The Great Ouse

[macnorton]

There goes that idea then. The boat won't plane at that speed and there is no point trying to cruise at between 6 and 15 as its just a waste of fuel with the boat pushing water and sticking its nose in the air.

5 knots plod it is then

Don't think I would want to plane on that cut, I have an old map of it that may help.

 

[Brayman]

Don't think I would want to plane on that cut, I have an old map of it that may help.

I should hope not, don't they care about bank erosion up there?

 

[CX54WEK]

I should hope not, don't they care about bank erosion up there?

Does the tide twice a day not erode anything?

 

[CX54WEK]

Don't think I would want to plane on that cut, I have an old map of it that may help.

It looks increasingly like we will be pottering up there at 5-6 knots.

Naughty-Cal will be wondering whats going on

 

[Brayman]

Does the tide twice a day not erode anything?

A feeble excuse

 

[macnorton]

A feeble excuse

The sediment in that river would easily outway any erosion created by a fast boat, its more to do with hitting sandbanks at speed! but as I doubt you have any knowledge of the river we can let you off

 

[Alpha22]

The biggest danger is hitting the bottom, but it is all soft mud and not much of a drama as long as you get off pronto.

There is a speed limit, but there is no obvious means of enforcing it. There are no river based patrols and the river winds its way through some of the most sparsely populated areas of the country. You will be lucky if you see any signs of human inhabitation between KL and Denver..... some would say Ely, but that is being cruel to the folks at Denver!!!

A motor boat at any speed will not cause any significant erosion..... there are no traditional banks ... you have to see it to fully understand.

 

[Brayman]

A motor boat at any speed will not cause any significant erosion..... there are no traditional banks ... you have to see it to fully understand.

Sounds intriguing, I await CX's photos and videos with eager anticipation

 

[CX54WEK]

You will have to wait until July!

 

[Alpha22]

A teaser - One of the bends at low(ish) tide. See the nasty sand/mud bank stretching out across the width of the river and the sloping banks?

The tidal bore that occasionally rips up before the tide. Note the colour of the water... it's more like dilute mud!!!

One of the last bridges on the way up - tide mostly in, but it can be much higher on springs and when there is an onshore wind. Of note in the picture is the evidence of human life.... rare in these parts!!! When the tide is out, this is unnavigable.... You are limited to a few hours either side of high water, but not when it is at its highest as you cant get under the bridges..... timing is everything!!

 

[CX54WEK]

Thanks for that. I think!

 

[ffiill]

My daughter moved to Bedford last year and I have become quite taken by the river despite being an offshore sailing yachtie!
I quite fancy the idea of doing some motor cruising on it!

 

[SimonA]

I'm at Bucken Marina, the river is at its best between St Ives and Buckden so don't rush that section.

 

[CX54WEK]

We might not get that far. We will only have a 7 day visitors licence.

 

[macnorton]

I would go straight up the 100ft to Erith and miss Denver, you can always do Ely and Denver on the way back.

 

[Alpha22]

Someone once did Bedford to Denver in a day..... you just have to get on with it!! OK... That was a charity stunt and they did have a lot go help with setting the locks..... it was also a dawn to dusk affair in high summer.

That said, we did manage Denver to St Neots in a day on one trip back from a coastal excursion. We stopped at Little Ouse Moorings for diesel (cheapest you will find) and Ely for fags and milk. Then straight to St Neots.... we are very quick at self service locks.... very quick!!

 

[CX54WEK]

We have no intention of rushing around. We are on holiday and plan to enjoy it

 

[macnorton]

Someone once did Bedford to Denver in a day..... you just have to get on with it!! OK... That was a charity stunt and they did have a lot go help with setting the locks..... it was also a dawn to dusk affair in high summer.

That said, we did manage Denver to St Neots in a day on one trip back from a coastal excursion. We stopped at Little Ouse Moorings for diesel (cheapest you will find) and Ely for fags and milk. Then straight to St Neots.... we are very quick at self service locks.... very quick!!

Brass Buckle did northampton to Bedford and back in a weekend once, that was with lots of help and non stop for Children in need.

Now many of the locks are electric it takes longer.