First time out!

[Gavin F]

Right then! The RYA Powerboat 2 course is complete and I'm eager to get out there and enjoy apart from a couple of things are on my mind and that's what i would like help with, sure someone can advise on this. The next time I go out it will be my first time launching, cruising and then retrieving and wondered if anyone could advise of a good, open, etc place to do this in and around the Portsmouth area? I will have someone with me to assist but want to know where's good to go and play and get used to the boat, etc? I haven't got the VHF sorted as yet so don't really want to be ploughing through Portsmouth Harbour as i've been advised I might get shot if I'm in the woring channel! I'm sure this sounds silly to most of you but thought i'd air my views as we all had to start somewhere right? Your help on this one would be appreciated.

[simmons0]

Camber dock is almost certainly the best slipway around there. Its quite close to the Harbour exit too.
When you leave the slipway, head out into the harbour, make sure there are no ferry's passing and then head straight across the harbour to the small boat channel on the other side, when you get to the Ballast Buoy turn and head out to sea.

http://www.qhmportsmouth.com/index.p...ous=27&art=315

Its not necessary to ask permission on the VHF anymore. Unless that was just a trial or something?
H

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Gavin F

Right then! The RYA Powerboat 2 course is complete and I'm eager to get out there and enjoy apart from a couple of things are on my mind and that's what i would like help with, sure someone can advise on this. The next time I go out it will be my first time launching, cruising and then retrieving and wondered if anyone could advise of a good, open, etc place to do this in and around the Portsmouth area? I will have someone with me to assist but want to know where's good to go and play and get used to the boat, etc? I haven't got the VHF sorted as yet so don't really want to be ploughing through Portsmouth Harbour as i've been advised I might get shot if I'm in the woring channel! I'm sure this sounds silly to most of you but thought i'd air my views as we all had to start somewhere right? Your help on this one would be appreciated.

Doesn't sound silly to me. As our first launch and retrieval approaches on Monday - I am nervous as hell. I wouldn't mind as much if it were in Chichester Harbour as I know it pretty well and how the tide works. But we are doing this at Portland so that we can get the trailer up to the garage. I'm sure it will be fine but there has be a starting point.

So - if you are in the portland/weymouth area on Monday - be warned!

[codprawn]

Just remember if it's a roller trailer don't make the common mistake of putting it into the water to deep - the boat shouldn't float on as the rollers won't do their job. You should be able to drive the boat onto the traier about 1/2 way and winch the rest.

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Just remember if it's a roller trailer don't make the common mistake of putting it into the water to deep - the boat shouldn't float on as the rollers won't do their job. You should be able to drive the boat onto the traier about 1/2 way and winch the rest.

Thanks for this - the good news is that the boat will be launched by the boat yard - so we can only mess up the boat bit - they are experienced with the trailer. However, when we go for our first launch on the following weekend - I will bear in mind what you have said.

[Pete7]

Gavin, if your not happy playing around in Portsmouth Harbour then Northney Marina at the top end of Hayling Island might be better. Two good slips and plenty of room for car and trailer. The trip down to Chi enterance will give you a chance to play with the boat.

Sarah, if your launching at the sailing accademy be aware the shorter slip has a gavel bank 10m off which you will certainly hit at low water. If you see the remains of a black prop its mine and could I have it back. If your launching at the Ferry Marina, that is also fraught will problems at low water and those seagulls are standing not swimming. At low water from the Ferry / causeway bridge (apart from a hole under the bridge) you can walk half way across Portland harbour. Suggest you take a pair of wellies and walk the boat out if its low water.

Pete

[Rogue Wave]

Go the hole hog and buy yourself a pair of chest waders ( best bit of advice Pete 7 gave me) you can then frolic on the slipway without getting your acoutrements damp.

cheers

Rogue and Roguetta

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Go the hole hog and buy yourself a pair of chest waders...

Agreed, essential gear and so fetching too. Mind you, I've not seen them in pink.

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Gavin, if your not happy playing around in Portsmouth Harbour then Northney Marina at the top end of Hayling Island might be better. Two good slips and plenty of room for car and trailer. The trip down to Chi enterance will give you a chance to play with the boat.

Sarah, if your launching at the sailing accademy be aware the shorter slip has a gavel bank 10m off which you will certainly hit at low water. If you see the remains of a black prop its mine and could I have it back. If your launching at the Ferry Marina, that is also fraught will problems at low water and those seagulls are standing not swimming. At low water from the Ferry / causeway bridge (apart from a hole under the bridge) you can walk half way across Portland harbour. Suggest you take a pair of wellies and walk the boat out if its low water.

Pete

Thanks for this Pete. We are launching at Bluewater Horizons - what does that give us?

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Agreed, essential gear and so fetching too. Mind you, I've not seen them in pink.

You probably havent looked in the right places ;o).