Marina recommendations Solent/South Coast

[chillee]

I don’t think I’d want to keep a boat at Kemps. Two reasons for that, firstly the river rats that inhabit all the derelict boats and second the fact that it’s a tidal marina.
certainly is a cheaper option but think I’d go for shamrocks or either dry stack in that location.

I've been at Kemps and Quayside next door, never had a problem personally. Now at SDS drystack on the otherside. Very happy so far.

 

[Switch]

You could try www.wicormarine.co.uk

 

[EugeneR]

Does the motorway not get annoying or does it just become background noise in the end ?

I am very sensitive to noise but, once on or in the boat, I do not notice it. And you do not have the sound of halyards clanging against masts like in marinas lower down, or the train at Swanwick for example.

 

[lisilou]

I'm in Swanwick. Expensive but I like it.

But - OP wants "Something not too expensive..." hence my suggestions of Eastlands etc. Same location pretty much but half the cost....

Absolutely if berthing but Swanwick’s a good option if he chooses to drystack.
L

 

[Brookjames]

Hi @Brookjames just realised it was you that were asking a few months ago about Brighton to Solent planning and hazards for that trip... hope you're enjoying your boat.

I never did try it in the end. Decided to just get used to the boat and the area before doing that journey. The wind has been a nightmare though so I’ve only had a few weekends. I’m hoping the Solent is more protected?

 

[Brookjames]

Thanks for your help everyone. I will do some research and go visit a few of the suggestions.

which would you say is the best for things to do off the boat nearby? Pubs, restaurants etc.

And is the Solent more protected from the wind and ok for watersports?

 

[ST840]

Thanks for your help everyone. I will do some research and go visit a few of the suggestions.

which would you say is the best for things to do off the boat nearby? Pubs, restaurants etc.

And is the Solent more protected from the wind and ok for watersports?

If your after a place to be for the weekend or long lazy summer days then you won’t go far wrong with anything on the Hamble river. Plenty of pubs in Hamble village if your close to the solent or Swanwick has a couple of pubs too if further up river. It’s good for kayaking, paddle boarding , rowing etc.
the solent does get busy but plenty of space for water sports, just respect the anchorages and you’ll be onto a winner. The solent does chop up quite a bit with a SW wind over tide situation. Northerlies are best for a smooth surface !

 

[ashtead]

Plenty of quiet places in Chichester harbour for water sports if you want to canoe or paddle board provide you avoid east head. As for eateries Emsworth has some of note and tripadvisor is you friend but plenty in southsea and at Gunwharf. It really depends on your budget etc. In cowes ,Lymington and Yarmouth it’s wise to book. Coast in cowes plus the rock place in Yarmouth but if time permits hire a car and venture over to the other side and have crab onthe beach shack at say ventnor or buy from houseboat in Bembridge harbour where you also potter about etc .

 

[nicho]

It’s worth taking a look at Port Solent. A large, and busy marina, with around a dozen restaurants on the Boardwalk, plus a cinema and David Lloyd Club. There can be a bit of motorway noise when the wind is from the North, but not a problem otherwise. Marina staff are great, and the lock is large enough to take 7/8 boats. There can be a queue on busy weekends, but otherwise a doddle, and regular free flows, though not always at convenient times.