South Coast - Cheap boating option

[ontheplane]

I ’ve been in a similar situation with a 24’ cruiser and the trailer vs. marina debate. From my experience, while trailer storage like Bucklers Hard seems cheaper, the hidden costs add up quickly — tow car, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and the hassle of launching every time. It can turn what should be fun into a bit of a chore.

Yes I’ve been through all that myself - s’why Id like to find one that does a tractor launch for you

To balance it tho a bit, it does save on antifoul, anodes and boat maintenance…

 

[stranded]

Yes I’ve been through all that myself - s’why Id like to find one that does a tractor launch for you

To balance it tho a bit, it does save on antifoul, anodes and boat maintenance…

Although it may not be practical for you given your usage pattern, we have just moved into what for us is a first ‘Port a Terre” contract, in south Brittany. 10 lifts and launches a year inclusive - drop them an email and the boat will be waiting for you on a pontoon; toss them the keys when you head home and they will collect from the pontoon and put her back ashore. 4 months over winter on pontoon, all inclusive, plus 2 free weeks on pontoon in peak July and August and a further 2 weeks at other times of the year, PLUS full fat Passport Escale - £4.5k for 44ft.

 

[ontheplane]

That’s a good deal for sure

 

[Boat2016]

Although it may not be practical for you given your usage pattern, we have just moved into what for us is a first ‘Port a Terre” contract, in south Brittany. 10 lifts and launches a year inclusive - drop them an email and the boat will be waiting for you on a pontoon; toss them the keys when you head home and they will collect from the pontoon and put her back ashore. 4 months over winter on pontoon, all inclusive, plus 2 free weeks on pontoon in peak July and August and a further 2 weeks at other times of the year, PLUS full fat Passport Escale - £4.5k for 44ft.

Just goes to show how we are being ripped off on the south coast, I keep hearing of more giving up boating that starting, when the berthing fees equate to the cost of the boat within a short time it’s not helping new boaters, the big groups seem to think the remaining bertholders can pay for the empty berths, this is unlikely to go on for too long

 

[stranded]

Just goes to show how we are being ripped off on the south coast, I keep hearing of more giving up boating that starting, when the berthing fees equate to the cost of the boat within a short time it’s not helping new boaters, the big groups seem to think the remaining bertholders can pay for the empty berths, this is unlikely to go on for too long

Couldn’t agree more - exemplifies the difference between France (well Brittany) and England. France encourages and nurtures sailing (as well as many other activities), England milks them - whether sailors, football ticket prices, cricket or rugby by seeking to rake in the income and f@$k the fans. Brittany, with a hugely superior cruising offer, does marinas at roughly a quarter of the price - with in most cases (not ours) lifetime security of tenure. Still, there’s much to love about this country, or so I’m told.

 

[paradave]

Sadly berthing fees have taken me out of the market. The last 5 years of marina fees cost more than the boat I was mooring. Madness. I’m not keen on the rise of Premier either in the SE.

 

[ontheplane]

It's just about affordable for me (Just) but is on the limit and I earn a decent salary..... (not massive - but circa 130% the uk average).

Time was most people could get afloat in a boat in a marina if they wanted to make a few sacrifices....

Now you need to be genuinely rich.

I think it will be like a lot of things - they will milk it as long as they can until suddenly there are a lot of empty berths, the prices go up to cover the empty ones whilst everyone is told how strong the demand is - and then there is a god-awful collapse.....

Greed is rarely a good thing.

 

[Boathook]

Sadly berthing fees have taken me out of the market. The last 5 years of marina fees cost more than the boat I was mooring. Madness. I’m not keen on the rise of Premier either in the SE.

I've had that problem for a quite a few years but I like the location of my berth. Overlooking marsh and under 10 minute walk into a town with the majority of shops, pubs, etc. Means I also have a "cottage" if the weather is no good for boating.