drawbridge etiquette

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littlebookworm

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We will be traveling east from Eastport for the first time with our new boat , which will require the bridges to open as we approach them. What is the proper way to contact each bridge operator? What are the bridge names we, west to east, Southampton, Quogue, and Easthampton? Is that correct? Thanks. Hy
 
They have specific names. IIRC the southampton bridge is smith point. Look on yoiur chart
 
I usually just get up close and wait.
He see's you, but some operators like to wait for more than 1 boat to open.
Sometimes radio pisses them off I think.

I looked on chart and didn't see the names.
From Bellport Bay I think it is:

- Smith Point Bridge
- Jessup Lane Bridge
- Beach Lane Bridge
- Post Lane Bridge
 
What Dave said ! Also if they think you fit they won't open ! One of those bridge dudes has a bit of a tude !

Rob
 
quote:
Originally posted by Robski97

One of those bridge dudes has a bit of a tude !

Rob

Click to expand...


One? Almost every bridge tender I've dealt with seemed to have tude. I mean the guy pushes a couple of buttons for crying out loud. Even the big Zero could do that job.
 
and, if it weren't for boats asking for openings, they wouldn't have jobs! They should be thanking every boat that goes through.
 
They did that once to mean my express. Wouldn't open it. Said I would fit. Gets on radio says drop your antenna you will fit
I looked at the numbers on that board. Knew my height. Said no way. He said then I have to wait for another boat that does need it.
Large bridge boat came. It opened. I went thru and I swear I would of hit. It would of been close if I didn't. They shouldn't decide if you need it open. You should.

Push the button!
 
I've only had one issue. Lady at Knox Bridge, just south of Flagler Beach, said I didn't need it opened. I told her I knew my air draft and, based on the level of the tide gauge on the side of the bridge, I needed it opened. She still refused.

Then I saw a phone number for the COE on the side of the bridge and I called it to complain. After talking to the gentleman, the bridge opened about 2 minutes later. After passing I thanked the operator, got no response.

I don't know if the phone number is on all bridges, but, in this instance, it got my opening post haste.

Bob
 
My understanding is a short followed my a longer blast on your horn is the non radio way to request a bridge opening. But it is generally not necessary, they generally see you. I'm sure the people who live next to it he bridges could live without it.

When they initiate the opening you will hear the horn alerting cars and pedestrians, then the gates will come down, and the bridge will open.

I always make it a point to give them a wave and say thank you when passing through. I give them the benefit of the doubt if the don't respond quickly they are in the bathroom, waiting for pedestrians, whatever.

Vic
 
We didn't make it east a few eeks ago because of an engine alarm. We're going to try today. With all the holiday traffic, I have a feeling we may have a problem with the bridges. As an aside, On the Belt Parkway, in Brooklyn, NY, there is an opening bridge knowm as the MIll Basin bridge. Yesterday, at the height of the early holiday rush hour, the bridge was opened to let a boat through. Six lanes of traffic were backed up while the boat meandered through. That bridge is old and is known to get stuck in an open position. Luckily, that didn't happen yesterday, but, boy, were drivers mad! Have a safe and fun holiday. Hy
 
Probably have to wait for a few boats but if traffic is backed up he may not mind opening.
If our tax dollars went to higher bridges they wouldn't need to open them!
 
Not sure how much tide there is at these bridges you are going to run, but boats upstream based on tide have the right of way through the bridge first. In other words, if the tide is running through the bridge the boat going with the tide has the right of way and should be allowed through first if there is not enough room for both boats to pass at the same time.
 
My favorite bridge experience was 2 years ago when I got to say: "Thank you, George Bush" :-)
 
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