Thames boating

[jecuk]

There are lots of nice places to visit on a variety of waterways. It isn't a competition.


In any event, NR spends so much time on here posting I fail to believe he is ever actually out. I am yet to see him "sur la rivière". Should be easy to see perched on his poopdeck.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

>>>
Should be easy to see perched on his poopdeck.
>>>
Please ensure he never gets a perchdeck fitted

 

[rafiki_]

We are currently on the Severn, and it is not the most interesting river in the world, but does give us access to the Bristol Channel.

We were on the Broads for a few seasons, and loved it, and would go back tomorrow, except for the commute from home, about 3 hours each way.

We would love to try the solent, but have the same concern about the commute.

We could do the Thames, if we could park Rafiki near Oxford, which would be less than 1 hour from home. So, any suggestions for mooring a 31 ft by 11 ft, with 10 ft air draft?

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

We could do the Thames, if we could park Rafiki near Oxford, which would be less than 1 hour from home. So, any suggestions for mooring a 31 ft by 11 ft, with 10 ft air draft?

Downstream from Osney that airdraught won't give too much trouble. Draught?

 

[DWT]

Thames Boating

Don't often come on here but where do you lot go if your stuck in a river.....don't you get bored of the same river?

When I decided to get into boating I was concerned about getting bored with seeing the same bit of river time after time. Eighteen years later we are on our third boat and still love the Thames.

 

[rafiki_]

Downstream from Osney that airdraught won't give too much trouble. Draught?

Draught is about 3 ft.

 

[boatone]

Draught is about 3 ft.

You can download the EA Customer Charter which includes details of river depths in various stretches.
Below Oxford they state the river is suitable for draughts of 1.2 metres increasing as you get further downstream so 3feet should cause you no major problems.

 

[rafiki_]

Thank you, but any suggestions for moorings near Oxford that will suit Rafiki?

 

[TrueBlue]

That's a big ask -

Thank you, but any suggestions for moorings near Oxford that will suit Rafiki?

as I don't think most of the larger (draft wise) boats can get above Abingdon, but here's my take; based on reasonable supposition - but I only draw 2' 2".

Abingdon below the bridge - very popular.

Nothing until Sandford Lock EA, mooring in the weir streams just below the lay by. It quite a strong stream so likely to be scoured a bit deeper than normal. Ask the lockie - 01865 775889

Shallow until Christ Church Meadow; there's a long line of moorings on the nearside (LHS) beyond the College boathouses. There are quite substantial rings set into the bankside so I suspect they were used bu heavy craft in the past.

If you can get under Folly Bridge (narrow-er and not very high) then there are EA 24 hour moorings on the LHS above Osney Lock. It's in the main flow and quite narrow, so I'd expect the channel to be well scoured. Again ask the lockie - 01865 247050.


After that the River is only open to Special Boats ( )

Both CC meadows and Osney are pretty well in the centre of Oxenford.
CC meadows takes you past Morse's Police Station, and if I may be allowed a plug - if you like authentic Chinese cuisine Sojo restaurant in Hythe Bridge Street which is pretty well your direct route into Oxford from Osney is well recommended (Giles Coren). Cheap for lunches and good value for evenings.
Other wise the City is well provided with all sorts of culinary experiences. Just keep away from the main drag and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Osney moorings are surprisingly quiet considering the bridge that will keep you away from My River is one of the main arteries into the City.

 

[rafiki_]

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear, I would be interested in permanent moorings for Rafiki on the Thames, and am looking for suggestions of marina's near Oxford so access from home is less than 1 hour drive.

 

[TrueBlue]

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear, I would be interested in permanent moorings for Rafiki on the Thames, and am looking for suggestions of marina's near Oxford so access from home is less than 1 hour drive.

Aha, there are moorings and moorings

Not a lot of choice, in fact possibly only one -

Abingdon Marina. Nice location on the River, but the road approach is a bit daunting as are the spiked fences. Very friendly, though. Expensive for what it is (IMHO).

If you can get through Folly Bridge -10ft. 3ins then there is a choice of a split marina; Osney / Osney Mills Marina, in the old millstream. The landward part has faculties - somewhere to park, showers and a clubhouse.

The lock side above and below the lock has water and 'leccy, not a lot of parking.

There are club moorings on the offside between Rose Island and Kennington rail bridge (disused). No facilities. Sainsbury's not too far away. I have no idea what it's called.

That's it.

 

[rafiki_]

Thanks Trueblue, will have a Google at these. I will probably stay on the Severn this season, and look to move when she comes out.

 

[boatone]

There is Abingdon Marina a little downriver from the town.

Their website says there will be 6 x 14metre+ moorings available from June 1st.

 

[rafiki_]

Yes, had a look at that, but not much info on the website. Will do some investigating, and drop in sometime by road to get the feel of the place.

 

[Loggo]

I think the Abingdon website has said that for more than 12 months ! That said Gary is a good sort and will try to fit you in, I have no doubt.

 

[TrueBlue]

Yes, had a look at that, but not much info on the website. Will do some investigating, and drop in sometime by road to get the feel of the place.

Might be worth giving them a bell anyway and put yourself on the "interested" list; costs nothing and at least you'll be in the queue.

While you're at it - ask about the depth, particularly at the entrance. It's on a bend and although the channel is reasonably wide at that point, it's beyond the possibility of some silting, especially as most of the residents are small cruisers.

 

[rafiki_]

OK thanks will do.