Otter
Well-Known Member
We'd like to visit Christchurch - is the entrance channel feasible in a long keeler drawing 1.4m? And if so, where would you recommend to overnight? We'd go on Friday 26th which is springy. Thanks for input.
Is Christchurch possible with 1.5m?
- Thread starter Otter
- Start date
l'escargot
Well-Known Member
It isn't just the entrance, there is another bar as you go up the river at Blackberry Point. Haven't been in there for a few years now but a metre draught used to be reckoned the maximum and I sometimes touched bottom at that - paid up member of the Christchurch ploughing club. I expect someone will be along and tell you no problem shortly but I wouldn't, least of all during any high pressure - inches matter there.
Christchurch SC give pilotage notes http://www.christchurchsailingclub.co.uk/?page_id=21
Christchurch SC give pilotage notes http://www.christchurchsailingclub.co.uk/?page_id=21
C08
Well-Known Member
I draw about only 0.8M and the last few times I have been into Christchurch before the entrance and going up to Christchurch in the channel there semed to be several places where I had only 3ft under the keels. On that basis I think you could probably get up the river but grounding a few times along the way. Much as I like CC I am not sure it is worth the hassle if you do go aground. Also remember that even though it will be springs that the tidal range here is very small compared to say the Solent.
I am sure there are plenty of local experts who are the people to really listen to.
I am sure there are plenty of local experts who are the people to really listen to.
grumpy_o_g
Well-Known Member
Possible but not wise, especially if you don't know the shallow spots. Definitely don't try it at neaps or at anything except the high high water (Christchurch has two remember).
richardsn9
Well-Known Member
Rossiters have built boats with that draft, and have had some on brokerage with about 1.5m, so it can be done, but their comings and goings are planned around high springs only, I believe.
Seajet
...
The rate of the ebb at springs is something to have deep respect for, too; from ashore I have seen large builders' planks thrown high into the air when the ebb met the overfalls ! 
l'escargot
Well-Known Member
From the CSC website:
"As a general rule, boats drawing 3’6″ should be able to enter/leave for at least 1 hour either side of the higher of the 2 tides given in the tide-table.
Mariners should be aware that there are several factors that may affect the depth of water in the Run and, especially, the harbour. During periods of high pressure the depth of water could be reduced by a foot or more. With a normal range of only about 3 to 5 feet, this can dramatically reduce the available depth."
One of the other factors is reduced water run off from the rivers due to lack of rain, couple that with the current high pressure and I would think depths would be below those predicted.
"As a general rule, boats drawing 3’6″ should be able to enter/leave for at least 1 hour either side of the higher of the 2 tides given in the tide-table.
Mariners should be aware that there are several factors that may affect the depth of water in the Run and, especially, the harbour. During periods of high pressure the depth of water could be reduced by a foot or more. With a normal range of only about 3 to 5 feet, this can dramatically reduce the available depth."
One of the other factors is reduced water run off from the rivers due to lack of rain, couple that with the current high pressure and I would think depths would be below those predicted.
Otter
Well-Known Member
You're right, I think it's a miss rather than a visit, shame, it looked nice. Thanks everyone.
Slow_boat
Well-Known Member
Press on to Poole and anchor in South Deep (well marked channel) or north of Brownsea Island. It's magical! We left today and are now in Weymouth. Looks good, we'll probably be here a few days.
Otter
Well-Known Member
Thanks, sounds great. Just got to sort this engine...