Tidal Thames and My little Freeman.... ummm?

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hembuck

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Where can I find out what criteria I need to meet to be able to join the BCC on a cruise up the tidal end of the Thames? On top of bundles of common sense, safety gear and a fit engine, what are actual requirements that my Freeman 22 needs to have aboard? Is the Port of London website the answer to my query? or am I plain mad to be even thinking about it in such a craft and I should know my place and stay firmly put, in the not so calm waters of the shires? :-)
 
Membership first :p

The club plan all cruises around the slowest boat, and I doubt yours will be the slowest! There are plenty of rowers up and down the tidal stretch, so you're travelling in absolute luxury by comparison...

You WILL need lifejackets, and to check your fuel levels, cooling flow and so on before leaving Teddington, or at least Bray.

We would LIKE you to have a VHF, but a few numbers and a mobile phone will suffice in reality, as you will be very very well looked after by other Bray members. You will feel very comforted by the total support members (ALL members!) will so readily offer at the merest whiff of any problems, at every stage.

Boats like yours have been doing this sort of trip for decades, don't even think about worrying, but to be kind to the old girl, I would recommend an oil/filter change and new impeller at the beginning of every season, carry oil, fill up with fuel on your way down and keep an eye on the gauges. In reality, most of these engines love a good thrash up the tideway, it clears out the cobwebs, and makes them run real smooth for the rest of the year.

Look forward to seeing you! (ps be quick, we leave on Thursday...)
 
hembuck said:
Where can I find out what criteria I need to meet to be able to join the BCC on a cruise up the tidal end of the Thames? On top of bundles of common sense, safety gear and a fit engine, what are actual requirements that my Freeman 22 needs to have aboard? Is the Port of London website the answer to my query? or am I plain mad to be even thinking about it in such a craft and I should know my place and stay firmly put, in the not so calm waters of the shires? :-)
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Cruising in company is the wise way to do it. Plenty of support and assistance with a tow immediately on hand. Nothing wrong with a small Freeman doing that at all. My
rolley old Broom 30 has done the Channel in company.
 
Going with company would be ideal. Even better perhaps crew, or accompany, someone else first? If you went with the tide, both ways, you'd prob be alright. It's a hugely busy place, so what day and time of day are issues for you too. We've known craft your size go but they've had more powerful engines. Obviously life jackets and a radio are an absolute must. Perhaps visiting the London marinas might be helpful, too, where you could not only watch the locks fill etc but pick people's brains, too - although you'll also hear some horror stories!
 
Trying to get down this week, pick up my mooring pack from the office and drop in my membership application form. It is already quite evident what a spot on group there is in the club and at Bray in general, so still very excited about the year ahead. The boat bits are as I thought, only what I check every time she goes out anyway. Already on the boat ready to go is fresh oil, new filter, new plugs and points and have a new impeller ready to be fitted too. New life jackets on order. Will give this weeks trip a miss (sadly) but I would like to investigate the VHF route more and get to know some of the members first to. It is my boating dream to take her past the houses of Parliament one day so maybe its not a pipe dream after all.... crikey!
 
"although you'll also hear some horror stories!" that's the bit that keeps me cruising the shires... :-) it does worry me that she would just not be powerful enough for a sustained voyage on the tidal stretch... maybe I should wait until she has eaten all her greens and grown into a 33ft Freeman with 2 big lumps under the hood???
 
I wouldn't worry, they accepted me...:rolleyes:

I have VHF training books for you to borrow as long as you need them. Buy a handheld and speak to Roy at Bisham Abbey for a one day course. You'll need a licence for the boat (Do it now via Ofcom website, takes a few minutes and is free!! You don't need a VHF licence to do this...)

Thats a good start... ;)
 
No Regrets said:
I wouldn't worry, they accepted me...:rolleyes:

I have VHF training books for you to borrow as long as you need them. Buy a handheld and speak to Roy at Bisham Abbey for a one day course. You'll need a licence for the boat (Do it now via Ofcom website, takes a few minutes and is free!! You don't need a VHF licence to do this...)

Thats a good start... ;)
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Licence application completed, will look online this evening to find suitable handheld and then call Roy to book myself in. Thanks once again for all the info and offer of VHF book loans.
 
Give it a go,you may find it bit bumpy as you go through the centre of town,but that particular journey is worth every bump and splash and wobble,far far better than anything all those wimps and whooses in the MED will ever experience as long as they live.
You will be in very safe company and but suspect may well be supplying the drinks when you arrive.



BCC Planning Commitee

Surely its left down to London...er you sure...... the maps upside down !

BCC2.jpg
 
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I'm a great Freeman fan, used to own a 22 once, now have a 30.

Freeman 22's have been across the channel more than once!!!
I used to work in a building that looked over the river between the Blackfriars bridges, I was surprised to see a Freeman 22 cruise past my window one day!!
Go for it, but post some pics too!!!
 
boatone said:
But didn't you then review and tighten up your new members approval process after you realised what you'd done…….. ? :D
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Anyone can make a mistake, as the Dalek said as it climbed off a dustbin....


No Regrets is now our revered Rear Commode (River) as well as the highly esteemed editor of the legendary Bray Cruiser News!
 
Hembuck, the tidal Thames is a dangerous place, as is any waterway, you will have 22ft of well found Freeman. You do not have to have a VHF radio, to short to require one by PLA rules. Life jackets you should have anyway. If you can remember the Jubilee Pageant, there were all sorts of vessels there, some only 10ft long. The most important piece of kit you require is an anchor you can deploy quickly because if the motor stops you don't. Mine lives on the tidal Thames and is only 26ft, so be respectful but not scared the boat can handle far more than the Thames is likely to throw at it. Your only thought ref navigation will be to travel with the tide both down and back up, if you are traveling with others, they will aim to do that anyway. The speed limit down to Wandsworth bridge is 8 knots, after Wandsworth bridge the limit is now 12 knots so other traffic won't be going very fast, do it and enjoy it.
 
alruss said:
Hembuck, the tidal Thames is a dangerous place, as is any waterway, you will have 22ft of well found Freeman. You do not have to have a VHF radio, to short to require one by PLA rules. Life jackets you should have anyway. If you can remember the Jubilee Pageant, there were all sorts of vessels there, some only 10ft long. The most important piece of kit you require is an anchor you can deploy quickly because if the motor stops you don't. Mine lives on the tidal Thames and is only 26ft, so be respectful but not scared the boat can handle far more than the Thames is likely to throw at it. Your only thought ref navigation will be to travel with the tide both down and back up, if you are traveling with others, they will aim to do that anyway. The speed limit down to Wandsworth bridge is 8 knots, after Wandsworth bridge the limit is now 12 knots so other traffic won't be going very fast, do it and enjoy it.
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Fantastic advice, thanks! I have made my mind up that it is going to happen after ensuring the old girl and I are both totally ready for it.
 
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