How busy are public slipways in Hamble in Feb and March?

[Cyian]

How busy are public slipways in Hamble - in Feb and March - on a Saturday?

I'd like to have my Centaur bilge keeler (26ft) surveyed at a public slipway. The surveyor is willing. But it looks like I can't reserve a spot with the harbour office? (It's first-come-first-serve?)

Is it unused / unbusy enough in February or March that I could chance there being space on a Saturday that I schedule the surveyor?

Or is this too risky?

Thanks in advance. Grateful for all thoughts and advice.

Cyian

 

[matt1]

Should be fine at lands end Burseldon. You can dry out either side of the piles or even on the area downstream of the pile if it is occupied (assuming you have a couple on anchors). Even better if you get there Friday night - shouldn’t be an issue

 

[Cyian]

Thanks, matt1 !

 

[superheat6k]

Hamble slip is mostly quiet and as bilge keeler there might be space even if someone else is on the piles, and anyway both sides of the piles can be used. Free for a few tides.

Here is my Corvette 32 ashore there from a few years ago.

 

[Cyian]

Thanks, superheat6k! Great pix too

 

[wonkywinch]

I live in Hamble and regular visitor to the RSnYC next to the slipway. In the almost 4 years I've lived here, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've seen the piles occupied.

Other options also on Monty's pages - Solent area Drying Piles : Monty Mariner

 

[Cyian]

Thanks, wonkywinch, this is very helpful

 

[Stemar]

As an alternative to the Hamble, there's a public slipway at Hardway (Gosport) and lots of safe room to dry out for a tide.

 

[Cyian]

Thank you, Stemar!