Inland RIB launching sites???

[Toutvabien]

As a long term raggie I have been tempted to dance on the dark side with a new 4.7 m RIB.

We have just done some work on theengine and so before taking it out on the sea or a river I would like to try it out in a tidless inland environment. Can anybody suggest a suitable location near to London where one can launch and trial a RIB of this size? I have had a look at Boatlaunch.co.uk, but I cannot find anywhere inland, all coastal.

Many Thanks.

Paul.

 

[byron]

You can launch just above Putney Bridge at ½ tide or more. Beware shallow water as you pull away, best paddling into deeper water before putting engine into gear. There's no speed limit just downstream after Wandsworth Bridge but the fuzz wll pull you if you make too much wash or if they are bored.
Plenty of launch sites on non tidal thames but speed restrictions of appx. 4.8557 knots (appx.) apply.

 

[Double arvor]

you could try the upper part of the river medway non tidal but speed limit 5kn or down by the motorway bridge tidal

 

[Toutvabien]

I think that ideally we need a largish lake, so that we can open it up without ending up in Belgium if the gearbox goes wonkey again. Want to be able to try it at slightly more than 5 knots to ensure that the gearbox copes with the acceleration without seizing, which was the problem that we hope we have fixed.

 

[byron]

Just noticed you are in East London. What about the slipway at Blackwall Point next to the Blackwall Sailing Club?

 

[the_wanderer]

There is also a free slipway at the end of Bargehouse Road, North Woolwich that can be used at almost all states of the tide. Have used it quite a few times. Don't forget to lock up uour trailer though!

Regards.

Alan.