Falmouth Liveabord Suggestions

[floebs]

Hello all, I'm fairly new to this forum - actually this is my very first post!

I'm heading to Falmouth to study next year (for three years) and was wondering if you knowledgable lot would have any suggestions, ideas or advice re potential liveaboard locations in the area. I have a 27ft long keel, with a draft of 1.4mtrs, I wont be needing shore power as will have solar, and possibly wind gennie by then.

Open to all ideas - but the closer to University of Falmouth the better!

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Also, any sailing suggestions and nice anchoring spots for that area would be most appreciated too!

 

[phantomlady]

Hi and welcome to the forum
I live in Hayle, not far from Falmouth and we keep our boat on a mooring on the Helford river in the summer and in Gweek Quay Boatyard in the winter (when we are not off sailing in sunnier climes!)
There's quite a bit of choice around the area depending on your needs (and budget!)
You can certainly find somewhere to anchor for free in the summer months but I don't know if you would be happy all year round without power. Alternatives to expensive marina berths are Gweek Quay boatyard - you can live aboard on the hard and electric and water and showers are available. Some berths alongside the quay may also be available from time to time. There's a small liveaboard community in the boatyard year round.
You don't say if you will have transport to get to the campus. If you don't then Gweek would be a problem as it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere!
However, you can anchor in Falmouth for a small fee in the summer within the harbour limits and then have use of the Harbour Comissioners facilities which include very good showers, washing machines, secure dinghy dock. In the winter the visitors pontoons become the 'winter village' liveaboard community so you get everything as before plus you are alongside with power and water. Can still get a bit rough at times in the middle of winter though! Think it wouldn't be too hard to get to the university from here.
Even closer is a boatyard at Penryn - I think it's called Islington Wharf - they allow liveaboards in winter on the hard and alongside the quay I think. Maybe worth a look.
Whatever you decide it's best to get it sorted as soon as you can because it gets very busy everywhere down here as it's so popular (for some reason!?)
Best of luck and if you need any other info please ask.

 

[halcyon]

I'm heading to Falmouth to study next year (for three years) and was wondering if you knowledgable lot would have any suggestions, ideas or advice re potential liveaboard locations in the area. I have a 27ft long keel, with a draft of 1.4mtrs, I wont be needing shore power as will have solar, and possibly wind gennie by then. !

Next to Islington warf is Muddy Beach ( Truro harbour commisioners ) mainly liveaboards, if legs you will be okay, cheap.
Other side of Penryn river is Challenger marine, just up the road is Ponsharden boatyard 01326 372215, large liveaboard community, cost £23 a week for 27 footer, and next door to Lidal.

All are about 15 / 20 minutes walk to uni.

Problem now is space this time of year.

Brian

 

[floebs]

However, you can anchor in Falmouth for a small fee in the summer within the harbour limits and then have use of the Harbour Comissioners facilities which include very good showers, washing machines, secure dinghy dock. In the winter the visitors pontoons become the 'winter village' liveaboard community so you get everything as before plus you are alongside with power and water. Can still get a bit rough at times in the middle of winter though! Think it wouldn't be too hard to get to the university from here.

Hi PhantomLady, thank you for all those great ideas! This is exactly what I was hoping for - nothing beats local knowledge. I'm driving down today, (from way up north), so will be able to drive around and check out all these places and get a feel for them face to face. As well as see the lay of the land and how easy travel might be to uni. I have a car, but would prefer to ditch it and travel via bicycle, and public transport - still mulling that one over!

Next to Islington warf is Muddy Beach ( Truro harbour commisioners ) mainly liveaboards, if legs you will be okay, cheap.
Other side of Penryn river is Challenger marine, just up the road is Ponsharden boatyard 01326 372215, large liveaboard community, cost £23 a week for 27 footer, and next door to Lidal.
All are about 15 / 20 minutes walk to uni.

Hi Brian, I'd seen Ponsharden on the map and wondered about that place! Its great to hear they are liveaboard friendly! The other options sound interesting too, I hadn't heard of any of those - will be able to drive around a bit and take a peek when I get down there later today! Thanks so much for the suggestions, and your advice about getting in quick!!

 

[lindsay]

Heating

From an old git liveaboard (76) to a young guy, good luck! However, how do you expect to get heating on board without shore power from just solar panels and a wind turbine? This would surely require either investment (Eberspacher, although I personally think it is unsuited to marine long term use) or fuel burning stoves requiring a hole in your hull for a chimney. And gas for LONG TERM use is a bit shaky .... You can of course try the old method of an upturned flower pot on the cooker.

or may be I am just out of date?

 

[nathanlee]

I'm heading to Falmouth to study next year (for three years) and was wondering if you knowledgable lot would have any suggestions

As if you're leaving the north!

Have you got heat? Running just solar panels is ok (ish) but even in the summer it'll get cold/damp a lot, and you'll definitely be more comfy with some warmth.

P.s. Can I come with you. I'm bored of floating still.

 

[Downsman]

If you get stuck, Carrick Council via the Harbour office in Truro have cheap winter berths on the pontoons on the Fal. I wintered there just down river from Malpas. There are no facilities except gash collection but you can go up on the flood in the dinghy and get water and hot showers at the Harbour Office. Tescos has a little pontoon where you can leave the dinghy while buying stores. Back to the river pontoon on the ebb. Buses from Malpas or a nice push bike ride and not too far from Truro to the Uni. Summer rates start (I think) it was 1st April, but in the meantime it will give you a chance to find somewhere more permanent. (Lot's of free drift wood on the river..get yourself a wood burner.. )

 

[floebs]

You can of course try the old method of an upturned flower pot on the cooker.
or may be I am just out of date?

haha, lindsay, i love 'old git' wisdom!! that upside plant pot idea is priceless, i'll have to try it out! well, the boat came with an old eber 'semi-installed' - my guess is that it doesnt probably work in its current state, but might only need a few new parts and a bit of a tweak to get it running again i've also been looking at those greenhouse/tube heaters things, but not sure they would be worth it, and i am insulating the heck out of her with foam at the moment too! thanks again for the input, and bring it on with the old git wisdom, i can never get enough of that!

As if you're leaving the north!
Have you got heat? Running just solar panels is ok (ish) but even in the summer it'll get cold/damp a lot, and you'll definitely be more comfy with some warmth.
P.s. Can I come with you. I'm bored of floating still.

nathan, yup, it'll be a tug, but i'll get to enjoy up north on holidays

i left this morning, just arrived in falmouth, and will be off exploring all the possibles mentioned above, tomorrow! come on down, we might get a two for one deal!!

what heat did you have on kudu? and how big were your wind gennie and solar panels - you reckon it wont be enough? maybe bigger panels?

 

[floebs]

If you get stuck, Carrick Council via the Harbour office in Truro have cheap winter berths on the pontoons on the Fal. I wintered there just down river from Malpas. There are no facilities except gash collection but you can go up on the flood in the dinghy and get water and hot showers at the Harbour Office. Tescos has a little pontoon where you can leave the dinghy while buying stores. Back to the river pontoon on the ebb. Buses from Malpas or a nice push bike ride and not too far from Truro to the Uni. Summer rates start (I think) it was 1st April, but in the meantime it will give you a chance to find somewhere more permanent. (Lot's of free drift wood on the river..get yourself a wood burner.. )

Downsman, thats a cool option, just checked the map, its not too far from the uni, so biking could work, as well as being able to get to shore for shower + food on the tides.

do you now if it a full dry out in that area? i'm wondering about trying to get some legs - which might increase options a bit.

anybody any thoughts on ease of use versus advantages gained in purchasing legs?

thanks all for the suggestions, i'm in falmouth for two days - doing a recce - so trying to check out as much as possible while i'm here

 

[Sandyman]

Downsman, thats a cool option, just checked the map, its not too far from the uni, so biking could work, as well as being able to get to shore for shower + food on the tides.

do you now if it a full dry out in that area? i'm wondering about trying to get some legs - which might increase options a bit.

anybody any thoughts on ease of use versus advantages gained in purchasing legs?

thanks all for the suggestions, i'm in falmouth for two days - doing a recce - so trying to check out as much as possible while i'm here

Thought it was Falmouth Uni you're going too ?? Long way from the pontoons on the Fall. Does not fully dry out until you get just pas Malpas, but Truro access is tidal dependent.

 

[Downsman]

do you now if it a full dry out in that area? i'm wondering about trying to get some legs - which might increase options a bit.

When I was there a couple of winters ago, there was at least one live-a-board (looked long term) laying right up at Truro harbour office berth. It dries out completely once you get beyond the recreation ground/ commercial berth area above Malpas. I have a feeling the answer to a request for lying in a drying berth up at Truro would be 'No' It's quite tight for space up there anyway.
You might try the folk at the berths at Malpas itself, opposite the Heron pub. They used to make a small charge to leave my dinghy there if I didn't go all the way up to Truro in it. You can buy gas there and get freshwater too. They were always very helpful during my stay and they may know of drying berths or swinging moorings in the area, in fact I think they own some of the local moorings.

 

[Sandyman]

If your only there for a couple of days I would check out whats available in Penryn (locally known as Shag Town...............the locals will explain )
You will find a couple of chandlers there. Worth popping in to ask advise.

 

[floebs]

If your only there for a couple of days I would check out whats available in Penryn (locally known as Shag Town...............the locals will explain )
You will find a couple of chandlers there. Worth popping in to ask advise.

shag town huh? hmmm, i'm leaning more towards the penryn area for the ease and access - yes, good point sandyman, it is falmouth uni (woodlane campus) so the penryn collection of boatyards/moorings seem to be the closest, and if the 'locals' dont bite, it might be the way to go! i'll pop over tomorrow to check it out. i also see (on google earth) other places along the river: challenger, falmouth boat yard, falmouth yacht brokers(?), and what seems to be a line of boats moored all along the opposite bank - anybody know if the opp bank belong to respective yards mentioned above, or are they a seperate entity?

the other idea i'm liking too is the falmouth harbour - summer hook, winter pontoon - possibility (depending on availability/waiting list/prices ect) as mentioned by PhantomLady.

all the 'further away' suggestions - fal, qweek, turnaware point etc - are great for 'weekends away' and little 'sailing explorations', i'll be saving those up for 'playtime', so all ideas warmly received!

thank you!

 

[floebs]

You might try the folk at the berths at Malpas itself, opposite the Heron pub. They used to make a small charge to leave my dinghy there if I didn't go all the way up to Truro in it. You can buy gas there and get freshwater too. They were always very helpful during my stay and they may know of drying berths or swinging moorings in the area, in fact I think they own some of the local moorings.

Downsman, anywhere with a pub opposite is worth exploring further! thnx!

 

[Downsman]

I lay on the hook down in Falmouth off the Custom House Quay in 2009, waiting for the weather when bound for Portugal. It was £7.50 a night then, if I recall correctly. So you're looking at £50 odd a week at least. Life gets a little bumpy when it blows hard from the East and if you're going to anchor beware of the ferry traffic, the ones with the race tuned engines and short sighted helmsmen..
Handy for the town though and a berth in the Yacht Haven is a possibilty. Oh! and close by ashore is awash with pubs..

 

[halcyon]

challenger, falmouth boat yard, falmouth yacht brokers(?), and what seems to be a line of boats moored all along the opposite bank - anybody know if the opp bank belong to respective yards mentioned above, or are they a seperate entity?
!

Opposite the marina is Trevissome House marine, winter storage mainly, not seen liveaboard, next creek towards Flushing is a odd collection liveaboard and hulks, big issue with them the other year, as said Challenger did have liveaboard, but changed hands recently but not cheap, Falmouth Boat Co Flushing, does winter lay-up, not sure if Bernie will allow liveaboard, Falmouth Yacht brokers, storage, locked-up at night.

Falmout harbour can be very bad in winter due to Easterlies, wind and swell.

Brian

 

[phantomlady]

It's true there is a charge for anchoring in Falmouth Harbour but there is an area over the Flushing side at Turnaware that they have designated as 'free of charge'.
As to the winter village at the Yacht Haven....as far as I have always been aware (and I have known people living there and also worked for the Harbour Comissioners) there is no formal waiting list to get on there - it's more a question of first come, first served and being on the ground and (dare I say it?) your face fits..ie you're friendly to the staff and other residents.
Please don't underestimate how bloody awful it can be living in a damp, cold climate on a boat in the depths of winter. YOU WILL NEED POWER FOR HEATING!

 

[Sandyman]

''I wont be needing shore power as will have solar, and possibly wind gennie by then. ''

OP should do some more research. The above will no where near provide enough power to get you through a winter.
If alongside you will need shore supply & if at anchor or on a mooring a reliable eberspacher/wood burner etc A dehumidifier will make it even better.

A trip to Trago Mills to purchase a couple of rolls of foam carpet underlay to lag the boat will improve comfort beyond belief.

 

[simon barefoot]

I've lived aboard at Challenger for 5 years now. Pricey, but you get mains showers/loo and PARKING which is worth it's weight in gold now. Its right on the main bus route into Foulmouth(Saturday nights will explain that one!).
You will need some extra form of heating, and more to the point DRYING unless you are getting a nice warm studio to leave all your clothes/bedding in. Muddy beach is cheap and sheltered and opposite Challenger. 5 minutes from the road with all the access. One of the main benefits of this area is Miss Peapods Cafe, something of a mecca for artists/foodies/cider drinkers/liveaboards. Sailors creek is further down towards Flushing, but thats starting to be a pain to get to woodlane campus. Might not look it on google earth, but trust me, youve got a 9am lecture, its been blowing a hoolie all night and its pi11ing down. Its a ....! I'll send you my number. I'm at work at Eden tmrw installing some xmas stuff so I cant meet you, but gimme a ring.

 

[floebs]

I've lived aboard at Challenger for 5 years now. Pricey, but you get mains showers/loo and PARKING which is worth it's weight in gold now. Its right on the main bus route into Foulmouth(Saturday nights will explain that one!).
You will need some extra form of heating, and more to the point DRYING unless you are getting a nice warm studio to leave all your clothes/bedding in. Muddy beach is cheap and sheltered and opposite Challenger. 5 minutes from the road with all the access. One of the main benefits of this area is Miss Peapods Cafe, something of a mecca for artists/foodies/cider drinkers/liveaboards. Sailors creek is further down towards Flushing, but thats starting to be a pain to get to woodlane campus. Might not look it on google earth, but trust me, youve got a 9am lecture, its been blowing a hoolie all night and its pi11ing down. Its a ....! I'll send you my number. I'm at work at Eden tmrw installing some xmas stuff so I cant meet you, but gimme a ring.

Thanks Simon, this is all great on the ground stuff - heading over that way today - thanks for your number, will give you a call!