Getting Shallow at Bembridge

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RIN

RIN

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I expect a lot of people who cruise the Solent are aware of this but it caught us out. I thought I would post it just in case anyone else was unaware of the problem

Bembridge is one of our favourite harbours. We stayed there the weekend before last and were directed on to the very far end of the Duver pontoon. All well and good but when I tried to flush the sea toilet early on Saturday morning, the pump really struggled and eventually muddy black bits stated to appear from which I deduced we were aground. I went onto the pontoon and measured the depth. There was a mere 6 inches of water at the bows and 9 inches at the stern and we were firmly aground. A bit worrying as we had not raised the legs and they were fully down. I checked the engine filters when we had enough water and everything seemed ok but the sea toilet was out of action.

The marina staff said it was unusual, a combination of near Spring tides and high pressure. The Harbour is still for sale and the new owners are going to have to do a lot of work dredging and rebuilding that far end of the pontoon. Hope it gets sorted soon.

Still had a great weekend there though
 
Thanks for the warning, were you on the inside near the causeway or the outside (in the channel) ?
 
On the outside of the pontoon right at the far end (437 paces to the showers - I counted). Inside the pontoon was a large Nelson or Aquastar but the owners was a regular so knew about the lack of water.

But having survived this, we are thinking about Ryde - that has a pontoon that dries too doesn't it? I wonder if any mobos overnight there?
 
We had similar problem a couple of weeks back. Been going to Bem for years but never been told to go on the inside of the pontoon. We were directed to moor up on the inside in our Fairline Targa and I asked the guy, how much water will I have a low water? He replied, at least 1.5m as we are between springs and neaps. So with that I didn't feel the need to lift the legs. Later that evening returning to the boat on the dinghy, the boat was well and truely in the mud!! NOT PLEASED. Next morning I complained to the staff. They apologised and offered the night's mooring for free. Luckily no damage was done. BE WARNED! It's definately getting shallow.
 
Eeeek!

Mind you I recall creeping in once and seeing a couple of channel markers agound on the banks of the channel. Focussed my mind on the prospect that I may have come in too soon. Made opening time though which was the prupose of the exercise:-)
 
They do...


Jim...


RIN said:
On the outside of the pontoon right at the far end (437 paces to the showers - I counted). Inside the pontoon was a large Nelson or Aquastar but the owners was a regular so knew about the lack of water.

But having survived this, we are thinking about Ryde - that has a pontoon that dries too doesn't it? I wonder if any mobos overnight there?
Click to expand...
 
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