Options for berthing around inverness area?

[Niander]

Options for berthing around inverness area?
against a wall is ok
anyone know possible places around Inverness area also winter storage on the hard?
26' long keel

 

[ProDave]

That is my cruising ground.

What are you looking for? are you resident nearby?

Basically the options are Inverness Marina (most expensive) Avoch harbour or Fortrose. A bit further affield is Cromarty, Nairn and Invergordon boat club.

Avoch and Fortrose are drying harbours about half tide access, my boat lives against the wall in Fortrose in the summer. Fortrose also offers swinging moorings with full tide access.

Both offer winter storage on the hard next to the harbour. Both organise a crane in and crane out day(s) Fortrose harbour where I am is leased to and managed by the Chanonry Sailing club, (RYA Scotland Club of the Year 2011)

 

[Niander]

Avoch harbour or Fortrose and Cromarty are interesting do you know if any berths are avaliable?
also is there free space on the hard?

 

[ProDave]

PM sent with details

 

[Herald]

Club members put in their own swinging moorings in at Cromarty, subject approval from CFPA. Hard standing space at a premium. Compound currently full and spaces allocated to members on a points based system. PM me if you need anymore details.

 

[Niander]

Great info thanks

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Isn't it possible to berth in the Caledonian Canal, subject to the Inland Waterways boat certification requirements being met?

OK, I've just checked - looks like there's a waiing list.

 

[FishyInverness]

But if you contact Caley Marina, they might be able to sort a short term berth for you. That's if you are aiming to go into the canal. They would also have hard standing.

(No hard at Seaport Marina - Scottish Canals)

 

[Niander]

Ok thanks Ill have a good look around when i get up there

 

[spuddog]

If you are planning the canal,pretty sure you could have a swinging mooring in Loch Dochfour,I used to be moored there.
p.m. for more info if interested.

 

[ffiill]

Permanent place on pontoon at Canal basin at Inverness is about £1000 pa. British Waterways pontoons along the Canal are similar for the year-cheaper on more remote sections down the Great Glen.A winter mooring including return passage out of the Canal is about £400.
Caley Marina on Canal usually have space alongside but you need to book well in advance if you want hardstanding for the winter.
Moorings on the Lochs are currently free do it yourself but very few access points and when the wind blows up the Great Glen remember there is little between you and Canada!
Also its important to note that both Inverness Marina and entrance to Canal are restricted by tides.Also I can imagine that the Marina which is at the mouth of the River Ness can be a handful when the River is in full flood.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Also its important to note that both Inverness Marina and entrance to Canal are restricted by tides.Also I can imagine that the Marina which is at the mouth of the River Ness can be a handful when the River is in full flood.

I don't think that this is correct, Inverness Marina has a minimum depth of 3m, check:
http://www.invernessmarina.com/
And at least 5m in the Ness, which is dredged for commercial traffic.

When the Ness is in spate combine with an ebb tide, you need to "ferry glide" into the marina entrance, but that's never been a problem. However, you do need to watch for the very steep bank on the starboard side as you enter the River Ness, it very easy to get swept to the NW, by the flood.

The tidal restrictions on the sea lock (entrance to the canal) are in practice are only limited around low waters springs tides, no problem at neaps. I find that the limited opening hours and restrictions on opening the road bridges more of a problem than the tide.

To the East of the Kessock bridge it gets very shallow, less than 3m at LAT in many places, so careful pilotage is required.

 

[jimmy_moore]

Hi All,

New to this forum and indeed to the boating world! I am living and working up north east of inverness, portmahomack/balintore area. I would like to buy a live-aboard for the summer months, at least for a few days a week and I have a room at my friends for the rest. I have found a nice 30' timber cruiser at a price I can afford without being a burden (i.e. 5k), and I am sure i can get some enjoyment out of it at least for the summer. Can anyone recommend anywhere to moor/berth? I have been in touch with portmahomack and balintore and they are getting back to me. Any suggestions/warnings/encouragement would be welcome!

Many thanks,

Jimmy