Rob Rover
Member
I've got an Avon 2.8 with a small outboard, what are the formal (and informal) rules about launching and using it on the Thames at Twickenham, Richmond or somewhere like that?
Inflatable on the Thames at Twickenham
- Thread starter Rob Rover
- Start date
mersey
Well-Known Member
No Regrets
Well-Known Member
|Many years ago, we launched our inflatable at Richmond, from a launch trolley. Quite surprised to find, a couple of hours later my journey back onto the launch trolley involved quite a few steep steps! 
You can launch it all along the Thames, but might want to buy a day licence above Teddington.....well worth it in the right places.
You can launch it all along the Thames, but might want to buy a day licence above Teddington.....well worth it in the right places.
Actionmat
Well-Known Member
There's a good ramp and a free car park on the other side in Ham(opposite Marble Hill).
Rob Rover
Member
Thanks that's great, don't no why it's taken me so long to get afloat really
Lower Limit 1909
Well-Known Member
River Lane - Petersham Meadows is also a good place to pop a craft this size in and out and park for free. Works at most states of the tide but bear in mind it's a good gentle beach not a concrete ramp if not detatching from the car before launch/recovery. I know Avons are tough but there are an alarming amount of sharp protruding barely covered hazards near the bank (there is a vending machine on the bed near the shore last seen just upstream of the Petersham Beach) etc. so take care near the edges at low tide.
In terms of informal rules the main one on this reach is that all forms of paddle powered craft treat it as a lake with no collision avoidance protocols applying to them whatsoever. The hire rowing boats are the same but have the benefit of being very slow in comparison so can mostly be treated as static floating objects. (except on an ebb tide). The fine boats and trad. rowers are mostly well disciplined while those under sail simply deserve our sympathy (and occasional tow back to Twickers). Stay a long way away from The Connaught and the Cockney Sparrow unless you fancy getting swamped. Normal rules about speed and creating wash apply but aren't enforced for them.
Onboard our boat another informal rule is that no passage plan is complete unless it includes a pint at the White Swan.
In terms of informal rules the main one on this reach is that all forms of paddle powered craft treat it as a lake with no collision avoidance protocols applying to them whatsoever. The hire rowing boats are the same but have the benefit of being very slow in comparison so can mostly be treated as static floating objects. (except on an ebb tide). The fine boats and trad. rowers are mostly well disciplined while those under sail simply deserve our sympathy (and occasional tow back to Twickers). Stay a long way away from The Connaught and the Cockney Sparrow unless you fancy getting swamped. Normal rules about speed and creating wash apply but aren't enforced for them.
Onboard our boat another informal rule is that no passage plan is complete unless it includes a pint at the White Swan.
Time Out
Well-Known Member
And while you will never ever beat the White Swan you can moor up outside the Anglers in Teddington weir stream as it has a floating pontoon.
I have had many boats at Teddington and never got bored of the Rich / Tedd stretch.
I have had many boats at Teddington and never got bored of the Rich / Tedd stretch.
