Best south coast harbour

[Leerogers3]

Hi guys

just had an offer accepted in a Bavaria 37 ht and it’s my first boat

it’s currently on the Norfolk broads which s a tad far from where I live.

my plan is to drive the boat to the south coast so I can tour the Solent and also make longer trips in Devon / Cornwall during holidays . I have been looking at various ports and looking for people’s recommendations

gosport, south sea , Chichester, Weymouth , gamble, nods, Falmouth ? Brighton looks too Far East ?
I want it to have free parking , not cost the earth and have access during low tide . It will be a family boat so facilities in the area would be good. As a family we spend a bit of time in the Isle of Wight which we love I have a few quotes back but never experiencing any if the ports , looking for guidance. . Thoughts and experiences of south coast ports please , what would you recommend and why? Also need recommendations for a descent insurer

 

[ST840]

Mercury yacht harbour on the Hamble river. For insurance I use GJW direct.

 

[RJJ]

Hi guys

just had an offer accepted in a Bavaria 37 ht and it’s my first boat

it’s currently on the Norfolk broads which s a tad far from where I live.

my plan is to drive the boat to the south coast so I can tour the Solent and also make longer trips in Devon / Cornwall during holidays . I have been looking at various ports and looking for people’s recommendations

gosport, south sea , Chichester, Weymouth , gamble, nods, Falmouth ? Brighton looks too Far East ?
I want it to have free parking , not cost the earth and have access during low tide . It will be a family boat so facilities in the area would be good. As a family we spend a bit of time in the Isle of Wight which we love I have a few quotes back but never experiencing any if the ports , looking for guidance. . Thoughts and experiences of south coast ports please , what would you recommend and why? Also need recommendations for a descent insurer

Working your way east to west:
Drawback of Brighton / Eastbourne is - brilliant for a trip to Normandy, but lacking weekend destinations along the coast.

Solent: assuming you want walk-ashore access, the marinas are basically the only choice. There's a reason the Gosport and Hamble marinas cost a bit more; Port Solent is easy to get to but a pain when you lock-in/out and then face 45 minutes chugging to the actual "sea". etc. On the Hamble, I am fond of Deacon's but it's twenty-plus minutes to the Solent compared to HYS or Hamble Point.

Personally I'm fond of chichester harbour. If you can get your head around using a dinghy, then a swinging mooring reduces your expenses enormously. And the harbour itself is lovely for short outings, although East Head can get busy.

Lymington or Weymouth have obvious trade-offs - painful to get to (if coming from London or commuter-land), but lovely once you're there, and that bit closer to the West Country.

I insure with Admiral and am happy.

 

[Greg2]

Marinas are filling up due to high demand for boats as a consequence of the pandemic restricting foreign travel so it might be an idea to get something sorted quickly. Most south coast moorings are expensive and with demand increasing that is unlikely to improve!

Not sure what experience you have so forgive me if I am teaching you to suck eggs, but taking the boat from the East coast round to the Solent is not a casual undertaking, particulalry when crossing the Thames Estuary and dealing with the shipping channels around Dover. Weather is also a factor - it meant that we had to abandon plans for the reverse trip from the south coast when we bought our current boat last year. A lorry isn’t too expensive and delivery would be done and dusted in a day.
.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Hi guys

just had an offer accepted in a Bavaria 37 ht and it’s my first boat
it’s currently on the Norfolk broads which s a tad far from where I live.

Is that the one that Norfolk Yacht Agency has listed?

...I have been looking at various ports and looking for people’s recommendations
gosport, south sea , Chichester, Weymouth , gamble, nods, Falmouth ? Brighton looks too Far East ?
I want it to have free parking , not cost the earth and have access during low tide . It will be a family boat so facilities in the area would be good....

As stated above, all S Coast Marinas are busy.

• Southsea is cheaper than the Hamble. Handy enough but it's an acquired taste in my opinion.
• Chichester - plenty of marinas and harbours to choose from (Sparkes, Northney, Emsworth, Chichester Marina, Birdham (no access at low water). Cheaper than the Hamble.
• Portsmouth Harbour - Haslar, Gosport, Royal Clarence, plus Port Solent as mentioned. Easy Solent access, berths can get a bit rolly as you near the entrance
• The main stretches of the Hamble are expensive but pontoon moorings are available which are cheaper (but you need a tender and lose shore power and access). If you go up river above the M27 bridge the moorings there are significantly cheaper than the big boys. Very easy access to the IoW.
• R Itchen - Ocean Village (plenty there), Shamrock Quay.
• Beaulieu River - lots of moorings plus Bucklers Hard Marina
• On the Island there are several Marinas on the R Medina plus pontoon moorings, plus Yarmouth Marina at the W end
• Lymington - Yacht Haven and Berthon
• Christchurch - depths are limited but may be feasible in your boat
• Poole Harbour - At least 6 marinas. Some in the upper reaches are behind bridges so you will have to deal with organising bridge lifts
• Weymouth, Torquay, Brixham, Dartmouth, Falmouth ... all a long way west, where are you starting from?

 

[Leerogers3]

Thanks for the input

not experienced, yet but smart enough to realise I will be hiring a skipperto do the trip with

 

[Wavey]

Maybe do what I did when I was planning to move to the Solent. Make a list of your preferred areas, book a night or two at a travel lodge or equivalent, and spend a couple of days checking places out. I started off mooring at Shamrock Quay based on price but the area was a bit industrial. Moved to the Hamble which is pretty but can be very expensive. I’ve been at Haslar on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour for a while now. Reasonably priced, easy Solent access, nice staff and don’t really have a problem with wash from passing traffic. 5 minute walk to the ferry over to Portsmouth so plenty to see and do within easy walking distance. Premier Gosport and Royal Clarence next door are worth a look.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Thanks for the input

not experienced, yet but smart enough to realise I will be hiring a skipperto do the trip with

If you combined this with some training you could maybe start your RYA qualifications, if you want.

 

[Richard.C]

Hi guys

just had an offer accepted in a Bavaria 37 ht and it’s my first boat

it’s currently on the Norfolk broads which s a tad far from where I live.

my plan is to drive the boat to the south coast so I can tour the Solent and also make longer trips in Devon / Cornwall during holidays . I have been looking at various ports and looking for people’s recommendations

gosport, south sea , Chichester, Weymouth , gamble, nods, Falmouth ? Brighton looks too Far East ?
I want it to have free parking , not cost the earth and have access during low tide . It will be a family boat so facilities in the area would be good. As a family we spend a bit of time in the Isle of Wight which we love I have a few quotes back but never experiencing any if the ports , looking for guidance. . Thoughts and experiences of south coast ports please , what would you recommend and why? Also need recommendations for a descent insurer

What is your definition of "not cost the earth", I'm sure there's some that come close, I'm in Lymington, it's really nice but I think it's at that level.

 

[dj43]

Hi guys

just had an offer accepted in a Bavaria 37 ht and it’s my first boat

it’s currently on the Norfolk broads which s a tad far from where I live.

my plan is to drive the boat to the south coast so I can tour the Solent and also make longer trips in Devon / Cornwall during holidays . I have been looking at various ports and looking for people’s recommendations

gosport, south sea , Chichester, Weymouth , gamble, nods, Falmouth ? Brighton looks too Far East ?
I want it to have free parking , not cost the earth and have access during low tide . It will be a family boat so facilities in the area would be good. As a family we spend a bit of time in the Isle of Wight which we love I have a few quotes back but never experiencing any if the ports , looking for guidance. . Thoughts and experiences of south coast ports please , what would you recommend and why? Also need recommendations for a descent insurer

East Cowes marine Isle of Wight, central Solent, all states tide, a lot cheaper than other’s even with the ferry, if you like the island this is were you will end up most of the time, most marine’s on the south coast you would not visit if you did not keep your boat there , just my opinion ,
As others have mentioned the broads is a good place to get some practice, boat handling etc ,

 

[RupertW]

East Cowes marine Isle of Wight, central Solent, all states tide, a lot cheaper than other’s even with the ferry, if you like the island this is were you will end up most of the time, most marine’s on the south coast you would not visit if you did not keep your boat there , just my opinion ,
As others have mentioned the broads is a good place to get some practice, boat handling etc ,

I’d second the island option. If you don’t usually need to take your car to the boat (except maybe at beginning or end of season to store/destore) then it makes a lot of sense. If you like to pack loads for each trip, then fine but the island becomes very expensive for car ferry fares each time. Weymouth is an absolute favourite, and we even kept our boat in Plymouth when we lived in West London which really is top boating territory. Depends whether you have to cross London to get there. If you are in South East London or Kent then surprisingly Ramsgate is a really lovely place too - about the only marina I would stay at from Burnham right round to Brighton.

 

[NickG]

Maybe do what I did when I was planning to move to the Solent. Make a list of your preferred areas, book a night or two at a travel lodge or equivalent, and spend a couple of days checking places out.

I'd second that. Everyone has individual needs and expectations although I would say that subjecting your family to a wait for a ferry and a crossing to IoW after a long, possibly fraught drive from your home every time you go to your boat is maybe a bit too stressful. Similarly with a family on board you need easily reachable destinations in all weathers with onshore attractions. This all points to the Solent and a marina which is not too far in terms of cruising time from the sea. Take a weekend off , drive to the Solent and visit a few marinas with the family and then agree on the marina you all like best from the point of view of cost, location and facilities

 

[superheat6k]

Foulkes Riverside Boatyard at the top of the Hamble ticks all your boxes. I pay £328 / month for a permanently wet walk ashore mooring, 32', with electricity and water. Parking can get a bit full but there's always somewhere to park.

The liveaboards provide an excellent form of free 24/7 security, but some of them do have too many cars !

I can get under the A27 road bridge between Bursledon and Swanwick on top of a 5m tide, drawing 3.5m air draft with the radar mast pole down. There are two Fairline 52 just infront of me, and they get inand out without too much fuss. Spare pontoon gaps presently.

 

[Leerogers3]

If you combined this with some training you could maybe start your RYA qualifications, if you want.

That’s my plan. Completed my day skipper theory already, power 2 and intermediate complete plus vhf. Just need day skipper practical which I Plan to do on the trip

 

[Leerogers3]

Foulkes Riverside Boatyard at the top of the Hamble ticks all your boxes. I pay £328 / month for a permanently wet walk ashore mooring, 32', with electricity and water. Parking can get a bit full but there's always somewhere to park.

The liveaboards provide an excellent form of free 24/7 security, but some of them do have too many cars !

I can get under the A27 road bridge between Bursledon and Swanwick on top of a 5m tide, drawing 3.5m air draft with the radar mast pole down. There are two Fairline 52 just infront of me, and they get inand out without too much fuss. Spare pontoon gaps presently.

the Boat has a 1 metre draft, what is tidal access like at this harbour?

 

[Adios]

The south coast east of the solent area is dull IMO with nowhere to go and some with no access other than high tide. So what would you do other than go out sail around in circles and go back in again.

Its not that difficult a journey from Gt Yarmouth to the Solent. Exit Gt Yarmouth and do the "Thames Estuary outside route" which just means going pretty much due south outside of everything about 80 NM until level with ramsgate which is good for a break and refuel (watch the strong tidal flow across the entrance) then follow the coast to the Solent. Find someone with some experience to come along by all means but not a necessity to pay for a professional delivery skipper. Take it as a golden opportunity to learn about passage planning and navigation. Just need a couple of days with settled weather so you can do 30 knots and you'll be there in no time.

edit: I just seen you plan to do day skipper practical while doing the journey thats a fair idea if you can make it work out for times and weather. But if its hard for their availability to match weather maybe keep options open and try to find someone experienced with the free time (maybe ask the broker if he knows someone who'd come for an expenses covered jolly or ask on the forum) and do the day skipper at your leisure later? If I was local with less kids sucking up all my time I'd be putting my hand up for it ah remembering the happy days when I was a free man

 

[fushion julz]

Is that the one that Norfolk Yacht Agency has listed?


As stated above, all S Coast Marinas are busy.

• Southsea is cheaper than the Hamble. Handy enough but it's an acquired taste in my opinion.
• Chichester - plenty of marinas and harbours to choose from (Sparkes, Northney, Emsworth, Chichester Marina, Birdham (no access at low water). Cheaper than the Hamble.
• Portsmouth Harbour - Haslar, Gosport, Royal Clarence, plus Port Solent as mentioned. Easy Solent access, berths can get a bit rolly as you near the entrance
• The main stretches of the Hamble are expensive but pontoon moorings are available which are cheaper (but you need a tender and lose shore power and access). If you go up river above the M27 bridge the moorings there are significantly cheaper than the big boys. Very easy access to the IoW.
• R Itchen - Ocean Village (plenty there), Shamrock Quay.
• Beaulieu River - lots of moorings plus Bucklers Hard Marina
• On the Island there are several Marinas on the R Medina plus pontoon moorings, plus Yarmouth Marina at the W end
• Lymington - Yacht Haven and Berthon
• Christchurch - depths are limited but may be feasible in your boat
• Poole Harbour - At least 6 marinas. Some in the upper reaches are behind bridges so you will have to deal with organising bridge lifts
• Weymouth, Torquay, Brixham, Dartmouth, Falmouth ... all a long way west, where are you starting from?

You missed off Langstone Harbour.... a lot cheaper than Chichester for a swinging mooring (and more likely to get one, too). Only one marina, though (Southsea) which is tidal behind a lock. Langstone moorings are also only a few minutes from the open sea as oppossed to Chichester where most are 30-45mins away from West Pole, even at the max 8 knots limit if you make no wash.

Birdham Pool is one of the cheapest marinas in the area with walk-ashore access, but is restricted to a maximum of 7hrs access at each tide (3hrs before to 4hrs after HT).
In Portsmouth harbour Wicor Marine are fairly reasonable..especially if you can live with a mid-stream pontoon.
Hamble is expensive in a marina everywhere, but the Crown Estate moorings are reasonable, but the waiting list can be years!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

You missed off Langstone Harbour.... a lot cheaper than Chichester for a swinging mooring (and more likely to get one, too). Only one marina, though (Southsea) which is tidal behind a lock. Langstone moorings are also only a few minutes from the open sea as oppossed to Chichester where most are 30-45mins away from West Pole, even at the max 8 knots limit if you make no wash.

Birdham Pool is one of the cheapest marinas in the area with walk-ashore access, but is restricted to a maximum of 7hrs access at each tide (3hrs before to 4hrs after HT).
In Portsmouth harbour Wicor Marine are fairly reasonable..especially if you can live with a mid-stream pontoon.
Hamble is expensive in a marina everywhere, but the Crown Estate moorings are reasonable, but the waiting list can be years!

Yes thanks, though I did mention Southsea....
Portsmouth there is also Gunwharf Quays.

 

[Hooligan]

Problem is going to be availability. I was in Northney last year. No availability now. Likewise Sparkes. I eventually found a space at Southsea. And this for a rib. Demand completely overwhelming supply right now so I would advise ringing around asap, going and visiting what has availability asap, and committing asap. My guess is that as things open up and the weather improves it will get worse. Good luck.

 

[superheat6k]

I draw 1m - 24/7 for me