Blue Sunray
Well-Known Member
It's worth remembering that MDL are not really a marina company, they are a property development company that happens to run a few marinas.
Looking for a new marina in Hampshire or West Sussex- any ideas?
- Thread starter TerryW191253
- Start date
TerryW191253
Member
Got 0.54m draft. Gonna try and determine whether Birdham is practical. There is a Rodman dealer there. They will help I am sure.
TerryW191253
Member
Grumble, are you saying that access is only possible for lock opening hours? Sorry, to sound stupid but never been anywhere where lock hours determine access. That would really put me off. I can cope with a shallow sill but not a marina's staffing policy..
Never Grumble
Well-Known Member
Yep, from memory around 3 hours before HW to 4 hours after HW (Portsmouth), then only if staffed i.e. daylight and a bit. So if you want to leave at 4am you'd be stuffed.
TerryW191253
Member
Got it. Doesn't sound in the least bit practical.
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
Chichester Marina (next door to Birdham) is locked but manned 24/7, and the channel does not dry completely unlike Birdham. If you want an all-tide-access Marina in Chi Harbour then you 'll have to use a lock. Another factor is the distance from these Marinas to the sea, it's about 75 minutes. Plenty to explore in the natural harbour though.
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Never Grumble
Well-Known Member
I think Northney and the one on the east tip of Hayling island don't have any tidal/lock constraints. Also be mindful that sometimes you can't get out of the harbour due to conditions over Chichester Bar.
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
Ah yes. Northney and Sparkes, both MDL. Quite right. The bar can be lethal under some conditions notably a combo of a spring ebb and a strong onshore breeze.
TerryW191253
Member
Mdl have gone crazy. Doubt if I’ll stay with them. They are a good 1/3rd dearer then the competition for similar benefits. I called Northney today thinking that I had misheard them.
thanks for the info on Chichester bar. Didn’t know that.
got a few good options now. Will report in when I find a winner.
thanks for the info on Chichester bar. Didn’t know that.
got a few good options now. Will report in when I find a winner.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
You might not have a problem drawing little but you can run aground entering Sparkes and it’s quite tight in there so would not be my first choice but I don’t know price compared to Chi marina. If you are looking for an all states entry marina with walk ashore etc it makes the question far simpler depending on where your home location is.
TerryW191253
Member
Took boat round to Sparkes last week (from Northney). At low water (not a Spring by any means). Yep. Quite low.
it waw the cost £5400 that put me right off. That was for 8m. Not tenable unless I win the lottery.
it waw the cost £5400 that put me right off. That was for 8m. Not tenable unless I win the lottery.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
At 8m you might find a residents berth at port Solent is cheaper option ? Clearly a buoy in chi harbour is cheaper still but I’m guessing not attractive . Port Solent is nearly all states with just the lock to contend with which can be a pain in summer waiting to enter but clearly larger lock than Chi. Maybe a pontoon at Itchenor ?
Scubadoo
Well-Known Member
Out of interest, what was you paying before?
TerryW191253
Member
Paid £2700 for my 7 metre in Hythe. Was about £1800 15 years back when I first arrived there. Mdl prices were competitive. Boat is now on sale in Ideal Boats if anyone want a nice fast fisher.
Been quoted £4400 for 8 metres in Hythe and a staggering £5400 at Northney and Sparkes.
I had convinced myself that marinas in the mud would be cheaper than Hythe (central for Southampton and close to all the Solent Action). I still cant see why the MDL marinas are so expensive. I have asked them and got no sensible reply. Premier are far more reasonable and well positioned.
Been quoted £4400 for 8 metres in Hythe and a staggering £5400 at Northney and Sparkes.
I had convinced myself that marinas in the mud would be cheaper than Hythe (central for Southampton and close to all the Solent Action). I still cant see why the MDL marinas are so expensive. I have asked them and got no sensible reply. Premier are far more reasonable and well positioned.
Scubadoo
Well-Known Member
Crikey that is a hike in costs, as you are in Hythe it will be worth contacting MDL Shamrock Quay the otherside of Southampton water, my boat is similar in size to yours and under £3k (6% discount before mid Jan). Agree it goes up every year and thinking if it continues will consider moving, MDL used to be good value.
nicho
RIP
We pay around £6500 at Port Solent for our Bavaria 34. We like PS, great restaurants (when allowed to be open) a cinema, and David Lloyd Sports Centre, which I have never seen the inside of! In summer months, you can move at no cost to Gosport Marina to allow more or less instant access to The Solent.
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
If you'd like a Premier referral (I'm in Swanwick) pls PM me and we can split the finders fee....
TerryW191253
Member
Absolutely. I'll PM.
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
Replied
TwoHooter
Well-Known Member
I may be misreading this but can I just make it clear that berthholders have access at Birdham Pool at all times. The only restriction is for boats because the lock is (obviously) tidal. We kept our first and second boat at Birdham and liked it.
