Fuel

Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

jct1981 said:
Very true.
Worth noting Gillingham access - to the marina at least- is tidal, whereas Chatham is 24hr. Not sure on the Gillingham fuel pontoon.
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A good point, and as the OP would probably want to set off some time near, or just after LW to take the tide up, maybe not ideal unless they fill up then mooch back up to Stangate creak and anchor up while waiting for the right tide.

edit: Gillinham website says that fuel is available at MOST states of the tide, So maybe just a small window at LW springs maybe where fuel cannot be obtained.
 
Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

jct1981 said:
Very true.
Worth noting Gillingham access - to the marina at least- is tidal, whereas Chatham is 24hr. Not sure on the Gillingham fuel pontoon.
Click to expand...

Straight from their site so that makes it a little easier: "Fuel
Our refuelling point, outside the lock gates, serves gas oil and unleaded petrol. Service is available at most states of the tide during day light hours winter and summer."
 
A2THEK101 said:
Sorry one more question, but how do you get to learn how much of the actual fuel you can use in your tank as I do understand you can't use all of it do the the pickup? Is there a very rough guide to this?
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In theory you will be able to use nearly all of it, with a few litres remaining when the engine conks out. This is one of the reasons you always allow a 25-33% safety margins on your fuel planning. You should never run out of fuel.
 
Gillingham Marinas fuel pontoon is outside the lock entrance. If there is no petrol available, there used to be but I have diesel power now, so have not used for a good few years. An alternative, if you can get to Gillingham Pier just upstream, there is an Asda with a filling station about 50ish metres walk, but again with 'cans'. You will need to do this on a 'making tide' though as it dries.
 
One approach could be go into Limehouse marina instead and if you have a dinghy and jerry cans you can go up Limehouse cut for half an hour there is a big Tesco by the canal with fuel. Couple of minutes walk to the petrol station.

There are low bridges on Limehouse cut so I don't think you would be able to get there in the boat plus its not awfully deep.

The marina is pretty nice with DLR station and a nice walk by the river up to tower bridge etc.
 
Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

Clearly nobody has ever purchased fuel whilst moored in St Kats: :ambivalence:

Take one of St Kats trolleys along with your fuel containers to the Petrol station, and bring them all back full :encouragement:
 
Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

Sorry to pour cold water on you, but why don't you use your new boat somewhere less challenging and with fuel available first?

That way you could gather fuel consumption figures and know what your range is without any worries about running out.

If the boat is on a trailer why not start somewhere like the Solent as there are loads of places to go, fuel available and its quite nice too!

I'm starting my fourth year powerboating and planning a trip from Southampton to Brixham - about 100 miles each way. this will involve quite a bit of planning but at least I know my consumption is around 30 litres/hr at 20 knots cruise on a 7 metre sports cruiser with 200 verado. All up weight around 2.2 tons...

Previous boat was Cap Camarat 625 WA with a hew Honda 135 on the back. From memory 22 litres and hour at 20 knots ish... great boat but felt very exposed to the weather in the Solent chop on a bad day.
 
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Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

Thanks and absolutely won't be attempting it too soon. Just wanted to get some ideas for the planning process. You're correct and I will certainly learn what it is capable of over time before Indo anything too crazy. When I'm confident enough to do it will be on a calm, hot summer days but I do also relish the challenge.
 
Re: ambitious trip or what ? :)

A2THEK101 said:
Thanks and absolutely won't be attempting it too soon. Just wanted to get some ideas for the planning process. You're correct and I will certainly learn what it is capable of over time before Indo anything too crazy. When I'm confident enough to do it will be on a calm, hot summer days but I do also relish the challenge.
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If you want some adventure why not join the south west sports boat rally in Brixham at the end of May. Around 30 sports boats, lots of socialising , boaty chat and cruising in the safety of others? http://www.swsbr.co.uk
 
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