Orwell marina

DoubleEnder

DoubleEnder

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I plan to keep Nyachilwa in the water over the winter and cant make up my mind between Wolverstone Marina and Suffolk Yacht Harbour at Levington. Does anyone have any good/bad/horror stories? Tips? Opinions? Rank prejudices....?

Thank you
Graham
 
I would imagine that SYH would be the more sheltered option for winter, once left a boat at Wolverstone for a week and came back to find serious damage to the rail as a result of wash from an unidentified passing ship/tug/mobo.

I'm sure that was an isolated incident but I would personally be happier in an enclosed marina - especially if visits will be infrequest.

No doubt there are many happy owners wintering at Wolverstone who will say different though......
 
Shamal said:
I would imagine that SYH would be the more sheltered option for winter, once left a boat at Wolverstone for a week and came back to find serious damage to the rail as a result of wash from an unidentified passing ship/tug/mobo.

I'm sure that was an isolated incident but I would personally be happier in an enclosed marina - especially if visits will be infrequest.

No doubt there are many happy owners wintering at Wolverstone who will say different though......
Click to expand...

Snap

Lost the rubbing strake of my first boat there and MDL said it was my responsibility after they had launched the boat and berthed her in the marina.
 
Don't know about winter but had the worse night sleep yet one night in Wolverstone, and that was in the summer. No idea about the other option but Shotley has always been very peaceful, and the musical welcome from the lock keeper when he feels like it was good too
 
Personally, I would choose Levington every time.

I don't use marinas much, but I have taken charter boats in and out of Woolverstone a few times. I very much dislike any marina where the tide flows at full strength through the pontoons. Unless you are on a hammerhead this can make it very difficult to come and go except when the tide is favourable - slack water or in a helpful direction. Even boats that steer well astern have problems in strong tides.

No doubt the denizens of Woolverstone have their ways and means, but it wouldn't be my choice.
 
Sixpence said:
Shotley has always been very peaceful, and the musical welcome from the lock keeper when he feels like it was good too
Click to expand...

Unless you pick a night when they are having their beer festival :(

Overloud jazz until nearly midnight, the instrumentals were OK but the singer was waaaay past his sell by date.

Shotley would be agood choice for winter. Near perfect shelter, only tricky getting in/out with strong Southerlies - not usually a problem in Winter.

There are reasonable onsite facilities, the Bristol Arms is only a short walk, and a regular if rather infrequent bus service to Ipswich. There is also the ferry across to Harwich, but I am not sure if it runs in Winter?
 
I thionk you ought to phone the marinas to see whether they actually have any space. I heard that SYH have a waiting list, and I thought Woolverstone had too.
 
the decision

Is to go to Ipswich Haven. Best shelter, best transport link, Woolverstone seems a bit exposed, Levington a bit remote, Fox's a bit more expensive.... we shall see. I will let you know how it goes

Thanks to all
Graham
 
Ipswich Haven

Will see you there .. We will be round from the Deben end of the month .. :( .. There is a good Indian within walking distance .. Panto was fun in Ipswich .. We have been before but on the other side .. Found it rather dirty as all the rubbish seems to collect over there .. You would not want to fall in ..
 
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We like Ipswich Haven. Good choice.

Marina staff very friendly and helpful, family enjoys it there too, a whole town centre to do your provisioning.

There is a fantastic Thai restaurant about 6 or 7 minutes walk away
 
Orwell Marina

I'm based in Woolverstone. Can't say I've ever had an issue keeping the boat there (except the highest fees around). Picturesque location too (if that's important for you).

The tide does run through the marina, but after the first couple of times you get used to it (my kids can park the boat there ok).

One of my issues with shotley is the constant light levels caused by the Felixstowe docks.

Levington is also pretty, has a huge summer waiting list (for pontoons) but winter berths are available.

The main downside (for me) of the Ipswich marina's is the long slog up the river from the sea - probably 1.5 to 2 hrs.

All the above entirely subjective - just how I see it.
 
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