CAUTION: Low power lines

Date Reported: Jan 1, 2018
Reporter: Waterway Guide Staff
Source: Waterway Guide Staff
Description:
There has been the loss of two proper cruising yachts over the past few years due to the high voltage overhead cables that cross the Cocoa Yacht Basin located just south of the Merritt Island Bridge at Cocoa FL. While the cables are high at the ICW (charted at 88 feet), they progressively descend towards shore and vertical clearance is substantially reduced (charted at 38 feet). This is deceptive, and poses a serious risk for vessels operating near them not just from physical contact, but open-air arcing from the power lines to a mast (Some sources recommend a minimum mast-to-wire distance of 12 feet.)
Lat / Lon: N 28° 21.191' / W 080° 43.068'

1 Boater Comment

These are observations from the boating community. Waterway Guide information is verified regularly and all efforts will be made to validate any new updates submitted here. Thank you for taking the time to share comments about your experience.

Waterway Guide reserves the option of editing reviews and comments for grammar, clarity and the removal of defamatory or potentially slanderous language. When appropriate, reviews are forwarded to businesses for response prior to being made public. We will make every effort to be objective and impartial when posting reviews, but do not publicize details of disputes between parties.

Thanks for your valuable feedback!

Comment by: Bill Wilson on Feb 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Recently experienced this. Mast did not touch the power line but it arced at least 6’ twice taking out electronics, wiring, electrical circuits. No warning around power poles about height and danger. Be aware of the power lines and give at least 15’ clearance

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

CAUTION: Low power lines

1 Boater Comment

Comment on this Navigation Alert