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Saintlysimon

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Hello,

I have been using a small motor boat along the sharpness canal now for approx two years. Before this, I have had zero boating experience. I enjoy the canal, but have seen the odd fellow venturing out through the locks and into the estuary.

So Im now about to buy a bigger motor boat, with coastal capabilities, the one were looking at is a category B boat I believe.

If we were to consider venturing out of the lock - where would one begin in regards to gaining some knowledge on how to and what to, do once we make it out there.

I literally have no idea - but would like to try it, maybe this summer.

Thank you in advance
Simon
 
To narrow in on things you need to decide on your budget (investment and operation) and the intended use of the boat.

These requirements soon will point you in a direction.. please share :)
 
Hello sir,

We will either buy a Jeanneau NC9 - single Penta 260 bhp I think. Or a Jeanneau merry fisher, 855 with twin outboards, or a Beneteau Antares 8.80 with a single 300bhp outboard.

I dont know which one of the three were going to buy as of yet, still fishing around.

Thanks!
 
I'm a raggie so not highly qualified to comment on mobos. However twin engines seems highly preferable: losing your only engine in the BC would not be fun. Actually I would be surprised if a mobo could qualify for Cat B without twin engines.

As for your first trip outside Sharpness lock:
Have someone more experienced with you
Be prepared for a big chunk of tide pushing you sideways the moment you poke your bow outside the Sharpness gate
Follow the leading lines scrupulously until you have learnt which corners you can cut
Definitely keep away from the underwater wall near Oldbury power station
Expect a big chunk of extra wind as you come around Beachley

Despite all that, don't be put off. Thousands of us have survived the Bristol Channel without mishap. Come and join in; you won't regret it.
 
Ah, you mean those big things that spend most of their time miles away from shore? Those big things that carry at least one bloke with knowledge of marine diesel engines? Those big things with satphones loaded with the numbers of similar big things in the same area. Oh, and just to make sure, you mean those big things that carry mostly men, engaged in the most dangous major profession in the UK?
I'm a bit of a chancer but I would not recommend going out into the Bristol channel, above the bridges, without two forms of propulsion.
Allan
 
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To be honest if it were me i would hire a pilot, or at least have someone who knows what there doing for your first few trips! I have made over 150 trips out of sharpy but still get surprised sometimes! Pilots although costly, will give you loads of tips and confidence you won't get anywhere else... give us a holla if you see us around. Solitaire.
 
Totally disagree with PCUK on EU but he's totally correct about RYA course. I shudder to think of anyone going to sea without basic knowledge of bouys and marks as well as a smattering of navigation.
RYA is reasonable and courses are run by most boat clubs.
 
Definitely recommend Compass Sea School in Portishead. Getting a feel for what to expect between the bridges will give you an idea of the very least you'd need to handle in the upper reaches. Wouldn't recommend putting your nose out of Sharpness without a very clear idea of what to expect and a plan for what to do if you meet the unexpected.

Like trapezartist, I'm part of the rag and stick brigade so mobos aren't my thing either. But the last time we left Sharpness to return back down channel to Portishead, we left a motor-launch behind us that had experienced engine failure shortly after leaving the lock and was now pinned soundly to the pier by the tide awaiting the attentions of the SARA lifeboat to help them out. You really can't understate the power and aggression of the tide up there.

That said, it is in its own way an utterly beautiful stretch of water (okay, I might be biased), if admittedly somewhat tannin-hued, and well worth the commitment needed to get to know it. Like trapezeartist said, despite all, don't be put off. Plenty of us survive the Bristol Channel and most of us started from where you are now ;)

Might be worth mentioning the locking fees in and out of Sharpness lock are not exactly geared to the leisure user. Alternatively, if your new boat was something you could still drag around on a trailer, there are other places to launch. Portishead, for example. I'm not sure I'd say it was "safer" down below the bridges, but there's definitely more space and thus less opportunity to wedge yourself on a sandbank or a certain reservoir wall if you do get it wrong.
 
If i was new to it, i definitely wouldn't start at Sharpness. As said above, learn out of Portishead or somewhere where the currents are slightly less fierce and there is more space for error.
 
Thanks so much for all the advice. We're going to go and get some training first, and then I think we would also hire a pilot for the first few trips down. It sounds as though it's not the place make too many mistakes.

I did however see a narrow boat coming through the sharpness lock recently. The chap opening the lock commented on how 'brave' he was.

It should keep us busy this summer.
 
solitaire11 said:
To be honest if it were me i would hire a pilot, or at least have someone who knows what there doing for your first few trips! I have made over 150 trips out of sharpy but still get surprised sometimes! Pilots although costly, will give you loads of tips and confidence you won't get anywhere else... give us a holla if you see us around. Solitaire.
Click to expand...

Will keep my eyes peeled and will certainly say hi if we spot you!

Thanks
 
Saintlysimon said:
Thanks so much for all the advice. We're going to go and get some training first, and then I think we would also hire a pilot for the first few trips down. It sounds as though it's not the place make too many mistakes.

I did however see a narrow boat coming through the sharpness lock recently. The chap opening the lock commented on how 'brave' he was.

It should keep us busy this summer.
Click to expand...

And 99% of the narrow boats hire a pilot so i wouldn't be surprised if he had one/was one.
 
single said:
And 99% of the narrow boats hire a pilot so i wouldn't be surprised if he had one/was one.
Click to expand...
I think it is a local ref that narrow boats much hire a pilot. £150 I believe.

Simon, do a PB2 or similar with Compass Sea School, and then see if you can come down from Sharpness in convoy with 1 or more other boats. We did our first trip Ports to Cardiff like this and it was brilliant. Our "guide" was fantastic. Used to moor next to Rafiki. Gone to Torquay. We will miss them....
 
Question - how far from portishead before the sea begins to turn blue and the conditions are non tidal?

We're thinking about possibly trying to find a mooring down there - it sounds like it could be a better base.

Thanks
 
Saintlysimon said:
Question - how far from portishead before the sea begins to turn blue and the conditions are non tidal?

We're thinking about possibly trying to find a mooring down there - it sounds like it could be a better base.

Thanks
Click to expand...

A line from the Gower to Porlock Weir roughly i reckon
 
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