Thames Dimensions

[fluffc]

Hi All,

Am thinking of bringing my Bawley up to Oxford for refit. But what are the maximum dimensions of the locks etc up to that point - I get differing answers from marinas, EA website etc.

The boat draws 4'6" loaded, but if I need to shave a few inches I could take some kit off. I'll take the mast down of course!

Many thanks.

 

[Portland Billy]

I would say you'd definately have a problem at 4' 6" - especially between Benson and Abingdon, there are a few very shallow patches.
I would say you need to reduce by at least a foot to be sure of making it to Oxford.

 

[teddington_lock]

My parents used to have a trawler yacht that drew 4' 6" and that used to scrape along the bottom around Abingdon , and that was 17 years ago.

If you look at page 10 of the user guide ( link below ) , it will give you the maximum recommended draft for each section ( these depths i believe apply to the middle third of the river )

http://www.visitthames.co.uk/uploads/A Users Guide to the River Thames web.pdf

Good luck

 

[Brayman]

I'd say 4' is absolute maximum draft, and even then you need to be careful and be lucky with water levels.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Even if you could get up with that draught you might find many mooring spots extremely restricted.

 

[fluffc]

Thank you all, and the visitthames guide was quite useful.

Just been looking at the lines drawing for the boat, and it indicates 4'3" draft. I think if i reballast temporarily then I may get down to 4' - but that could still be a bit tight.

Looks like Reading might be a possibility though.