A Thames Invasion for 2018

CX54WEK

CX54WEK

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 Mar 2009
Messages
2,501
Location
Sheffield
Visit site
We have the makings of a plan to bring a motley crew of assorted boats to the Thames next summer for a couple of weeks.*

The gaggle of boats will include Naughty-Cal, a Bayliner 285 (petrol), two 36ft dutch steel cruisers (9ft air draft 4ft draft), a Sealine F37 and a Cranchi 34.*

Now I know that it is going to be like herding cats trying to get all of these boats in the same place at the same time. But would welcome some advice on where might be a suitable location to get at least the bigger boats launched and how far up river they can expect to get.

The plan is to be dropped in as far upstream as possible and do a one way trip downstream heading down into London for a few days before heading out into the estuary and finding somewhere to pick us all back up again.

They can all sort their own transport and we will use Tony Tugboat again to get us down there so all we need is a slipway.*

We think we will tag a few days extra onto our holiday and get launched in the upper reaches of the river where the bigger boats won't get too.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated
 
Ah, there you are........
Might be worth having a chat with Mark at Harleyford, or there are moorings on Hurley Lock island which can accommodate several boats - as a stopping place. He has a nice slipway, but it's too far downstream for your entry point.
 
Sealine F37 on a trailer ?
CX54WEK said:
We have the makings of a plan to bring a motley crew of assorted boats to the Thames next summer for a couple of weeks.*

The gaggle of boats will include Naughty-Cal, a Bayliner 285 (petrol), two 36ft dutch steel cruisers (9ft air draft 4ft draft), a Sealine F37 and a Cranchi 34.*

Now I know that it is going to be like herding cats trying to get all of these boats in the same place at the same time. But would welcome some advice on where might be a suitable location to get at least the bigger boats launched and how far up river they can expect to get.

The plan is to be dropped in as far upstream as possible and do a one way trip downstream heading down into London for a few days before heading out into the estuary and finding somewhere to pick us all back up again.

They can all sort their own transport and we will use Tony Tugboat again to get us down there so all we need is a slipway.*

We think we will tag a few days extra onto our holiday and get launched in the upper reaches of the river where the bigger boats won't get too.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
 
I have sent you a pm with my tips and advice.

You say that you will be leaving St Kats to head up the estuary for a few days before being lifted out again somewhere (Chatham). I haven't gone that far before, but I have heard several people say, that once through the thames barrier, it gets very boring and dull (others will hopefully confirm or disagree).
Maybe you might be better heading back towards the non tidal thames and going somewhere like Shepperton marina (not far from Teddington), and all get lifted out / trailered out from there.
Just a thought, as it might give you all more time to enjoy more stopping points along the non-tidal thames.
 
Sounds like a mad plan:)
I'd suggest Thames and Kennet marina at Reading as a good place to crane in that lot, then head upstream for a couple of days, All those boats should get as far as Abingdon. Then spend a week heading down to say Penton Hook or Shepperton marina and you will have done all the best bits except central London, but that is whole different ball game so maybe best left for another day.
 
We will lose a few boats between now and next July.

Two are already considering hiring instead!

Having checked out the mileage and locks involved it will be a steady week and a bit cruise on the non tidal river for us!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top