I normally motor boat in Poole but

[Freebee]

I live in surrey and I could easily bring my small rib back from poole for a (slow) tootle along the Thames, where could I launch it near to Esher, would it cost anything licences etc and do I have to do anything to the rib to make it suitable for Thames use?

 

[bradtarga34]

There is a free slipway at Cowey Sale in Walton, and a license would be required. You will have to ensure you have a large enough cool box onboard whilst taking in the sights!

 

[boatone]

As Brad says, the slipway at Walton - just upstream from the bridge and on the south side of the river would be ideal for you and there is plenty of parking there.

You can buy a visitors license at first lock up (shepperton) or down (sunbury) and theres pubs in place to slow you down getting to either !

 

[Firefly625]

I would go to Bridge Marine. They will launch your boat for you and retreive it and let you park your car and trailer in their car park for £20. Always seemed an easy solution to me.

Bridge Marine are by Walton Bridge, Shepperton side rather than WOT side.

...and very nice people!