South Coast Dry Stack

[Merlyn]

Hello Chaps,

I am trying to decide on which of MDL's Dry Stack marinas to use for my new boat.

Hamble Point is handy for obvious reasons but at £2,000 a year more than Saxon Wharf is probably a non starter. Traditionally my boating has tended to start in the Hamble and then either head South to the I.O.W. or West taking in all the regular spots down to Weymouth. Cobb's Quay is roughly in the centre of that traditional cruising ground and is, coincidently, priced half way between the other two so would appear to be the logical choice. The main drawback with Poole is the extra driving time, especially returning home to Surrey on a Sunday evening in the summer, and the extra £1,000 p.a., above Saxon Wharf, would probably be saved in fuel costs (twin petrols).

I would like to extend my cruising ground to include France and the Channel Islands which would again seem to favour Poole, but am I missing anything from not cruising further East?

Any thoughts on the good, bad or ugly that I should be made aware of would be gratefully received.

 

[jhr]

As you are talking about dry stack storage, I'm assuming you are small enough to get under Poole Bridge at any time, rather than just when it opens? That could be a consideration.

Don't underestimate the nuisance value of traffic on the way home; it can take a couple of hours just to get from Poole to Southampton, on a really busy summer evening.

Iirc, there's a dry stack in Lymington as well - might that be another compromise option? (Edit: they're not MDL, of course. Doh!)

 

[Merlyn]

Hello jhr,

Yes, that homeward journey is a problem, not necessarily for me as I can extend my weekend to allow for it but certainly for family and friends who may wish to visit.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

I would make sure you hedge your bets somehow too. If they ever get their act together and start building the second bridge you can be sure chaos will ensue. I haven't heard the latest and it may all been thrown into the bin when funding gets cut of course...

 

[Geoffs]

Re the bridge. Latest plans showed that tenders will all have been in by now, and construction due to start early next year. Disaster. Not much new info on Poole Borough's web site, so maybe things have gone pear shaped again. Wouldn't that be nice!

Re dry berthing. Can't recommend Cobbs Quay highly enough. Excellent facility, but could well be a no, no, if bridge comes to fruition. I hope not, because I don't want to have to move.

 

[colingr]

Very happy with Saxon Wharf, plus you do get a number of days free visiting at other MDL marinas so you could always use Cobbs etc. occasionally.

 

[Merlyn]

Thanks for the info on the new bridge chaps, I knew nothing about it, being a "foreigner". It does sound as though it might be a bit chaotic for a while if only while construction is going on.

 

[Merlyn]

Very happy with Saxon Wharf, plus you do get a number of days free visiting at other MDL marinas so you could always use Cobbs etc. occasionally.

It's the MDL package that is the main appeal. As you say, 30 days free mooring at other MDL locations, unlimited up to 4 hours stays for lunch, fuel at cost, 50% off labour rates etc, etc. Plus the fact that one can switch marinas, subject to a slot being available, at any time.

Might be worth starting off at Saxon Wharf until we see what is going to happen at Poole and then re-assess. Hmmm

Thanks for your input chaps, very helpful.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Another vote for Saxon Wharf. I had my RIB there last year and they couldn't have been more helpful. Cheaper than anywhere else too

 

[matt13]

Another vote for Saxon Wharf. I had my RIB there last year and they couldn't have been more helpful. Cheaper than anywhere else too

Glad Saxon Wharf sounds like a good option, I will be keeping my boat there. Very reasonable price and very helpful and only 40 mins drive away for me.

We may well be neighbours Merlyn!

 

[Merlyn]

Looks as though Saxon Wharf is leading by a length at the moment .

Have you got your boat yet Matt? I didn't see any pics in your thread.

 

[matt13]

Looks as though Saxon Wharf is leading by a length at the moment .

Have you got your boat yet Matt? I didn't see any pics in your thread.

No not yet, hopefully by January. Then waiting for a good day to take her out. I really like the idea of grabbing a day here and there during the winter and as Saxon Wharf only need an hours notice apparently to launch the boat I should hopefully be able to get some trips out at short notice.

Anyway, let us know what you eventually decide on regarding drystacking!