Thames boating advice

[andy_m]

Whilst facing a potential change in circumstance recently I began to think about
my dream to move from a permanent residence to a boat moored on the Thames.
Although "it" never happened I can't shake the feeling of wanting to change so I'm
looking for some advice from you chaps who regularly boat on the Thames.

I would like to be able to cruise both the tidal and non-tidal sections of the Thames
(possibly as far as Lechlade/Farringdon). I was looking for either a Dutch steel
motor cruiser (something like a de Groot) or a classical "gentlemans motor yacht"
in wood of about 30/33ft LOA. Would this type of boat have any issues with
clearing bridges or locks that far down the Thames ? If yes, what dimensions
of boat would be more applicable ?

Would a steel or GRP cruiser be more suited as a live-abroad over an older
style boat built of wood ? (from a maintenance perspective).

If I decided to stick with my Fairline Targa 30/33 and bring her onto the Thames,
what issues would I face ? (seems like overkill having 400hp of diesels on a river).

Where can I find information about residential moorings on the Thames ?
Can anyone recommend any good literature on cruising the Thames ?

Thanks,
Andy

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[TrueBlue]

Easy ones first:

You'll have difficulty in getting above Oxford in anything but a narrowboat or small cruiser, the clearance is about 6' 2". However, I have seen small Dutch Barges moored just below.

I would recommend a dutch barge for a live-aboard; nice lines and plenty of rectangular spaces below. Wood is nice but (very) IMHO impracticable if you are onboard "24/7".

As to books The River Thames Book by Chris Cove-Smith published by Imray is the best value. he will sell you a signed copy if you ask nicely - that is if you can find him in the Marlow area. He has upside down hair.

Getting permanent live-abord moorings on the Thames is like finding Hen's Teeth; you might have to be devious.

Powerful boats are apain on the river as they are difficult to manoevre at slow speeds (or is it the owners), and because the engines never get up to full power, will begin to chuck out lots of blue smoke; quite apart from the fuel consumption.

Hope this helps.


<hr width=100% size=1>

Stop what you're doing and wait my signal

 

[boatone]

Try http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/jim.shead/River-Thames.html
and here<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/> Website, Photo Gallery, Chat Room, Burgees

 

[PGD]

Met a guy at Gallions Point Marina with a De Groot, lovely boat 6 cabins, 54 foot, and about 15 foot high, wouldn't get under Hamersmith let alone Oxford /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Most moorings are for part live a board, ie 9-11 months of the year, some places, PM for details turn a blind eye, others don't.

As has been said before, powerful boats are difficult to control at 4 ktns and in windy conditions, also watch the draft it can be bad enough for a 3 foot draft like mine.

Enjoy the slow pace of life.

Peter

<hr width=100% size=1>Who gives the best service? tell us <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mssa.org.uk>Marine Service Standards Assistance</A>

 

[andy_m]

Wow - fantastic web-site. Answers a lot of questions !! Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[andy_m]

Part live aboard won't be out of the question. Have sent PM for details.

<hr width=100% size=1>