Mooring Options in Medway for Small Motorboat

[TomChatham]

Hi all,


I'm new to the forum and very much at the early stages of my boating journey. I'm based in Medway (Kent) and currently going through training—I've just started the RYA Day Skipper course and have a Powerboat Level 2 course booked for August. My goal is to become confident and competent enough to skipper solo on the Medway, Thames Estuary, etc.


I don’t own a boat yet, but I'm aiming to buy a diesel-powered motor cruiser this autumn—something like a Sealine S24, Fairline Targa 27 or similar.


While I’m doing my research, I wanted to ask about mooring/storage options around the Medway area. I know MDL Chatham Marina is a great facility, but at £6k+ per year, it’s outside my budget.


Ideally, I’m looking for:

• A secure, accessible mooring
• Something more affordable than a full-service marina
• Bonus if it includes or offers winter dry storage (or if there's a nearby yard that does)

So my questions are:

• Where do you moor your boats in the Medway area?
• What kind of annual costs should I expect for a 7–8m boat?
• Are there any club moorings, swinging moorings, or cheaper yards that you’d recommend?
• How easy is it to arrange winter lift-out and storage locally?
• Any pitfalls or tips for a newcomer trying to balance access, security, and affordability?

Any suggestions or local knowledge would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance!


Tom

 

[madabouttheboat]

I don't know what the waiting list is like, but maybe have a look at Rochester Cruising club.

 

[Billy Blue]

Medway Bridge Marina. It will be just a bit less than £3K if you pay upfront (20% discount). It has a yard if you want to put it ashore.

 

[oldgit]

Lots of budget "boatyards" up above Rochester Bridge.
Most around Strood/Cuxton/Halling.
Would jump in the car and explore.

 

[ElJames]

Strood Yacht Club have just what you need good walk ashore pontoons with electric and water, dry docks, and a crane for lift out and a Club house being a self help club the fees are very good and being a member you become a part owner

 

[rafiki_]

Try the Thames Forum. There will be more local information.

 

[DoubleEnder]

You could also look at Queenborough, and if you don’t mind restricted tidal access take a look at Oare, and Faversham. Testers at Hollowshore also worth a look, and the pub there , the Shipwrights, is outstanding

 

[oldgit]

The boat clubs are wary of folks just wanting a cheap mooring and will be looking for somebody prepared to rock up on a cold wet January weekend to do a bit of chipping and painting..
If this is not a problem ?

 

[Elessar]

Hi all,


I'm new to the forum and very much at the early stages of my boating journey. I'm based in Medway (Kent) and currently going through training—I've just started the RYA Day Skipper course and have a Powerboat Level 2 course booked for August. My goal is to become confident and competent enough to skipper solo on the Medway, Thames Estuary, etc.


I don’t own a boat yet, but I'm aiming to buy a diesel-powered motor cruiser this autumn—something like a Sealine S24, Fairline Targa 27 or similar.


While I’m doing my research, I wanted to ask about mooring/storage options around the Medway area. I know MDL Chatham Marina is a great facility, but at £6k+ per year, it’s outside my budget.


Ideally, I’m looking for:

• A secure, accessible mooring
• Something more affordable than a full-service marina
• Bonus if it includes or offers winter dry storage (or if there's a nearby yard that does)

So my questions are:

• Where do you moor your boats in the Medway area?
• What kind of annual costs should I expect for a 7–8m boat?
• Are there any club moorings, swinging moorings, or cheaper yards that you’d recommend?
• How easy is it to arrange winter lift-out and storage locally?
• Any pitfalls or tips for a newcomer trying to balance access, security, and affordability?

Any suggestions or local knowledge would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance!


Tom

Why winter dry storage? The boat is warmer if kept in the water and you get great boating days in winter.

 

[TomChatham]

Thanks all for the insight.
I would love to go for it, but after careful consideration, I must say that the £20k+ purchase cost will buy me something that would require constant TLC and will cost a lot to run and maintain. That's unfortunately more than I can afford atm. I will be looking into getting a smaller boat for now. Maybe a small fisher or RIB with an outboard that is easier/cheaper to manage.

I really appreciate your help, though

 

[TomChatham]

That said, if the right opportunity comes my way — especially if I can find a suitable mooring that feels affordable — I’m not ruling out a bigger boat just yet. I should be in a position to make a proper decision around October, and I’m hoping there’ll be some end-of-season bargains on the market by then.

I should be in the right space soon to make an informed choice. If the right sports cruiser pops up and I’ve got a realistic mooring option that doesn’t break the bank… who knows! Never say never.