Help and advice needed: Moving my boat inland, but where to?

[Markhammond]

I've posted a couple of times on this forum and the advice I've had has always been extremely helpful - so here we go again!

Some of you will now I have recently entered the world of boating and chose Brighton Marina (based on location, proximity to home, good for the family etc.).

Well I have encountered a problem - my daughter is terrified of going out to sea. She's only four and half and loves being on and sleeping on the boat, but the moment you get out of the marina she is genuinley scared witless.

Please stop laughing as it isn't funny (ironic yes as I have basically purchased a floating caravan, but funny no).

Whilst I am committed to Brighton for this season (which means going out on my own a lot - sounds great I hear you cry) for next season I want to bring my boat inland as my daughter has always enjoyed being on a boat when on a river, which is obviously a lot calmer, much slower and the banks are in (almost) touching distance on either side.

This leaves the question of where to go. As I have mentioned before I am based on the London / Kent border after some research have shortlisted two options:

1. The Ouse/ River Cam at Buckden marina (Castle Marinas) in Huntingdon.
2. The Thames at Penton Hook (MDL) in Chertsey.

So tonights killer questions are:

• Has anyone stayed at either of these?
• Are they very nice?
• What are the rivers like for sailing?
• Is there anywhere else you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any replies - they are always really appreciated.

Mark.

 

[rafiki_]

Mark,

The place that your daughter would be happiest is on the Norfolk Broads. We used to boat there when my daughter was younger, and it is so safe and pretty. You don't need to travel far to find yet another beautiful mooring, especially if you boat on the northern rivers. Plenty of places for youngsters to play safely near the boat too.

Only downside is the travelling, the A11 is not the best road, and we used to travel from Birmingham, so 3 hours each way. You should be shorter than that I believe, but it does become a drag. We also spent 5 years on the river Severn, but the moorings and villages are fewer and further between. I cannot comment on the Thames, or the Ouse. Travelling distance is a factor for children.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks for the quick for response. Out of interest where in the Broads did you moor at?

 

[oldgit]

If you can afford it the Thames will give you a decent safe area to cruise and crammed full of interesting places to visit,unmatched by any other river in the world.
Any of the MDL marinas will offer you a first class service and with their deals you can use other marinas in the group to roam far and wide at no extra cost.
Including the one down here a Chatham on the Medway.
Part of enjoying boating is doing it in company and its much more fun as a group.
Getting the kids or in my case grandkids aboard is far more fun than being a billy-no mates .
Save the bumpy offshore stuff for later when she can bring her boyfriend and demonstrate her sea legs.

 

[Greg2]

We are on the Broads and cruised the Thames last year so agree with both comments so far.

Thames is expensive and a lot more crowded than the Broads, well the southern rivers anyway.

The A11 is not the issue it used to be any longer as much has been dualled with the last section at Elvedon due to open in the Autumn. The Borads give easier cruising as ther are no locks and you still have access to the sea if your daughter starts to get over her fear as she grows older. In general terms the northern rivers are picturesque but with lots (I mean lots) of hire boats. The southern rivers are quieter and still very pleasant. Personally it is south every time for me but we are all different

The Ouse is a lot more restrictive in size of boat (not sure what you have) with bridge heights and lock widths being significant restrictions. Also not so well provided for in terms of overnight moorings as the Thames or the Broads

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks, but no need to bring up boyfriends - she's only four and half so I am trying not think that far ahead!!!

I did my VHF course down in Chatham and it's a very nice marina. If I end up on the Thames I'll probably moor up there to break up the journey somewhat.

Thanks again.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks Greg. I had a quick look at the journey to the boards and depending on where I could find a Ben it's about 2-2.30 hours. Is there anywhere you would recommend out of interest?

We are on the Broads and cruised the Thames last year so agree with both comments so far.

Thames is expensive and a lot more crowded than the Broads, well the southern rivers anyway.

The A11 is not the issue it used to be any longer as much has been dualled with the last section at Elvedon due to open in the Autumn. The Borads give easier cruising as ther are no locks and you still have access to the sea if your daughter starts to get over her fear as she grows older. In general terms the northern rivers are picturesque but with lots (I mean lots) of hire boats. The southern rivers are quieter and still very pleasant. Personally it is south every time for me but we are all different

The Ouse is a lot more restrictive in size of boat (not sure what you have) with bridge heights and lock widths being significant restrictions. Also not so well provided for in terms of overnight moorings as the Thames or the Broads

 

[boatingdave]

I love Chatham, was moored there for a couple of years many years ago now though. However I can sympathise with the predicament Mark H. We were moored on the Bristol channel and my youngest would turn white whenever we headed out from the marina in to the channel and although better now he's older it was a genuine fear so no ribbing from this direction. It was always a constant battle and somewhat spoilt the experience for the rest of us.
We also had several years on the Thames and since the welsh coast we have now returned to the Thames for a few years (for various reasons not for this post) and my youngest is a lot happier on the river although he now says he wants to go back to Penarth!!! Can't win lol. So in response, Thames is good (although broads are also good). Hmm. I think what I'm trying to say is any boat on any water is good so I'll stop that part of the thread. . You will get recommendations from all sorts of folk who have their favourite location but you need to go where it suits you better i.e. commutable from home, appropriate amenities for the vessel type etc etc. Penton Hook is nice, although we are moored at nearby Shepperton which is also nice. I think the Broads may be too far from home and you will then get resistance to the length of the car journey but that is personal choice with the other factors taken in to account. I would suggest if possible keep any car commute to less than an hour if possible, Cardiff was about an hour and twenty from home and was in the realms of 'are we there yet' choruses. Our mooring on the Thames is a little less than that but not by much. I'm rambling, I hope you get the information you require and there are plenty of friendly boaters who will be more than happy to help make the decision!
Dave

 

[Markhammond]

No need to bring up boyfriends - she's only four and half so I am trying not think that far ahead!!!

I did my VHF course down in Chatham and it's a very nice marina. If I end up on the Thames I'll probably moor up there to break up the journey somewhat.

Thanks again.

If you can afford it the Thames will give you a decent safe area to cruise and crammed full of interesting places to visit,unmatched by any other river in the world.
Any of the MDL marinas will offer you a first class service and with their deals you can use other marinas in the group to roam far and wide at no extra cost.
Including the one down here a Chatham on the Medway.
Part of enjoying boating is doing it in company and its much more fun as a group.
Getting the kids or in my case grandkids aboard is far more fun than being a billy-no mates .
Save the bumpy offshore stuff for later when she can bring her boyfriend and demonstrate her sea legs.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks Dave, especially the empathy for my predicament. Seeing the look of terror on her face is a horrible experience and despite trying a couple of times she just doesn't like it. And I don't what to create a phobia where she doesn't want to sail on rivers as well!

Travel time is a big factor. Part of the reason we went to Brighton rather than the Solent was we could get there in just over an hour, compared to closer to two and half. Being closer makes it much more accessible and allows for the impromptu day trip rather than always the long weekend.

Thanks for responding.

I love Chatham, was moored there for a couple of years many years ago now though. However I can sympathise with the predicament Mark H. We were moored on the Bristol channel and my youngest would turn white whenever we headed out from the marina in to the channel and although better now he's older it was a genuine fear so no ribbing from this direction. It was always a constant battle and somewhat spoilt the experience for the rest of us.
We also had several years on the Thames and since the welsh coast we have now returned to the Thames for a few years (for various reasons not for this post) and my youngest is a lot happier on the river although he now says he wants to go back to Penarth!!! Can't win lol. So in response, Thames is good (although broads are also good). Hmm. I think what I'm trying to say is any boat on any water is good so I'll stop that part of the thread. . You will get recommendations from all sorts of folk who have their favourite location but you need to go where it suits you better i.e. commutable from home, appropriate amenities for the vessel type etc etc. Penton Hook is nice, although we are moored at nearby Shepperton which is also nice. I think the Broads may be too far from home and you will then get resistance to the length of the car journey but that is personal choice with the other factors taken in to account. I would suggest if possible keep any car commute to less than an hour if possible, Cardiff was about an hour and twenty from home and was in the realms of 'are we there yet' choruses. Our mooring on the Thames is a little less than that but not by much. I'm rambling, I hope you get the information you require and there are plenty of friendly boaters who will be more than happy to help make the decision!
Dave

 

[bumpy_the_dog]

I was at Penton Hook for two years while I tried to give my wife a gentle introduction to life afloat. We had some wonderful trips both upriver and downriver, amazing sights like motoring past Windsor Castle, under Tower Bridge, and through the Thames Barrier. We started with a routine of one night on the boat followed by a night in a hotel! Still, the softly softly approach is paying off as we're now in the Solent and next year I'm aiming for a West Country trip and then who knows, maybe we will cross the channel together after all!

But to get back to your question, Penton Hook was very nice and gentle, but you'll need to practise your lock techniques in advance as they can get a bit boisterous at times, nothing too alarming but if you show any signs of anxiety your daughter will pick up on that in a flash.

 

[henryf]

What about basing yourself in the Solent ?

Brighton is pretty fierce in that there is no shelter. Once you're out of the harbour you face the full force of the English Channel.

In the Solent you have the Isle of Wight to protect you and places like the Hamble, Beaulieu, Medina, Lymington River, Southampton Water etc. all give excellent protection. This allows you to pick your days and only venture out when it is nice and calm but still be on the boat within the confines of your harbour if there is a little bit of wind.

No need for specialist transport services as you can bring the boat round yourself, possibly with the help of a skipper or crew.

Whenever people say they are buying their first boat and keeping it somewhere like Brighton I always worry for the reasons you're experiencing.

Henry

 

[Fantasie 19]

Part of enjoying boating is doing it in company and its much more fun as a group.
Getting the kids or in my case grandkids aboard is far more fun than being a billy-no mates

Well that's one view...

What about basing yourself in the Solent ?

Brighton is pretty fierce in that there is no shelter. Once you're out of the harbour you face the full force of the English Channel.

In the Solent you have the Isle of Wight to protect you and places like the Hamble, Beaulieu, Medina, Lymington River, Southampton Water etc. all give excellent protection. This allows you to pick your days and only venture out when it is nice and calm but still be on the boat within the confines of your harbour if there is a little bit of wind.

That's a good idea.. what about some harbour sailing?? Chichester is huge, lots to see, but fully enclosed. Portsmouth perhaps? ....

 

[Aquafan]

Penton Hook would be my choice although the site needs some money spent on it and has a good club house. You are 6 hours from Tower Bridge by boat and good train connections to London.
The Thames is special with scenery to die for and the pubs aren't bad either

 

[Wavey]

My 2p

Given your daughter's reaction to being on the coast I think you need to get far away from that environment to somewhere where you can slowly build her confidence.

The Broads are pretty, there are no locks, but it is tidal (more so the nearer you get to Yarmouth), bits can be dull and uninteresting, it can get busy with hire craft and it can't compete with the Thames in terms of things to do and places to visit. It's also a bit of a trek from where you are based. I learnt much of my boating basics up there and have fond memories.

The Ouse and Cam I can't comment on as I've no personal experience.

I think your best bet is the Thames and Penton Hook. I've just moved my boat to the Solent after having had several boats at Penton for just short of 30 years. The downsides can be that weekends and Bank Holidays it can be busy and locks can seem daunting at first. Slow and easy is the name of the game with the latter but there's plenty of advice available on the Thames forum here and an hour or so at Shepperton Lock (just down the road) watching others go in and out is invaluable. Half a days easy cruising one way will see you at Hampton Court, or Windsor in the other direction. There's plenty to see and do, reaches like Cookham are just stunning. Generally, the further upstream you go the better it gets. Knowing your air draft would be useful as there are some low-ish bridges but I think you'd be fine up to Oxford. MDL's freedom berthing allows you to move to Bray and Windsor Marinas, and when you want to get more adventurous you have central London and MDL's marina at Chatham for when you want to blow the cobwebs off. Thorpe Park is just literally across the road and Logoland not far by car for non-boaty options. Happy to bore you endlessly about the Thames if you have a month or two to spare .

 

[pmagowan]

Are you anxious about the sea? Kids normally pick up on these things. I would try to get her used to the sea, making a game out of it. Otherwise you will be stuck up the Norfolk broads for the rest of your life.

 

[Markhammond]

Not at all, as the recently posted video I hope shows. I love the experience but when you see you normally confident and bubbly daughter shaking with terror, something had got to give. I've thought about this lots and I'd rather slowly build her confidence back up so she'll enjoy it in the longer term, then force it and it end up with her hating it.

Are you anxious about the sea? Kids normally pick up on these things. I would try to get her used to the sea, making a game out of it. Otherwise you will be stuck up the Norfolk broads for the rest of your life.

 

[Markhammond]

The issue with the Solent is it's quite a long way from me - between 2-3 hours without traffic, which negates the day trip with a young family.

Brighton has been excellent though, it's a nice marina with great restaurants, a great play park 10 minutes down the beach and of course everything else Brighton has to offer. It obviously more exposed then some areas of the Solent but then I've been pretty selective about when we've gone out.

Whilst I like the harbour idea and heard Chichester is lovely, the sea is still going to be the issues.

I think it's a case of some slow cruising on a river to rebuild confidence before I attempt the sea again I'm afraid.

What about basing yourself in the Solent ?

Brighton is pretty fierce in that there is no shelter. Once you're out of the harbour you face the full force of the English Channel.

In the Solent you have the Isle of Wight to protect you and places like the Hamble, Beaulieu, Medina, Lymington River, Southampton Water etc. all give excellent protection. This allows you to pick your days and only venture out when it is nice and calm but still be on the boat within the confines of your harbour if there is a little bit of wind.

No need for specialist transport services as you can bring the boat round yourself, possibly with the help of a skipper or crew.

Whenever people say they are buying their first boat and keeping it somewhere like Brighton I always worry for the reasons you're experiencing.

Henry

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks very much - I most confess the Thames is looking like a great option. The Broads sound lovely but the distance will be an issues.

Also thanks for the heads up on the Thames forum - I'll check that out.

My 2p

Given your daughter's reaction to being on the coast I think you need to get far away from that environment to somewhere where you can slowly build her confidence.

The Broads are pretty, there are no locks, but it is tidal (more so the nearer you get to Yarmouth), bits can be dull and uninteresting, it can get busy with hire craft and it can't compete with the Thames in terms of things to do and places to visit. It's also a bit of a trek from where you are based. I learnt much of my boating basics up there and have fond memories.

The Ouse and Cam I can't comment on as I've no personal experience.

I think your best bet is the Thames and Penton Hook. I've just moved my boat to the Solent after having had several boats at Penton for just short of 30 years. The downsides can be that weekends and Bank Holidays it can be busy and locks can seem daunting at first. Slow and easy is the name of the game with the latter but there's plenty of advice available on the Thames forum here and an hour or so at Shepperton Lock (just down the road) watching others go in and out is invaluable. Half a days easy cruising one way will see you at Hampton Court, or Windsor in the other direction. There's plenty to see and do, reaches like Cookham are just stunning. Generally, the further upstream you go the better it gets. Knowing your air draft would be useful as there are some low-ish bridges but I think you'd be fine up to Oxford. MDL's freedom berthing allows you to move to Bray and Windsor Marinas, and when you want to get more adventurous you have central London and MDL's marina at Chatham for when you want to blow the cobwebs off. Thorpe Park is just literally across the road and Logoland not far by car for non-boaty options. Happy to bore you endlessly about the Thames if you have a month or two to spare .

 

[Markhammond]

About time someone started talking about the pubs!!

Penton Hook would be my choice although the site needs some money spent on it and has a good club house. You are 6 hours from Tower Bridge by boat and good train connections to London.
The Thames is special with scenery to die for and the pubs aren't bad either