Where to go North-West UK ?

[eastwoom]

Hi all,

I am a newbie to motor boating and have just decided on a 2.4Metre inflatable boat and 5HP engine and need advice on where are the best sheltered bays and places in North-West UK to take out the boat. I'd like to get out on the sea near the coast somewhere so does anyone have any reccomendations as to good "beginner" places to go ?

Many thanks,

Mark.
Bolton, Lancashire.



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[snowleopard]

i believe windermere is the only lake in the lake district to allow powerboats, plenty of space there.

the ribble downstream of preston marina and the bay at the mouth are interesting, especially if you are into bird watching.

morecambe bay needs a lot of care as the tides are tricky.

if you go any distance from shore, the type of oars supplied with a small inflatable are pretty useless as a backup in case of engine failure. your local branch of the RNLI will advise you on safety if you want to go on the sea, they'd rather do that than fish you out!

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[BarryH]

Have you tried <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk>http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk</A> The site gives launching places all over the country and in most cases a piccy of the launch site.

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[sailbadthesinner]

ooooh right
well i would go to the lakes.

An annual fee is required for windermere if you have an engine. you cannt launch without it and they donot do day permits.
for your boat that will be about £9.00 per annum including stickers with your LDSPB number on it.
You can launch on public slips it is about £6 a time at the public launches which are at Ferry Nab and Waterhead.

Coniston you can go for free. there is the 10mph speed limit in force everywhere remember. the public launch is at coniston marina South of Lake, cannot remember if there is a fee. Coniston is where they filmed swallows an amazons. approach the island (about middle to north end of lake) from the East side there is a narrow channel at the top end east side lift your engine up and paddle in.

You can also use public slips on Ullswater and Derwent water.

there are some great camping spots around and loads of b and b's natch.
take insect repellentis my tip

do keep an eye on the forecast as these are large expances of water and the wind can fair rush down the hillsides. but rememebr you will always be blown ashore if your engine fails so you are never in mortal danger so long as you do not pack the lead wellies and punch a hole in the boat.
other than that have fun.

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[Davy_S]

If as you suggested you would like to go on the coast try Fylde boat angling club. You get launched over the beach by tractor. But as mentioned watch the tides! http://www.fbac.co.uk Sorry blew the hyperlink.

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[hlb]

As I live in the North West and keep my boat in Plymouth. I feel I can speak with authority on this matter. 2.4 metre dinghy and 5hp motor is far to small for nearly anywhere at sea. Let alone the North West. It's OK as a Tender once in very sheltered waters. But thats about it. Abersoc NWales might be Ok on a good day. But only for a couple of 100YDS off shore. The wash from other boats would be a probem.
Stick to the lakes or canals and be safe. Sorry for this but I have a 4HP tender and would not dream of going out to sea in it although it's ok for pottering about harbours and zooming to beach. It's not so much the engine power as the oar power if it stops!!

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Haydn

 

[Avocet]

It's some years since I've been there but there used to be a free public slipway into the river Wyre at Stannah. We used to sail a 22' trailer sailer with a 5hp outboard off Fleetwood. Stannah has the advantage of being some way up river so if you fancy it, you can gingerly stick your nose out into the estuary and if you don't like the look of it, come back up river. The only thing I would say is that the tide ebbs mighty fast -aided by the water leaving the river. Be sure to do this on a rising tide and whatever else you take, be sure to take an anchor and some flares because if your outboard fails, you'll never paddle it against the tide!

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[Davy_S]

I am based at Skippol and Fleetwood, and yes the slip is still there at Stannah. The trouble is that the jet skis are everywere now. There are some nutters who delight in weaving in and out of the youngsters learnung to sail. Like you say the ebb is fierse. The reason I suggested the FBAC is that the tide run is a lot less inshore there plus newcomres are looked after ie checked in and out. Plus all boats are checked for safety equipment before a launch.

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[isha]

Pease,DO NOT go to the open sea in a 2.4 m inflatable, also, many estuaries look safe but are not safe in a craft of this size.
OK as a tender and in sheltered waters. Stick to this and you can have fun, ignore the advice and you'll be in trouble.
Regards
Dave


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