Drying out River Dart

[pessimist]

I've moored on the Dart for many years, but heretofore have had a fin
keeler so have seldom ventured up river. I now have a cat and would
like to dry out to check anodes etc. Anyone got any suggestions for a
convenient beach somewhere North of Dittisham? Charts are at the boat
so I can't check easily.
Thanks,
Colin

 

[LadyInBed]

I have dried out tucked in around the corner on the seaward side of the lower chain ferry. Chandler just over the road, very handy ?
PS Just looked it up - Bayards Cove.

 

[andsarkit]

Lots of people dry out on the beach by the Dittisham sailing club. Avoid the mud by the entrance from the car park and go a bit further along where there is a fairly level gravel patch. A spring tide will help to keep you up above the mud but best to check out you chosen spot first.

 

[upcountry2]

Take it up to Totnes, lie alongside the wall at either Baltic Wharf or the rowing club on the opposite bank….

 

[andsarkit]

Take it up to Totnes, lie alongside the wall at either Baltic Wharf or the rowing club on the opposite bank….

The rowing club won't thank you for blocking their access to the river. Just further up is the town quay (arrowed) but it is muddy there.

 

[pessimist]

Thanks all. Bit worried that Bayards might be subject to wash and, as Andarskit says, Totnes is very muddy. Dittisham seems the best plan. Where is the sailing club? Anywhere near the pub and dinghy pontoons?

 

[Pete7]

Thanks all. Bit worried that Bayards might be subject to wash and, as Andarskit says, Totnes is very muddy. Dittisham seems the best plan. Where is the sailing club? Anywhere near the pub and dinghy pontoons?

No its not. The river bottom is flat rocks with hard sand mud. This is the Baltic Wharf pontoon at low water. The wharf opposite is similar and we have seen fin keels dry out against the concrete wharf next to the steps. Fender boards will be required for this. Once saw the habour staff come up river for their fee, but normally don't bother. Totnes is nearly fresh water btw.

Totnes a very pretty town, we love travelling up the Dart and staying with Baltic Wharf an old fashioned boatyard. Showers a bit basic but at £20 a night for 31 feet good value compared to many marinas. Water on the quay and electric available with a long extension cord (yours) if needed. Pontoon drops further than you think at low water, hence the steps to get back on board and slack lines.

Pete

 

[andsarkit]

At Dittisham go past the dinghy pontoon and pub and you can't miss the sailing club at the end of the dinghy boat park.

You can dry out opposite the dinghy park, avoiding the mud in front of the car park entrance. You can launch a tender from the foreshore and then go down to your mooring.
The pub is a short walk along the foreshore at low tide. If the tide is out, you can use the slipway at the club to avoid the mud when launching your tender.
Let me know if you need a hand.

 

[pessimist]

Thanks for that - should make life easy. Don,t think we'll need help but Penny has been meaning to contact you for ages. She'll do it in the next few days.

 

[Sandy]

I saw a chap a few years ago drying out at Dartmouth. You need the harbour masters permission, perhaps a call to the office. They are really very friendly.

 

[pessimist]

The office staff are friendly and helpful (as are the guys on the River) but they've not been spared the ravages of elfin safety. Too many hoops to jump through before drying out.

 

[Pete7]

The office staff are friendly and helpful (as are the guys on the River) but they've not been spared the ravages of elfin safety. Too many hoops to jump through before drying out.

Sadly that French trawler incident didn't show them in good light particularly when the previous Harbourmaster didn't even turn up to check what was happening.

No complaints about the team in the office or on the water. They have always been very helpful and we love visiting the Dart.

 

[pessimist]

True. ?

 

[LadyInBed]

The office staff are friendly and helpful (as are the guys on the River) but they've not been spared the ravages of elfin safety. Too many hoops to jump through before drying out.

I didn't ask, just did it.
No-one came to question me, asking is asking for trouble!
If anyone had come, what are they going to say when the water has disappeared from beneath the boat?

 

[stephen_h]

My surveyor has suggested I dry out (catamaran) at the entrance to Stoke Gabriel, so that he can inspect the bottom. Apparently there is a bank there?

I am coming from the Solent so don't know the area very well.

 

[andsarkit]

The dinghy sailing club launch near the entrance and I think it is a gravel bed. Further in towards the mill pond dam is muddy. Best to get your surveyor to mark his favourite spot on a map. Others might have more local knowledge. Dart harbour can fix you up with a temporary mooring nearby if you contact them.