Hopefully on the Thames soon.

[Richard Shead]

Always amazes me when I leave the Thames and go seaward how badly coastal based craft are handled. I guess it's because Thames users are constantly handling their boats at close quarters that generally speaking they are super at it.

Indeed when we moved the boat to Chichester I was shocked at some of the antics whilst entering the lock..they could never understand why I did not need a "hand" coming in and out..one guy came alongside once in a fairsunprin 50+ with no ropes attached !

 

[oldgit]

Just a minute you puddle dwellers. Let me tell you my boat handling skills are legendary.

On the river the tide only ever goes one way, what's the big deal?

Anyway I've got a bow thruster so ner ner ner

O ....Yes the evocative Thames background noise of massed coffee grinders that announce to all and sundry that
"I am totally incapable of controlling my boat using the throttles and rudders but somebody has invented an infernally noisy device that enables me to avoid hitting other people,so whats the problem ? "

Lockie,sitting in office,merely needs to listen for the number of the evil things thrashing away in the distance to work out exactly how many boats will be wanting to enter the lock.

 

[Brayman]

O ....Yes the evocative Thames background noise of massed coffee grinders that announce to all and sundry that
"I am totally incapable of controlling my boat using the throttles and rudders but somebody has invented an infernally noisy device that enables me to avoid hitting other people,so whats the problem ? "

Lockie,sitting in office,merely needs to listen for the number of the evil things thrashing away in the distance to work out exactly how many boats will be wanting to enter the lock.

Well how else would we attract the Lockies attention? It would be rude to sound the horn

 

[Gavi]

Always amazes me when I leave the Thames and go seaward how badly coastal based craft are handled. I guess it's because Thames users are constantly handling their boats at close quarters that generally speaking they are super at it.

Yup, when I did my PB2 I was congratulated on my slow boat handling... but the fast stuff was another story....

 

[Blackfeather]

Now due to be in the water on the 10th.

All my Thames boating books are more than 15 years old, do you have any recommendations for more recent publications?

Also is the EA website the place to look for lock closures, depth changes etc?

And finally, the most stupid question, how do you know where the deep bits are? Having been used to using charts and chartplotters I don't want to make a complete idiot of myself too soon.

 

[Flynnbarr]

Now due to be in the water on the 10th.

All my Thames boating books are more than 15 years old, do you have any recommendations for more recent publications?

Also is the EA website the place to look for lock closures, depth changes etc?

And finally, the most stupid question, how do you know where the deep bits are? Having been used to using charts and chartplotters I don't want to make a complete idiot of myself too soon.

Just stick to the middle,There's no deep bits left!
In its wisdom the EA has designated the thames as a self dredging river!

 

[TrueBlue]

Now due to be in the water on the 10th.

All my Thames boating books are more than 15 years old, do you have any recommendations for more recent publications?

Also is the EA website the place to look for lock closures, depth changes etc?
And finally, the most stupid question, how do you know where the deep bits are? Having been used to using charts and chartplotters I don't want to make a complete idiot of myself too soon.

This year is the first for many that there has been a decent length with no complete closures. In you area you can cruise from upstream of Shepperton lock to downstream of Whitchurch.

As to depths all you get from EA is a general statement of depths in any particular section. Just keep to the centre of the channel as suggested.

 

[boatone]

Also is the EA website the place to look for lock closures, depth changes etc?
And finally, the most stupid question, how do you know where the deep bits are? Having been used to using charts and chartplotters I don't want to make a complete idiot of myself too soon.

Navigable depths maintained in the fairway : http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/133038.aspx
As you've joined the TMBA (Welcome!), you will find all sorts of stuff like this in the RHS menu on the website - www.tmba.org.uk

Even the 15 year old books are not that much changed but I would recommend Chris Cove-Smiths Thames book as a good all round reference.

The EA define the fairway (loosely) as being the middle third of the river Depths bankside are frequently a metre or even less so thats where you need to keep your wits about you.

 

[Blackfeather]

Thanks again to everyone for all the invaluable info. Look forward to bumping in to some of you in the coming year, colregs always observed of course.