Great Yarmouth Bridges

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Andrew38

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Am planning to take my Broom 38 to the Broads from the Thames in September. I need about 10 feet 6 inches of clearance with the radar arch down. The question is, is there enough clearance at low water neaps slack under the bridges going up the Bure?

Can anybody advise please?

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Purely from never having seen a big Broom on the "Northern Rivers" e.g. Bure, Ant etc I'd say you can't get under the Bure bridges even at LT. HT height is 7ft or so and I remember just scraping under them as a kid in a 26ft cruiser with the canopy up. You can get to the Southern rivers viz Yare (to Brundall) & Waveney (as far as Burgh St Peter is practical) via the New Cut.

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Information on the Broads <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.thegreenbook.org.uk/home/home.asp> HERE </A> includes bridge measurements.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BroadsandEastcoastBoating/>Broads & East Coast Boating</A>
 
I've seen a few mid-sized Brooms and the like moored at Acle and Horning so it must be possible!

I've been through Yarmouth at low/slack water and IIRC seen as much 11ft clearance but it would be tight, especially through Vauxhall bridge as it has nasty, rusty bolts hanging down. I once took a very tall boat through running a bit late with less clearance than I'd like. It just fitted under the bridge but not under some of the low bolts which the highest point of the superstructure had to be steered round - a trifle stressful against the tide with 30hp and a dozen rental boats heading for us as fast as they could!

<hr width=100% size=1><< Sig removed at request from Kim Hollamby - he thought it might scare forumites! >>
 
We have an Ocean 37 and our air draft with the screen up must be around 10'6'' and we get through OK at low water. I also know that a number of flybridge boats can get through (e.g. Princess 41, Fairline Turbo 36). I have always worked on there being between 11 to 12 feet clearance at low tide so I think you will be OK - just watch the depth if you are at lowest water and don't try too much either side of low water. Good idea to have a height marker on the bow (e.g. a flexible pole) and catch the last of the ebb down the Bure so you can drop back easily if you don't think you will make it. Be prepared for lots of hire boats as they are advised to go through at around low water and they are not particulalry manouverable (although it might be OK in Sept).
Low water at the bridges is about 30 mins after low water at Gorleston.

As others have said no prblem on the southern rivers as long as you go via Reedham and the New Cut to the Waveney/Oulton Broad. Swing bridges are on VHF ch 12. Enjoy your trip.


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We have an Ocean 37 and our air draft with the screen up must be around 10'6'' and we get through OK at low water. I also know that a number of flybridge boats can get through (e.g. Princess 41, Fairline Turbo 36). I have always worked on there being between 11 to 12 feet clearance at low tide so I think you will be OK - just watch the depth if you are at lowest water and don't try too much either side of low water. Good idea to have a height marker on the bow (e.g. a flexible pole) and catch the last of the ebb down the Bure so you can drop back easily if you don't think you will make it. Be prepared for lots of hire boats as they are advised to go through at around low water and they are not particulalry manouverable (although it might be OK in Sept).
Low water at the bridges is about 30 mins after low water at Gorleston.
Incidentally, although you can book the Haven Bridge to lift if you are prepared for the Bure bridges you will get under it as well at low water.

As others have said no prblem on the southern rivers as long as you go via Reedham and the New Cut to the Waveney/Oulton Broad. Swing bridges are on VHF ch 12. Enjoy your trip.


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Yeah, I've seen a Broom 37 at Wroxham and there is a nice flybridge cruiser (don't know make) at Acle so they can get under there. Like Greg says it can only be done at low water though, springs if possible but you will have hire boats as well as the bridges to contend with as they are like guided missiles and will do anything in their power to get you.

<hr width=100% size=1>Is it the weekend yet?
 
Hi,

I agree with Muchy, you should be fine. One of our neighbours has a large Broom, 37 or 38 and it spends most of the year in Horning but is currently touring the Med, so it can definitely be done.

Of course the best people to advise would be Broom being as of course they are on the Broads, I'm sure they would be able to give you the most detailed answer :

Tel : 01603 712334
Fax : 01603 714803
enquiries@BroomBoats.Com

Have a great trip.


<hr width=100% size=1>Champagne aspirations - Beer money.
 
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