Whats wrong with Brighton?

[terryw]

Hello all. Been reading the forum for a few weeks and just joined.Been on the rivers up to now, but ordered a cruiser at the LBS so we could join the Big Boys in the Real World.The boat is due end of April, and we have been looking for a suitable marina on south coast to keep it. Chichester would have been 1st choice, but due to waitlist, settled on Brighton. Why do people have a downer on Brighton Marina?
What does it have: 24 hour access, secure berths and parking, loads of pubs & resturants, ASDA, casino, sports centre, bowling, all fuels, electric & water etc.
What does it not have: A lock (hooray), a good reputation, massively overpriced moorings.
Some say when you leave you go left or right because ther is nothing nearby. IOW, Portsmouth, Solent all approx 1.5 hours away. I thought the reason for owning a boat was to enjoy the water, and a 1.5 hour cruise seems to fit the bill perfectly, therefore it seems a good location. Ok, give us your views based on experience (not emotion or heresay), and especially those berth holders at Brighton.

Thanks for your help,
Terry

 

[mike_kolling]

Where you gonna go when its rough?

In the Solent, or even the East Coast (where I cruise) you can very often still use the boat sometimes.

And when it costs as much as it does, you want to keep your options open.

 

[paulineb]

When it\'s really rough ...

... we go to The Pink Pussy Club in Brighton.

Pxx

 

[petem]

Did the journey once from the Solent and it seemed like a long way. I think you're being a tad optimitic if you're reckoning on 90 minutes. When we did get there is was alright (apart from the abundance of homeless people).

In the Solent there are many places where you can go and come back in a day e.g. Cowes, Bembridge, Newtown Creek. Yarmouth, Lymington, Bealieu, Southampton water, Portsmouth Harbour, chichester, etc.

My suspicion is that those based in Brighton have good intentions but in reality don't go out very often. Is this true?

What sort of boat is it?

 

[terryw]

It's a 7.8m (25ft) Doral Sports Cruiser. 5.0l Volvo Penta. Max speed 35-38 knots with a cruising speed of 25 knots.

Terry

 

[byron]

(Brighton = prison for boats). Your Doral at 25' will experience very tough rides in anything over a 4. Certainly it will be only on a flat calm you will achieve a steady 25 knots unless you don't mind shaking the fillings out of your teeth.

ô¿ô

 

[Guest]

I've just spent a year in Brighton and agree with Byron. Due to shallow waters and prevailing SW
winds it rarely gets below 3-4 and if you got out for a jolly, i.e. intent on a couple of hours then return
chances are your punching it one way which can be very wet. Also there is a limit to how often you
want to buzz the pier as MArk T does. 90 mins to Solent thats very optimistic
I went Brit-Ports (Port Solent Marina) in Dec approx 46nm 3.5 hrs at around 13-14 knots.
Good wind in that is was a north westerly 3-4 however still pretty wet.
On shore the marina and facilities are fine.

cneighbour

 

[BarryD]

Hi Terry we came from Eastbourne to Chichester last November in some flatish weather (maybe a 3 or a 4?). From Brighton to Chichester we took about three hours - I think the mean speed we achieved was about 17kts (5.7L Rinker 250).

Its perfectly do-able there an back in a in a day but you must keep pressing on, and I think you will marvel at the silence when you finally get to turn the engine off <G>

Having said that there are some reprobates in Brighton (known to the board) and when we visited it both by sea and land it seems a nice place, with a friendly crowd.

FWIW and IMHO of course.

Barry D.

"No, No, no - come off the plane before entering the lock..."

 

[toobaz]

Your have more fun with your Doral in or around the solent area. Certainly get more use out her. As evreyone has stated your very optimistic with timings.
Solent 3 hours minimum from Brighton
Baz

 

[terryw]

Re: Thanks for the comments

I is good to have other peoples views, and I suppose I will just have to make up my own mind over time. I agree that the Solent appears to be a better place to stay, but with the lack of available moorings in that area, the extra 45-60 min travelling time from home, and the incredible prices for a berth (if it was available), I will just have to try my luck at Brighton. (I have been told that once with Premier Marinas you get to jump the waiting list somewhat).
Some reaction from Brighton residents would still be appreciated.

Thanks,
Terry

 

[DepSol]

Re: Thanks for the comments

Is it annoying for people to know that I can get from my home to my boat in 15 mins.

Dom

 

[paulineb]

JRFO ;-) nm

bastard !!!

Pxx

 

[BarryD]

FO Dom.

And I was begining to like you - HA! back in your box, and stay there.

Barry D.

"No, No, no - come off the plane before entering the lock..."

 

[ToMo]

Re: Thanks for the comments

Huh thats nothing!...I can be at my boat in 20 seconds, and thats walking slowly!....yes I know it's on a trailer, and.......?
<G>
TôMö

 

[DepSol]

Re: Thanks for the comments

Sad, very sad Tomo

 

[byron]

Re: Thanks for the comments

two minutes to mine walking slowly

ô¿ô

 

[byron]

Consider Dover, Ramsgate or the Medway. Great cruising grounds with your boat you could be in Calais from Dover in an hour.

ô¿ô

 

[ToMo]

Re: Thanks for the comments

That's cheating! you've got a very long garden.
TôMö

 

[BarryD]

Don\'t be silly Byron...

It would take two minutes just to find your way out of your back to front upside house - unless of course you rappel off the kitchen balcony! <G>)

Barry D.

"No, No, no - come off the plane before entering the lock..."

 

[Guest]

I think Brighton is great but i live here so very convenient for me. Brighton has got lots to offer and its cheaper to buy a boat and never go to sea than buy a studio flat in the centre of Brighton, for weekend breaks. Also lots of late night parties on boats especially mine.