cruising the thames

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taormina

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Hi all,
Have got myself 10 days off in July and was considering a potter up the thames, were based in west mersea so not to far to get to the start, we thought st Kats for first night and then onwards, dosent seem to be to much useful info around though, simple stuff like,what paperwork would one need, can you stop overnight anywhere etc. different routes, been on PLA site but not really what i was looking for any body know a good guide?

All info greatly recieved..............
 
taormina said:
Hi all,
Have got myself 10 days off in July and was considering a potter up the thames, were based in west mersea so not to far to get to the start, we thought st Kats for first night and then onwards, dosent seem to be to much useful info around though, simple stuff like,what paperwork would one need, can you stop overnight anywhere etc. different routes, been on PLA site but not really what i was looking for any body know a good guide?

All info greatly recieved..............
Click to expand...

Good advice RE the Thames forum. Go for it you'll have a great holiday. I did oxford to cherbourg once - a fab holiday. Some random snippets from me.

You'll need a licence above teddington, buy it at the lock. You have to sign to say your boat is safe and you won't use your loo.

Get enough fenders for both sides of your boat and leave them out once past tedders. The bows are a problem, 2 big balls low down help. You need to fend the wall when it's low, ie you enter from upstream or the lock has gone up, yet still fend the flare of your bow when the wall is higher than your rub rail. You do not want to adjust fenders at every lock, you need fit and forget.

4 warps too, get braided, leave them rigged fore and aft both sides. Braided coz they feel nice and won't kink.

Get some spikes and a hammer so you can moor bankside. You'll be able to buy them at shepperton marina, not many opportunities bankside below there and it's a good chandlery.

Picnic chairs or a rug and a barbie are great when you're moored in a field.

Get Chris cove smith's book.
 
All info greatly received

The journey through London once above Greenwich is worth the trip alone.
Go onto the PLA website and get the free laminated map.
Details what channels to listen on where and loads of useful info.
Ps the bumpy bit starts just around the Dome,secure any loose stuff.
 
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I asked this question on the Thames forum a while back and got some very useful information. Sadly the weather has conspired against us every time we've had time to go, but we WILL get there.

I did notice that St Kats has pretty small windows to get through the lock though, due to tides and limited opening hours. There is a table on their website that gives info of the window for each day. I also found it's best to book ahead for a berth.
 
PaulGooch said:
I did notice that St Kats has pretty small windows to get through the lock though, due to tides and limited opening hours. There is a table on their website that gives info of the window for each day. I also found it's best to book ahead for a berth.
Click to expand...

you can stop on the inside of the pontoon outside the lock for lunch with their permission, have done this quite a few times, also a good place to pick up/drop off crew. As per oldgits's post though don't underestimate how rough the water gets here you'll need good fenders. I don't mean rough compared with the river I mean rough compared with the sea.

For overnight I prefer limehouse just downstream. They lift a bridge for you and again the river state can make getting into the narrow cut a bit of a battle with your nerves.
 
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Unless you particularly want to stop in central London I would aim to do the whole tidal section in one hit and spend the first night somewhere around Shepperton. I have just completed Burnham to Oxford to Burnham in 11 days. St Kats is a great location and worth stopping at for sightseeing or to take in a show etc etc, but not required just as a stopover.
 
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