Tow to Med

G

GARYSJENKINS

Member
Joined
17 Feb 2021
Messages
38
Visit site
Hi
New to the group and new to boats. Moving near Burnham on Crouch end of this year prompting us to the idea of a Sealine S23, 24,25. Small enough for a beginner I think with mooring at Burnham Marina planned. As this boat can be trailered we discussed the idea of towing to the Med, Spain, Greece for winter. Is this crazy or have others done this. If so what was their experience and problems.
 
We trailed an S23 to Spain for many years. Once you get onto the European motorways it’s easy. We stopped of at “Aires” on the way for overnight stops but there is a real danger of nighttime raids so not recommended.
We had a lot of punctures which I put down to the trailer being just on specification so make sure you have a real decent one and carry a spare wheel and an additional spare tyre.
Last thing look after your bearings, brakes, cables......get it craned in. The S23 is a large boat to launch/recover.
 
If your overall towing rig is legal in the countries you're driving through and you're comfortable doing it then why not? - Thousands of caravans do it every (normal) year. I've towed cars back on trailers from a few European countries with no issues.
 
we towed our 28ft twin diesel Karnic from Belgium to Croatia, SOF, UK, and Schotland

cruise reports posted in the sticky Forum cruise report thread (on top of the threads overvieuw page)

loads of family fun with trailer boating !
 
Yep I've done it too, although mine was just 20ft.. for the trip I did, I found an Airbnb that had a long driveway or large gated access to park the car and boat. Worked a treat
 
chillee said:
Yep I've done it too, although mine was just 20ft.. for the trip I did, I found an Airbnb that had a long driveway or large gated access to park the car and boat. Worked a treat
Click to expand...
Sorry. I meant for a stopover on the way down and back. Rather than Aires.
Hotels are almost impossible because of parking.
 
GARYSJENKINS said:
I would imagine to leave in marina over six months and use cheap flights to visit it for a monthly breaks.
Click to expand...
Remember the med is relatively shut in winter ( depends where exactly of course ) and the weather can be very stormy. You will find good weather from time to time but the main med season is may - October for a reason.

my experience with towing like the above poster was punctures ( overheating tyres I suspect ) and bearing hassle. Spend a lot on a high capacity trailer
 
I spent years on the Costa del Sol near Estepona and, although there were spells of poor winter weather, there were also lots of days when you could get out.
 
I’m sure you know but re Brexit you must return your boat to the UK every 18 months or you will loose your UK VAT paid status. I say this because it’s tempting to keep your boat in storage in Spain over winter rather than trail home.
You will need some sort of documentation to prove your date of “export” each time
 
GARYSJENKINS said:
Picking up on the weather warnings in Med would it be better to stick to Spain Costa's.
Click to expand...

The Costas area on the med! They are pretty far south I agree.

As another poster said there are plenty of nice days, but when it is bad it is miserable. You also won't be able to swim from Nov - May.

So its "fine" but the true med experience needs decent weather, hot days and swimmable water.
 
jrudge said:
The Costas area on the med! They are pretty far south I agree.

As another poster said there are plenty of nice days, but when it is bad it is miserable. You also won't be able to swim from Nov - May.

So its "fine" but the true med experience needs decent weather, hot days and swimmable water.
Click to expand...
I was swimming in December year before last, not warm but still better than summer water temperatures here in the UK. And the sun was glorious.
 
We take our 24fter down to SoF most years for two or three weeks.
Stop at Motorway Aires on the way and sleep on the boat with no problems so far.
Never had a puncture but tyres well looked after, storing during winter with wheels of the ground ect.
Have had bearing issues over the years so always have spares and equipment to change them with us. However since we stopped travelling with bearings / brakes that had been in the water, no more bearing issues. We also monitor the hub and tyre temperatures with an infra red temp sensor at each stop to get an advance warning of a problem.
In the old days we would leave the car and trailer where ever we could, and got away with it but would not do that now.
We now find a buisiness that can launch you with a crane and then store your trailer and car securely. This is best done in advance as you want to be sure access is good and you dont want to be wondering around small crowded French resort towns in summer with a big rig not knowing where best to go....very stressfull.
Also be aware that it is pandemonium down there July and August regarding finding berths / storeage etc. So if you go in these months you need to be extra well planned. Dont expect to turn up at marina of choice and find a berth.
Outside of these months we have always found berths for the night easily enough though. Having a small boat seems to help actually.
It makes for a great holiday!
 
The Spanish Costas in the winter are warm ashore in the afternoon, but it's nippy out at sea. Well 10 - 12 degs.
But it's a great time to explore new destinations as many days there is little or no wind and the sea is like a mill pond. But unless you like wetsuits not great for swimming etc.
So with a decent jumper and some suntan cream it can be good fun and no problem getting in a marina.
 
We would be swapping our motorhome winter stay for a floating caravan. Initial thinking is leave car, trailer & boat in Spain 6/7 months and keep returning by flights. Bring all back for UK season. Because of the three months in last six restriction we will need to watch our dates.
Second option is leave for 14/15 months before its return but no boat in UK summer?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top