Plymouth Marinas

[Playtime]

I need a change! The boat has been based in the Solent for 20+ years so am thinking of moving (the boat) to Plymouth next season.

Why Plymouth? Central location in a good cruising area; easier run to southern Brittany; several marinas to choose from (assuming they have space available), access to Dartmoor, reasonable chance of getting a berth (unlike Torbay or Dartmouth) etc. The question is - which marina?

I've stayed in Mayflower, QAB and PYH over the years. Of these, PYH is the current favourite - slightly easier access (from the land), reasonable surrounding area and quiet but with easy access to town (short ferry) when needed.

What do others think of PYH and what alternatives can be recommended.

 

[SimbaDog]

I am currently in PYH & it is my favourite due to: Very sheltered, quiet, nice walks nearby, access to City by ferry, good local pubs & improving marina facilities
Have used QAB before & only downsides from my point of view were a bit rolly sometimes & noise from Barbican area at weekends.

 

[CaptainBob]

I've just relocated to Sutton Harbour from PYH. We lived aboard in PYH and are doing the same now in Sutton Harbour.

PYH as you say is easy access and has nice close-by walks. However - the facilities are horrible (old, dirty, falling apart), and it's not all that quiet on occasion. The coastal merchant ships that come in at all times of the day and night have very loud props which sound like the boat next door has run their engine up - for hours at a time. Also, people do not stick to the speed limit in the channel, so it gets very bouncy, quite often. Also, the wind never seems to drop there. Even on a nice day you have to wrap up most of the time.

Here in Sutton harbour it's a different world. There's no swell, no bounce and far less wind. It's warmer too. The facilities are like something in a hotel, and there isn't a 5 mile walk to get to them (we were out on M pontoon at PYH). The Barbican does produce a bit of noice on occasion, but only really on a friday/saturday night, and it stops before midnight. Outside of that time it's remarkably quiet. We're usually taking part anyway You also get all of the benefits that come from living in the cultural centre of a city. Cinema, theatre, fine dining, take-away.

QAB is a bit dismal and industrial, and not in the nicest area of town IMO.

Mayflower is nice in itself, but again, not a nice part of town - and more hassle to get to.

Sutton Harbour comines a marina and sailing with the chance for a posh city break.

Prices are much of a muchness. Sutton slightly cheaper than PYH when I last checked - but not a lot in it.

All (I think) have space at the moment, so you could get a winter berth in Sutton, try it out, and if you don't like it go to PYH.

I do miss Mount Batten bay/beach and the coastal path - and so does the dog. Everything else is better here in Sutton.

 

[sarabande]

PYH.

There are some management changes due, which will make some aspects of the office a bit more bearable and user friendly.

The community is fine, with a number of people spending more than the weekend on their boats.

Go for berths which are not at the western end of the marina as these are susceptible to swell in gales.

Loos and showers are OK, but it's not unknown for them to be a bit scruffy at times. Parking is OK and overlooked by good security.

The most annoying thing is Ch*******r's helicopter on the other side of the channel - used like a blasted taxi.

Loads of service industries available on site, and many excellent craftsment in the city itself.

Good and swift access to the Channel and lots of fine places to visit within 36 hours sail. I don't include Dartmouth and Salcombe which are like supremarket car parks, but boaty.

 

[SimbaDog]

I've just relocated to Sutton Harbour from PYH. We lived aboard in PYH and are doing the same now in Sutton Harbour.

PYH as you say is easy access and has nice close-by walks. However - the facilities are horrible (old, dirty, falling apart), and it's not all that quiet on occasion. The coastal merchant ships that come in at all times of the day and night have very loud props which sound like the boat next door has run their engine up - for hours at a time. Also, people do not stick to the speed limit in the channel, so it gets very bouncy, quite often. Also, the wind never seems to drop there. Even on a nice day you have to wrap up most of the time.

Here in Sutton harbour it's a different world. There's no swell, no bounce and far less wind. It's warmer too. The facilities are like something in a hotel, and there isn't a 5 mile walk to get to them (we were out on M pontoon at PYH). The Barbican does produce a bit of noice on occasion, but only really on a friday/saturday night, and it stops before midnight. Outside of that time it's remarkably quiet. We're usually taking part anyway You also get all of the benefits that come from living in the cultural centre of a city. Cinema, theatre, fine dining, take-away.

QAB is a bit dismal and industrial, and not in the nicest area of town IMO.

Mayflower is nice in itself, but again, not a nice part of town - and more hassle to get to.

Sutton Harbour comines a marina and sailing with the chance for a posh city break.

Prices are much of a muchness. Sutton slightly cheaper than PYH when I last checked - but not a lot in it.

All (I think) have space at the moment, so you could get a winter berth in Sutton, try it out, and if you don't like it go to PYH.

I do miss Mount Batten bay/beach and the coastal path - and so does the dog. Everything else is better here in Sutton.

I think you must have been in a different PYH to mine!

 

[photodog]

I wouldnt bother trying to find a berth...the Westcountry is full.

Try the east coast... there a friendly bunch... plenty of space, cheap marinas...

Or france.. Youll love it there. Nice bread... cheap plonk... interesting language.

But the West country.... full up.... Sorry!

If you want I can put you on the waiting list...


(SB, CB and PJ... stop encouraging him... its just cruel..)

 

[Playtime]

I think you must have been in a different PYH to mine!

Thanks for the swift replies, gents. It seems to be a two horse race then - Sutton v PYH.

Maybe you get a different view of PYH if you live there all the time? We would spend no more than a week there at any one time, I guess, and tend to use the facilities (shower etc) on the boat so 'hotel' level facilities are not so important. We are currently in Port Solent for the winter and they now have the best 'facilities' on the south coast; I've used them once!

However, swell can be exceedingly annoying, even for a short time. I left Haslar marina (Gosport) for that reason - it was frequent there due to the cross channel ferries and other big boat movements. Is it bad in PYH?

I don't know Sutton but maybe it is worth another look?

 

[Playtime]

I wouldnt bother trying to find a berth...the Westcountry is full.

I think there is a fair bit of 'churn' going on with marina berths at the moment. Come January I expect there will be space. I am already on a couple of waiting lists, with high hopes!

 

[photodog]

If you want complete shelter... then Sutton Harbour is your only real choice.... QAB and PYH both get some swell in certain conditions... and Mayflower has currents of some repute in certain areas...

You need to come down and take a look to see which suits... as mentioned.. Sutton is at the heart of the Social life in Plymouth... which can be more club 18-30 than high society... PYH has excellent technical facilities.. and the best shore storage in the area... Facilities are not as bad as painted... we had some issues this summer due to works... but these have been sorted out and they are improved a lot...

In a very strong SW however some swell can come around up river which can be interesting.... and as mentioned the Coasters make noise and passing small boats (In particular the Royal Marines...) can be felt if they are speeding...

But the overall facilities and access to the excellent walks and countryside make up for this IMO... if you have a dog... PYH is excellent... if you are big on eating out and partying.. then Sutton would be better... bearing in mind Sutton has a Lock as well...

In all seriousness though you should be able to get stright into PYH... your a 38 footer... which shouldn be too much a problem...

 

[Playtime]

Overall facilities and access to the excellent walks and countryside make up for this IMO... if you have a dog... PYH is excellent... if you are big on eating out and partying.. then Sutton would be better... bearing in mind Sutton has a Lock as well...

In all seriousness though you should be able to get stright into PYH... your a 38 footer... which shouldn be too much a problem...

Thanks. I'm on the waiting list at PYH and you have confirmed my earlier impressions. I think we will stick with Plan A, with Sutton as the fallback.

 

[Cerddinen]

Before you commit yourself you should reflect on the reasons why Salcombe and Dartmouth are full, but every marina in Plymouth has spaces. Join the queue for Dartmouth. Even if you have to wait ten years it will still be worthwhile.

 

[CaptainBob]

Thanks. I'm on the waiting list at PYH and you have confirmed my earlier impressions. I think we will stick with Plan A, with Sutton as the fallback.

I find it a bit odd that you're on a waiting list for PYH. They had quite a few vacant berths last time I heard. I know 2 boats (ours included) just left M pontoon in the last 2 months, and those have not been filled. And there were already other empty berths on M. I'd get in touch and check you're still on the list maybe.

 

[Siosarnoir]

PYC

I have been a bertholder in PYC since it opened . The facilities are good and we now have a bar and restaurant onsite. I have heard that they have many spare berths so I dont undrstand why you are on a waiting list. Its also much nearer to southern Brittany Than Dartmouth!

 

[cgull]

I used to keep my boat in Mayflower for summer and thought it was good. Took it up to Boating World up the Lynher River (interesting sail) for lift out and winter storage very reasonable on prices.But then I sold it................

 

[Playtime]

I find it a bit odd that you're on a waiting list for PYH. They had quite a few vacant berths last time I heard. I know 2 boats (ours included) just left M pontoon in the last 2 months, and those have not been filled. And there were already other empty berths on M. I'd get in touch and check you're still on the list maybe.

I'll get in touch with them tomorrow as they also relieved me of £150 (refundable against the first year's berthing fee)!

BTW if there is a choice of berths, which pontoon is recommended?

 

[photodog]

They will not do the whole thing until February or so, when they will get a better idea of what berths will be available when.... So dont expect a offer of a berth until then..

For you (38-40 feet) the best berths are on B and C pontoons... avoid any P pontoons... There are some good bigger berths further in... but most are better for sub 10 meters.

There is a good map on their website.

 

[Playtime]

They will not do the whole thing until February or so, when they will get a better idea of what berths will be available when.... So dont expect a offer of a berth until then..

Ah . . thanks. That's what I expected until I saw the previous couple of posts. I'll relax again and wait patiently!

 

[adamgodfrey]

+1 for Sutton Harbour Marina

I'd like to recommend Sutton Harbour Marina too.

Personally I really value the sheltered location because of the lock (particularly after the winds this weekend!). Saves on wear and tear, and much more comfortable when sleeping aboard. Wetrooms/loos are great, staff very helpful and they have a lovely (free) coffee machine in the marina office!

Also, the fact that it is right by the Barbican, with all of the restaurants and bars is a real plus in my book.

If you are travelling down from the South East, Air Southwest fly from Gatwick and London City to Plymouth airport - a great service, and fares start at £39 (including luggage etc) if you book far enough ahead.

 

[clyst]

I've just relocated to Sutton Harbour from PYH. We lived aboard in PYH and are doing the same now in Sutton Harbour.

PYH as you say is easy access and has nice close-by walks. However - the facilities are horrible (old, dirty, falling apart), and it's not all that quiet on occasion. The coastal merchant ships that come in at all times of the day and night have very loud props which sound like the boat next door has run their engine up - for hours at a time. Also, people do not stick to the speed limit in the channel, so it gets very bouncy, quite often. Also, the wind never seems to drop there. Even on a nice day you have to wrap up most of the time.

Here in Sutton harbour it's a different world. There's no swell, no bounce and far less wind. It's warmer too. The facilities are like something in a hotel, and there isn't a 5 mile walk to get to them (we were out on M pontoon at PYH). The Barbican does produce a bit of noice on occasion, but only really on a friday/saturday night, and it stops before midnight. Outside of that time it's remarkably quiet. We're usually taking part anyway You also get all of the benefits that come from living in the cultural centre of a city. Cinema, theatre, fine dining, take-away.

QAB is a bit dismal and industrial, and not in the nicest area of town IMO.

Mayflower is nice in itself, but again, not a nice part of town - and more hassle to get to.

Sutton Harbour comines a marina and sailing with the chance for a posh city break.

Prices are much of a muchness. Sutton slightly cheaper than PYH when I last checked - but not a lot in it.

All (I think) have space at the moment, so you could get a winter berth in Sutton, try it out, and if you don't like it go to PYH.

I do miss Mount Batten bay/beach and the coastal path - and so does the dog. Everything else is better here in Sutton.

The coastal merchant ships that come in at all times of the day and night have very loud props which sound like the boat next door has run their engine up - for hours at a time. Also, people do not stick to the speed limit in the channel, so it gets very bouncy, quite often. Also, the wind never seems to drop there. Even on a nice day you have to wrap up most of the time.

And there was me thinking you were becoming an old seadog Jeff !

 

[CaptainBob]

And there was me thinking you were becoming an old seadog Jeff !

I've turned a bit soft over here in Sutton Harbour - I had a cosmopolitan the other night!