Testing a dinghy

[Paddingtonbear]

I have just purchased an 8'6" 'clinker' marine ply and epoxy dinghy for sensible money which has had absolutely no use previously. I want to test its capacities, ballasting etc. before I need to use it in anger. I would like to try it both rowing and with a small outboard. I live east of Brighton and would like to try it on inland waters. I have looked at the Sussex Ouse but there appears to be little or no access and it appears that the Cuckmere is under the control of a local canoe club. I can travel a bit as I can put it on the roof of my Volvo. Any ideas?

 

[VicS]

I have just purchased an 8'6" 'clinker' marine ply and epoxy dinghy for sensible money which has had absolutely no use previously. I want to test its capacities, ballasting etc. before I need to use it in anger. I would like to try it both rowing and with a small outboard. I live east of Brighton and would like to try it on inland waters. I have looked at the Sussex Ouse but there appears to be little or no access and it appears that the Cuckmere is under the control of a local canoe club. I can travel a bit as I can put it on the roof of my Volvo. Any ideas?

The best I can suggest, but not very near to you, is Chichester.

I d suggest the hard at Dell Quay, where with a bit of luck you'll not be asked to pay any "dues", but its not a lot for a day if you are. Access will be several hours either side of HW. Free parking in the small car park near by or in the lane, but at busy times that could be a fair distance up the lane. Handy pub for food and drink.

Better access and a proper car park at Itchenor but with the office on the waterfront you'll more or less have to pay for a day's dues.

Inland I think you will find every bit of water will be tightly controlled by some authority or another.

Bewl water would be perfect but AFAIK not available to the casual user. Likewise other reservoirs in the area

Somewhere well up the river Arun perhaps ??? Pulborough?

There is an on line launching site guide ...... maybe some one has a link.

 

[VicS]

There is an on line launching site guide ...... maybe some one has a link.

Google found it http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/

 

[Seajet]

Or a touch further but very useful, the public slip by the Ship Inn at Langstone village ( Chichester Harbour ) at the mainland end of the road bridge to Hayling Island.

Half-tide slip into sheltered water and big car park ( does fill up on sunny Sundays ) - good pub and very unlikely to get patrolled !

 

[JumbleDuck]

There is a useful and detailed guide at http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/rivers/regions. It's written for kayakers, but gives plenty of details which would suit a dinghy user too.