Stuck on the Thames - any budget ideas?

[Reptile Smile]

Hi all,

I was moving my boat back to Bristol today, and was trying to get above Old Windsor lock before it closes tomorrow to avoid being 'shut in'.

Unfortunately, I had engine trouble in Sunbury, and was unable to manage it. That means I'm around until January 25th...

Always one to make the best of it, I'm wondering what my options are, in trying to keep everything as cheap as poss.

I have a 2 week licence on it ATM, which I can extend to a month for an extra £20. Can I tootle from mooring to mooring for a month (bearing in mind I live in Bristol, and it's not easy for me to get up there more than, I guess, twice - ie; a fortnight here, a fortnight there.

I very much know this isn't ideal - believe me, it wasn't my favoured plan - it's just a result of the lock closure.

Are there any moorings that any one can suggest? Am I likely to run into trouble with river levels, given that I'm not around to attend to ropes?

If I'm in a marina, do I still need an EA licence? I'm also not short of jobs to do on her - a month of hard-standing might not be the daftest idea in the world, in which case can anyone suggest any ideas for locations for this?

Any thoughts and observations of how to make the best (and the cheapest) of this foul-up would be gratefully received...

Cheers

 

[Brayman]

Pass.

 

[watson1959]

Um..... How about motoring back by canal?

 

[oldgit]

What size of boat do you have ?

 

[Dave_Seager]

Since you were trying to get above Old Windsor from Sunbury, I assume that you were planning to use the Kennet and Avon Canal.

There are red and yellows boards out on all of the Thames at present so moving around is probably not a good idea. On the other hand, this may delay the work at Old Windsor Lock so I suggest that you check with the Environment Agency.

I you leave your boat afloat, even in a marina, you will still need a licence on the Thames. The Agency have been checking boats in marinas a lot recently.

Whether you opt for hard-standing really depends on how much work needs the boat to be ashore, what this is worth to you and what it will cost to stay afloat. I doubt whether it will be practical to keep moving between public moorings for a month if you are based in Bristol so you would probably need to pay for a mooring somewhere. Most pulic moorings are limited to 24 hours.

I might be able to help you to find a cheap mooring, not far from Sunbury and where you will not need a licence but it depends on the size of your boat. Let me know your length, draught and air draught if your are interested.

 

[mlines]

I would suggest you talk to EA.

Their work programme is effectively trapping you on the Thames with nowhere to go and a visitors licence that is expiring.

It sounds to me like a concession/compensation on a full licence is in order.

 

[BarryH]

Depending on the size of the boat, would it not be a bit more cost effective to take it out and trailer the thing?

 

[TrueBlue]

I would suggest you talk to EA.

Their work programme is effectively trapping you on the Thames with nowhere to go and a visitors licence that is expiring.

It sounds to me like a concession/compensation on a full licence is in order.

Sorry to be a pain,
BUT a licence only entitles the owner to be on the water, not actually go anwhere. I know that upsets some folk, but that's the way it is.

However, EA folks being generally nice peeps, might be a ble to come to some arrangement, if asked politely.
OR,

given that on the Thames his lines need to be monitored -
he could try the Wey
or scuttle back onto CART's waters where the levels are more less constant (I'm talking about the GU)

 

[mlines]

on the water

of course, but he is "on the water" due to the works, otherwise he would be long gone.

As TrueBlue, I guess you could always find another cheaper bit of water to park in.

You may be entitled to a discount anyway if you have not had a visitor licence earlier

3.Motor boats first used on or after 1 September are entitled to a 50 per cent reduction of the full annual charge. This late registration option is not available if a visitor registration has been taken prior to 1 September.

 

[chuckaduck]

Mooring

Try Mark at Eeel pie Island , I dont have his tel no but Forbsie can put you in contact with him

 

[Forbsie]

I'm sure that Mark would help if he can. We are in draw-off mode at the moment until 1st week in December so you would need to be able to take the ground between tides.

I'll PM his number or you can PM your boat details and I'll ask him.