Best south coast marina for 65’-70’ foot motor yacht?

[Parabolica]

Coming back into motor yachting after some years, I am looking to take an annual berth on the south coast of the UK for a 65’-70’ motor yacht. I recognise that not so many options are available for this size of yacht and have looked at the obvious MDL and Premier options but wanted to ask on here from those that know, what other options would be recommended and if of the two groups I have put forward, which marina of theirs, would suit this size of boat best ?

Ideally I want good facilities as the boat will first arrive from overseas where it is being purchased from, and I wish for it to be lifted, the underside checked and dressed before going back into the water and of course good facilities to be able to then work through it preparing it for my ownership using a mixture of professional and DIY services externally and internally.

I am happy to take a suggestion of one marina for it to be based to carry out the remedial work and then another for when it is complete to be the home berth.

Ultimate goal is a few years here to see out the worst of the pandemic then take the boat to warmer climes for when the World is in a better place.

All suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Berth size / suitability will be unique to each marina, not the the operator. The operator packages and ethos are very different though.

I'd think a good starting bet for bigger boats, and with some possibility of actually having berth availability, would be Ocean Village (MDL) or Shamrock Quay (MDL). OV better for socialising. SQ better for boat trades.

 

[[70521]]

As @Scala has said you are best speaking with the major marina companies about facilities and what area you want to keep the boat. Several marinas in Plymouth will be able to cope with a vessel that size. If they have space is another question as we have become extremely popular for some reason, I can't think why.

 

[rafiki_]

i believe JFM’s Squaddie 78 was lifted at Swanwick, on The Hamble. They can definitely accommodate your boat. Also Berthon at Lymington. I’m sure there will be lifts and berthing at Poole and Plymouth.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

i believe JFM’s Squaddie 78 was lifted at Swanwick, on The Hamble. They can definitely accommodate your boat.

That's right she was. But Swanwick is full. I'm at Swanwick and can recommend it but berth availability is nil

 

[Boat2016]

MDL Saxon Wharf would be a good place to try, they can handle that size with ease both in and out of the water.

 

[henryf]

Could I suggest Haslar marina, Gosport. A but cheaper than people like MDL and definitely cheaper than the Hamble. Great people there, modern pontoons with remote monitored electricity. For lifting use Endeavour Quay just round the corner (Pearl use it to finish off their boats).

I think I’m right in saying a recommendation from a berth holder (me!) will get us both £500 off the first years fees. We’ve been there over 10 years now.

Very easy access straight into the Solent, should you need it the train comes down from London to Portsmouth and then it’s straight onto a £3 / 100 yards / 5 minute ferry which pretty much drops you off at the marina.

Henry

 

[Ian h]

MDL Saxon Wharf would be a good place to try, they can handle that size with ease both in and out of the water.

Saxon Wharf has a 200-ton boat hoist and heavy duty, fully serviced pontoons accommodating boats up to 80 metres.

 

[Boat2016]

Saxon Wharf has a 200-ton boat hoist and heavy duty, fully serviced pontoons accommodating boats up to 80 metres.

I have always received good service from the team at Saxon Wharf so would be my first choice when it comes to looking for a suitable yard to carry out refit.

 

[ashtead]

Can I endorse Haslar as per post above - while we are somewhat shorter than the OP certainly would suggest contacting them for a quote for a hammerhead berth -we have been there for nearly 20 years . Just be aware of roll if on higher letters but by the time you reach D orC will be fine I suspect.

 

[Parabolica]

Thank you for your replies. I will take a look at them in turn, make some calls and if suitable, do some viewings too. I do have a friend who has his Prestige 50 at the Premier Marina in Gosport (is this Haslar?). He’s happy enough there but said the town itself offers nothing to compliment the feel of the marina. Long term the surrounding area is important to us as we would expect to use the boat for extended weekends as a home from home without necessarily going out on it.

 

[colhel]

Strange, the stories I've heard of Gosport are of sophisticated bars, designer shops an abundance of botanical wonder (due I suspect to it's unique sub tropical micro climate). A bit like Newport.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Thank you for your replies. I will take a look at them in turn, make some calls and if suitable, do some viewings too. I do have a friend who has his Prestige 50 at the Premier Marina in Gosport (is this Haslar?). He’s happy enough there but said the town itself offers nothing to compliment the feel of the marina. Long term the surrounding area is important to us as we would expect to use the boat for extended weekends as a home from home without necessarily going out on it.

Premier Gosport is next to Haslar.

I'd agree with your friend's assessment of Gosport but suggest you make the trip and see what you think.

 

[burgundyben]

You might also tskk to the newly expanded Ocean Quay on the Itchen.

 

[ashtead]

To clarify Haslar is part of what is now called boatfolk group along with a few others on south coast eg east cowes etc plus a number in somewhere round the corner on the Irish Sea. There are 2 other marina in Gosport but Haslar IMHO might be more sheltered from roll cause by Brittany ferries etc than Gosport or Clarence but that’s based on my impressions not having been at either of these. Haslar are in course of refurbish the cafe/restaurant on site. The other 2 marinas have onsite eateries/bar -that at Clarence seems quite a good location based on our Christmas dinner there upstairs and has what looks like a sportsman’s bar downstairs .There are a great number of supermarkets though in Gosport,namely Morrison’s,Aldi,Lidl plus an M&S as you drive in. In nearby Alverstoke a useful and quiet Waitrose serves you well for many items and there are a Thai plus a pizza place. Avoid the Great Wall Chinese in Gosport unless you like bulk food. The Boots in Gosport seems popular and no shortage of takeaways and coffe bars but sadly it’s a ferry trip to gunwharf for the boutiques and nightlife such as cinema and bowling and a casino so while not in Gosport you won’t I’m sure be bored there for nightlife and dining.

 

[rafiki_]

Haslar is a nice Marina, owned by Boatfolk who have a number of marinas on the south coast, Wales and Portishead. Meaning there are lots of overnight options with no fees. Haslar is really handy for the Solent being in the mouth of the harbour. It was an option for us, but I didn’t like the drive from the M27 to the Marina. We live near Stratford on Avon, so 2 hours to the M27. Deacons was another 10 mins max, Haslar 40 mins. Deacons won for us.

 

[benjenbav]

Berthon is worth looking at. I was based there for a few years. Shipyard facilities on site.

 

[paradave]

Port Solent is significantly cheaper than the Gosport rivals, presumably due to the lock. Good bars/eateries around too. Ive been there a couple of years now, in a much smaller boat than yours admittedly, and really like it.

 

[ashtead]

If you are small I gather the cheapest berths at Port Solent are by way of sublets from house owners but I believe only 10m length .

 

[jrudge]

I would ask yourself if you are better in the med. I had a targa 40 and went to La Rochelle.
Everyone looked on in wonder at its size. I would question if you can in practice go anywhere.
I am in Mallorca with a 58 foot boat and I am small.