Murv
Well-Known Member
Don't worry, the lockies are fantastic
We moored on the inside of Bell weir lock on our last visit, one of the lockies was certainly quite a character! Very nice bloke actually, but certainly a character.
Rules on name on boat?
- Thread starter ThrilloPads
- Start date
Don't worry, the lockies are fantastic
We moored on the inside of Bell weir lock on our last visit, one of the lockies was certainly quite a character! Very nice bloke actually, but certainly a character.
Brayman
Well-Known Member
No, not a bad idea, but do make sure you go as far upstream as you can, the further you go the more enjoyable it becomes
Chris_d
Well-Known Member
No don't think that, the Thames is fantastic but you need to get well upstream and out of London and its suburbs.
Some of the opinions expressed on this Forum do make me wonder if I've been boating on a different river for the last 40+years though!
thamesS23
Well-Known Member
having followed most of CX54 posts from her previous trips, I know she is really going to enjoy the thames one.
Nearer the time my offer to send you loads of tips and advice on your trip still stands, so contact me nearer the time
Nearer the time my offer to send you loads of tips and advice on your trip still stands, so contact me nearer the time
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
No, not a bad idea, but do make sure you go as far upstream as you can, the further you go the more enjoyable it becomes
We are getting slipped in at Lechlade. Not sure we can get any further upstream
Chris_d
Well-Known Member
We are getting slipped in at Lechlade. Not sure we can get any further upstream
Great plan :encouragement: How far down are you going, assume you can get under Osney it will be very tight ?
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
Our air draft drops right down to 6'6" so not a problem unless river levels are very high!
We have 8 days licence to work our way down to Teddington and then a week booked in St Kats before we head down to Gallions Reach to be recovered on the trailer and taken back to Lincoln.
Chris_d
Well-Known Member
That will be a great trip, bit rushed but doable. Just remember to put a different head on when you get to the tideway, they take no prisoners down there in central London. When waiting for the lock at St Kats don't be afraid to push your way in, the French and Belgium Yachties don't understand queuing
There is only one chance to get in and a night on the outside is not recommended.
thamesS23
Well-Known Member
what dates are you planning to do this (if you have settled on a date yet)?
only reason I ask is there is often a lot of things going on the summer that could effect moorings (Henley for instance is difficult during all of July).
only reason I ask is there is often a lot of things going on the summer that could effect moorings (Henley for instance is difficult during all of July).
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
That will be a great trip, bit rushed but doable. Just remember to put a different head on when you get to the tideway, they take no prisoners down there in central London. When waiting for the lock at St Kats don't be afraid to push your way in, the French and Belgium Yachties don't understand queuing
A bit rushed. That is a quiet one compared to usual
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
We get dropped in at Lechlade on 20 July and picked up again at Gallions Reach on 3 August.
Our berth is booked in St Kats for the second week.
Pretty sure we will squeeze in a mooring somewhere for the rest of the trip. We are used to tight moorings!
thamesS23
Well-Known Member
you will get moorings anywhere (you just need to plan in advance for some of the prime spots).
the last event to be held in Henley that effects moorings in the prime spots, is this:
http://fawleyhill.co.uk/events/thames-traditional-boat-festival/
But I imagine that by the time you get down to Henley, it wont effect you and you can moor up in the best spots.
the last event to be held in Henley that effects moorings in the prime spots, is this:
http://fawleyhill.co.uk/events/thames-traditional-boat-festival/
But I imagine that by the time you get down to Henley, it wont effect you and you can moor up in the best spots.
ThrilloPads
Member
So quick update, I'm created a couple of cardboard backups just to have. Also bought some isulation tape as thought that could work quite well as a temp solution.
I've also ordered my vinyls. I very much doubt the weather will allow me to put them on, but maybe I'll be lucky
Quick follow up question - this trip is just so we can get our ICC/lessons/CEVNI - so we're not going too far upriver. She is, however, quite a deep boat. 1.6m. For future trips, any idea how far we can realistically get? I know the EA says it becomes 1.3 after Windsor - but would it be fair to say we can get that far?
I've also ordered my vinyls. I very much doubt the weather will allow me to put them on, but maybe I'll be lucky
Quick follow up question - this trip is just so we can get our ICC/lessons/CEVNI - so we're not going too far upriver. She is, however, quite a deep boat. 1.6m. For future trips, any idea how far we can realistically get? I know the EA says it becomes 1.3 after Windsor - but would it be fair to say we can get that far?
Old Crusty
Well-Known Member
So quick update, I'm created a couple of cardboard backups just to have. Also bought some isulation tape as thought that could work quite well as a temp solution.
I've also ordered my vinyls. I very much doubt the weather will allow me to put them on, but maybe I'll be lucky
Quick follow up question - this trip is just so we can get our ICC/lessons/CEVNI - so we're not going too far upriver. She is, however, quite a deep boat. 1.6m. For future trips, any idea how far we can realistically get? I know the EA says it becomes 1.3 after Windsor - but would it be fair to say we can get that far?
That's a tricky question to answer. The river depth in the navigation channel varies enormously especially after high flows when the silt and gravel drops out to form new shoals. As you will know, the river bed is dynamic and constantly changing. There will the added challenges of bridge air draughts and getting into the bank where it will be shallow. Water levels on each reach will be managed between 3" and 8" above standard head water and this varies day to day so ask the duty keeper at each lock for head water data.
How far you go upstream has to be your decision based on the conditions at the time of your trip..
boatone
Well-Known Member
Worth studying info on this website if you haven't already:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-bridges-locks-and-facilities-for-boaters
Also lots of info on the TMBA website: www.tmba.org.uk - see RHS column of links
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-bridges-locks-and-facilities-for-boaters
Also lots of info on the TMBA website: www.tmba.org.uk - see RHS column of links
Big John
Well-Known Member
Only if you can find a lock keeper on duty.
Old Crusty
Well-Known Member
Parabordi
Well-Known Member
Nah, just cos they think they know it all, dont mean they do.Or a knowledgeable volunteer assistant lockie
Apparently closing the lock only half full is helping us. A whole new thread.
Momac
Well-Known Member
Do they really let canoes go through the locks?
Around here (River Trent ) they lift the canoe and walk around the lock with it. On the whole it's the easier and safer approach.
We may occasionally be asked to stop the engines but its rare .
joejo
Well-Known Member
They certainly do. Some walk round but often canoe's sometimes in considerable numbers go through the locks. Also get rowing 8's 4's 2's and singles. The Thames has a very diverse selection of craft which is all part of its charm.
