Sealine S28 - Netherlands to Thames - delivery suggestions?

[mwituni]

Hi all,

New to the forum so hopefully not breaking any rules, checked out rules etc so think I'm ok so far.
No crucification please - wrong season for that anyway!

So I have a Sealine S28 I'd like moved from south Netherlands to UK. I initially thought I'd need to get a flatbed which is quite expensive, but some dutch people are saying I should just run it over the pond (channel) ... they reckon there's students that would do it free ... but I guess the boat may not arrive better for the experience! Prob better to get someone a little more responsible with some experience!

So I've started wondering about getting someone to do it. I'm not able to get time off to do it for a few months. Does anyone have any ideas / good advice .. other than resign and do it myself! Or good contacts?

Is that very pricey - to hire someone? I'd have though its a hell of a nice trip so hopefully that helps keep the price down! (as opposed to earning the £'s stuck in an office). I'll even throw in a packet lunch!
No fixed date as yet so can come over on a nice day (which I prefer anyway).

Also, I know you get what you pay for, but does one need a highly certified / experienced captain for this?

If its trucked over, I'd like it on Thames - somewhere near Reading. If motored over the pond, anywhere along coastline (perhaps at Margate near Thames mouth) is fine, I'll use it along there for a while before taking it down Thames - looks like about 120nm. I believe that should be well within range with a full tank.

Thanks

 

[[2068]]

Hi,

I'd definitely stick with a company that has a good reputation.

e.g. http://www.halcyonyachts.com/

... assuming you want your boat to arrive in the same shape that it left in!

120nm is definitely possible in good weather, but the last time I did 100nm+ in an S28, the ground was stil moving when we stopped.

A good stopoff at the UK would be at Ramsgate ... (not sure there's any marina at Margate?).
Then a run up the Thames. There are people on here that could better advise on stops there (Thames forum).

dv.

 

[Whitelighter]

You are looking at about £250/day for the skipper. £125/day for crew (you'll need at least 1). That cost plus expenses (so travel out there, food etc) plus fuel and moorings.

I guess all in you are looking at £1000 for the crew plus maybe £350 in diesel and £40 for am overnight stop.

Basics you should get the boat back for less than £1500

 

[mwituni]

120nm is definitely possible in good weather, but the last time I did 100nm+ in an S28, the ground was stil moving when we stopped.

Thanks for reply.
That sounds rough! Don't think I'll ever be going out unless weather is perfect and as flat as a pond.

A good stopoff at the UK would be at Ramsgate ... (not sure there's any marina at Margate?).

Excellent point - thanks for that.

 

[powerskipper]

The trip would be weather dependent, so you would have to say a rough time scale you would like it moved in. Ramsgate does have a marina but its tidal locked and not sure if its just for berth holders. pricing is about what was mentioned.

 

[mwituni]

Thanks Whitelighter for comments re price.
I seem to be doing well on that thus far, I have 2 quotes in mid £600's excl diesel, and another £600 plus travel costs - but waiting to hear what those travel costs are - i assume its not just diesel so waiting to get an estimate.

Good point powerskipper, I'm not experienced with coastal tides. Would learn fast if I arrive at a tidal marina when tide is out!

Are there good / well frequented places to advertise for more quotes for skippers?

Thanks

 

[Billy Blue]

The trip would be weather dependent, so you would have to say a rough time scale you would like it moved in. Ramsgate does have a marina but its tidal locked and not sure if its just for berth holders. pricing is about what was mentioned.

Correct for the "Inner Marina used by permanent berth holders, with access approximately 2 hours each side of high water." but you can get into the Eastern and Western Marina 24 hours

 

[jeffey]

Its a easy trip Done it several times come out the canals at Vlissingham cross over the Westershield and along the coast to Ostend then cross over to ramsgate or Dover both have marinas You will have to pick your weather window tho .Done it a few years ago on a smaller Sealine But only just had enough petrol to get back to Folkestone .any boat owner with common sense would be able to do the trip

 

[Chris_d]

The trip would be weather dependent, so you would have to say a rough time scale you would like it moved in. Ramsgate does have a marina but its tidal locked and not sure if its just for berth holders. pricing is about what was mentioned.

Only Ramsgate inner harbour is tidal locked, the outer marina is 24/7, no problems with access there. There is not much more if heading up the Thames until the Medway where there are
few options, Margate only good to anchor for lunch not overnight.

 

[mwituni]

Thanks for all the replies.

...and another £600 plus travel costs - but waiting to hear what those travel costs are - i assume its not just diesel so waiting to get an estimate.

Just an update on that : I just heard that the £600 quote is all in except diesel - which sounds hard to beat! They are on the east coast which helps I guess.

That said, I quite like one of the other quotes which is slightly higher as he'll also throw in some time showing us the basics of coastal cruising (as opposed to Thames river), and babysit us down to Brighton, plus he's been very helpful with answers / advice.

Very nice people these boaters.

It's a easy trip ... any boat owner with common sense would be able to do the trip

Thats me out then! :ambivalence:
I've no coastal cruising experience to speak of, so won't try that.
But I would imagine it should be easy enough once once has some experience / confidence.

Only Ramsgate inner harbour is tidal locked, the outer marina is 24/7, no problems with access there. There is not much more if heading up the Thames until the Medway where there are few options, Margate only good to anchor for lunch not overnight.

Thanks for that Chris_d. It'll either be Ramsgate or Dover.
My plans changed tho ... I won't be going to Thames, but rather around to Solent and keep it there.