info on the thames estuary

[sichef]

hi all i am new to boating and am moving my small motor cruiser 20ft loa to burnham on crouch next year from the east swale i have 2 routes planned but would like more info on the type of conditions i may encounter and times it would take to complete the trip my favoured route would be havengore but as a back i have also looked at the route into the crouch from the whitaker any info would be great thanks

 

[miket]

Burnham on Crouch

Not done the Havengore passage but did read all about it. The problem area is just offshore where depth is little over a metre at HWS (High water springs) over a causeway. I guess a 20 ft boat would be OK but check it is Springs.
The other route into the Crouch is longer and more exposed but probably simpler, given decent conditions, but then I guess at 20 ft, you would want quiet conditions!
Nice cruising ground.

 

[David of Essex]

Wind over tide will have an effect on your passage. For peace of mind I used the main channel including the Witaker channel What speed Will your boat do.
David

 

[omega2]

crouch to thames

I have not done this route, but I hear quite a lot of vessels on the radio requesting bridge opening, maybe best for you.

failing that you can cross the Maplin with a full tide and permission from Shoebury radar

or go all the way round

Also pick some quiet weather, it does get pretty snotty around those areas, especially if wind is over tide.

 

[oldgit]

Oare and beyond.

Agree with all posts.Get the right day and its a great trip,F1 moderating preferably.
Once you get to Shellness,you will have a very good idea as to what the entire journey will be like.

On the way back from Burnham a year or two ago in company of Unit5,little bit of swell from the East starting to run.

 

[AndieMac]

Interesting post with the charts Omega.......thanks

 

[Medskipper]

I have done both passages! for a boat your size the Havengore I think is the best bet!

Head for the edge of the maplin sands (51 degrees 31.00.N - 0 degrees 53.36. East) at high water Springs or say 30 mins before. Then at your best speed head straight for the Havengore Creek, (51 degrees 33.33 mins N - 0 degrees 51.17 mins E. Don't forget to make sure there is no gunnery practice over the Sands! and let them know at the bridge what your ETA is. I have done this passage in a much larger vessel than yours, so I know there will be plenty of water if you don't hang about!

You are very much out at sea if you head for the Whittaker! in a small vessel such as yours. I would avoid this passage unless you are very very certain of a good weather window and also very certain that your vessel is well equiped with all safety gear and the engine is reliable enough to cope with anything above a force 2-3.

All the best and have a great trip,

Barry

 

[sichef]

thank for all the info my boat has a 60hp o/b thought of leaving at about 1.5hrs before hw sheerness would this be enough time for the havengore this would be my first crossing so need as much info as possible thanks

 

[MoodySabre]

You might find this interesting Havengore route

 

[Nauti Fox]

Agree with all posts.Get the right day and its a great trip,F1 moderating preferably.
Once you get to Shellness,you will have a very good idea as to what the entire journey will be like.

On the way back from Burnham a year or two ago in company of Unit5,little bit of swell from the East starting to run.

Tch...I've been reflated to Unit18 dontcha know.
Take no notice of anything Odgit advises as his idea is to go so slowly (fuel usage related) that you have no steering capability and are at the mercy of tides and wind. He also tends to drift towards any object he can see, be it based on land or sea.
So if you happen across a becalmed mobo being helmed by someone wearing a WW1 submariners jumper with eggy stains down the front.....no he doesn't need asistance, he is on passage.