New to the Thames so which Marina?

Markhammond

Markhammond

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I'm moving my boat from Brighton to the Thames in the next couple of months and now have the predicament of choosing which marina to berth at. I'm planning to go with MDL but am unsure whether to go for Penton Hook, Windsor and Bray.

Is anyone currently, or previously, berthed at any of these?

Part of the consideration is that I have a young family so I am looking for good views on the river for a cruise and nice facilities at the marina.

I'd really appreciate any views.

[posted on the motor cruiser forum as well]
 
Are you afte a marina recommendation because you like marinas? If not and depending on where you want to locate yourself, how big your boat is and how much you want to spend/save compared to a marina, I may be able to recommend somewhere else.
 
I am reasonably new to boating having just completed my first season down in Brighton. The reason for the move is that my young daughter was scared at sea so we now want to move to a river to ease her back into it. I have a Sealine S29 (just under 30 foot). In terms of marinas, I was looking at MDL as it gave you the option with a freedom berth of cruising between marinas which sounded like a nice way to spend the weekend.

So what's the alternative you were thinking of?

Actionmat said:
Are you afte a marina recommendation because you like marinas? If not and depending on where you want to locate yourself, how big your boat is and how much you want to spend/save compared to a marina, I may be able to recommend somewhere else.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Markhammond said:
I'm moving my boat from Brighton to the Thames in the next couple of months and now have the predicament of choosing which marina to berth at. I'm planning to go with MDL but am unsure whether to go for Penton Hook, Windsor and Bray.

Is anyone currently, or previously, berthed at any of these?

Part of the consideration is that I have a young family so I am looking for good views on the river for a cruise and nice facilities at the marina.

I'd really appreciate any views.

[posted on the motor cruiser forum as well]
Click to expand...

Currently at Bray. Facilities, staff etc all good. Useful, attractive part of the river (Henley not so far for a weekend, Cookham etc great for day trips). Windsor nearby for a handy afternoon cruise and to take the kids shopping. Cruise to Penton for the weekend and stay over for free.

Penton probably more useful if you want to do more tidal cruising, ie London. But we find Penton and the surrounding river to be a little less picturesque than either Bray or Windsor or upstream of these. Some good meadows upstream of Marlow to enjoy on a summers evening with BBQ lit and beer in hand.:cool:

Your first lock might be rather daunting but you'll soon get the hang of it.

As all good Americans say, "enjoy!"
 
Yes, it's round the back of Taggs Island. Nicely placed for the pubs and restaurants around Molesey and Hampton Court. Next door is Molesey Lock, which is the only EA pump out machine this side of Windsor.
 
So that's Dickie Huck's old place. Had quite a bit of work done there over the years as the dry dock was very useful. Has that gone? And what's happened to Tim Barfield Marine - is that still there?
 
If you can get a mooring, choose Bray!

A long day to either up to Henley or Teddington, with a further 3-4 hours to St Kats, with all the best bits in between.

The Marina is beautiful, a nature reserve in itself with a handy if slightly crappy restaurant manned by morons, but which sometimes serves good food promptly.

Great staff, and the resident mechanic, Terry, is good and realistic. A decent bloke...

Now on to the club: Bray Cruiser Club has been going for over 40 years, is manageable in size-of-membership terms, and very very friendly, encompassing all kinds (Read: ALL kinds!!!) of members, all with their own personal and charming characteristics, most of whom enjoy going boating and having a darned good time, whilst gently prolonging the ways of the River, and keeping the traditions that boaty people enjoy so much, alive! Most entertaining...



Have a chat with the lovely Mike Gates and see if he can squeeze you in ;-)
 
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