Best place to launch

GrahamMeck · 18-08-2010, 10:56 PM

Hi all

I'm new here and would like some advice

I live in Chepstow and presently have a Haines Signature 1900s, I have done some work on her and am now looking at checking her out as far a sea worthy goes

I have done the obvious (insured her 3rd party risks) carry a VHF radio etc

I know that I should be able to launch at Weston Super Mare

But here comes the million dollar question, how good is the slip way, what sort of launch window can I expect, is there somewhere nearer better, do I travel to Poole, do I travel to Cardiff Bay (or is that for the "play bozs")

I can go to Beachley (old ferry launch) but that needs at least 2 people that are experianced) I need somewhere that I can self launch

So really any comments are appreciated

Graham

Downhilldai · 18-08-2010, 11:22 PM

Cardiff Bay sounds ideal for doing a first test run.

Burty · 19-08-2010, 07:44 AM

is that the one under the old severn bridge??
weston is ok, you can get about 2 hours either side of high tide but have to push your boat accros the stones as its not steep enough for car launching. 1 hour either side is on the slip but you wont be able to launch on your own as you will need to hold the boat whilst putting your trailer away. when are you thinking of going out?? i only live 5minutes away so can pop down if you needed a hand just to test

Renegade · 19-08-2010, 07:52 AM

Burnham may be?

GrahamMeck · 19-08-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

is that the one under the old severn bridge??

Yes its where the SARA keep their boat and the slip way is next to them, but I was told it takes at least 2 experianced people to launch there, and recovery can be a bit tricky

Quote:

Cardiff Bay sounds ideal for doing a first test run.

Is there a puplic slip way?, as far as I could find I need to join a club, or use a slip nearby that is not recommended due to break in's on your car when you leave it parked up

Quote:

Burnham may be?

Must admit this is looking good

http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2...h-15-04-10.php

GrahamMeck · 19-08-2010, 04:45 PM

BTW

I forgot to say thanks for the offer Burty, not sure when I will be trying to launch its looking like its going to be a last minute decision, as my weekends are pretty much taken up at the min

NIC SURRY · 19-08-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burty

is that the one under the old severn bridge??
weston is ok, you can get about 2 hours either side of high tide but have to push your boat accros the stones as its not steep enough for car launching. 1 hour either side is on the slip but you wont be able to launch on your own as you will need to hold the boat whilst putting your trailer away. when are you thinking of going out?? i only live 5minutes away so can pop down if you needed a hand just to test

I'm also nearby and can help if required.Nic

Burty · 20-08-2010, 08:52 AM

Burnham is crap and no chance on your own or even if there is a slight bit of wind, weston is your best option by far as under the bridge is tricky as you say as you need to allow for the currents big time..

Burty · 20-08-2010, 08:53 AM

No Nic, permits have been scrapped for this year due to the building works

GrahamMeck · 20-08-2010, 02:40 PM

Looks like it is going to be Weston then

Unless anyone knows about Channel View Leisure Centre in Cardiff Slipway?

Quote:

but have to push your boat accros the stones as its not steep enough for car launching

What sort of distance are we talking about?

I have driven down to Weston to have a look, its seems ok, but looks I know can be deceiving, hopefully when I do manage to get down, there will be at least myself and my wife.

Thanks for the info so far, it has been a great help

Burty · 21-08-2010, 01:50 AM

thats easy then, pick a high ish tide ie. morning or evening, no pushing required, slip the boat off the trailer, one of you hold it whilst the other puts the trailer away and off you go.
once finished do the reverse but you can just leave ya trailer with the boat on it, go to the pub whilst waiting for the tide to go out abit then drive down hitch up and away you go

GrahamMeck · 21-08-2010, 05:51 PM

Did a recce in the car today (weather is sh..t again) down to Cardiff Bay

really glad I did, might be a bit more trouble to get too, but the slip way is ideal
£7.10 + £5.00 refundable deposit, free parking for car and trailer, concrete, steep
slip way, into non tidal "fresh water" pontoon access to get passengers onboard
then access via the locks to the open sea

open from 9am to 7pm

and I save by not having to go over the bridge (£5.50) and no parking fees

so Burnham you can keep your £10.00 launch fees + £6.00 parking fees and and I'll keep my £5.50 bridge toll

Weston came a close second but was too restricted with access, plus I would
have still had to pay Bridge toll fees and parking

THANK YOU ALL

looks like Thursday is the big test day

Renegade · 21-08-2010, 06:34 PM

For the extra bit of time to get there just go to dorset or south devon. Loads great places to launch.

Steve Salmon · 21-08-2010, 07:08 PM

There are places to launch in Poole but I think the main downer is that there is a 10 knot speed limit within the harbour.
I was testing my boat out this week in the "Ski Run" but was pulled over by the Harbour Master for speeding because I didn't have a skier.
Poole is a great place but unless you're prepared to spend £30 to launch plus the daily harbour dues and then go offshore, forget it.
Kimmeridge is worth a look.
Good luck.

GrahamMeck · 26-08-2010, 09:52 PM

Cardiff turned out to be a good place and sea trials went well

Dan · 26-08-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrahamMeck

Cardiff turned out to be a good place and sea trials went well

Ideal, sounds good. I like Cardiff (only for boating though

) and was well impressed with the facilities when we raced there last year.

Has anyone ever taken there boat down to Rock in Cornwall? Couple of people have suggested it lately but just wondered if anyones actually been there and whether its worth a weekend away?
cheers
Dan

SCOTT671 · 27-08-2010, 10:18 AM

Cardiff bay is a great place to launch as the leisure center has cctv covering the car park now i have used it many times they charge £11 but you get 5 of that back and if you want you can go out of the locks with no extra charge or just stay in the bay and go up to the center of cardiff thats where i do prop testing

i have never had a vehicle broken into

143 · 27-08-2010, 12:03 PM

hook it up and take it to lyme regis, plenty of us from the power boat club will help.......

Dan · 27-08-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 143

hook it up and take it to lyme regis, plenty of us from the power boat club will help.......

Great club house and a nice place in general, I may try and pop down sept if all goes ok next week

Burty · 27-08-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Great club house

one more dude?