Visitor Prices?

[Rob_Webb]

What do people think about prices that visitors to marinas/harbours/rivers are forced to pay?

I have recently returned to sailing on the south coast after a 10 year break and my initial reaction is that prices have risen healthily in my absence and range anywhere between moderately bearable to breath-taking.

The way I feel about coughing up anywhere between £10-25 for my 27-footer depends on a number of factors, such as the quality and cleanliness of services offered (especially the toilets/showers), plus the state of the weather that day and how good a voyage I had!

On a bad day I resent the feeling of being an easy target for anyone within money-grabbing distance of my boating wallet. But then on other days I have to admit that £25 isn't a bad price to pay for a pleasant weekend excursion away from home - especially when put in the context of typical overnight B&B/hotel prices for two people, which would cost several times this amount.

So, are we right to feel wronged or are we a bunch of wingers who should just accept the price of sailing today and get on with enjoying ourselves?

Cheers!
Rob Webb.

 

[kgi]

yes Rob ithink its getting out of hand, Beaulieu river springs to mind,they once wanted ten pounds for tying up mid river for DINNER!!!!! I told the gentlemen in the boat who was collecting the dues, that i wanted to use the facility not buy it, so i slipped and went somewhere else,another one is newtown creek why should you have to pick up a mooring, after all they are navigable waters, yes i know its nat trust but do they legally have rights below the high water mark? for me this all happened six years ago, now im in the bahamas what a difference!!!!!! boat heaven in general anchor where you wish for as long as you wish literally thousands of anchorages in clear water,am i coming back to the south coast........ i think not cheers keith

 

[rogerroger]

A B&B for a night would indeed cost more - but add in the cost of boat ownership and you really can't compare them.

For a weekend jolly in the Solent I tend to avoid marinas - they are expensive and lacking in character.

I much prefer to head to the Folly (about £6) or Yarmouth (about £8) - where you get a really good atmosphere and always have a laugh.

Bucklers Hard is outrageous - I just won't go there on principle - about £12 to tie up for a quick lunch stop !! no thanks.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[Rob_Webb]

It was actually the £10-for-lunchstop at Buckler's Hard last weekend which motivated me to write this in the first place. I had no option due to the need to sort a small engine problem but I felt fleeced! Bealieu and Newtown are my two favourite spots and I do avoid marinas like the plague because of the overcrowding, rafting, noise, cost etc. I much prefer the tranquility of a solo anchorage/mooring and don't mind the dinghy ride unless there is a pressing reason to go for pontoon convenience.

I'm interetsed in what enabled you to simply swap your cruising ground from the Solent to the Bahamas? What's the story there? I would love to do the same but am currently a wage-slave to a UK-based company! I've never explored that part of the world by boat and your descriptions sound deeply appealing! Lucky you!

Rob