Dinghy camping around thr Thames estury ?

[PeterV]

As a teenager I cruised and camped around the Thames Estuary in an 11’ open sailing dinghy, then a 14’Swift catamaran then a Finn. Sailing across to Yantlet creek from Leigh on Sea was a regular, downriver from Hullbridge and up to Paglesham was nice and the whole of the Blackwater downriver to Brightlingsea, West Mersea and Tollesbury. You do need a high tide to get into the saltings for a night but you can usually push/slide down the mud into the river at low tide from many places.

 

[bluerm166]

Having done such creek overnights in an open boat of 18ft I would suggest looking at a Drascombe of greater than the 10ft length suggested.Getting off can be managed at the right spot but being self contained is key so that staying afloat can be managed if necessary.Roger Barnes shows how things can be done with the right gear and frame of mind.

 

[Mark-1]

Having done such creek overnights in an open boat of 18ft I would suggest looking at a Drascombe of greater than the 10ft length suggested.Getting off can be managed at the right spot but being self contained is key so that staying afloat can be managed if necessary.Roger Barnes shows how things can be done with the right gear and frame of mind.

I agree with the logic but overnights crouched on a tiny boat can be pretty miserable. Getting to shore somehow to stretch legs and explore turns an ordeal into a pleasure IMHO.

 

[LittleSister]

Having done such creek overnights in an open boat of 18ft I would suggest looking at a Drascombe of greater than the 10ft length suggested. . .

Much as a Drascombe would be more commodious, a 10 footer, especially if the OP already has one, is a fine place to start. A Drascombe (or similar) is a huge step up in weight (important downside when launching/recovering single-handed, although an advantage once you're actually afloat), cost etc.

Whichever boat one has, one soon starts wondering whether/aspiring to something faster, steadier or bigger, etc. There is no ideal boat for all circumstances, and progressing through a series of boats and their various compromises as the fancy takes you and finances permit, or even living long-term with the compromises of the one you have, is all part of the joys of boating life.

In any case, there are people on here who think 38 foot is a bit too cramped, spartan and slow!

 

[ianc1200]

I suspect Mr Barnes would raise an eyebrow at the juxtaposition of an outboard and his style of adventuring! I don’t know the area you are intending but worth taking a look at Donny Wilcox YouTube channel for small boat wild camping inspiration - both on board and ashore. He doesn’t do the Thames but the sort of kit he carries will give you ideas. He tends to use modern engines though - which might be wise if you are going to be in the middle of a shipping lane.

The Roger Barnes video posted two days ago feautures his trusty British Seagull for his trip up the Goyen! He did the Upper Thames some years ago - "A Rogue Mariner on the Upper Thames". I believe the Dinghy Cruising Association have just had, or about to have, a weekend on the Stour/Orwell/Walton Backwaters which seems ideal small boat cruising grounds. I use Seagulls in the Walton Backwaters but think the amount of petrol required would be too much for a 10' boat cruising any distance. Much better sail and use the outboard only where necessary.

 

[LittleSister]

. . . I use Seagulls in the Walton Backwaters . . .

Yes, we know, we could hear you from the Orwell!