Davis's Boatyard

[Bournemouthroyal]

Does anyone have experience of using their slipway? Thinking of using their store and slip option, but the slipway looks very steep. Not sure if my rear wheel drive BMW will cope in wet conditions?
Also, I presume it can't be used for a while either side of low tide?
Any info appreciated!

 

[Tranona]

Yes, limited access at low water. However my boat is currently parked near the top of the slip and I see successful launches almost every day.

 

[dpb]

We have launched and recovered our 25ft sports cruiser there. Last year we were berthed right next to the slipway which was quite entertaining at times.
Some neap tides accessible all the time but in general not for 1.5hrs to 2hrs either side of low tide.
It is steep for sure, and we have seen 4x4s helping cars that could not pull their boats out occaisionally but most manage ok. It depends on tide state, car, boat size and owners experience really.

 

[dpb]

Yes, limited access at low water. However my boat is currently parked near the top of the slip and I see successful launches almost every day.

Which boat was yours?

 

[Rappey]

Not sure if my rear wheel drive BMW will cope in wet conditions?

Lower/recover it with a length of rope tied to the trailer. That way you don't have to put your rear wheels on the wet bits. (A second person can steer the trailer by its jockey wheel)
I live opposite a public slipway. Seen it all.. cars and boats in the sea, trailer wheels falling off, destroyed clutches, boats falling of trailers etc.

 

[Tranona]

Which boat was yours?

A Golden Hind 31 called Audeer. Just opposite the waste oil tank at the top of the slip.

 

[ontheplane]

Lower/recover it with a length of rope tied to the trailer. That way you don't have to put your rear wheels on the wet bits. (A second person can steer the trailer by its jockey wheel)
I live opposite a public slipway. Seen it all.. cars and boats in the sea, trailer wheels falling off, destroyed clutches, boats falling of trailers etc.

Absolutely second this.

Even a light boat is too much for a 2wd on a slippy slipway. Make sure the rope is over-specced and double or triple it up and make sure it's long enough so when the boat is in the water, the car is still on the flat - you will be staggered the difference it makes. Also, the stretch in the rope will allow the car to start rolling before it tries to move the boat.

Also don't tie the rope to the hitch as such - the knot will be impossible to undo.

Wrap the rope around the hitch several times then around the back of the hitch in such a way that when the tension is on the rope it tightens against the wrap. Then loosely tie the rope off to itself - this way, there is no load on the knot and it can be easily undone. Done properly, you don't even need to tie it as such, just a simple slip knot loop will work.

 

[Bournemouthroyal]

Absolutely second this.

Even a light boat is too much for a 2wd on a slippy slipway. Make sure the rope is over-specced and double or triple it up and make sure it's long enough so when the boat is in the water, the car is still on the flat - you will be staggered the difference it makes. Also, the stretch in the rope will allow the car to start rolling before it tries to move the boat.

Also don't tie the rope to the hitch as such - the knot will be impossible to undo.

Wrap the rope around the hitch several times then around the back of the hitch in such a way that when the tension is on the rope it tightens against the wrap. Then loosely tie the rope off to itself - this way, there is no load on the knot and it can be easily undone. Done properly, you don't even need to tie it as such, just a simple slip knot loop will work.

Great, thanks for advice!