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shinnecock canal railroad bridge

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by RT46, Aug 27, 2012.

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  1. RT46, Aug 27, 2012
    #1
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

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    Long Island, NY
    I recommend you check the Local Notice to Mariners before transiting the Shinnecock Canal.

    There is scaffolding under the RR Bridge that lowers the clearance by 2 feet.

    It is reported that the scaffolding will remain in place until October 2012.

    I have seen some reference to the clearance of the bridge that indicate 22 feet and some that reference 19 feet.
    If you subtract the 2 feet scaffolding that leaves 17 feet clearance.

    I was there recently and mesured the clearance from the bottom of the scaffolding to the water.

    I measured 21 feet from the water (when the gates are open) to the bottom of the scaffolding.

    When the locks are open. and current is running the strongest seems to be the lowest water on the ocean side. (the RR bridge is on the ocean side of the locks)

    The current is the slowest just before the gates open and just before they close.

    About 30 mins after and before the gates close the current really rips through there.

    When the gates are open, the current always flows to the ocean side.

    The gates open about 45 mins later each day.

    you can call the Lock Operator to see when the gates are open.

    If you are going through there and have a clearance issue, i recommend passing under the bridge just before the gates close or right after they open.
    The tide will be the lowest halfway between open and closed but the current will be howling which may cause you to make some steering and throttle adjustiments, not to menting to the small boat traffic trying to go up or down the rapids.

    good luck....

    If passing through there, you might be able to get under the bridge instead of going around Montauk Pt.

    Watching the brigde, tide, and measuring the clearance saved me alot of fuel vs going around Montauk.
  2. NYCAP123, Aug 27, 2012
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    You measured it while the gates were open. You're good, and gutsy.;) Actually you'll find the tide on the south end of the canal lowest just before the gates open at full low tide on the Shinnicock side. The gates open mechanically when the tide is lower on the Peconic side (everyone locks through the east gate), and fall open by the pressure of the water when the tide is higher on that side. Also, when you go through southbound with the gates open you're directed through the center gate. I strongly recommend large boats NOT go through southbound when the locks are open. The east gate is 41' wide. The center gate is about 21' at the opening and V's into it creating a nozzle effect. You can have a current on your stern of up to about 6 kts. in the canal, and you'll get another 2 kt kick in the butt as you enter that V trying to turn you sideways. Then as you hit the narrowest point there can be up to a 1' back flow wave. Assuming you make it through that you'll be met by 2 large whirlpools under that bridge and just before Tide Runners. If you suffer from low blood pressure that place will cure you.
    If you must go through when the gates are open, forget the 5mph signs. Blast through and break it back down before you get to the marinas. Also, do not follow another boat through there closely as their wakes will make life interesting, and also in case they wreck. A few years ago a boat got turned sideways there plugging the gate.
    Whenever I have to bring a boat over 36' through at those times I call the lockmaster and ask them to change the lights so I can come through the east gate. They generally agree. If they don't I tell them I'm coming and do it anyway. The number for the lockmaster is (631)852-8299.
  3. RT46, Aug 28, 2012
    #3
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

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    thats good advice, and so true about the blood pressure......