Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net lists the closed vertical clearance for the old, decrepit Socastee Bridge at 11ft. However, this has been an unusual year for higher-than-normal water levels at many bridges over the Waterway, aggravated by a number of damaged or misplaced tide boards. When in doubt, take the Tigars advice and call the bridge tender to discuss the clearance and/or to request an opening. In the case of reduced clearance at a fixed bridge, wait for the tide. Socastee swing bridge opens “on demand” UNLESS water traffic becomes heavy, as on a weekend, then bridge closures may be required every 15 minutes to accommodate road traffic.

Cruising News:
One guide book says 12 feet, the chart says 11 feet, but the tide board at high tide said 9 feet. Eyeball estimate says 9 feet is probably about right. The bridge tender on duty December 29 was polite and opened early for us.
Michael and Jane Tigar

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Socastee Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Socastee Bridge