Emsworth Swinging Moorings - any good?

[Jaguar 25]

Thinking of moving Kittiwake down to Emsworth or in that area to get away from the limited sailing access via the lock at Liverpool i.e. open about 2 hrs each side of HW but I need to get back at HW or shortly afterwards otherwise it is difficult with the tidal flow down the Mersey. So, lucky to get 2 hours sailing unless there are two HWs in the time that the lock opens (not often). Also looks reasonably cheap at less than £600 for a swinging mooring.

Son (joint owner) has moved close to Portsmouth so suits from that viewpoint.

 

[neilf39]

I had one for 5 years. Do you mean the drying moorings or deep water. I had a C3 in Emsworth pool. Bilge keel with 1m gave me approx 2.5 hours either side of hw. Dinghy from Emsworth slip. It was OK when you could park in South St all day but now 2 hr limit. Means you park opposite the fire station or go and park by the shore to the West and walk round the shore.

 

[VicMallows]

I have been on a C3 (drying) mooring in Emsworth Pool for nearly 20 years. It is a very pleasant and safe location if you can accept the tidal access. My Sadler 29 stays afloat all year. You CANNOT access the boat when the tide is out - mud is far too soft. In practice access to even the deep water moorings further out is limited because there is little/no water in the channel for dinghy access +/- 2hs low water.

As already said, parking is the big problem logistically, especially if you are on your own or going away for more than a couple of days. Emsworth Yacht Harbour does offer dinghy storage + parking ..... but it costs more than the C3 mooring fee! (I sail mostly single handed and my wife simply drops me off at the dinghy with all my gear and collects me when I get back )

 

[Jaguar 25]

Thanks for the responses. Parking is definitely something that I didn't consider.

The swinging mooring that I was referring to was a B3. I was hoping that this would give me sufficient water to be able sail at least 8 hours per tide, sounds like that is optimistic.

 

[VicMallows]

The swinging mooring that I was referring to was a B3.

IMHO, the B3s are the least desirable of all. You have the disadvantage of a fairly long dingy trip, and even bilge-keelers sometimes sit at an uncomfortable angle due to the sloping seabed. Most years many are vacant and they are sometimes offered at reduced rate for that reason.

 

[Seajet]

Yup, parking is a major issue; and don't forget somewhere secure to leave a rigid tender as well.

 

[oldharry]

Long term parking in Emsworh is a nightmare, and takes the edge off an otherwise good mooring area. You could go to the other end of the harbour and try Dell Quay where both Whyche Marine and the Yacht Yard have moorings vacant. Parking not a problem (except on a Bank Hol!). Around 2.5 - 3hrs before to 3 hours after HW. Or you could ask Seajet about his club which seems to do a good package.

 

[nikc]

alternatively at Thornham....

Long term parking in Emsworh is a nightmare, and takes the edge off an otherwise good mooring area. .

A bit further to Thorney Channel offers similar moorings but better parking.
You can organise yourself with Thornham Marina and get free parking and access to nice showers.
A nice marina for coming out over winter.

 

[Seajet]

Thornham is brilliant for winter ashore, but the Thorney Channel can hardly be compared to Emsworth Channel, even if one is in a hovercraft !

 

[Pete7]

Thornham is brilliant for winter ashore, but the Thorney Channel can hardly be compared to Emsworth Channel, even if one is in a hovercraft !

I, far more dangerous especially with all that machine gun ammunition dumped in it.

 

[wooslehunter]

Used to use Thornham for the winter & very pleased. Access is most definitely for the hovercraft & multi-hulls though if you want go in & out in the summer.

I had a C3 mooring in the Emsworth channel for a few years & then moved out to a B3. C3 gave me HW +/-3hrs but seemed to get shallower. I can easily get +/-4 hrs access via the quay & if I can get the dinghy off, I can get the boat off the C3. I only draw 1m though. With a bit of dinghy dragging access can be extended using fisherman a walk & a trolley. It is a bit muddy though. There are dinghy chains by the quay hard & also by fisherman a walk.

Parking is a problem but there are a couple of long stay carparks within 5min walk. Very rarely, you may even get a spot on quay itself.

Since the quay is only a couple of minutes from the pubs, shops etc, it's very convenient. Plus there's a friendly chandlery in emsworth marina & an possibly better stocked but definitely unfriendly one up by the station. Sid the harbour hand is great too & always helpful. He generally runs a free ferry for the mornings 2hrs either side of HW.