Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Rip Off

[CLP]

Am I behind the times or is the £19.00 I've just been charged for an overnight berth for a 32 footer extortionate or what. Showers and electricity are on top, and filling up with water is a major hassle. Visiting Tarbert used to be a delight. Not any more. But the harbour master (nice chap that he is), now has a brand new office.

 

[JoeQ]

Free last Saturday for me /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Aja]

I've been moaning for a while.......

JoeQ - Ok what's your secret?

Donald

 

[JoeQ]

[ QUOTE ]
JoeQ - Ok what's your secret?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't know, I just arrived on Saturday and was directed to raft up against the fishing boats as we're a bit fat. A very nice lady took our lines and left us to it. Had a very pleasant stay.

 

[dunedin]

Its a great place and a good facility. Why begrudge a small berthing fee.
If you don't like it plenty of other places to go and swing to the hook

 

[JoeQ]

Not me, I would have paid quite happily if I'd been asked.

It's a nice place and a good target for a day out but the local eateries need to get their act together.

 

[starboard]

Why do you bother....just before entering Tarbert just before the old pier on the south side is a nice little shelterd bay. In it are 2 large orange poly buoys, I dont know what they mark...nothing I think, for the last 5 years I have spent the night anchored in this bay. I drop the hook in abouth 4 mtr at low tide I guess about 1 mtr... Great, not only that but it is a short walk to Tarberts best pub for a descent pint the "Columba" unfortuneately shut for 2 years now due to building work. Not the place to be though if winds n to NE are forecast.

Paul.

 

[starboard]

P.S.......Colin are you the Contessa 32 friom Troon??? If so come round to F14 and I will tell you the best place to be!!

Paul.

 

[CLP]

Normally I don't begrudge mooring fees at all. Small harbours need all the help they can get. There are limits though and both sides of the deal have to fair.

 

[Sandyman]

Try going into Cowes or the Hamble & you will see that the 19 quid you paid out was quite reasonable.

 

[claymore]

I think that oversimplifies the case. Everyone knows that the Solent and Hamble are expensive and always have been. Tarbert is a rather different situation. A pontoon was first installed there to encourage leisure craft to go into what is a delightful place and spend a few bob to bolster and sustain the local economy. Events such as Scottish week as well as a growth in leisure sailing on the Clyde has led to increased investment in the form of a longer pontoon and a number of businesses firmly tilting their cap at the sailing market and the revenue it generates. The yottie pocket is not bottomless and we all consider value for money at some point - normally, I would suggest, when we feel we are not receiving it. Tarbert is not really worth £19:00. as the investment directly in facilities for leisure sailors has pretty much dried up and so the perception now has shifted to one of a small port managed by a few opportunists seeking to make a killing out of " wealthy yotties"
Portpatrick offers exactly the same in terms of a sheltered harbour, toilets and showers - no pontoon admittedly, but it cost £12:00 to stay overnight a couple of weeks ago.
Tobermory again is increasing in price - and again there has been major investment in facilities. There really needs to be the conversation prior to investment that outlines where the line comes between reasonable levels of investment, reasonable facilities, reasonable charges - and prices having to be hiked to afford the upkeep of facilities that perhaps were not really needed.
I would not choose to go to Tarbert now because I feel the developments have had a detrimental effect and the charm of the place that first struck me 35 years ago has been sadly reduced.

 

[SQUIRRELS]

Over the past season ot two, I have noticed the increased use of 'reserved signs' being hung on what is effectively a public quay.

Now, perhaps if the vessel expected is say, 50ft plus and even then there is a case that they should be on the other side, but that aside it is common to see 40ft boats reserving places, not too large by current standards. Does anyone why this is now a regular sight? Can't say I recall such signs being used 10 years ago or thereabouts.

 

[Slow_boat]

Would anyone be happy to pay £19 to park their car overnight?

So why is it different for boats?

 

[CLP]

Some interesting comments coming back on this, thank you all. Just to add another perspective, Largs Yacht Haven would charge £23 for my 32 foot boat, with free showers, excellent pontoons and other yotty facilities. My £19 at Tarbert plus the 4 showers we had at £1 each equals £23. Tarbert's a nice place but £ for £ the berting facilities don't compare.

 

[Kantara]

What are the 'major investments' in facilities at Tobes? There are lot sof mooring buoys, I agree, but you are still left with the filthy showers at the Mishnish - that you have to pay for, anyway. When I was in last week, the rubbish skips were overflowing and the only facility for your £12 was the ability to tie up your dinghy to a pontoon.

 

[claymore]

Well - the pontoon is relatively new and its expanded from the original bit which was just for tenders and there are plans to develop that corner of the waterfront to include a shower block I think.

The old fart in me would prefer none of this to have been done, although being able to get diesel and water on the pontoon there is a good move.

 

[webcraft]

Tobers pontoon saved my rig . . .

 

[ak7274]

I don't go anymore as I find paying £19 for the privelige of rafting up 3-4 across, mine hosts who if their faces were the weather then a long wet weekend is in store and paying extra for a shower is way over the top........if you can get one. It's a beautiful harbour though.

 

[SQUIRRELS]

One thing everyone surely will agree about Tarbert, is that the showers are always lovely and clean. The lady who maintains them does a grand job and the fresh flowers she places in both the ladies and gents are a really nice touch.

 

[machurley22]

[ QUOTE ]
Tobers pontoon saved my rig . . .

[/ QUOTE ]
To be fair it did have a bit of help.