Kent boat launch

Stueeee · 19 August 2014, 22:56

Hi,
I have a 3.5m on trailer and am new to this
Any one recommend an ideal launch place near Deal??
Thanks in advance

Daniel · 19 August 2014, 23:02

Sandwich town key into the stour at HW is excellent for a small boat but avoid LW +/- 3-4hrs. It's free to use but parking isn't.

I'm from Thanet so apart from main slip into Dover harbour (also excellent and free) I'm not aware of anything west of sandwich sorry but I'd be guessing the pebble beaches mean there aren't many good launch sites.

The western undercliff (through the ferry tunnel) at Ramsgte is also good. You need a key / licence from TDC however.

Stueeee · 19 August 2014, 23:05

Thanks..
Was thinking sandwich would be a good location but wasn't sure if it was still there since they built the wall along there, will take a look tomorrow.
Are there any restrictions (apart from speed) along the river?

Daniel · 19 August 2014, 23:10

Well to be fair it was LAST summer when they were building it all that I motor'd past & slip was still there and accessible although the town quay was fenced off and I couldn't stop for fish and chips ;-((

Do let me know.

Nothing significant to worry about in the river. Keep a Sharp eye for channel marks near the mouth and out of the entrance they aren't always where you expect them and it is essential to keep to the channel.

I would advise against going to the mouth / out to sea without a sounder or someone who's done it before aboard (or both). It's a tricky channel first time although simple enough once you've been shown.

Stueeee · 19 August 2014, 23:13

Ok thanks, very useful info..

Will have a drive down and let you know..
Cheers again

Stueeee · 20 August 2014, 15:58

Had a look at sandwich today, the slip is still there and a grass area just left of the slip way for trailers.. Will give it a go.
Thanks for the advice.

Daniel · 22 August 2014, 06:02

I was up at sandwich marina yesterday (access through sandwich industrial estate if you weren't aware) they have a nice slip which they use for craning and travel hoist work but can also be used by paying public at £10 each way.

Stueeee · 22 August 2014, 16:12

Cheers
Have just heard there is a festival on Saturday around the quay so will be very busy. Do you know if you can get them in further down river l towards or at at grove ferry?

TRevor Lawson · 22 August 2014, 17:35

Hi not sure how far herne bay is from you but has a large fee slipway into sheltered harbour useable about 3hrs either side of h/w, pay to park about £11 all day inc trailer just at top of slip shops/cafe etc all along prom.

Daniel · 23 August 2014, 14:34

Many years ago I used the slip at the boat yard opposite side of the road from grove ferry pub (on the right after the level crossing). He does / did boat hire etc and charged me next to nothing but best check first if say he may not be there anymore !!

There is a small un-maintained slip at fordwich. I used to use it a lot but in recent years the council have erected a sign saying slip closed. It's in a poor state of repair but not closed off in any way. Coming from the main road it's on the right as you go over the narrow humb back bridge. Pub car pack adjacent (private) so ask in pub about leaving trailer / offer to buy lunch on your return??

Stueeee · 23 August 2014, 17:11

Will have a look at those next week..
Took her to sandwich in the end, was nice and easy to launch 2 hours before high tide.. All I need now is a bigger outboard as was quite sluggish coming back against the tide :/

Daniel · 23 August 2014, 17:20

If you can get in at fordwich it's a nice day trip to sandwich via grove ferry for lunch. Or the other way around.

I'd say 2 hrs fordwich to grove, and a bit less grove to sandwich.

Get someone to drop you at fordwich to avoid parking - say 5 hours before HW sandwich and meet you at sandwich when you get there.

Stueeee · 23 August 2014, 17:23

Sounds like a good day out.. Will definitely take that route hopefully before summer comes to an end.

Any recommendations on where to buy used outboards and what sort of price they usually are? I have a 5hp but could really do with at least a 15hp on it.. Can take up to a 25..

Daniel · 23 August 2014, 17:30

Wayne Maddox Marine - now at manston ? Mob: 07976 635503. He usually has a good selection.

There is also a couple for sale next to my unit in Ramsgte "Marlec marine" 11 military road but I didn't pay particular attention to HP or price but worth a look?

PM me a contact number. I might join you on a trip, and I have a friend who's new to boating looking to get more experience meet up with people - he could borrow my small 3m SIB if I'm unavailable / has a 5.8 humber himself.

Chrisbl · 28 April 2018, 08:44

HI, new to RibNet, but live close to Sandwich and am just buying my first SIB, a 3.6m HonWave with 9.9 Mariner. I am hoping to use it on Sandwich Bay and up and down Stour. any advice?

Speedo · 03 August 2018, 13:21

Have you gone up the Stour yet?

I'm hoping to go tomorrow. The plan is to drop the Honwave in at Grove Ferry picnic site then chug up to Fordwich and back. Is that feasible?

from what I've read in this thread, the slip at Fordwich is no longer useable?

Chrisbl · 03 August 2018, 13:42

I have been launching on the shingle beach at Sandwich Bay just about every week end the last few weeks and it works great. still looking for right opportunity to go up stour though. I find the Sib so versatile and easy to use in almost all situations and have even launched at low tide at Sandwich.

will be out there again Sunday. keep an eye out for the fun and come join.

Speedo · 03 August 2018, 14:09

Unfortunately my engine is too small to venture out coastal at the moment (5hp) so until I can afford to upgrade, I’m sticking to inland waters!

I’ll give it a go this weekend and report back

mm289 · 03 August 2018, 20:43

Sandwich slip is only useable +/- 2hrs of HW. The slip is great but it stops and then you are on glutinous mud

Also be aware at the end of the slip there are a few biggish lumps of rock so defo raise your outboard if coming in at the bottom end of the range.

@Speedo - be aware as far as I am aware there isn't a public slip or anywhere to drop in at Grove Ferry - there is an area the kayaks use but wouldn't fancy dropping/recovering a SIB down the bank.....

@Chris - where abouts in Sandwich Bay have you been launching? I am quite familiar with the sandy bit but always thought it would be too far to drag the SIB on wheels?

Cheers,

Paul.

Chrisbl · 04 August 2018, 06:58

Paul,

with my two sons, age 12 and 14 we easily carry the Sib down over the shingle and launch wherever the tide happens to be. I find it is easier up at top end where Princes drive meets the sea rd.

cheers,
Chris