Cobbs Quay marina

[Kaste]

Have spent the last 6 years in the Med and we are bringing our boat back to the UK and considering Cobbs Quay as a suitable geographical location for us. I would welcome any opinions good or bad with regards to Cobbs Quay. We plan to visit in the next few days for a reccy.

 

[ChrisE]

We spent 2 years in CQ a while back. In terms of service it was no better or worse than any other MDL marina and has an extensive array of on-site gubbins such as riggers, stainless steel fabricators, sailmakers, etc, etc. There are three issues specific to the place, the bridge, the depths in Holes Bay and the distance out of town.

The Poole harbour lifting bridge and its attendant circus is always an item for amusement/enragement, if you don't mind a potential 2 hr delay on any planned voyage it is OK.

More seriously, the depths in Holes Bay, the lead in to the marina, were getting iffy at LW springs for a boat that drew the 1.7m we drew. I've not been back in the past 5 years so it may now have been dredged.

Lastly, the place is a fair way out of town and the immediate hinterland is a bit rough (or was when we were last there). If you like to eat out it is a 1/2 hour walk into Poole which we enjoyed but others found a bit of a pain.

 

[looly]

Hi

We have just moved out boat there for the next year (after 5 months on Poole Quay). We are liveaboards and plan to go South (Med) in Spring 2007. I agree with Chris's points completely, however I would also add.
The Bridge - this is a pain but it depends on how you want to use your boat. If you like to pop out for day sails at the weekend, the bridge will be a real hindrance. If however you mainly go away for longer cruises (eg 3+ days) and the rest of the time it is your home, the bridge may not bother you too much.
As for location, Hamworthy is not the nicest of localities, but if you don't mind the walk to Poole it is relatively convenient.
We haven't been there long enough to notice a problem with the depths, & I am hoping it has been dredged bearing in mind we draw 1.8m!!
The marina has had a lot of improvements recently though - a fantastic new toilet block (including individual shower rooms complete with toilet shower and sink).

Honestly, if we didn't need to live in and around Dorset, (we do because of our jobs) this wouldn't be my first choice, but out of the ones available it ticks most of the boxes.

Hope this helps

 

[Blownaway]

Hi
refence Cobbs Quay it is one of the friendlier "working mans" marina where people do talk to you the staff are generally helpful. As per depths the shallowest area is in the approach channel between the RNLI and No86 Buoy (my boat is on a swinging mooring in this channel ) we draw 2m and show a few extra inches of waterline on low water springs. The bridge IS a menace, the tide goes through at a pace and holding station amongst the masses on asunny day can be...err taxing to say the least. We,ve been in the harbour seven years or so and Holes bay has been a good place to stay.
good luck

 

[Kaste]

Thanks all for your replies. Having visited many marinas over the past few days we're deciding between Mercury and Lymington as to which suits our need best.