GL: Sailboats

[bob Austin]

The information on air draft of 50 feet for  the "East Coast" (Atlantic Coast
ICW) is incorrect.  I have done the entire Atlantic ICW in a boat with a mast
height of 62.5 feet and a water draft of 6.5 feet.  For some rivers and canals
you have to pull the rig, and get the air draft down to 15.5 feet for the
lErie Canal or 20 feet for the Welland Canal.  You will need to also have the
draft less than 19 or 16 feet for the Illinois section of the Rivers.  48 feet
for the TenTom and 48 feet for several bridges on the Gulf Coast ICW (Most are
65 feet).

I certainly agree that a power boat makes more sense.  But I see sailboats
along the Gulf Coast ICW every day under power, when they could be sailing.
If you have an adequate air draft clearance, it would make sense to pull the
rig for the canals in NY and then sail until the Illinois river.  If you can
get under the TenTom Bridges put the rig back up--or wait until Mobile Al.
There are many sailboats who do the Great loop.