Any Port Solent or Gosport dwellers?
- Thread starter SailBobSquarePants
- Start date
Georgio
Well-Known Member
Gosport traffic
If thinking about Gosport do not underestimate the time it takes to get from the M27 to the Marina, you can do it in 20mins but it is normally 30 mins+ and has taken an hour on some occasion.
As others have said, it is a great place if you want to get out onto the water quickly but Gosport town itself is a bit grotty, Gunwharf and Portsmouth are thankfully only a short ferry ride away.
If thinking about Gosport do not underestimate the time it takes to get from the M27 to the Marina, you can do it in 20mins but it is normally 30 mins+ and has taken an hour on some occasion.
As others have said, it is a great place if you want to get out onto the water quickly but Gosport town itself is a bit grotty, Gunwharf and Portsmouth are thankfully only a short ferry ride away.
Tom Price
N/A
[QUOTES re Port Solent:
"Incontinent starlings on a diet of blackberries in August/September"
You've just reminded me - equally bad at Northney.
"45 mins at 5 kn from harbour entrance but we use this time to sort things out on board when outbound and for cleaning and packing up boat when returning."
At last - someone who thinks as I do!
"Small Boats are reminded that they are extremely difficult to see and the harbour entrance is a blind bend to larger vessels."
For Wightlink coming out of the Camber and pilot boats from Haslar maybe . . . They take no prisoners anyway!
"Significantly cheaper than Haslar, Gosport or Clarence."
Private berths are cheaper still.
"You are supposed to motor out passed Fort Blockhouse."
"I took it that he was referring to sailing out of Chi under spinnaker, not Pompey."
Did both in offshore winds. From Pompey we were going out to starts of the Saturday Spithead Series - engine ticking over of course but could crack 7 knots under spi, only 5 under motor. Quite legit - checked with QHM.
"Incontinent starlings on a diet of blackberries in August/September"
You've just reminded me - equally bad at Northney.
"45 mins at 5 kn from harbour entrance but we use this time to sort things out on board when outbound and for cleaning and packing up boat when returning."
At last - someone who thinks as I do!
"Small Boats are reminded that they are extremely difficult to see and the harbour entrance is a blind bend to larger vessels."
For Wightlink coming out of the Camber and pilot boats from Haslar maybe . . . They take no prisoners anyway!
"Significantly cheaper than Haslar, Gosport or Clarence."
Private berths are cheaper still.
"You are supposed to motor out passed Fort Blockhouse."
"I took it that he was referring to sailing out of Chi under spinnaker, not Pompey."
Did both in offshore winds. From Pompey we were going out to starts of the Saturday Spithead Series - engine ticking over of course but could crack 7 knots under spi, only 5 under motor. Quite legit - checked with QHM.
lenseman
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I took it that he was referring to sailing out of Chi under spinnaker, not Pompey.
I can see what you mean but it was not obvious as the paragraph is started with the words "I've sailed out of JSSC Hornet (just opposite Haslar Marina)" and I took the words about "motoring down the harbour" as being Portsmouth Harbour:
" . . . . I've sailed out of JSSC Hornet (just opposite Haslar Marina) and you need an hour to get a boat ready for sea with gear stowed and sails bent on before even slipping the lines. Much more pleasant to spend that hour washing up, donning oilies and having a last pee while motoring down the harbour - with a keen crew you can have the kite drawing before the entrance! "
Blue5
Well-Known Member
Interesting read on peeps different perspective of the choices.
So just to add mine. We have been in both Gosport Premier and Haslar and found either to be a very good choice, we switched from Haslar to Premier only on the basis of free storage ashore when we knew we had some extensive jobs to do.
When we first looked for a berth about 6 years ago we toured all the marinas but as sailing time was then retricted we dismissed those that were tide dependant or away from the Solent and settled on Haslar. Yes it can be 20 minutes from Fareham but that is worth the pain to be able to just turn up and take the boat out at any state of tide.
It works for us...........
So just to add mine. We have been in both Gosport Premier and Haslar and found either to be a very good choice, we switched from Haslar to Premier only on the basis of free storage ashore when we knew we had some extensive jobs to do.
When we first looked for a berth about 6 years ago we toured all the marinas but as sailing time was then retricted we dismissed those that were tide dependant or away from the Solent and settled on Haslar. Yes it can be 20 minutes from Fareham but that is worth the pain to be able to just turn up and take the boat out at any state of tide.
It works for us...........
Pete7
Well-Known Member
Not only do we have the boat moored in Gosport we have chosen to live in the town too and have no problem walking about at night time.
Variety of restaurants in the town, Chinese which is eat as much as you can for about £15. Castle Tavern next to ferry does home made steak and kidney pie, chips and veg x 2 for £10 steaming hot and was home made too.
Pete
SailBobSquarePants
Well-Known Member
More thanks!
What I realize from reading this is everyone has their own POV and priorities. Even between my SWMBO and myself - she LOVES the peace of Northney, and I love the Royal Oak - but frankly I would really like us to get into the Solent easier and go further afield than Chichester Harbour - while she is quite happy if we never went over the bar! I like sailing, she likes "being on a sail boat", preferably at anchor or in a marina with a bottle of wine. Which, frankly, is a heck of a lot better than a totally NON-sailing gf...
Would love Beaulieu or similar, but it's even more money, and a bit longer drive, and a river transit. Tempting, because it really is very nice there...
As for the ease of sea access - I mostly single-hand, so I can't take advantage of the whole "rig while you leave the harbour" thing. I have to be ready to go from the get go. For me, that makes Gosport seem very attractive, as does the lack of tidal current during mooring (full keel and such).
Full week at work next week, but off the next, so I think SWMBO and I will be heading down to Gosport and Portsmouth for a few days to look around...and thankfully you all have given us lots of points to keep in mind when we see them. Again, thanks!
What I realize from reading this is everyone has their own POV and priorities. Even between my SWMBO and myself - she LOVES the peace of Northney, and I love the Royal Oak - but frankly I would really like us to get into the Solent easier and go further afield than Chichester Harbour - while she is quite happy if we never went over the bar! I like sailing, she likes "being on a sail boat", preferably at anchor or in a marina with a bottle of wine. Which, frankly, is a heck of a lot better than a totally NON-sailing gf...
Would love Beaulieu or similar, but it's even more money, and a bit longer drive, and a river transit. Tempting, because it really is very nice there...
As for the ease of sea access - I mostly single-hand, so I can't take advantage of the whole "rig while you leave the harbour" thing. I have to be ready to go from the get go. For me, that makes Gosport seem very attractive, as does the lack of tidal current during mooring (full keel and such).
Full week at work next week, but off the next, so I think SWMBO and I will be heading down to Gosport and Portsmouth for a few days to look around...and thankfully you all have given us lots of points to keep in mind when we see them. Again, thanks!
arto
Well-Known Member
Gosport marina
I've been at the Gosport Premier marina for the last 5 years or so.
Good:
Some storage ashore (Haslar doesn't appear to have any), but free only for a limited period
(Port Solent is the same group and you can store ashore there if required)
Decent shelter on the innner berths with little tidal flow
Quick to get in and out of the Solent, though Portsmouth entrance can be busy & bumpy
Car park is close to the pontoons
Good access for public transport- short walk from the Gosport ferry, 2 trains an hour to London from Portsmouth Hbr station.
Bad:
Not enough showers at peak times - expect to queue (& sweat) on busy summer weekends, and maintenance isn't perfect - 1 or 2 were u/s several times last summer
Outer berths are exposed in certain conditions, and there's a fair bit of tidal flow too
Fuel berth can be unusable when it's rough (but I think Haslar doesn't have one)
The same starlings that plague some other marinas (though they've been trying to scare them off with hawks - with some success, I think)
Haslar looks good and I've been tempted to try it. They have many more showers than Gosport, but it seems more expensive.
In summary, it's not pretty like Chichester, but it's reasonably easy to get too, not as wildly overpriced as the Hamble, and works for me.
I've been at the Gosport Premier marina for the last 5 years or so.
Good:
Some storage ashore (Haslar doesn't appear to have any), but free only for a limited period
(Port Solent is the same group and you can store ashore there if required)
Decent shelter on the innner berths with little tidal flow
Quick to get in and out of the Solent, though Portsmouth entrance can be busy & bumpy
Car park is close to the pontoons
Good access for public transport- short walk from the Gosport ferry, 2 trains an hour to London from Portsmouth Hbr station.
Bad:
Not enough showers at peak times - expect to queue (& sweat) on busy summer weekends, and maintenance isn't perfect - 1 or 2 were u/s several times last summer
Outer berths are exposed in certain conditions, and there's a fair bit of tidal flow too
Fuel berth can be unusable when it's rough (but I think Haslar doesn't have one)
The same starlings that plague some other marinas (though they've been trying to scare them off with hawks - with some success, I think)
Haslar looks good and I've been tempted to try it. They have many more showers than Gosport, but it seems more expensive.
In summary, it's not pretty like Chichester, but it's reasonably easy to get too, not as wildly overpriced as the Hamble, and works for me.
Ninpo
Well-Known Member
There are some very interesting and valuable points here, so far something that everyone has mentioned is coming down the M27.
Alot of people here say that they've had yachts in the marinas in Gosport for a good number of seasons, so I take it you all travel to where your yacht is berthed, unless you live in gosport or around the solent.
I'm interested in these comments because I'm thinking of mooring up in one of the marinas/boatyards in Gosport/Portsmouth/Solent area but being a liveaboard.
Taking all of your thoughts/comments into account, is there any Pros/Cons that anyone could give me in respect to being a liveaboard in any of these marinas/boatyards
Thanks,
Ninpo
Alot of people here say that they've had yachts in the marinas in Gosport for a good number of seasons, so I take it you all travel to where your yacht is berthed, unless you live in gosport or around the solent.
I'm interested in these comments because I'm thinking of mooring up in one of the marinas/boatyards in Gosport/Portsmouth/Solent area but being a liveaboard.
Taking all of your thoughts/comments into account, is there any Pros/Cons that anyone could give me in respect to being a liveaboard in any of these marinas/boatyards
Thanks,
Ninpo
Playtime
Well-Known Member
I have recently been through the very same decision-making process that you are facing. Playtime is in Northney for the winter but we want to be back 'in the Solent' for the summer season.
I berthed in Haslar for more than 10 years until 2008 when I went peripatetic (i.e. PAYG). If you spend long periods away in the summer (as we have done for the last 3 years) it seems daft to pay for 2 berths!
What swung us away from Haslar and towards Premier was the 'fringe benefits' on offer. These can be significant and the total package offered needs careful scrutiny to determine what is important to you. In my case Premier could offer 4 benefits that Haslar couldn't match and this clinched the deal -
1. 75% return of berthing fees when away for more than 30 days at a time. This is credited against next year's berthing fee, so does have the downside of 'locking you in' to gain the benefit but could be worth £1000+.
2. 15% discount on yard costs (lifts etc.).
3. Free berthing ashore, unlimited and with better road access at Port Solent.
4. Option to transfer the boat to Port Solent for the winter.
There is also a £500 introduction discount as has been mentioned previously.
Finally, it is worth negotiating. When I told Haslar I was going with Premier they were most anxious to improve their offer!
I look forward to hearing what decision you reach.
I berthed in Haslar for more than 10 years until 2008 when I went peripatetic (i.e. PAYG). If you spend long periods away in the summer (as we have done for the last 3 years) it seems daft to pay for 2 berths!
What swung us away from Haslar and towards Premier was the 'fringe benefits' on offer. These can be significant and the total package offered needs careful scrutiny to determine what is important to you. In my case Premier could offer 4 benefits that Haslar couldn't match and this clinched the deal -
1. 75% return of berthing fees when away for more than 30 days at a time. This is credited against next year's berthing fee, so does have the downside of 'locking you in' to gain the benefit but could be worth £1000+.
2. 15% discount on yard costs (lifts etc.).
3. Free berthing ashore, unlimited and with better road access at Port Solent.
4. Option to transfer the boat to Port Solent for the winter.
There is also a £500 introduction discount as has been mentioned previously.
Finally, it is worth negotiating. When I told Haslar I was going with Premier they were most anxious to improve their offer!
I look forward to hearing what decision you reach.
Talbot
Well-Known Member
one distinct advantage of Port Solent is the winter facilities. There is plenty of room for haul out and working on the boat, and the boat is much easier to get to than the gosport facilities. Plus the marina already has all the different trade experts located around them, and good shopping for all you require is very handy (including a large 24/7 Tesco).
For the singlehander during the season, IMHO, Gosport is better as it is quicker to motor all the way to gosport than sail from Port Solent (although that is marginal at times!)
For the singlehander during the season, IMHO, Gosport is better as it is quicker to motor all the way to gosport than sail from Port Solent (although that is marginal at times!)
mcframe
Well-Known Member
Long thread, but nobody has yet mentioned:
Why not Sparkes?
"Sparkes is to Northney (Or Chi Marina) as Haslar is to Port Solent"
We had a good couple of years at Sparkes before I decided it wasn't worth paying for 24*7 access when I've got to work 8*5...
Why not Sparkes?
"Sparkes is to Northney (Or Chi Marina) as Haslar is to Port Solent"
We had a good couple of years at Sparkes before I decided it wasn't worth paying for 24*7 access when I've got to work 8*5...
Sandyman
Well-Known Member
''it’s not an area I would choose to stroll around late at night – this applies to Langstone Marina too, and I’d say even more the case around Gosport.
Like Pete7 we are berthed & live in Gosport. I fail to understand your comments. We have never had any problems 24/7 in Gosport. Certainly no worse a place than anywhere else at night.
As for Marinas. The staff at Royal Clarence Marina are very good but I would give it a miss
for one reason, and that is Clipper Ventures. We moved Marina 3 months ago directly because of Clipper.
Words that come to mind: Arrogant. Rude. Inconsiderate. Antisocial to name a few.
If you want more info then please PM me.
Fair Winds & Calm Sea's
Like Pete7 we are berthed & live in Gosport. I fail to understand your comments. We have never had any problems 24/7 in Gosport. Certainly no worse a place than anywhere else at night.
As for Marinas. The staff at Royal Clarence Marina are very good but I would give it a miss
for one reason, and that is Clipper Ventures. We moved Marina 3 months ago directly because of Clipper.
Words that come to mind: Arrogant. Rude. Inconsiderate. Antisocial to name a few.
If you want more info then please PM me.
Fair Winds & Calm Sea's
