Cruising on the Clyde - is it worth moving from Loch Lomond

rinkerrhoda

rinkerrhoda

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After 3 seasons on Loch Lomond I am now considering moving my boat to the Clyde (Rhu Marina).
Does anybody have experience of both cruising grounds, is it worth making the move?
My marina fees will decrease but with larger distances fuel bills will increase.
Also my boat is a 1992 24ft rinker sportsboat, I am concerned as to whether she is suitable for the clyde, how do conditions in the sea lochs compare with loch lomond? How easy is it to find moorings, anchorages etc?
Lots of questions I know any answers greatly appreciated.
 
I used to berth on the Clyde - Kip. Boat about same size as yours. After the Solent, it was a dream. I remember launching after my boat arrive by trailer from "down sarf" - it was Easter and there was still snow on the hills, the only wake I hit was my own, the snow and hills were reflected in the water and I thought it was the DB's. I had 2 great years, cruising to Rothsey, up thru the Kyles etc. The sea conditions were easier than in the Solent and the boat rode well ( Bayliner). I subsequently moved over to Port Edgar as the drive from Edinburgh was beginning to pall a bit. But moving from LL to the Clyde will really expand your horizons - go for it. Oh, and welcome to the forum BTW /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Thanks solitaire, thats the answer I was hoping for. Was it a petrol bayliner and if so how easy did you find it to get petrol on the clyde. Im sure it will prove a superb cruising ground with plenty of room to expand our horizons but I want to make sure we know what we are doing before we make the move! The smoother things run the happier my other half..and the happier the experience for me!
 
Yes, it was petrol. Frankly not easy. I used to buy petrol at garage outside Kip marina. Largs has petrol (or did). Rothsey if I recall did not, but it was not that far. I could make it all the way to Tarbut and back on full tank, but again no petrol there either, well not on water. There is garage, but a bit of a hike. Just had to carry spare if not sure on weather. But I did not find it too much hassle, I just loved it up there. LL held no appeal at all, nice scenery etc, but .............. sorry lake boating is just boring. But then I started my boating on the sea, anything after that is just a site seeing tour.
 
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just got to convince my wife now.

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Sorry, can't help you with that one! Will depend on how confident she is in your ability. Take it slow and extend each trip. Build her confidence up over time. Put her on a coastal Powerboat course Level 2. You'd be surprised how completing such a course will be money well spent in terms of you long term boating enjoyment.
 
Agree totally with Solitaire. Clyde estuary is a superb area for sports boating. Go On, Go On, Go On!!!!
You may have a bit of a problem finding petrol but after a year or so you'll be so smitten that you'll have to buy another boat - a diesel powered one:D
 
Clyde is an excellent place for cruising. Petrol is available at Largs but, so far as I know, that's the only place. www.bluemoment.com lists marinas in the area with links to their websites for more information.
 
Thanks for all your positive feedback, sounds like it will be well worth the move. I did a RYA level 2 earlier this year whilst in Teneriff and I agree it was well worth it, a good idea to get my other half to do the same (but on the the clyde). Viscount, I have just checked out www.bluemoment.com, some good info, ive also bought The Yachtsmans Pilot to Clyde to Colonsay.
 
The "Guide" is a good book - watch out however as I've found some of the GPS references to be incorrect! There is also a Scottish Almanac available which is not as heavy as the full scale UK version.
 
Cricky, if it wasn't for the fact that i have just changed my boat, i would have thought i was reading about myself!!!

I was up until last month a Rinker Owner, I too Sail in LL, and I too want to move to the Clyde, whats delaying me is SWMBO.

I am interested in your post, How would moving to Rhu Marina, 'decrease' you berthing fees?
Which model of Rinker do you have? I would think it would be fine for the top end of the Clyde.
Also where in LL do you currently berth??

Cheers

Alistairr.
http://www.alistairrichardson.co.uk
 
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After 3 seasons on Loch Lomond I am now considering moving my boat to the Clyde (Rhu Marina).
Does anybody have experience of both cruising grounds, is it worth making the move?.

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Cannot help you there, but just back from the West coast .... Copach - Isle of Mull, Skye etc. Beautiful coastline with wonderful scenery... will post pics and description later...
 
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