motor boating firth of forth

[BoatNoob]

Hi

Got the boat bug, heart says sailboat, petrol head and says mobo.
I live very near Forth Estuary 5min from Port Edgar (expensive berthing, typical marina).
I have few things planned for next 12 months in terms of house extension but post that I am looking to get a 30ish ft mobo, probably a 15-25 yr old sealine, see whats on the market then.
My question relates to mobo for the forth estuary. What I see are majority of harbours are tidal, clubs quite cheap, but would have concern for mobo with shafts or drives in mud berth. West Scotland and lochs have loads but I will be using forth estuary as its right on my doorstep and mooring an hour+ away limit the ease of impromptu use.

Happy to take thoughts and experiences of anyone knowlegable on Forth. Thanks.

 

[mcanderson]

Hello and welcome!

We kept a 10m sailing boat on the Forth for 4 years before moving it to the South of France where we now do our boating. Our first couple of years were at the Royal Forth at Granton and then we moved to Port Edgar. I found Port Edgar to be pretty good value for money and until the new marina opens in Graton you don't have much choice.

I wouldn't keep a boat with outdrives on a drying berth for the savings on the berthing fees. I think you will end up paying more in repairs to the drives than you will save. Don't forget you will need to come out of the water every year for outdrive servicing and anti-fouling so will to ensure your berthing location can do this and Port Edgar can.

Also having the chandlers just on your door step is very handy. As for places to visit, we use to head to all the little ports and anchor off and use our tender to go ashore. Anstruther has a port with berths and so you can get some of the great fish and chips there.

Head down to the port and ask at the yacht club if anyone can point you in the direction of motor boat owners who will be more than happy to answer your questions. Good luck!

 

[BoatNoob]

Hi
Thank you for experiences.
I would acknowledge regards drying berth and was coming around to Port Edgar Marina as only viable option, so annual fees need to be factored in, as mentioned the facilities for winterising and accessibility of fellow experience and materials are there as well, so teh old adage of 'you gets what u pay for' apply...
I'm originally from Fife so Anstruther (or Ainster) is well known...

 

[Bilgediver]

Hello and welcome!


I wouldn't keep a boat with outdrives on a drying berth for the savings on the berthing fees. I think you will end up paying more in repairs to the drives than you will save. Don't forget you will need to come out of the water every year for outdrive servicing and anti-fouling so will to ensure your berthing location can do this and Port Edgar can.

It is normal procedure to lift the out drives when the boat is in port as it avoids damage and slows down the growth of weed.
Regardless of a drying berth they can cost more in maintenance and repair than shaft drives.
Port Edgar mechanics have plenty of experience in dealing with them .

 

[BoatNoob]

It is normal procedure to lift the out drives when the boat is in port as it avoids damage and slows down the growth of weed.
Regardless of a drying berth they can cost more in maintenance and repair than shaft drives.
Port Edgar mechanics have plenty of experience in dealing with them .

Ah need to get friendly with the mechanics then...