Dismal Swamp Canal Discussion
There have been many postings and discussions about the good and bad point of cruising the alternate AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Route, from North Carolina to VA, or the other way around. The exchange below, which is copied from the AGLCA mailing list, centers around height restrictions.
Planning to head south via the Dismal Swamp….has anyone come up recently with a sportfish with outriggers. We are concerned that we may not have the height clearance needed.
I’d appreciate hearing if someone actually has done it.
Thanks in advance,
Dave Schafer
SeaQuestered
We came through the DS in April. Only remember the bridges at the locks, which are raised after you go through the locks. Our height is 18 ft. We did not have any problems.
Larry and Christine Hayden
BlueSkies
You won’t have any height problems. The primary use of the canal is by trawlers and sailboats, because the entire length of the canal is a 6 mph speed zone, there’s no passing room, and the locks at both ends are restricted to a max of 4 times daily. That said, I doubt your outriggers are higher than sailboat masts. If they are, your problem will be beam at the outriggers, not height. The canopy (mix of pine and desiduous) in the canal varies vertically from about 20′ to about 120′, and it’s horozontal clearance between the banks of the canal is in the range of 20′ in places.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
I think what Captain Jon means by “only one marina” in his note below, is really only one fuel stop. There are actually two marinas, one city dock, and the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, along the alternate AICW Dismal Swamp Route. Only one of these, however, Lambs Marina, sells fuel.
There are several issues with the Route 2 that people are missing. First there is only one marina left between the Aligator River and where route 1 $ 2 merge in VA, and that is a MM 42. with restrictions (max lengh 42 feet, max draft 5 feet) it is located up a small narrow, shallow canal. Also the bridge in Elizabeth city has a 12 vert clearence, and will open on request if traffic is light but not during rush hours. Also, if you need sheltered anchorage stay north of MM48. In Elizabeth City the city dock and Pelician marina are not sheltered and with a south or west wind plan on getting beat up. there are no safe anchors south of the Elizabeth city Bridge
Jon
Comments from Cruisers (1)
There are several issues with the Route 2 that people are missing. First there is only one marina left between the Aligator River and where route 1 $ 2 merge in VA, and that is a MM 42. with restrictions (max lengh 42 feet, max draft 5 feet) it is located up a small narrow, shallow canal. Also the bridge in Elizabeth city has a 12 vert clearence, and will open on request if traffic is light but not during rush hours. Also, if you need sheltered anchorage stay north of MM48. In Elizabeth City the city dock and Pelician marina are not sheltered and with a south or west wind plan on getting beat up. there are no safe anchors south of the Elizabeth city Bridge.