Loch Feochan

[primitiveman]

Does anyone have any experience of keeping a boat here? I understand there are quite a few swinging moorings and a boatyard. Have been past the entrance to the Loch but never been inside. Is the entrance as tricky as the sailing directions suggest?
Thinking of moving from Troon for this summer, and had planned to go to Kerrera or Dunstaffnage.
Thanks for any info/advice anyone has.

 

[Cloven]

Yes - based there at Ardtoran marine for a couple of seasons about 10 years ago. It was in the doldrums for a few years - I think the owner committed suicide - but I gather it is now back in business. They stopped doing winter storage and that drove many people away.

The main problem as you have already realised is that it is very much a tidal gate. Depending on your draft you should be OK up to half tide on any tide but forget LW springs. We often went in or out against the tide with no problems if you understand the theory of "ferry gliding" and using the eddies. In fact you often get more steerage against the tide than with it.

The channel was very poorly marked but again I understand that has improved. Its like riding a bike - once you have done it a couple of times, you wonder what the fuss was about. Also, Puilladobhrain is just round the cporner is you need to wait for the tide.

As for the boatyard, we were on a mooring but you could come up against the pier to take on stores, personnel etc. There was water but no diesel at that time - no idea just now. The yard also had a very small chandlery but not much else. Oban is about 20 mins drive away.

We moved from there to Dunstaffnage and were there for about 6 seasons before moving to France.

PM me if you want to discuss this further.

Dave

 

[billgray]

Loch Feochan greatly improved, channel marking, diesel, winter storage etc. Very popular so you may have problems getting a seasons mooring but there is a visitors mooring for an occasional visit. Very friendly but the tides are just the same! To be treated with respect.
Bill

 

[primitiveman]

Thanks to you both for your advice. Lifting keel, so draught not really a problem. Have seen pics on the interweb, and it does look pretty idyllic. Think I'll give it a try (assuming they still have space!)