A word to the wise - Penton Hook

[boatone]

During the last few days there has been a spate of boats running aground (at least two just today) because they tried to pass the wrong side of the starb'd hand buoy marking the shallow water opposite PHYC's clubhouse.

It is very shallow there, particularly now the river has returned to normal level.

The buoy is a green starb'd hand buoy and not a channel marker. Safest route in and out is to stay well to the marina side of the channel. Also, there is the remains of a tree down a little further on which restricts the channel somewhat although I believe the EA have removed some of it already.

 

[Wavey]

TBH they've been doing that for some years now. The EA used to dredge fairly regularly (particularly after winter rains which is the cause of the build up of silt) but funding probably dictates money better spent elsewhere. And after all it's not the EA's fault skippers don't know their left hand buoys from their right hand ones .

Get a few really hot days and the gas produced from the rotting vegetation causes mini eruptions below the surface of the water, and some of them not so "mini" either. Fun to watch.

 

[boatone]

TBH they've been doing that for some years now. The EA used to dredge fairly regularly (particularly after winter rains which is the cause of the build up of silt) but funding probably dictates money better spent elsewhere. And after all it's not the EA's fault skippers don't know their left hand buoys from their right hand ones .

I know for a fact, following a TMBA enquiry, that the EA inspected that buoy in recent weeks and ensured it was correctly located. Apparently there is quite a drop off at the edge of the shoal.

As you say, the real problem is "navigators" that don't know their buoys or think they can cut corners. I know at least two boats got grounded yesterday but I also understand there have been 5 or six over the last few days. Steve at the chandlers has been performing a sterling service helping to get them off !

 

[boatone]

Watched while another one did it this afternoon ! Small sports boat entering the marina left the buoy on its port side and look on their faces was something to behold as they ground to a halt.

 

[Sulley]

People have been running boats aground there for many years, I remember 25 years odd ago this happening.

Perhaps as already mentioned if skippers understood the markers or perhaps read page 13 of the EA/BMF 2013/14 Cruising Guide

 

[Richard Shead]

I find the people standing in the way are usually a good indicator of the depth ..