Crossing to IOW in a tender

Ah, I have re-read this and now realise you don't mean as a one off adventure and see this as more of a regular thing. I should have paid more attention. If that is the case, short answer no, it's not really practical on an ongoing basis, unless you have a proper rib or seagoing vessel.
 
I've been over from Hamble to Cowes in an Avon 310 with a 9.8hp engine.

It was fun and I'd like to do it again one day, but it's not practical on an on going basis.

A lot of water came over the sides but the boat does have a removable plug in the transom, so I had that out most of the way.

Also I found a good distance back from the ferry was the calmest place to be.
 
Thanks all, interesting range of views

I had in mind a 6hp, 2.6m brand new Honwave or similar and a good weather window.

Sounds like that would be ok many times
Until it wasn't ?
 
I think it probably depends on whether you have a viable / affordable plan B for those times when you want to get to the boat but the weather's a bit too rough for a tender crossing. Also, if you cross with the tender, is there somewhere you can leave it on the IoW if, when the time comes to return home, the weather has deteriorated.
 
Aeolus is right...even if it's glorious on the way out, it may not be on returning. Even in peak season, it's quite normal to have F4/5 and even more, blasting up the Solent making things boisterous enough in a biggish ballasted boat. Extremely uncomfortable, slow, wet and downright perilous in a sub-ten foot inflatable, partly because it's not very visible in waves.

We've had enough fine still days for me to have thought it might be reasonable to use a motor-driven tender if I kept a yacht at an inexpensive sailing club, a mile away across the water. But most of the times when I actually want to sail, I'd want a bigger and more robust tender to cover that mile than could be carried by any yacht I'm likely to command.

Of course, if I convince myself that I really need a four-metre RIB with 20hp or more, then I could call it a tender as well, and just tow it.

Dammit, you've got me thinking again now.

Note to self: I'll want one of those all-round white nav-lights on a stick, for late-evening runs.
:unsure:
 
Over 50 years ago a mate and I sailed my National 12 from Portsmouth Sailing Club to Ryde on a glorious summer's evening then decided to stop for a pint...then another pint. By the time we left it was dusk and as we set off back to Portsmouth the light wind gradually faded to nothing. Out came the paddles I'd made specially. By 0100 we'd almost made Gilkicker and by 0300 we were back on the slipway at PSC to find my parents and the law waiting...

I can only say it's a sodding long way without petrol power.
 
For practical purposes, I don't think this works. Especially in the central Solent with complex tides, traffic and large shipping. The waves can be surprisingly large at certain wind/tide conditions, even on a still day.

Maybe better at the Lymington, Yarmouth end where it's narrower, tides are more predictable, and traffic is left/right rather than all directions. But still, a 3m tender is only for calm conditions.
 
My boat is on a swinging mooring possibly 2/300 yards from the shore. I use a new 2.7m Inflatable with outboard to get to and fro and ferry fuel, supplies etc out to the boat. If the wind has picked up on return it can be a ‘damp’ trip back, especially for Mrs JD. To be honest it’s a PITA, and that’s only 300 odd yards. I would suggest that what you’re planning would quickly turn your new boat into another ‘orphan’, unused and unloved.
 
Buy yourself a jet ski and show no regard for personal safety or other Solent users . Or more sensibly yes but I think a 6.5 m rib say a ribeye might be a better choice or ideally a diesel cobra and you could just tow your yacht over .
 
I’ve had 2 Avon 4 m seariders.

They’re very stable and safe but Not sure I’d go out again above about F5/6 depending on sea state.

I assume they’re still built and as they’re a popular rescue boat/work boat I’d go with them if you’re going to go ahead. One had 35hp and one 40hp.

Good speed but the 4 m didn’t have much deck space.

W.
 
GrantD said:
Ok, probably my first really daft question

But if, in extremis I kept our boat on the IOW - temporarily perhaps - is it acceptable/normal/daft/pushing it/why not/routine/doable


For me to go visit/use her by going across on a well founded tender with a decent outboard and wearing lifejackets

Thoughts?

Be gentle ?
Click to expand...
Best place to ask for asylum is Yarmouth.
 
I delivered a yacht for someone who lived in Pompey and commuted to his office in Cowes by 100hp RIB. I joined him on his commute in November and it's not an experience I'm keen to repeat.
 
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