Maiden voyage in our bowrider

[SeacretSailor]

We are looking to embark on our maiden voyage on our 19ft bowrider on Wednesday and would appreciate some advice.

We would like to launch at/near Chichester but have never been before on a boat.

Please could I have some advice on where’s best to launch and where is currently open?

My wants:
- Easy as possible to launch. It will be me, my wife and 2 young kids and it’s our first time with the boat and am only use to putting small light ribs in the water.
- don’t want to submerge car - ideally a tractor to put in the boat
- cafes or stuff to look at

we are looking for a nice place to pootle about and have a swim (With wetsuits ? )etc.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Holy crap. My advice is don't do it until you have some idea of what you're doing. if you insist on going ahead, please spare your kids.

 

[Seastoke]

do you have back up engine , life jackets and radio.

 

[SeacretSailor]

Holy crap. My advice is don't do it until you have some idea of what you're doing. if you insist on going ahead, please spare your kids.

I think I might have oversimplified my experience. We have had ribs for years and currently have a 4m one. I have a powerboat level 2 and am confident behind the wheel. I am also confident towing but don’t want to wreck our car by dipping it in the salt.
I do not know the Chichester area so looking for advice on a) where is open currently b) can offer to put the boat in for us and c) is a nice area to navigate for the day. I would like to be fully prepared so as to not have my wife and kids sitting in the car waiting for me etc.
I appreciate your concern.

 

[SeacretSailor]

do you have back up engine , life jackets and radio.

I do not have a backup engine. It is an inboard and I have just had it serviced and then I have gone over everything again for peace of mind. Including fitting a new auto fire extinguisher. Life jackets, flares, radio, depth gauge - check

 

[[2068]]

Ignore the bit about "any state of the tide" unless you are driving a hovercraft - you do need some tide to be in.
There is no tractor.

Also have a think about something like dry berth mooring at a Marina for a couple of months.
Not cheap, but very convenient.
e.g. Sparkes Marina.

https://www.conservancy.co.uk/page/facilities

 

[Sticky Fingers]

...have never been before on a boat....

I think I might have oversimplified my experience.

OK apologies. I took the first snippet to mean you were a newbie

Boats can be launched from trailers at the Chichester Conservancy slipway at Itchenor at any state of tide (charges apply) and there's another one at the bottom of South Street in Emsworth, only usable at or near high water. But no tractor. There are also slipways at some of the Marinas.

Some clubs might be able to assist.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

... but don’t want to wreck our car by dipping it in the salt...

No part of launching from a trailer should involve the car going into the water although the trailer has to, of course. Reverse close and apply parking brake. Line to nose of trailer with a couple of turns round the car towbar. Jockey wheel wound down. Trailer brake on. Another line on bow of boat. Crew on each line. Unhitch trailer. Control the descent down the slipway by releasing trailer brake, using line to nose of trailer to allow it to roll down under tension. As soon as the boat floats free, trailer brake on again and crew secure the boat first. Then recover trailer and rehitch. Breathe sigh of relief.

Easier said than done. I'd seriously look at FlowerPower's suggestion of the dry stack at Sparkes.

 

[Seastoke]

Don’t forget to secure the trailer.

 

[SeacretSailor]

Excellent - all you responses are really appreciated.

Going to put it an at Chichester Conservancy slipway as advised, thank you. Scala - cheers for the advise on the putting in the boat in.

I will be taking wheel clamp and the hitch is also immobilised.

Any recommendations for a good place for lunch?

 

[Seastoke]

Excellent - all you responses are really appreciated.

Going to put it an at Chichester Conservancy slipway as advised, thank you. Scala - cheers for the advise on the putting in the boat in.

I will be taking wheel clamp and the hitch is also immobilised.

Any recommendations for a good place for lunch?

picnic

 

[Sticky Fingers]

If you're looking for a pub or marina bar, or a sailing club, they're all closed at the moment... Otherwise, could start by dropping an anchor at East Head for a picnic and a swim if the weather is OK...

 

[SeacretSailor]

? yes - I meant area. I appreciate everything is closed. Perfect - east head for picnic and swim.

 

[jmw]

Chichester Marina used to have a slip. No tractor but easily do-able with the car/4x4.
The marina is has a lock so makes it easy for less experienced as no tides or current to worry about. Although it does mean you have to navigate the lock going out and back in.
It's a lovely place to be for the family if killing a little time.
I haven't used it for years so give them a call in advance and they might even have a member of staff who can assist.
Not sure whether they still allow public use and they will charge but you might be able to store the car and trailer there at no extra cost.
There is a restaurant on site but don't know if they are open (for takeaways) but also worth asking the marina office if calling.

It is a Premier Marina: Chichester Marina - South Coast Marinas | Premier Marinas

 

[Hooligan]

OK apologies. I took the first snippet to mean you were a newbie

Boats can be launched from trailers at the Chichester Conservancy slipway at Itchenor at any state of tide (charges apply) and there's another one at the bottom of South Street in Emsworth, only usable at or near high water. But no tractor. There are also slipways at some of the Marinas.

Some clubs might be able to assist.

Northney Marina has a good slipway but you should call them first. It operates at all tides and is just over the causeway onto Hayling Island. It is also a nice inland trip up to East Head which is absolutely where you should go. usually sheltered from the prevailing wind and easy to anchor either anchor just off the beach or go ashore and secure anchor on the beach and the boat will hold off the beach - watch for tidal movement.