Mooring on the Thames

[coliholic]

Having turned down an offer for Aquaholic on the basis that we haven't really got time to buy a new (s\h) boat AND get it sorted for this year at sea, WE'VE now sort of decided to move to the Thames, having been on the Ouse for five years.

So, where to moor?

We live in St. Neots, Cambs so it's A1, M25 and then where? Somewhere fairly easy to get to on a Friday night and then back home Sundays. Thought about Penton Hook, 'cos it seems pretty straightforward, but anyone got any other ideas?

Or more important where to avoid? Costs? Aquaholic is 29ft 6in or so, depending on how you measure it of course.

Oh and we've got a BSS Cert but no holding tank. Is that going to be a problem?

 

[martin]

Hi,

We have been at Chertsey, Penton Hook, Winsdor, Bray, Harleyford and Temple. Best by far is Harleyford and Temple as journey from Herts/Essex boundary is easier cos you get off the M25 before Heathrow and go up the M40. Takes 45/50 mins from Broxbourne (Bottom of the A10) to Marlow. had a chuckle many friday evenings as dart off just as traffic starts to slow...Either Marina is good but Harleyford best but more expensive.

No holding tank required but advisable for obvious reasons. Temple may loose its Toilet block this year due to being developed by owners.

 

[boatone]

Im in Bates marina at Chertsey Bridge, more or less same distance as Penton Hook and perhaps a tad cheaper.
As far as BSS is concerned if youve got it thats ok but sea toilets not allowed to be used on the non tidal Thames so it will be sealed at Teddington and you'll need a Porta Potti - costs £65-70 or so and much cheaper than a holding tank esp as you will also have to pay for pump outs wheras you can empty chemical toilets for nowt. You know how to reach me if you want more info.
Boat going back in tomorrow......oooooh....getting all twitchy!

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com
www.boatsonthethames.co.uk

 

[tcm]

at other end is st katherines by the tower of london. This is a very famous landmark er ahem anyway it looks ok to me. bit limited access out to sea BUT it the sea which is wot you like innit? And possibility of french trips easy peasy. Also very handy for decent supermarket. And especial especially handy for the bar restaurant (not the main restaurant ££££) at the pont de la tour. Nice warm water in the marina too ;-)

 

[byron]

First place to try is the Environment Agency (Thames) see if they have any available moorings. These are generally cheap and cheerful. In addition to the other marina's mentioned why not consider Thames & Kennett. Its roughly half way up the Thames so you can go left or right to get somewhere.

ô¿ô

 

[coliholic]

What's the security angle like on EA moorings Byron? Is this sort of "along the bank" type public footpath moorings?

I know with my current insurers (HKJ), that I have to moor in a marina otherwise the theft bit's excluded.

But thanks for the idea I'll check it out.

 

[boatone]

dont waste your time.theyre like gold-dust.been there, done that..........
Only one they could offer me recently was a mid river mooring above Boulters Lock with dhingy access only and no easy parking.

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com
www.boatsonthethames.co.uk

 

[byron]

Obviously security isn't as good as a Marina but they aren't just open to the public as they are generally on the lock island and anyone accessing them has to pass over the lock gates and past the Keepers house. Some like say Cleeve Lock are really safe because of their situation. The main problem is getting one as they are in demand but occasionally there's a flurry of vacancies.

ô¿ô

 

[hlb]

Bloody ditch Crawler!

Dont forget to order your Burgee. PM me.

Haydn

 

[David2452]

A1, M25, Friday night, easy to get to, you don't often see these combined in one paragraph unless the word "not" is included.you'e going to spent more time on the road than on the water.



David

 

[coliholic]

Bluddy Burgee

Now H, so far I've sent you about two dozen PM's but you're so busy knitting or crocheting or whatever it is you do, that you''ve not even acknowledeged the order. Then you ask me to PM you for the burgee again. Have you got my order or not?

Come on lad get a grip.

What's happening with these flags then? When do we get to see the sample for "t Commitee's approval".

If I'm going to be mixing with this posh lot on the Thames I'm gonna have to look the part.

 

[robinborton]

Hi Colin,
Yes Harleyford is excellant and the river both ways is beautiful ,probably cost £2000 + these days.
However you are between 2 locks so 5 mins either way and you hit the gates.
Its about 15 mins off the M40 at Marlow.
Recommended
Robin

 

[byron]

I know those ones, bloody awful which is why they are all vacant. No place to park & no place to store a dinghy

ô¿ô

 

[hlb]

Re: Bluddy Burgee

But Colin. You have to grovel a bit to get the extra special embroideried burgee! and now with accompanying STICK.
A bit like Air Tours. Just down the road from me. We are FAR to BIG now to bother with your little meany requests.
Forum Burgees's are BIG Business!!
Flags are all a coming. If a little bit slow. But then it's all about perfection and detail. You wouldn't Know about that.
It's finding BLUE sheep and little things. That a Labourer sorterer outere would not understand. By the way we made a Steam roller today, and loads of Plastic as well. Well not really steam, just a load of Hot air and concrete and a fourty five gallon oil drum as well.
Just trying to fill in time till the flags are ready. Dont know how I got involved with all this!!

Dont forget to order your Burgee. PM me.

Haydn

 

[PGD]

I've been at Harleyford for 2 years now, Contact Mike Myres - no joke - nice chap, moorings are expensive but the location is the best around, if you decide to come, let me know, be happy to show you around.

Also try, Taplow, nr Maidenhead bridge, good spot and cheaper too. Reading I found was more expensive than Harleyford. I mooved up from RYB in Windsor, not bad but the Mill Stream is a bit of a pian.

Regards

Peter

 

[byron]

For an actual Marina Berth Thames & Kennett are cheaper than Harleyford's Bankside and Basin Moorings. The only cheaper ones they have are on the Island. These cannot be used in the Winter and you have the aggro of taking your stuff over on the Ferry. From a personal point of view I think T&K Marina have a greater insight into a boaters needs and wishes for two reasons. Firstly David Sheriff was boating before he was walking and is a Yottie (sail & power) through and through. Secondly he takes a personal interest in the place and isn't just a money grubbing absentee Marina Owner. Thirdly you can talk to him and sort matters out.
I moored at Harleyford before I bought a riverside home, I know where I would prefer to be if I had to be in a Marina. At least at T&K you can go for an evening cruise, access the Supermarket by boat and even nip down the UTMYC for a jar and all without going through a lock. They also have fuel, chandlery and superb lift out facilities.

ô¿ô
My wife has not given me permission to express any opinion here

 

[PGD]

I wasn't knocking the Marina, just that when I first bought my boat 5 yrs ago, I went to a marina in Reading and was quoted over 2K to moor. Maybe I've got my marinas mixed up.

T&K, that's by Tesco isn't it? that handy riverside supermarket ?

 

[byron]

Yes it is real close to Tescos Riverside, great breakfasts if you can get past the Narrowboats who try to use the moorings as residentials.
I wasn't accusing you of "knocking" indeed I agree with you that Harleyford is very pretty but unlike T&K it is somewhat regimentated.

ô¿ô
My wife has not given me permission to express any opinion here

 

[PGD]

no worries, I know what you mean, I have to report there today to pay next years fees - 20 lashed if you don't and up front as well and more if you want to do it over time or on CC. Bit outdated if you ask me. But really nice and only 20mins from home.

 

[coliholic]

Thanks to all who replied

Will let you know where we end up. Or if you happen to see a Fairlien Mirage, Aquaholic, give us a call, the bar's always open.

Empty, but open.

Thanks again