anyone who is serious about bringing the 66ft motor boat from Holland

[valentina]

The boat is located in a marina in Dinteloord - 35 kms south of Rotterdam. If anybody's interested, I will email them the engine report.
Again, the engines are functional, just need someone who knows engines to get familiar with them.
I will try to have the boat moved - by whatever means available - as soon as I can and weather permitting.
Not sure how to upload a photo on this forum...
There is a marina in East London (Bermondsey) where I will probably go to - or Twickenham, if they can add an aluminium cabin there.

 

[hlb]

Mikes right. Theres much to concider and make plans for. Draft of boat. Depth of river. Hight of bridges, Tides and need to be at the right place, right time. Be carefull, just cos some one can navigate a fast planning boat of say 6 tons, does not meen they can handle 60 tons. It behaves much different. A sound knowledge of the thames is also important. Else there is a thousand things to look up and quantify whilst dealing with a strange unknown boat. Also some one who can bring along there own Hand held GPS that they are familiar with.

Then course theres the problem if one engine goes, of manuvering in tight spaces up the river with strong tides. Crossing the middle is a doddle. Nearly anyone here could do that!!

As I see it, it's entering the Thames and the trip up to where ever?? is where the problems lie.

 

[valentina]

I know a guy who drives a boat taxi up and down the Thames.
I intend to, in any case, ask him to give us a hand once we reach the Thames estuary.
Draft of boat is 1.5 m.

 

[hlb]

It's like pulling hens teeth. Wheres the boat going to?? Exactly. Is there a lock gate?? There needs to be an exact passage plan, might need a stop over between tides.

 

[valentina]

Bermondsey, East London. Lock gate is OK.
I know tides have to be considered and trip has to be planned. I know it's not a child's play.
I don't really have an exact plan. If I did and if I could bring her myself, I wouldn't be posting this kind of message.

 

[hlb]

Ok. Dont get knickers in twist!! Some one can now help. Most of the info needed now seems to be there. Is there VHF radio on the boat, to call for help if needed??

By the way, what you going to do with this boat that you cant actually sail yerself and most other folk, less been captain in the merchant navy would struggle with. I meen, it's a bit af a beast for a novice!!

 

[valentina]

Nope, no VHS, but I'll get one.
I will learn and besides, the boat handles very swiftly - I had a sea trial.
To being with, I might ask people to come help me.
And I've done lots of sailing - as in a sailboat - so not a total novice.

 

[Forbsie]

If you're looking at Twickenham, I'm sure that you're talking to Mark Montgomery-Smith or Eel Pie Slipways. If the latter, ask for Mike (Mechanic/Welder), I talked to him about it this afternoon. He has a lot of experience moving large boats but I think mostly within the river. If the former, Mark has a lot of experience about this size of boat and can give a lot of advice. Knows a bit about engines too but more so outboards.

 

[valentina]

@Forbsie
Oh, you are a star! Can't thank you enough.
I see you are based there. Would love to buy you a drink one of these days - I should be going there to investigate possibilities of getting an ally pod welded on.
V.

 

[duncan]

Now we are moving into positive mode on this thread -
(1) I can supply a complete set of Garmin G-charts for the whole of the trip area if someone has a handheld plotter availabe to take them.
(2) Can I suggest that HLB goes, writes up the whole experience and V publishes it..........making HLB into a (more) famous author.
(3)it really might help to actually advise the man/model of the engines and gearboxes..........
(4) your budget might just cover the on board drinks bill for such a trip; might....

 

[hlb]

Honestly think whats needed is a comercial Thames based type piloty person. Not many here have handled 60 tons, well I took 56 tons down to Cornwall, but thats relivently easy. I knew the way and the harbours, theres also little in the way of rules down there. The thames might be full of them. I dont know??