Free mooring for lunch?

[Barleycorn]

Are there any free places to stop for lunch in the Solent any more? When I last had a boat there used to be a pontoon at Cowes where you could stop for a couple of hours free.

Went to the Folly recently, (never again!), and was a bit peed off to be charged £7 for the pleasure of giving them my business. You would think that they would do a deal with the harbour masters and get some / all knocked off when you buy a meal.

 

[Griffin Marine]

You could always take some sandwiches and anchor in Osborne Bay that's free.
As for the Folly I feel for the guys that run the moorings on Behalf of Cowes Harbour Commission , the Council and the Pub as they only earn 10% of the mooring fee , they make some money from the Water taxi but after paying for insurance , wages , Licences , servicing
they are not left with a lot , shame its only a 20 week season the other 32 are bleak if you have not made enough to live on.

Oh Newtown River is also free if you anchor .
Tim

 

[Talulah]

Doesn't Universal Marina up the Hamble have a free lunch stop offer if you eat at the Bistro there?
(Not tried myself.)

 

[colingr]

Anchor pretty much anywhere you like apart from the Hamble, Medina and Beaulieu rivers.

If you use someone's pontoon expect to pay them some money. The more popular then more expensive.

 

[Hoblands]

We've stopped off at Ryde Leisure Harbour a few times in recent years. If the tides are timed correctly there's enough time to have a good walk around the town and lunch / breakfast. The Harbour Master has always told us he won't charge for a short stop as long as the Harbour isn't too busy. Wouldn't recommend it for boats over about 35ft loa though...

Paul

 

[colingr]

We've stopped off at Ryde Leisure Harbour a few times in recent years. If the tides are timed correctly there's enough time to have a good walk around the town and lunch / breakfast. The Harbour Master has always told us he won't charge for a short stop as long as the Harbour isn't too busy. Wouldn't recommend it for boats over about 35ft loa though...

Paul

We're a fan of Ryde as well. Something relaxing about it.

 

[Bazzer]

Are there any free places to stop for lunch in the Solent any more? When I last had a boat there used to be a pontoon at Cowes where you could stop for a couple of hours free.

Went to the Folly recently, (never again!), and was a bit peed off to be charged £7 for the pleasure of giving them my business. You would think that they would do a deal with the harbour masters and get some / all knocked off when you buy a meal.

Trouble is they would put the price of the food up if it had to cover moorings as well, unfortunately everything costs money and maintenance is an ongoing thing ?

 

[Bazzer]

You could anchor in Colwell Bay and catch the rib that belongs to the Cafe on the beach, dont think they charge ?

 

[lisilou]

You could anchor in Colwell Bay and catch the rib that belongs to the Cafe on the beach, dont think they charge ?

Only if you have a reservation at the restaurant which you'll need to book well in advance. Great place tho'...going there on monday weather allowing.
L

 

[Chamaerops]

The Island Harbour waiting pontoon - they just ask for a small donation in the charity box.