Taking her up the Mudway

[Portland Billy]

Several years ago (about fifteen, I think) I took a Fairline Phanton Mk1 from the Thames to the Medway and we were able to go up past Maidstone and eventually ended our trip a few locks further up at a rather good boozer. We had the radar arch lowered all the way.
Since then I've had several larger boats and haven't ventured further than Chatham.
I seem to recall that one of the factors in the trip was the bridge before Allington Lock (tidal side) - the idea being to ensure sufficient water depth combined with air draught, and not have too long to wait for the lock.
I would like to venture up to Maidstone with my present craft which has a fixed air draught of 12 feet - is it possible to navigate this bridge ? Or should I just forget it.
I know there's not much to recommend Maidstone - but we have relatives there.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

How much do you need under you? Aylesford Bridge IIRC is the one.

 

[Portland Billy]

Thats the one !!
I need a metre beneath to be safe.

 

[Double arvor]

oldgit will be along soon to help you out. have seen a c kip 46 get under, there just timing
with the tide

 

[teddington_lock]

Can't help i'm afraid , but feel that i should point out that this is a contender for 'Thread Title of the Year ' !

 

[JonJon]

Takes me back I can tell you.

 

[kesh]

Can't help i'm afraid , but feel that i should point out that this is a contender for 'Thread Title of the Year ' !

yep. glad i'm not the only one who read it euphemistically.

 

[No Regrets]

I liked the title, but was disappointed by the content....

 

[oldgit]

This is the one that everyone is talking about

Think this is a Fairline going under the bridge

Maidstone Town centre during the River Festival in July normal mooring is on left hand side..

However with you drawing only a metre of so(the same as me) going up early on the tide will give you a lot of headroom,several Turbo 36s Princess 414 and Fairline Sedans with fixed radar arches go up to the July River Festival every year.
Maidstone should be no problem at all.
However If you wish to go further Maidstone Bridge will be your first problem at 3.7M.
see here for Bridge Profiles and all EA stuff on Medway.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/boating/38217.aspx
This is the best sourch of info http://www.allingtonlock.co.uk/
quite bit of money has recently been spent for the benefit of boaters AND if you have a Thames licence you get to visit for FREE.

" a rather good boozer."
Err this one perhaps ?

That the Mudway just in front of the pub and behind the TonUp kid and his Doll.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Anchor at Yalding ftw. Remember you need a key for the bridge, if its working