Dolphin Cove Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the Ashley River’s eastern shores north of unlighted daybeacon #16, northwest of the charted “R TR”. To reach this facility from the AICW’s run through lower Ashley River, your vessel must pass through/under the Ashley River Memorial/US 17 twin bridges.
Local captains who regularly use these spans say that “14ft air draft” is worst case scenario at the highest spring tide. With a tidal range of almost 8ft, it’s possible to have 20ft+ at the center of the arched spans. NOTE that the twin spans in question open on demand except during morning and afternoon peak drive times.

re: `You need to clear a 14 ft air draft to get up river as they do not want to open the two Old Draw Bridges.’ [Earlier comment on accessing Dolphin Cove Marina]

Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
CHAPTER I: COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBCHAPTER J: BRIDGES
PART 117: DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS
Subpart B: Specific Requirements: South Carolina
117.915 ‘“ Ashley River.
(a) The draws of the US17 highway bridges, miles 2.4 and 2.5 at Charleston, shall open on signal; except that, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, the draws need be opened only if at least 12 hours notice is given. The draws of either bridge shall open as soon as possible for the passage of vessels in an emergency involving danger to life or property.
Ron Widman

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dolphin Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dolphin Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ashley River Memorial Bridge