Any ideas for mooring between Teddington and Molesey during the draw-off?

[RichardGS]

Hi All,

I keep my boat between Teddington and Richmond. First year I've been here, so this years draw-off will be the first I've had to deal with.

I suspect I could just leave my boat there for the three weeks and let it ground, with no trouble. But to be honest, I'm a little precious about it, and now thinking about moving it.

Unfortunately with Molesey being shut I'm stuck between Teddington and Hampton Court.

I'm thinking about mooring it at various spots and moving every 2-4 days, any problem with this?

Or any other idea where I could moor up for three weeks solid?

 

[Scholar Gypsy]

Not sure I can really help with your question, but here are a few photos from last year, showing quite a few boats on the bottom. Hammertons might be one possibility?

https://nbsg.wordpress.com/2017/11/18/what-happens-if-you-leave-the-paddles-open/

 

[RichardGS]

Thanks, Scholar Gypsy. Interesting set of photos.

Hammerton's Ferry is my home mooring, right at the end of the pontoon pointing towards Richmond.

Think I'm certainly going to move my boat though, looks a bit rocky.

 

[Actionmat]

Boats were allowed to stay at Teddington Lock during the drain off, you'll have to ask the Lockie if that's still the case, it was last year but that was pre the Trotman directive.
If no joy with the EA, It may be worth enquiring at the Small Boat Club on Stevens Eyot(by the Boaters Inn).

 

[Lower Limit 1909]

There are an awful lot of bricks / rocks / (last year's haul down this way included a newish vending machine and a gun plus live ammunition) etc. on the bottom so wouldn't let your boat ground unless you are very clear on what is underneath. A number of boats fail to rise with the incoming tide each year during the draw off - most often on the first day. OBs left in down position probably the #1 cause and hull penetrations #2.

Some of the outside berths on the downstream end at Hammertons may still have some depth at low tide during draw off but you'd have to check with Hammertons and I suspect these spots will all be booked. The upstream end at Hammertons as I recall will certainly dry out.

In addition to Actionmat's suggestions you could also ask around at Trowlock Island as there are a lots of unused moorings both up front and in the back channel. I think a lot of the hire boats at Hart's Boatyard also get lifted for the winter so there may be some spaces on their finger jettys etc. There's also Thames Ditton Marina / Lensbury Club Moorings / etc. etc.

This year beacause Molesey Lock is shut at the same time there is going to be more pressure than usual for spaces for those trapped between Molesey and Teddington.

Personally I'd avoid leaving a boat unattended for any length of time in the Teddington Lock cut (even if allowed to) as it's in an area with more than it's fair share of miscreants.