Locking at Port Solent

[ricky_s]

Hi All,

I am going to Port Solent tomorrow and am wondering what the lock is like? Looks big on photo's.

I am at Chichester so I am used to locking in/out there.

Is it the same as Chi? When I go in what is it like the other side? Are the moorings well spaced etc?

Cheers,

Ricky

 

[Richard Shead]

I am at Chi

Hi All,

I am going to Port Solent tomorrow and am wondering what the lock is like? Looks big on photo's.

I am at Chichester so I am used to locking in/out there.

Is it the same as Chi? When I go in what is it like the other side? Are the moorings well spaced etc?

Cheers,

Ricky

It's not too different, the lock is a bit bigger but you will find it pretty much the same as where you are.

Nothing to worry about!

 

[Paul_G]

Just a thought, you tie up to a floating pontoon in the lock. It rises and falls with you so no holding onto lines thrown down by helpful lock-keepers

 

[Richard Shead]

Ahh yes!

Just a thought, you tie up to a floating pontoon in the lock. It rises and falls with you so no holding onto lines thrown down by helpful lock-keepers

Forgot about the floating pontoon! sorry !

 

[ricky_s]

Floating pontoon? That should make it easier than Chi.

Many thanks,

Ricky

 

[paultallett]

Hi All,

I am going to Port Solent tomorrow and am wondering what the lock is like? Looks big on photo's.

I am at Chichester so I am used to locking in/out there.

Is it the same as Chi? When I go in what is it like the other side? Are the moorings well spaced etc?

Cheers,

Ricky

Hi Ricky,

Don't worry about a thing, we used to be moored at Port Solent. The lock is the easiest I've come across and like the others have said the floating pontoons make it even easier!!

Inside the fairways are pretty normal, so nothing again to worry much about.

Have a great trip

Paul.

 

[adrianb]

Small point - at low water ish - the concrete supports either side of the lock are exposed both sides.

Just keep the props clear if waiting for the lock in a blow.................no, not hit them myself.

 

[EugeneR]

I found that the effect of the wind inside the lock sometimes was in the opposite direction to that on the outside.

There are ropes on the pontoon inside the lock so no need to rig your own. To clarify previous posts, the pontoon goes up and down with the water level / your boat, it only affects you when you're on it and leaning against the wall which doesn't move.

If you ask them nicely e.g. when my wife was pregnant, they will do the ropes for you.

 

[ricky_s]

Thanks to everyone who commented.

We arrived yesterday afternoon and the lock was very easier. Seems a lot more relaxed that Chichester, though that might be down to the fact it as almost empty and really wide.

Marina is very nice and seems to mostly be filled with motor boats, makes a nice change. Odd that the big chandler seems to be geared up to raggies though.

Bars are very cheap too!

 

[paultallett]

Thanks to everyone who commented.

We arrived yesterday afternoon and the lock was very easier. Seems a lot more relaxed that Chichester, though that might be down to the fact it as almost empty and really wide.

Marina is very nice and seems to mostly be filled with motor boats, makes a nice change. Odd that the big chandler seems to be geared up to raggies though.

Bars are very cheap too!

Yes we really liked our time there, just got hacked off with the lock and the 45 minutes out to sea and the same back in again!!!

Have a good stay


Paul.

 

[ricky_s]

Was really pleased with this marina, even considering moving there from Chi, though is a bit more expensive.

Took a few snaps on Saturday evening, excuse the quality as using my phone.