Waverley Thames trip

and speaking of steam boats I noticed that this rather great boat often seen on the Thames is up for sale.

SURTA

I wish I had noticed this sort of thing yars ago when young free single and rich. Its a great boat for the River and also can do the ditches if needed as it is narrow beam.

I've seen and heard it on the River its excellent.

1988 Classic Replica Gentleman's Steam Launch Antique and Classic for sale - YachtWorld


Even better if it was a wood or coal burner though !

This one uses 1lb of good hardwood per hour apparently but is smaller with no living accomodation

 
Just_sayin' said:
Even if you can’t do the full cruise the mini cruises are brilliant

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Thanks for pointing that out.


I will check the trains tomorrow morning and if we can get to Gravesend and its not been fully booked I'll definitely take the girls down there and jump on the boat.

That would be a lovely little run up the River.

there is a rail strike but suspect some of the trains will be running ok. Gravesend is not too far and always more relaxing to have the problem on the way out rather than on the way home !
 
Yes the pilot was on CH14 just now. Approaching Tower Bridge with escort tug Thames Vixen.

No trains for us to get to gravesend today and I don't fancy a 4 change bus trip down there so we'll do it another time. Nice day for it.

Bridge lift right now inward bound for tower pier.
 
Fjord John said:
Thanks Bran. I’ve taken my boat up that stretch a few times and always find it exciting. But I’ve never been on a working paddle steamer, which is now a unique experience- sure one not to be missed for us boat lovers! I wonder what it’s like to manoeuvre it! I’m guessing no bow thruster?! John

ps thanks for the videos - special moments
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Have a good day. My neighbour is on board Sunday too. He's coming back to London by train apparently. Owner of a steam roller. I also thought it was still coal fired. Enjoy
 
We didn't go on it in the end as no trains were running but heard it on VTS yesterday morning and there were 540 POB! That must have been quite crowded...

Lovely day for it yesterday.
 
Outinthedinghy said:
I keep London VTS 14 on in the wheelhouse on the London boat 24/7. At Limehouse so I get all comms from the upper and lower pool.

The other day when Wavereley was swinging off tower pier to proceed outward bound on an ebb tide the master / pilot of the vessel was quite firm with tower bridge.

" are going up towards London bridge and will begin the swing once the bridge is open. Once we have swung we are committed."

They do have a little tug for assistance (Thames Vixen I think it was) but I don't think it does all that much so once you are going somewhere that is where you are going. I suppose people held up in traffic will be annoyed but its such a nice boat

Saturday October the 8th Rail Strike so might be hard work getting back into London from Sarfend on that day. I think c2c are affected by the strike.
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Yes, they deployed the tug and swing technique as we left Tower Pier. Aiming for the middle arch once tower bridge was opening was quite the art; not much margin for error. The skipper and crew must be very skilled. At Gravesend there was no tug. They pulled up about 10 feet from the pontoon and threw light ropes, with heavy balls attached, then winched her in. We had glorious weather ( Sunday). I really enjoyed it. Would definitely do it again, and great to think the ticket helps keep her running too. John
 
Fjord John said:
Yes, they deployed the tug and swing technique as we left Tower Pier. Aiming for the middle arch once tower bridge was opening was quite the art; not much margin for error. The skipper and crew must be very skilled. At Gravesend there was no tug. They pulled up about 10 feet from the pontoon and threw light ropes, with heavy balls attached, then winched her in. We had glorious weather ( Sunday). I really enjoyed it. Would definitely do it again, and great to think the ticket helps keep her running too. John
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Glad you had a great trip, we were knackered after a full day! Definitely will do another trip, look forward to next year.
 
Bran said:
Glad you had a great trip, we were knackered after a full day! Definitely will do another trip, look forward to next year.
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We got the train back to london from Southend but I enjoyed it so much I might stay aboard for the Red Sands Forts and the return trip next year, though as you say, that could be quite full on! Something I never noticed, are there 2 sets of forts in the Thames estuary?
 
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