Moving to Weymouth - thoughts and recommendations?

[Solent Sailor]

Hi everyone

After many years with various boats based out of the Hamble, we've been offered what appears to be a very nice berth in Weymouth for this season, and are considering making the move. I'm not sure it will be a permanent one, but the way we will use the boat this year is somewhat different and so it may just work out better for us.

The berth is on the North Quay section of the harbour, the council run section, immediately above the bridge - one of the 5 or so off-set/angled pontoons more or less pointing at the Sailors Return. I'm not looking for a full-service marina - we don't use the facilities and are pretty self-sufficient and I know that this is what we'll get. I know that parking can be an issue in Weymouth, especially peak season, so will consider getting a season ticket for the car parks.

Any observations, or likely concerns? We know Weymouth well, but any notes from those who have, or have had, boats on the council pontoons would be particularly well received.

Finally, I'm now trying to work out whether to lift her out in the Solent before moving her, or once we get down there. Boatyard charges are slightly cheaper in Portland than on the Hamble, but its so far away I might prefer someone else to actually do the painting this time around - any recommendations? I'm also toying with the idea of copper coating her, so anyone who does it down there for a reasonable price would be good to know.

Thanks!

 

[Montemar]

The WPNSA also do lift outs and pressure washes. They are cheaper than Portland.

 

[SimonD]

We're also on the North Quay pontoons and have been for a few years. You've done well to get a berth - they don't come up too often!

The harbour staff are brilliant; really helpful and happy to chat. Ask them about a season ticket for the old council office car park (which is also good for other car parks around Weymouth. The car park is large and I've never had trouble finding a space even in the height of summer. It's bang opposite the pontoon gate and couldn't be more convenient. From memory, it's about £160 for an annual permit.

Also ask for a card for the leccy and put some charge on it. Probably best just to pop into the office when you get here. They'll give you a handbook with bridge times listed. Note that they're on winter times at the moment and you'll need to book an hour in advance for a lift.

For diesel, call Andy of Quayside Fuels on 07747 182181 to book. He brings his bowser to the quay just opposite your berth and is best for price by a mile.

If you need a lift, contact WPNSA. They're also brilliant and helpful (it's a Dorset thing!). You can use the calculator first: Boat Hoist Calculator | WPNSA - Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy Can't help you with antifouling etc. I do it myself. However, if I wanted someone to do it, I'd call Wright Way Boat Cleaning – Boat Cleaning Services in Devon and Dorset (boatcleaner4u.co.uk) Let me know if you find someone good!

Let me know if there's anymore info you need.

 

[Nick Wight]

We've been on North Quay since 2016 and would echo most of what SimonD has said, especially the bit about berths not coming up very often.

Out of interest, how has your "offer" come about? The five fingers that you mention are currently all occupied? Although a couple of those boats are up for sale.

Will the bridge lift be an issue for you? We've always been able to work with/around it, but I know that it can be a problem to others.

Anyway, welcome to Weymouth -- if you do take it!

 

[Solent Sailor]

Thanks all for comments so far. Nothing untoward with the offer - I have had my name down on the list for some years on the off-chance, and they've finally offered me a spot. I don't know why - presumably the owner of the boat currently occupying it has sold it or plans to move.

Unfortunately, it looks like we could be too wide and heavy for the WPNSA hoist, will discuss with them because it is marginal. I'm already a pretty regular customer of Andy - good chap he is.

How do you find it from a security perspective, @Nick Wight and @SimonD? Nowhere is perfect, but do people generally keep the gate closed and things like that? Do you find traffic on the road behind intrusive - I'm factoring on it being slightly less busy than the main road behind the marina where the gas tanks were.

I think we can live with the bridge. It's not ideal, and we will be constrained by it due to air draft, but that's life. During summer, an hour waiting on the pontoon outside won't be too much of a hardship.

Looks like the parking schemes have changed, with just two options now available for season permits - one including the Swannery and Pavillion car parks, and another without. Not horrendously expensive, but a shame the council car park or Cozens isn't included. I've parked in the streets behind Asda before now when I've been off fishing on one of the charters - perhaps that is a permit zone now. Will have to look.

 

[SimonD]

There are two boats for sale on those fingers so you struck lucky!

I've not found security a problem. The gate needs a fob and closes itself. There are usually enough people around to keep an eye on things as well. I can't say I've noticed traffic noise at all. BTW, there is a layby just before the gate so you can drop stuff off before parking. On the subject of parking, you should know that, at some point, the Council Office car park will disappear as the site is due to be redeveloped. Mind you, it's been that way for years! When it eventually happens, the nearest car park that the cheaper permit will cover is up on the Nothe; about five minutes walk.

In practice, the bridge isn't a major problem (especially in the summer). Technically, you can ask for an ad hoc opening but I've never asked and I suspect you'd have to have a very good reason!

 

[Montemar]

I recall there was a council car park outside the magistrates court though it may have all changed now.

 

[SimonD]

I recall there was a council car park outside the magistrates court though it may have all changed now.

There is but it's weekends only.

 

[trialframe]

We live in Weymouth & our Nordhavn 43 is on one of the fingers you mentioned.
We find it great. No problems with security at all & everyone nearby is friendly and nice.
It's easy going through the town bridge outbound as you are right next to it and can join the front or back of the queue (if it exists!) as required.
As we live close by, we don't need parking.
PM me if you want.

 

[Solent Sailor]

Thanks, sent you a PM.