Buying a boat to moor on the Thames

[ireneadler]

Hi all,

I am completely new to this and am looking for some beginner friendly advice!

I have been offered a mooring on the Thames, east of Tower Bridge, in a small (currently unused) dock. It is tidal, and completely dries out at low tide. I am thinking of purchasing a boat to moor there, but am a complete novice.

My question is, what do I need to bear in mind when looking for a boat to moor there? Presumably, it should be flat bottomed so it isn't damaged at low tide. Is there anything else I should consider, either about the boat itself or about the practicalities of mooring on the Thames (licences that are required etc). I would just be looking for a small riverboat with a motor that I can use in the summer time - ideally it would also be good if I could put it on a trailer and take it down to the south coast to use as well. Not looking to spend a fortune, at least not at first - would sub £5k be realistic?

Any tips gratefully received!

Thanks

 

[Actionmat]

I'd avoid a flat bottom on the tidal Thames, you'll bob around a lot in a small boat on the big part of the river.
A rib might be the answer. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[oldgit]

A warning !

Please tell me this mooring is not anywhere near Heritage Moorings or Tower Bridge.
The wash created by passing traffic is enough to throw around 80 ton barges and coasters.
If wash picks up your boat as it about to dry it will damage it.
Cannot think of a worse place to keep a small boat in the entire universe. IMHO.

 

[ireneadler]

Interesting, yes, it is close to Tower Bridge. I had considered the wash from passing traffic but didn't think it would be prohibitively bad?

 

[apollo]

Please tell me this mooring is not anywhere near Heritage Moorings or Tower Bridge.
The wash created by passing traffic is enough to throw around 80 ton barges and coasters.
If wash picks up your boat as it about to dry it will damage it.
Cannot think of a worse place to keep a small boat in the entire universe. IMHO.

Ditto - forget it

 

[ireneadler]

Is this the case even if the dock is in a small inlet off the main stretch of the Thames?

It would seem a shame to be offered a free mooring in the middle of London and not be able to use it?

 

[sarabande]

Is it secure access ?

 

[byron]

Is this the case even if the dock is in a small inlet off the main stretch of the Thames?

It would seem a shame to be offered a free mooring in the middle of London and not be able to use it?

Are you referring to the tiny Creek just downstream of Butlers Wharf? If so then the craft should be safe in there however I am unsure about access.

 

[oldgit]

What could possibly go wrong.

At around £30.00 quid a night Heritage moorings seem an attractive prospect for an overnighter in central London.
Arriving around 09.00, things were a bit lively but not ridiculous, we were moored on the inside and were protected somewhat by the outside tier of a couple of Thames barges and a small motor barge.
We were made very welcome but they did seem surprised we wanted to stay there !
Having worked with barges and stuff in previous life,both on the Thames and Medway,was well au fait with the need for a few springs and ropes to damp down movement in the tideway.
By mid day,our boat 11m and 8 tons looked like a rope/fender demonstration showroom and all the blimming cleats were full up.
A real danger of damage to boat and threat of crew to catch train home finally persuaded me the call ST Kats,who very kindly let us in overnight.
The only little boats I have ever seen moored down there have all been on the end of davits attached to expensive riverside properties.
Even with the shortage of cheap moorings anywhere on the Thames especially downstream,there is probably a good reason that nobody keeps a small boat in the area.