Any views on Dover marina?

[lynall]

Our annual fees are due end of December and im getting a bit bored of plodding up and down the medway.
So looking for something a bit further out, only one i can really see is Dover Marina, dont really want to drive that far to get to the boat.
I dont want anything special, just decent access for the boat and some leccy would be good
So interested in peoples opinion on the place?

 

[MoodySabre]

Send a PM to Vara. His boat is there.

 

[lynall]

Thank you

 

[byron]

Dover is OK. They are always very obliging but I much prefer Ramsgate with it's exceptionally easy access to the Town and variety of maritime services readily available.

 

[R1chB1ch]

I've been into Dover Marina a few times and whilst the facilities and staff were very helpful and friendly, actually getting in and out is not a nice experience. You enter the harbour from the East, which means radioing the port authority to get clearance (ships going in and out). If there's a boat movement in or out it can mean waiting in what I can only describe as wallowy water. Leaving was even worse. You exit through the West side and it has always been rough when we have left. We have only ever been there in summer months so I'm not talking winter passages.... Our boat weighs 30 tonnes so I would hate to do it in something lighter. Have you ever been to Dover Marina??

Also, another point is there isn't really anywhere to 'go' for the day. On the Medway you can go up river; Allington and beyond, downstream; Stangate, Queenborough, The Swale. I suppose there's always Ramsgate but then that costs, but no-where just to anchor for the night. We have friends who went to Brighton for a few years, then came back to the Medway for that very reason.

I do sound very negative but I know when Dover is on our route I don't look forward to that part of the trip. Shame really as the marina is nice.

 

[byron]

I've been into Dover Marina a few times and whilst the facilities and staff were very helpful and friendly, actually getting in and out is not a nice experience. You enter the harbour from the East, which means radioing the port authority to get clearance (ships going in and out). If there's a boat movement in or out it can mean waiting in what I can only describe as wallowy water. Leaving was even worse. You exit through the West side and it has always been rough when we have left. We have only ever been there in summer months so I'm not talking winter passages.... Our boat weighs 30 tonnes so I would hate to do it in something lighter. Have you ever been to Dover Marina??

Also, another point is there isn't really anywhere to 'go' for the day. On the Medway you can go up river; Allington and beyond, downstream; Stangate, Queenborough, The Swale. I suppose there's always Ramsgate but then that costs, but no-where just to anchor for the night. We have friends who went to Brighton for a few years, then came back to the Medway for that very reason.

I do sound very negative but I know when Dover is on our route I don't look forward to that part of the trip. Shame really as the marina is nice.

Two points. Once Port Control 'know you' and are confident you know what you are at they slip you in and out quickly between Ferries. Calais Port does this too. As regards no where to go. Jeez it's just a quick flip across to Calais and Bolougne. I crossed 44 times in one year mainly from Ramsgate.

 

[neale]

Dover is OK. They are always very obliging but I much prefer Ramsgate with it's exceptionally easy access to the Town and variety of maritime services readily available.

I know, and have been to both, and I am going to +1 this comment.

Also feels like there are more options from ramsgate as the Estuary is just around the corner.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Avoiding ferry conjestion is ok if you use the west entrance as they rarely use it.The rough water outside is mostly caused by a tide rip around the harbour walls and only extends about half a mile or less,but it is rough.The marina has three parts,one giving 24 hour access,the other bits being lock controlled,and priced accordingly.Dover is very much a working port,so not a traditional yottie place,but all the more interesting for that.It also has one of the best castles you will ever visit and plenty of history if you like that sort of thing.Oh,and cliffs

 

[oldgit]

Think it probably depends on how fast your MoBo is.A fast planing boat capable of 25 knots will probably find the 2/3 hours to get anywhere (Calais/Brighton/Thames/Essex coast) not to onerous ( if 2-3 hours at 20GPH does not scare you over much ) but for anyone with a displacement boat a longish day merely to get away from Dover may be a bit much ?
Unless you have a decent size boat the weather may also curtail many impromptu lets go out for the day trips compared to the more sheltered esturary. ?

 

[Gwylan]

People are mostly good and professional. The hard standing in the yard is excellent.
Complex arrangements for parking sometimes requiring payment are an issue.

We have spent time there and over wintered out of the water.

As a permanent base you should remember that there is no where to go when you get out, unless you are prepared to go some distance. Certainly not an ideal choice for day sailing.

We are in Rye and have endless discussion about whether to move.

 

[Flynnbarr]

Spent a very long 4days weather bound in Dover,think bout 2011.
As others have said its a long way to anywhere either turning left or right.its a departure point,not a destination.lorries galore,u take your life in your hands crossing the road to the garage for milk or a paper!
Couldn't find much in the way of decent food or drink.
The guy on the fuel pump was a local,hated the place,all the locals have or want to leave,immigration.
Walked the dog on the shingle beach,there were people living on it in tents!!

 

[sailorman]

Spent a very long 4days weather bound in Dover,think bout 2011.
As others have said its a long way to anywhere either turning left or right.its a departure point,not a destination.lorries galore,u take your life in your hands crossing the road to the garage for milk or a paper!
Couldn't find much in the way of decent food or drink.
The guy on the fuel pump was a local,hated the place,all the locals have or want to leave,immigration.
Walked the dog on the shingle beach,there were people living on it in tents!!

For us its a 1/2 price ( transeurope) staging post

 

[Biggles Wader]

Spent a very long 4days weather bound in Dover,think bout 2011.
As others have said its a long way to anywhere either turning left or right.its a departure point,not a destination.lorries galore,u take your life in your hands crossing the road to the garage for milk or a paper!
Couldn't find much in the way of decent food or drink.
The guy on the fuel pump was a local,hated the place,all the locals have or want to leave,immigration.
Walked the dog on the shingle beach,there were people living on it in tents!!

There is a pelican crossing right by the garage to get across the road.
Yes its a long way to Newhaven if you turn right,but only twenty miles to Calais,and half that to Ramsgate.
Cinnamon Island---One of the best curry houses I know just by the yacht club.A couple of ok restaurants and a top fish/n/chip shop in Castle Street
Dog walking ------Far better than the beach is the old fort above that garage on the hill there.Just walk past the chandlers and keep turning left for about five minutes.That will get you fit as well as some napoleonic education.The reward is one of the best sea views anywhere,and not a tent in sight.All that before you start on the official castle on the opposite hill.True it aint Hampstead,or Cowes,but theres a lot for those prepared to look.(And climb a few hills)