Into London

[ChrissyR]

hi all,

I have a 23 foot cabin cruiser with an old 10hp 2 stroke engine and I'd like a trip into London - is this feasible?

The scenario is:
Moored at Teddington - mid the footbridge and Kingston bridge.
Have some tickets to a play at 2:30 in the afternoon at the National - so depending on where we have to moor need to tube it across to there go up Friday night?
Would like to stay overnight close to this area so need a mooring
Back up to Teddington on Sunday

I'm new to all this (only bought the boat this year) but what do I need to work out?
Never been on Thames tidal -
tidal times - when to leave and return
Although new to the boat have had a couple of engine failures but been able to fix (new SPs etc.) so confident this is OK mechanical - not so sure about the power of it - does 5km cruiser but max about 6-7km
have no radio - do I need to buy one and how much?
Where to moor for 1 night?

So the date - well the play is 10th October. But would like advice for setting up a trip for next year if this one won't work.

Have read some of the other threads so hope I have covered the basics
thanks
Chris

 

[Dave_Seager]

If your cruising speed is only 5kph then you will not be able to make much progress against the tide. However, to get from Teddington into any London marina you normally need to punch the tide as you have to arrive around high water.

The alternative is to work the tides, going down on the ebb, waiting through low water and then arriving at a marina on the next high tide. This would make a long day for your first downriver cruise but more importantly would not be possible in daylight at this time of year.

I am sorry to discourage anyone from the experience of cruising in London but I think that you proposal is over-ambitious, especially this late in the season. You could easily run into problems which might put you or your crew off trying again. I suggest that you try a shorter trip downriver next season without the pressure of the theatre tickets. Also, consider cruising in company, either with friends or by joining a club (and making more friends).

Our club site at www.waltonbridge.org.uk has some articles about downriver cruising that you may find helpful (as well as details of membership).

Good luck.

 

[byron]

I think you are being somewhat over ambitious with only a 10hp unreliable engine. Even if the engine were reliable you would be well advised to have a back up one on board. It is worth mentioning that you should also have a VHF radio on board to monitor the broadcasts transmitted every 15 minutes. I could go on and on, I mean. . . do you know what a white flashing light means when seen over the arch of a bridge.

 

[ChrissyR]

thought so

Hi Dave, Byron,

thanks for the replies - is what I thought (hence the next year part).
Will have a look at the walton bridge site.

By the way it was 5 mph rather than km!!

Chris

 

[No Regrets]

In reality, apart from engine failure, you would probably get there.

Sadly, the word 'probably' is not acceptable in marine terms. Failure could be costly and in the worst case, dangerous.

As you thought, wait until you're better prepared, or take a Taxi.....

 

[oldgit]

I have a 23 foot cabin cruiser with an old 10hp 2 stroke engine and I'd like a trip into London - is this feasible?

In all honesty ..........no.Best would be the cadge a lift down with someone who has done the trip before,if you still want to do it in your boat afterwards then good luck.

 

[alruss]

Not enough power

The trip into London is not difficult, work out the tides. The 23ft boat is not problem, there are many smaller boats on the tidal Thames. Your stop signal is your power and reliability.
Without at least twice the tide speed don't try. If the boat is not reliable don't use it without
an outboard that can get you out of trouble, even on the non tidal Thames.
Your best bet is to learn to walk, before you try to run. Not being rude, just spend time this year getting your new boat as reliable as you can and acquire an outboard to keep yourself safe. I have, still am, in similar position after four years but with two engines, am reasonably
safe as two stopping at the same time is unlikely. Enjoy the time improving her reliability,then enjoy your boating.