INVERNESS MARINA & Sailing in Moray Firth/ NE Scotland

[ianj99]

I'm thinking of heading upto Inverness this autumn to overwinter in the hope it won't be as wet as Argyll (its gets 43% of Argyll's rainfall).

Any opinions on the marina and sailing would be welcome. (it doesn't look very dog friendly - more of a concrete jungle from what I can see on the sat images)

 

[Dave-Shafa]

I am in Inverness Marina. Very new office, shower and services block.
There is a huge area outside the fence for dogs to play.
http://www.invernessmarina.com/

Beware the huge tides around the Kessock Bridge.
I was across at Kessock RNLI Boat Boot sale yesterday and saw the outgoing tide on that side ............aaarrrrrrrrgh.

Videos of the sailing on my esteemed Blog.

 

[Digger F]

I'm thinking of heading upto Inverness this autumn to overwinter in the hope it won't be as wet as Argyll (its gets 43% of Argyll's rainfall).

Any opinions on the marina and sailing would be welcome. (it doesn't look very dog friendly - more of a concrete jungle from what I can see on the sat images)

Sailing is ok but the IML (Inverness Marina Ltd) can be a bit exposed to the Estly Breeze and a bit of a hike to city. MO is to try Caley Marina. true you have to enter the C.Canal but quite a bit cheaper mooring and electricity (Currently 13ppu, no standing charge .... IML 16.0965ppu + 400p per month Service charge) Also Lidl, Co-op, and Aldi all within 12 mins walk. Dog friendly and a decent towpath to excercise pooches. Even better join the Great Glen Canal Users Assoc.for GBP7.50 pa. and get 10% (chandlery)discount at Caley Marina & Gael Force plus you can apply for a Tiso "Outdoor Experience" card fee of charge (normal cost 20 quid) this give 10% discount( 5% on bikes) at all 25 Tiso outlets in Scot and N.Irl. incl Alpine Bikes and Blues Ski Shop. If you want an more info just PM me.

 

[JVL]

I have been based in Inverness for eight years now. You will find here to be much drier than argyll, the two marinas are chalk and cheese. If you are looking to park your boat for the winter then caley would be your best choice the downside would be access to the sea, it takes too long for just a day sail. Security depending on your view could be an issue you can walk through caley anytime (there's a well used footpath straight through the yard). Inverness marina has 24 hr sea access so you can sail when you want (if your heading east direction whitehills leave at half tide and you will carry a fair tide the whole way) IM is actually closer to town aswell. Having been based at both if you want to go sailing (shh it's bloody good) then Inverness marina is the one, ring David Findlay he's the manager cracking bloke retired fishing skipper.

 

[ianj99]

I have been based in Inverness for eight years now. You will find here to be much drier than argyll, the two marinas are chalk and cheese. If you are looking to park your boat for the winter then caley would be your best choice the downside would be access to the sea, it takes too long for just a day sail. Security depending on your view could be an issue you can walk through caley anytime (there's a well used footpath straight through the yard). Inverness marina has 24 hr sea access so you can sail when you want (if your heading east direction whitehills leave at half tide and you will carry a fair tide the whole way) IM is actually closer to town aswell. Having been based at both if you want to go sailing (shh it's bloody good) then Inverness marina is the one, ring David Findlay he's the manager cracking bloke retired fishing skipper.

Many thanks.
I've been in touch with Craig at IML and he has invited me for a tour of the facilities so I think I will have a drive up next month and visit Caley as well.
I'll need to get a BSS certificate for Caley Marina - hopefully only a formality but probably be a good idea to change the 30year old gas hoses first!
Ian

 

[chrisclin]

I'll need to get a BSS certificate for Caley Marina - hopefully only a formality but probably be a good idea to change the 30year old gas hoses first!
Ian

You'll be lucky - when I got a BSS certificate it cost a fortune - things you never think of, such as they don't like a glass bowl for your fuel filter so you can see if there is water there - had to be changed for a tin bowl, only they don't sell tin bowls, you have to buy a complete new filter. When I left the canal, the first thing I did was swap back the old one!
However, I can heartily recommend Caley Marina, although if you are keeping the boat afloat during the winter, it could be worth checking out Muirtown Basin. When I was there, electricity was free. If you need work done on the boat, Caley are happy to come and do it at Muirtown.
Muirtown is also closer to the sealock, making it easier to get out for a day sail

 

[Digger F]

Can't see where you paid a "fortune " or a bss .. average is about 200 to 250 GBP which is an investment imo for a "safe" life. My primary fuel filter has a glass bottom which is where any water will collect. As long as fuel filters comply with ISO 10088 according to the "BSS ESSENTIAL GUIDE (9 quid) from BW Customer Service Centre 01923 201300 you are complient. Sorry for late info but been away.

 

[mikewilkes]

Would suggest you try Muirton Basin with Scottish Canals.

Also have a look further along the coast eastwards. The weather gets better as it seems to have its own micro climate. I admit a bias for the Lossiemouth, Hopeman and Findhorn area.

About 40 mins from Inverness airport, just over an hour to Aberdeen. Regular train connections between Inverness and Abz.