Thames Charts

[vjmehra]

Where can I buy charts of the tidal/non-tidal thames?

I assumed these would be easy to find, but I am really struggling!

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Portland Billy]

Any Thameside chandler will have the non-tidal maps (charts ?), and most on-line chandlers will have a chart section which will cover the non-tidal section.
The Admiralty Leisure charts are very good for the non-tidal. They come in a handy size and cover one section at a time - I think they are still available despite all the cut-backs.

 

[Boatshed London]

If you're in Central London, try Ocean Leisure, the chandlery next to Embankment station.

 

[apollo]

Go to any MDL marina on non tidal and buy a map from them, very useful they are too!

 

[vjmehra]

Great thank you!

 

[vjmehra]

I tried Ocean Leisure, who had no Thames charts at all! Odd for the only central London based marine store, but they had completely run out :-(

 

[vjmehra]

Can anyone recommend any websites for the non-tidal charts, can find plenty with the tidal ones, but virtually nothing with non-tidal charts?

 

[Gavi]

I just use the PLA's guide: http://www.pla.co.uk/pdfs/maritime/NEW_Inner_PRINT_FINAL.pdf

What more than this are you looking for? (And I ask this honestly)

 

[Brayman]

Can anyone recommend any websites for the non-tidal charts, can find plenty with the tidal ones, but virtually nothing with non-tidal charts?

As Apollo said earlier, go to any MDL Marina and ask for one - I'm pretty sure they are free!

 

[vjmehra]

Partly because I'm keen to get experience of using charts as I'm doing my day skipper later this year and also because I have no real idea of the distance between various points on the Thames and would like to be able to plan trips, knowing roughly how long each section would take.

The PLA website doesn't have enough detail unfortunately :-(

 

[Dave_Seager]

I am not sure whether you will be able to find a conventional map or chart of the non-tidal Thames. Stanfords used to produce a map that unfolded into a very long strip but I have not seen them on sale for many years although I have often seen them framed in riverside pubs.

There are several books containing the information that you need. The most popular seem to be Nicholson's Waterways Guide No. 7 and the The Thames Book by Chris Cove-Smith. You should find both of these on sale in most chandleries on the Thames.

 

[boatone]

Imray do quite a good 'chart' of the tidal Thames from Teddington to Southend:
http://www.force4.co.uk/2268/Imray-C2-The-River-Thames---Teddington-to-Southend-.html

Kosher Admiralty paper charts only go up as far as Tower Bridge (I think) but you can browse all the Hydrographic Office Charts available HERE

If you are planning to do an RYA course ask the school which charts they will use and get those.

As far as the non tidal Thames is concerned, as others here have said the map available from MDL marinas is as good as it gets really but the Chris Cove-Smith book is really useful.
The EA Users Guide To The River Thames includes information on distances between locks etc. You may find a copy at one of the locks but, due to government restrictions, the EA are unable to reprint this year!

 

[vjmehra]

Great, thank you I think you've given me more than enough here, looks very useful!

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

RYA DS certainly used to have a faked up Channel chart with some fictitious islands on it, with corresponding tide tables, pilotage notes and so forth. All came as a package and the same are used for YM. A chandlery will often have them in stock around the start of the academic year.

As for the tidal Thames, Imray C2 is good. I have never seen an actual chart per se of the non tidal river, barring small amounts that appear on "real" charts. A vote for the Thames Book by Cove-Smith, if you want depths etc it is better at that sort of information, IMO Nicholson's are better at what is away from the immediate riverbanks as its often printed more closely in the book.

Now, to practical applications, I dont know of an exclusively Thames waterside pubs guide, but the denizens of this parish are experts

 

[Ramage]

Pubs of the River Thames by Mark Turner. Published by Prion.

ISBN 1-85375-549-4

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Pubs of the River Thames by Mark Turner. Published by Prion.

ISBN 1-85375-549-4

I shall look out for that. I'll admit I might see getting a tick next to each entry as some form of personal challenge

 

[vjmehra]

Looks great!

 

[Dave_Seager]

Admiralty Chart 3319 covers the Thames from Tower Bridge to Teddington.

 

[vjmehra]

Cool, thanks, will get hold of either the Imry or Admiralty charts..

 

[exfinnsailor]

Watch out which charts you use as they have different colours. I Use Imray on the boat and stick to them so no confusion. You can ring the chart room at Imray and order your chart. There is a new one for the Thames 2010 so check you get the latest I ordered one from a rather large online chandler and got the out of date one. Imray then changed it for me to the new addition .. Thank you Chart Room at Imray ..