Our thanks to David Oneill for this local knowledge to avoid Causton Bluff Bridge, currently closed for repairs, see /161254. Causton Bluff Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 21 ft and no date has been given for comopletion of the repairs.

Causton Bluff Bascules are old, cranky and have a local rep for breaking down. Delay could be long depending on issues.

Alt route for vessels in excess of the 21′ clearance.
Southbound:
At “Fields Cut” / Savannah River Junction (R-50) proceed East along the Savannah River (outbound). Be aware this is a high traffic, large ship channel. Follow the marker chain out through Tybee Roads Inlet. After clearing G-3 proceed SSW approximately 9 miles to 31 53.771N 80 52.434 W. Proceed West to Wassaw Sound Inlet markers R-10 / G-9. Be aware this entrance is shoal to the north 3-3 1/2 mile out. It is regularly used by large (up to 250′) yachts traveling to TBI yard in Thunderbolt. Excellent water after you enter the marked channel. Proceed along marker chain up the South side of the sound and into the Wilmington River. Proceed North to ICW junction at Skidaway River (R-40) or continue on to Thunderbolt.

Used the Wassaw Sound channel for years while I lived on Turner Creek with boats drawing 6′-7′ without a problem. As an area of 7′-8′ tides best to cross bar at high tide, settled weather and good daylight. Plan on burning a full day as it’s a round and about way but may be worth it depending on time for bridge repairs.
David ONeill

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge

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32 03.729 North/081 01.794 W