Winter boating in the UK

[Searush]

Two weekends ago we had a nice weekend in Cowes, enjoyed the walking around, shopping and eating out etc and then a surperb cruise home Sunday at dusk in flat calm seas. We go out when ever the wind is reasonbly light and must have electric available which is not a problem around the Solent. Last year or maybe it was early this year we had a great weekend in Bembridge in light snow which I seem to remember well. The one thing I like about winter boating is the easy access to any berths, none of will we get in like the summer.

Is this iPhone speak?

 

[whisper]

Sadly not, due to bust outdrive.

Ditto. Pain in the arris innit !!

 

[Elessar]

A month ish into winter, who has actually been away for the weekend / week since 26/10/13

Only twice

Two booked for december though and will sneak some more in.

 

[Geoffs]

A month ish into winter, who has actually been away for the weekend / week since 26/10/13

Just had 4 days away, lovely, boat warmer than house! And those bargain winter berthing rates,£11 a night for me in Yarmouth. Out drive safe and sound out of the water now!

 

[oldgit]

It's well-known that outdrives don't work below 15'C or if it's cloudy, raining, or there's a "y" in the day.

You forgot "These devices may not be reliable in a damp enviroment "

Managed to get 16 boats,mainly Flys on the RCC Xmas cruise last weekend.

Next run out will be New Years day followed by lunch.

 

[Searush]

dear Oldgit,

Lovely pictures, I assume it's some river in the Home Counties (the Thames perhaps) does it have a speed limit & how do boats & engines designed for high speed planing cope with only ever travelling at the lower, non-wash creating, displacement speeds?

This is NOT a dig, but I am always puzzled by high power boats kept on lakes, rivers & canals for their accommodation standards. It would be nice if I had access to a deep water inland river for the winter, although the 17 mile stretch of the Menai Straits comes pretty close - plus the fear of big floods would haunt me.

 

[Scubadoo]

Is this iPhone speak?

Nope, just typing quickly while leaving the office, but thanks for highlighting.

 

[Searush]

Nope, just typing quickly while leaving the office, but thanks for highlighting.

Thanks for correcting it! I did try to decipher it honest, but failed abjectly. Now you have put it right, it's just so bloody obvious!! DUH!

 

[D3B]

Not going to vote as I don't have a boat these days but when I did I would always have a few winter cruises.
Nice crisp days with gorgeous sunshine, hardly any other boats to bother you.

God I miss the boat :sorrow:

 

[oldgit]

Splutter...........The Thames !!!!!!

dear Oldgit,

Lovely pictures, I assume it's some river in the Home Counties (the Thames perhaps) does it have a speed limit & how do boats & engines designed for high speed planing cope with only ever travelling at the lower, non-wash creating, displacement speeds?

This is NOT a dig, but I am always puzzled by high power boats kept on lakes, rivers & canals for their accommodation standards. It would be nice if I had access to a deep water inland river for the winter, although the 17 mile stretch of the Menai Straits comes pretty close - plus the fear of big floods would haunt me.

A far more interestin river called the Medway.http://www.rochestercc.co.uk/
Rochester Cruising Club is based at Rochester in Kent ,about 20 miles SE of London and have the best of all worlds.
Turning left,we can get to the tidal lock at Allington and some freshwater.Most of our boats can go little further due to airdraft and bridge problems.
If we go right we have a large sheltered tidal estuary with lots of small creeks and backwaters to explore and very useful when things are bit lumpy further out.After that its round into the Thames and up round the East Coast towards the Norfolk Broads or if you wish to go further afield straight across to Holland.France would normally involve round to Ramsgate and turn left at the Goodwins.
Club always welcomes "foreigners" and can accept craft up to 50ft.
Our little Xmas Cruise is one of two little exuses to go a very short distance,only use a thimble full of fuel and have a few beers and not have to worry about tides/wind/waves etc.
Most of the cruises normally involve coastal/continental stuff where the boats are more in their element. OG.

 

[DAKA]

Not going to vote as I don't have a boat these days but when I did I would always have a few winter cruises.
Nice crisp days with gorgeous sunshine, hardly any other boats to bother you.

God I miss the boat :sorrow:

Hi Doug, good to hear from you and I thought there was at least one of the non boat owner options you could have chosen
cheers
Pete

 

[KevB]

Not going to vote as I don't have a boat these days but when I did I would always have a few winter cruises.
Nice crisp days with gorgeous sunshine, hardly any other boats to bother you.

God I miss the boat :sorrow:

Doug,

long time no see. You must be due a visit to the sunny side of the Thames. And you know your always welcome to Chichester for a weekend out on the boat.

 

[rbcoomer]

We got out in the bay 2 Sundays ago and were buzzed by a pod of 10 or so Dolphins. One was swimming on his back within 2 feet of the swim deck "waving" his fins at us. They were with us for an hour and put on a show of jumping in ones and threes - an incredible sight and made winter boating (first time) for us worthwhile. Am trying to work out how to get an 80mb video onto the site - hence I have been quiet about it, but I guess I need to get to it now... Hoping to get out the weekend of the 7th and 8th as well...

Hi Andy, That sounds awesome - will look forward to the video with anticipation! A friend filmed some in the Bay earlier in the year, but we've yet to see them ourselves! 100% agree on the winter boating - if you don't mind the temperature, there are some great flat water days with wall to wall sunshine!