Cost of Journey to France

[Kipper]

I agree with searush about the practice stuff, the more you learn the more confedent you will become.
As for living near the boat, well think of the fuel it saves for spending on the boat.

Good luck with the purchaser.

 

[hlb]

Spend a couple of years on the Thames. If you want to go to sea, find a marina thats not tidal ie no locks and with many places to visit close by. Else you wont be going anywhere much. Keep your speed down to 8 knots or less and you will get 4 or five times as far on a gallon of fuel.

Not sure theres anywhere East of the Solent that fits this bill, so look Silent and westwards, it's worth an extra hour or two's drive to be some where decent.

For me it would be Plymouth.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I think Deleted User's idea of a diesel maintenance course is excellent. I'm searching the internet as we speak looking for a suitable course to book especially as The Husband has a birthday coming up. I'll break the news after I've booked it as his enthusiasm for giving up his free time might not be as great as mine.

We're still in a massive quandery about were to moor the boat, as I said original intention was to berth on the Thames for two to three months as the boat is there already and also we were told that if you can handle the locks on the Thames you can handle most things (obviously not seen me trying to throw a rope around a bollard) and then move to Eastbourne or wherever. But we've just discovered we'll have to pay the full annual fee for the Thames River Licence (£850+) irrespective of how long we're there. They weren't kidding when they said that B.O.A.T means Bring On Another Thousand. For £850 we could have the boat transported by road to it's final destination and save us the immediate worry of getting it there.

Thanks again for all your thoughts.

This is a good diesel engine course. I've done it myself http://www.seastart.co.uk/rya-training-courses/rya-diesel-engine-course.html

Starting on the Thames is fine but the 415 is a big boat for the Thames and you will find it daunting at first and you will have an issue with bridge heights. If the boat doesn't have a folding radar arch, probably Windsor Bridge is as far as you can go upstream which limits your cruising range a lot. If you do decide to berth in Eastbourne, then it would be a shame to truck her there and miss out on a good oppurtunity for a shakedowwn/learning cruise especially cruising through London which is spectacular in your own boat. Maybe it would be a good idea to do the trip round to Eastbourne with an Instructor who could teach you basic navigation and boat handling skills and ensure that you complete the trip safely

 

[meridianyachts]

I sold my 415 2 years ago, great boat but wife not so keen. If your trip Thames to South Coast has any problems it will put you off boats for life. Consider employing a skipper to join you, it will pay dividends by having a professional to keep you calm and you will learn loads about the boat and navigation. Post about filters and tank is top tip, take heed of his advice.
Cannot advertise here but check google for meridian yachts skipper.

 

[AndieMac]

Good luck with the new acquisition, it's a great stage to be at, with plenty of good times ahead, and of course, lots of learning.

Forumite Solitaire (first page of thread) enjoys a great reputation in both teaching skills to new boat owners, and delivery passages. Send him a private message and he may be available to assist you both.

 

[miket]

Marinas

Agree with others that, nice as Eastborne is there are not a lot of options for a weekend trip.
Solent is expensive but much more variety without going too far (less fuel).
West country is super but a nightmare to get to and from in the summer.
We love Essex and Suffolk, although appreciate not a good commute from Kent. I would think hard about a Chatham base with London, Essex and Suffolk all close at hand for cruising and France not too far either.
I would also strongly consider road transport from Thames to destination. You may find costs quite comparable if going any distance.
We recently did Brundall (Norwich) to non-tidal Thames and used £800 of fuel and my engines will be more economical than yours!!
Nice roomy boat the 415. Good luck.
If you tell me the name I might know it?