Thames to Devon

[Vorlaz]

We are relatively new to motor boats and have a Bayliner 330 on the Thames near Hampton - we've had the boat for a couple of years. We want to move the boat down to south Devon (near Bigbury) and we're trying to work out how long it will take. We might do it in two stages, leaving it in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight before heading down to Devon at a later date. I've sailed a similar route a few times but wasn't sure how long to allow in the Bayliner. Any advice, gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[markc]

Assuming it's diesel and a 25knt cruise, a decent range, the quickest you could do it is as follows, assuming long days

Teddington - Southampton Leg 1 (with a fuel stop in Ramsgate and Brighton if necessary)
Southampton - Bigbury - leg 2 with a fuel stop in Weymouth

Obviously add in extra stops as dictated by weather / fuel / stamina!

 

[simonfraser]

that's a petrol engine according to google
you might want to think of moving her overland, especially with the autumn coming up
all depends on how much spare time you have

 

[markc]

that's a petrol engine according to google
you might want to think of moving her overland, especially with the autumn coming up
all depends on how much spare time you have

Agreed, if it's petrol, take it by land as I don't think you could make it with the petrol that's available en-route

 

[Vorlaz]

Thanks and yes it is petrol. I appreciate it's a bit harder to get petrol but is it really that difficult along the south coast?! Obviously chugging down the Thames at 5 knots doesn't use too much of it!!!

 

[simonfraser]

quick google there is no petrol for sale at dover marina, there is in brighton
bet other local knowledge is available, you'll burn through a lot at 20+ knots if the water is flat enough

 

[markc]

Thanks and yes it is petrol. I appreciate it's a bit harder to get petrol but is it really that difficult along the south coast?! Obviously chugging down the Thames at 5 knots doesn't use too much of it!!!

What is your safe range at cruising speed? AFAIK there is no petrol between Teddington and Brighton and I'm positive you don't have that kind of range

 

[Antony Collis]

AFAIK there is no petrol between Teddington and Brighton and I'm positive you don't have that kind of range

There is Petrol at Gillingham for sure. That boat probably has a 100 gallon tank and should do 1MPG

 

[IDAMAY]

It`s now a very long time ago but I remember moving a twin petrol engine Sealine 255 from Windsor to Chichester Marina. We took three days with stops at St Katherine`s Dock, Ramsgate and Brighton. The stop at Ramsgate was for fuel only. I don`t think I would want to do that distance with only one overnight stop, particularly bearing in mind the tidal limitations at Teddington Lock. As a very new boat owner at the time, there was a massive thrill in helming my own craft through London. Do it if you can, you will never forget it.

 

[markc]

There is Petrol at Gillingham for sure. That boat probably has a 100 gallon tank and should do 1MPG

Oh yes, I forgot about the Medway. I just looked at the spec of the 355 Bayliner and that would make about 165 miles with a 20% margin. That would mean with a stop in the Medway it's about 140nm to Brighton IIRC, so that would be possible. As IDAMAY says, it's a brilliant trip through London.

 

[PeterBoater]

Don't forget that Hammersmith Bridge is closed to river traffic.

 

[PilotWolf]

Eastbourne used to have petrol.

We upset a local ‘fisherman’ on the fuel
berth because there wasn’t enough room for him to get to the pump and I estimated at least an hour for us to fuel

He calmed down when o said if the staff allowed he could come alongside assuming hose would reach.

W