Strangford NI to Peel Isle of Man

[sweenstar]

This summer I aim to travel between Strangford in Northern Ireland to Peel in Isle of Man. From what I hear every so often during the summer months there is group of boats that head from Strangford to Peel for the weekend. Having been to Isle of Man several times I would be keen to join. As far as I know the group's boats are sports cruisers but mainly ribs. I have a chris craft concept 27 with a VP 7.4. I use it at present on Lough Neagh and Donegal. Is the size of the boat capable of travelling that distance safely? ie keeping up with ribs going at a fair pace constantly. The boat flat out will hit 52knots and is in mint condition. (new gear box arriving next week thanks to the help of Its_only_money!) The petrol tank is 360L and the distance is about 28 miles.


Any advice?

 

[kindredspirit]

I wouldn't see any problem.

You'll be travelling in company and just make sure of the weather before you go.

Tell everyone else your "cruising" speed as well so there's no misunderstandings.

Go for it.



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[Dave_Snelson]

Crikey - I thought my boat was quick!! As Kindredspirit says, just make sure you have a weather window big enough to get there and back in the time you have. As to the boat, Chris Craft are excellent quality, so no problems there. Good luck.

 

[Coupe]

Isle of man in big demand all of a sudden. See recent posts. I am planning Douglas as soon as the weather settles down a bit. I will PM you if I head north first as weather should be similar for both of us. Bit of a slow coach though as I cruise at 30knots /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[BrendanS]

28 miles is nothing to a craft like that, and you will have no problems at all keeping up with ribs in slight conditions. Be prepared to slow down is the swell increases, comfort levels increase dramatically at lower speeds, and if travelling in company, the other boats should be prepared to travel with you. If you want to travel in company, and are uncertain that other boats will slow down to your level, then find another group

The fastest you will ever find most boats in company cruising at is about 30 knts., Between 20 and 30 knots is more common (unless it's flat calm, in which case you will probably be leading the pack!). I haven't checked charts, but if you are correct about 28 miles (which sounds about right) even weather window is not going to be too important as it will only take you about an hour or slightly more to get there. Just don't set out if wave conditions don't seem too pleasant in first few miles of trip.

The most important thing is to give the new gear box several good test runs in rough water before you take if for any longer trips

 

[Solitaire]

Helmed correctly, your boat will piss over all but the biggest ribs! And even then you'll give em a go for their money. You have bags of power which will allow you to use the throttle well. Ok, so you may hit some swell, but again throttle control will push you on with no trouble. 28 nm's no problem, allow an hour and you'll still have time to spare.