18 foot boat too small for the Solent? Part II

ricky_s

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Hi All,

For anyone out there who told me I would be okay out in the Solent, thank you!

Yesterday it was dead calm so I left Chi harbour and headed out.
Even the bar was really calm and I opened her up and headed along to Portsmouth harbour.

Then over to the nearest Fort by the IOW. Taking lots of pictures of the ships going by in the Shipping lane.

Then back into Chi harbour to anchor off East Head to swim and soak up some rays.

Best day ever out there and didn't feel unsafe for a second.

Got next week off to spend on the boat so really looking forward to it now. Going to pop into Cowes to overnight as feel a lot more confident.

Thanks again all who replied.

Ricky
 

gjgm

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we started with 18ft from Chi harbour, and had fun. However, do watch wind over tide for your return (never leave unless you are sure you can get back!) and we had some nasty exposure on occasion to cargo ship and powerboat wash. Very easy for someone to frighten on that size too...
Have fun though
 

beejay190

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Last year I took my 18' bowrider from Poole to Gosport visiting Beaulieu, Yarmouth and Cowes over 4 days. Had a great time with flat seas most of the time. However, I felt that that was the limit of the boat's capabilities ( or perhaps mine !) and I have replaced it with a deep V hull Fletcher 19 cuddy.

Had a choppy ride back from Cowes last Friday and chose not to plane from Hurst Castle back to Poole as it was too bumpy. Glad I was not in the bowrider.

Have fun but watch the wind speeds.
 

ricky_s

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My boat is a small cuddy. Hit the occasional big wave from the ships etc. Rolled a bit but felt fine. I wouldn't go out if it looked like it was going to turn.

Didn't take very long to get about either at 25 knots so felt I would be able to get to a bolt hole if the weather started changing.
 

beejay190

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Based on my experience I would skip the bowrider and go for a cuddy. The bowrider will get you to the IOW and back but I feel much safer in my Fletcher cuddy. You don't see many bowriders in Yarmouth or Cowes.

Should you be interested there are 3 on brokerage at Poole Boat Park due to its imminent closure - I have no financial interest.
 
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