Slipper Launches - Air Draft - or Clearance

[SP2]

I have a client who has a house on the Thames which has a cutting from the River and which would take several launches, but there is a foot bridge across the entrance which prevents access.

We are working on a project to improve the bridge, and raising its height, to providing access from the River for slipper launches is an option.

Does anyone know the minimum we should allow for clearance? With helmsman ducking! Appreciate the water level rises and falls(!) so this is just to give us a figure to work from. We will take the river level from its average and it isn't a case of needing 24/7 365 access.

Thanks as always for your input.

 

[Pump-Out]

Would depend on the builder and model, as the height of the windscreen and/or the wheel will be your datum point.

 

[Skysail]

You could give Peter Freebody’s a call at Marlow?

 

[Outinthedinghy]

Interesting project.

Seems odd that there would be an existing cut but the bridge (presumably this carries the towpath?) would be too low.

There is quite a long private cut off the river half way between Marlow and Temple locks. Not sure it is used but I was able to navigate it in the dinghy. The bridge looked reasonably high for clearance but it it needed raising I wonder if this would cause problems with access on the right of way. Specially thinking about wheelchair access.

A slipper launch is pretty low really. Most people these days seem to prefer more modern craft which are considerably higher out of the water.

 

[penfold]

Make the bridge lifting?

 

[Outinthedinghy]

Make the bridge lifting?

It would be interesting to know how that would work with the right of way.

It would presumably have to be designed so that it could not be left in the open position, otherwise at some point someone would do that even if it was inadvertently.


Just above Hurley lock on the towpath side there is a bridge which was raised quite a lot relatively recently to allow boat access. I've not actually walked over that bridge as usually tend to be on water but it looks ok if rather steep approach and departure angles.

Might be an interesting one to have a look at.

 

[SP2]

Thanks for all your replies.

The present bridge is a very simple design, with a step up at each end which doesn't make it particularly easy to use. The bridge deck is flat and there is about 12 to 18 inches clearance above the water level. Technically the bridge is the responsibility of the council, although in practice my client has replaced the bridge twice in the past 10 years due to it failing as a result of erosion of the bank that it site on.

The council has agreed that we can replace the bridge at our expense, so it makes sense to do a good job. We could put in a swing bridge or a lifting bridge which would not be a cheap option but doable, but the issue will be keeping the public safe. There are potential planning issues, too, as the site is within a Grade II* Park.

A fixed bridge with a gentle arch might be the solution so that rivercraft can pass at the centre point. The bridge isn't on the towpath and the footpath isn't part of the Long Distance Thames Path which runs on the opposite bank.

The footpath as a whole isn't accessible for wheelchairs as to get to the point where we wish to put in the new bridge, it is necessary to negotiate similar narrow bridges, but of course the intention is to make the new bridge as accessible as possible.

It's a good idea to speak to Peter Freebody, and I might see if I can speak to Adam Toop who I met professionally.

When we move ahead, I will post some pictures.

 

[Outinthedinghy]

Is it Fawley Court ?

It would lovely to see a proper bridge and boat access for the owner.
I wonder if there is a possibility that the original boathouse is going to be rebuilt. That really would be good.

I was told it's a bit difficult to get permission to reconstruct the boathouses if they are lost but I think there are still some bits remaining of the one at Fawley.

It's nice that someone is taking care of the place.

The stately homes are a very nice feature of the River and long may they remain.

 

[TrueBlue]

Is it Fawley Court ?

It would lovely to see a proper bridge and boat access for the owner.
I wonder if there is a possibility that the original boathouse is going to be rebuilt. That really would be good.

I was told it's a bit difficult to get permission to reconstruct the boathouses if they are lost but I think there are still some bits remaining of the one at Fawley.

It's nice that someone is taking care of the place.

The stately homes are a very nice feature of the River and long may they remain.

I don't think the owner of Fawley Court is in the least interested in the River other than a view. The brodge across the inlet is basic - just to preserve theThames footpath.
There are lots of glorious properties with riverside views 'ro die for', but the owners ignore the waterway. Such a shame as once tried the River can be a great relaxer - as well as entertaining clients.
Ho Hum

 

[Pump-Out]

I was told it's a bit difficult to get permission to reconstruct the boathouses if they are lost but I think there are still some bits remaining of the one at Fawley.

The overgrown bit, and the remaining boathouse, belong to HRR, I think. They are only interested in protecting the course, I suspect. Although they do now have to find secure berths for six umpire launches, as they own six of there own, now.

 

[Outinthedinghy]

I don't think the owner of Fawley Court is in the least interested in the River other than a view. The brodge across the inlet is basic - just to preserve theThames footpath.
There are lots of glorious properties with riverside views 'ro die for', but the owners ignore the waterway. Such a shame as once tried the River can be a great relaxer - as well as entertaining clients.
Ho Hum

I think it probably is Fawley. The OP mentioned using "other similar narrow bridges". Where else is that the case when passing through a grade 2 listed park by the Thames ?


The Thames Path is on the other side. That footpath is just a local Bucks cc path which starts opposite the rugby club.

 

[ianc1200]

Used to kayak up the water into Fawley Court when previous occupants (Polish monks?) were there, last time tried a guard came quickly out to stop us. But there is a stream further up which flows off the river & into it, then out again, did wonder re legality.

Whoever said Peter Freebodys were at Marlow wash your mouth with soap - the main yard is at Hurley (the other is on Boulter's Lock Island). But would have close to thirty slippers stored for the winter & would be very easy to do some measurements. Of course there are slippers & slippers - all but one of the Freebodys one's have been based on Andrews Greyhound types, then there were Meakes (Freebody's did one of those), Bonds, Nicholsons, Hobbs etc.