Winter boating experience ?

DAKA

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Last night I picked my daughter up from school and as it was high tide we went for a trip.
N-NW 5-6 occ 7 in the Humber Mouth lashed wave after wave against the wind screen; wipers and heater were on max.
We could just make out the nav lights through the spray and rain.
I started to feel queasy as we rocked from side to side (that might have had something to do with the buy one get one free offer at Mac Ds)
I am so pleased the boat is on the hard and we were sat in the car on Cleethorpes Sea Front.
Does anyone actually enjoy winter boating or is it a myth ?
Serious question as we are thinking of leaving the boat on the South Coast this year.
 

itsonlymoney

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No.....
Just use it as a base for winter weekends away. Normally clean or carry out minor repairs and or upgrades during the day and go for a meal at night. By which time electric blanket has got berth all cuddly warm. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Ian
 
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Deleted User YDKXO

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Well, you have to say that NW5-7 is going to be a bit rough whether its summer or winter and you're best off tucked up in a pub whatever the season
Winter boating can be very pleasant on a cold crisp sunny day when there's no wind. There's nobody about so you can park in your favourite harbours without a problem, get served in the local pub without fighting through a crowd and generally reflect on the fact that life can be good sometimes
If you are thinking about boating on the S Coast and, presumably, you will travel a long distance to get there, you will want to have the best chance of getting out on your boat. I would suggest that you consider the Solent because its relatively sheltered and you can go boating in pretty much any weather conditions if you really want. I know its expensive, crowded and ridiculed by some but there's good reason for that
 

hlb

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Na. Its much better darn west. Plymouths nearly as big as the solent and sheltered all the time with loads of places to go. If it's calm' ish theres the whole of devo and cornwall to explore. I dont find winter boating that much different than summer. Only snag is, they take the pontoons up!!
 

Planty

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6's & 7's not very pleasant at any time, but Winter Boating is superb!! Not many people about, most weekends the weather in Jan is great, cold but calm, get the Damarts on and away you go.

No problems getting a berth, tell me anyone that has actually managed to get into Cowes Yacht Haven apart from in Winter?? Pox Hole anyway but still. Also everyone that is out is generally a die hard, raggy or stinkie all give a cheery wave, can't say that in summer.

The air seems fresher too, really gets into those bits of the lungs, summer air just can't reach. And as for snuggling up in the warm on a boat in the winter months, takes some beating!! Paul
 

oldgit

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Yes please.

Not being a brave chap,my winter boating usually involves some sort of high pressure weather system,dead calm and no wind.Heating on full and just a quick nip round to the nearest destination and back.Prob. a two cups on tea type journey as opposed to 2 x beers 1 x wine and numerous cups of coffee summer trip.
 
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Deleted User YDKXO

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Agree that W Country coastline is fantastic if the weather plays ball but you cant go outside Plymouth breakwater in say a SW6-7 whereas you could be pottering around in the Solent in the same conditions albeit uncomfortably so
 

DAKA

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Plymouth is definitely on the placces to visit this season but the car journey probably makes it too far to base from.
I ve seen the web cam, its not always a duck pond.
Is Chichester included in the Solent safety area for winter cruising, we got knocked about one day last August trying to get over the Bar near low water.
 
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Deleted User YDKXO

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You do pick 'em dont you? You're not supposed to go over Chichester Bar at low water especially with any wind blowing because it gets very lumpy. There is an inshore lifeboat station in Chichester harbour itself and plenty others dotted around the Solent
 

DAKA

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Yes, thanks. I know that now!
The wife's comment was "I knew that was going to happen"
she even read out a passage from the Chichester Harbour guide (after the event.)
We got away with it by waiting and riding in on the crest of a wave.
 

whisper

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There's no problem at all in these conditions - very enjoyable - so long as you want to go to the N.E. Pity about coming back though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

P.S. Welcome Skents - the S.W.Chapter of the forum seems to be increasing lately.
 
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