Where can I buy a punt?

[whisper]

Oh dear, oh dear /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. I've just agreed to buy a house alongside the Avon (Warwickshire) with a 30ft landing stage.
Unfortunately:-
a) Cost of said commitment means that there are no funds available for a motorised vessel.
b) Our Targa 25 won't fit under the bridges on the Upper Avon.
c) Don't think our inflatable (2m) is quite strong enough for the snags in the river nor very good for entertaining on /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Should I buy a punt, rowing boat or pedalo?

 

[hlb]

Saw the top off the Targa. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[whisper]

That's a stupid suggestion. It would spoil the cutting edge, streamlined, shape of the original /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

Good news, there's a smart river cruiser on Boats and Outboards here

 

[Alrob]

sorry - I thought you said where can I buy a PINT

 

[redglow]

Down the pib!

 

[canibul]

raise the bridges.

 

[whisper]

That looks about as knackered as I do, though atleast, unlike me, it has a spare drive.

 

[ColinHuggins]

With 3 metres air draft under the Avon bridges as far as Evesham there are plenty of better boats on the market which will cross the Irish Sea with impunity but which you could still moor at the end of the garden.

Go shopping!

 

[peterandjeanette]

Having spent many years on the Warwickshire Avon during times of drought a pair of waders would be sufficient. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[whisper]

Thanks, that will save me a lot of money. What size of outboard should I fit to them?

 

[whisper]

Ah, but what about the bit from Evesham to above Clopton Bridge in Stratford? That's the stretch that I'll be living on/next to. Are there any decent hostelries that are accessible to the river in this stretch?
Actually, I'm not sure that one needs an engine when you can't go more than 4kts /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.
I suspect this is going to be rather boring in comparison with crashing about, offshore.

 

[peterandjeanette]

Plenty of good hostelries from Offenham, Bidford,Welford - nothing at Luddington - and into Stratford. Nothing above Clopton Briidge.

P.S. Waders don't need outboard engines. When you live in Warwickshire you can walk ON the water.

 

[whisper]

Oh dear!! Is the water that shallow? I'll be a hundred yards or so above Clopton Bridge.
Think a little dayboat will be in order if I can persuade her that the new abode doesn't need either decorating or new bathroom suites/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[peterandjeanette]

A few hundred yards above Clopton Bridge ? Impressive!!

I had a Birchwood 22 at Welford for a few years. Cruised the Avon a lot. Touched the bottom a few times but nothing too serious. Couldn' t get through Clopton though, so can't comment. Also used a little speedboat at Stratford. Did get up to the limit of navigation at Wasperton.

Still live just outside Stratford, so will keep a lookout for another from God's Own County walking on the water. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif