I have a question regarding requesting an opening. I havent exactly found much on the rules regarding an opening except that if you request an opening and dont need one you could be fined. The boat has 16 ft outrggers mounted on the roof, which will not fit under then the bridge when closed.

The wording I have found states, you could face penalties for "causing an un necessary bridge opening because of any non-structural vessel apputanence which is not essential to navigation or which is easily lowered".

I called USCG Station New London who gave me the number to USGC LIS. I told the person on the phone that the boat has outriggers, which will not make it under the bridge and the whole bit. He had no idea the rules and said to make good friends with the bridge operator.

I figured since the outriggers are "not easily lowered" it would constitute an opening and not be against any laws. I heard rumors of the Niantic bridge operator being less then helpful so was hoping I could get a concrete answer.

Thanks!!!!

Hopefully I wont have a problem. I was wondering if there is wording anywhere. The wording I found I dont believe was off of a CG or DEEP website or anything. It would be a real pain in the but to have to take them down everytime.

Leave them off, only put them on when going offshore.

The hardtop will thank you for it.

Well I made it through a couple times on Saturday without an issue from the bridge operator. I think I will probably leave them off for the health of the pilot house top like Bryan said until later in the summer.