has anyone done European inland waterway with fly bridge? (especially France)

[rover]

I know that the max air draught is 3.5.. so I thought it is impossible to do with fly bridge. but I came to learn that there are fly bridge ones does have lower air-draught than 3.5m such as Jeanneau Prestige 36 which is 3.45m air draught. clearly that seems too tight... well has anyone done it with fly bridge?? if so, please let me know the which boat.

 

[PlanB]

Some radar arches are hinged, which helps.
Are you wanting to cruise the inland waterways, or make your way to the Med?
If the latter, consider going round the outside.
If the former, think about the implications of slow speed limits on engines designed for higher speeds, and potential complications of twin engines at low speeds.

 

[dougtate]

Don't underestimate how heavy hinged arches can be, ours (broom 39) is a fairly serious two person job to raise or lower, and it's right in the way if left down. On the speed thing, we do 3 knots at idle (2 x 306hp)

 

[andrewbarker]

I know that the max air draught is 3.5.. so I thought it is impossible to do with fly bridge. but I came to learn that there are fly bridge ones does have lower air-draught than 3.5m such as Jeanneau Prestige 36 which is 3.45m air draught. clearly that seems too tight... well has anyone done it with fly bridge?? if so, please let me know the which boat.

Can depend on your beam as well as height. Many bridges are arched, so the wider your boat, the lower the clearance at the sides.

But do bear in mind that any boat will float lower in fresh water than salt water. And you can also reduce bridge clearance further by travelling with full fuel, full water and extra jerry cans of water if you have the space.

 

[oldgit]

A Fairline Turbo 36 successfully did that trip from UK down to the "Med" with a hinged radar arch a few years ago.
No problems.
It did come back by truck though.

 

[fred247]

Did 6 weeks in Belgium, Zealand and Netherlands going north, in a Birchwood ts 37 couple of yrs ago
but not France,
France out now due to bigger boat

 

[rover]

Some radar arches are hinged, which helps.
Are you wanting to cruise the inland waterways, or make your way to the Med?
If the latter, consider going round the outside.
If the former, think about the implications of slow speed limits on engines designed for higher speeds, and potential complications of twin engines at low speeds.

thanks for reply, just put down deposit for prestige 36 today! yes it's my first boat so, clearly got to get used to it but eventually to cruise from the med to North Sea through French canal, then hopefully North Sea to Black sea next.. complications of twin engines at low speeds? what do you mean by that??? It has two KAMD300

 

[rover]

Can depend on your beam as well as height. Many bridges are arched, so the wider your boat, the lower the clearance at the sides.

But do bear in mind that any boat will float lower in fresh water than salt water. And you can also reduce bridge clearance further by travelling with full fuel, full water and extra jerry cans of water if you have the space.

didn't know putting those weight can make such a difference, Thank you for the tip!!

 

[fred247]

didn't know putting those weight can make such a difference, Thank you for the tip!!

adding weight also pushes you near the bottom and the French canals are not great on depth, if drawing anything over a meter your in danger of grounding, especially if the water levels are low - be warned !

 

[Momac]

If the former, think about the implications of slow speed limits on engines designed for higher speeds, and potential complications of twin engines at low speeds.

Plenty of boats are used extensively on rivers with no major issues.
But yes they do need a blast occasionally to keep everything in working order.

 

[ShaneAtSea]

My dream is to do the Norwegian Fjords

Has anyone done them?

 

[Greg2]

My dream is to do the Norwegian Fjords

Has anyone done them?

Only on a commando carrier on exercise in the early eighties and a visit to Bergen to trial a cabin RIB a few years ago. The scenery is absolutely stunning but very deep pockets are required if you fancy a beer or a bite to eat!
.

 

[ShaneAtSea]

Only on a commando carrier on exercise in the early eighties and a visit to Bergen to trial a cabin RIB a few years ago. The scenery is absolutely stunning but very deep pockets are required if you fancy a beer or a bite to eat!
.

Ive sailed the Fjords on a cruise ship more than a few times. Its absolute incredible

And incredibly expensive. Most of Scandinavia is.

If i buy a boat in the UK it would be my first big adventure

?

 

[oldgit]

Plenty of boats are used extensively on rivers with no major issues.

+1

Something like eight thousand boats registered on the non tidal Thames alone , many of them with diesels. Countless others on other inland waterways.They all seem to manage.
Recently a Princess 420 for sale on the Thames, its big selling point, could get under all the bridges, except one.
Its sold already.