 1/2 of the bridges have allowed their contractors to hang the nav lights under bridges mid-span (it's easier and cheaper). Therefore one must bias to a side close to the fenders. I find most of the mid-span hanging lights are wired to starboard Southbound (the wire also hangs into clearance) and the reverse Northbound. Therefore Southboard, without any opposing side co-transitters, I'd head to within a safe margin to Port Fenders to avoid taking off my anchor light.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Waterway Guide has verified that the cable does not exist. Note that the NOAA chart still shows it.

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