Ringoing in the Solent

[NeilH]

Hi
We had our first go at pulling a ringo last weekend - in the designated waterskiing area off Hillhead /Lee. All went smoothly and great fun. Any suggestions for the best / safest / cleanest part of the solent to do this (I'm aware you can't tow within the port boundary)?
Presumably towing it on a short line is the easiest way to get the ringo to your destination? it won't fit in the rib when inflated!
Cheers
Neil

[JABS]

Depending on wind direction, Osbourne Bay is also great! Usally a lot of moored boats, though, so keep well clear of them.

There is a designated area at the top of Southampton Water, but it takes a long time to get there, due to the speed limit above Hythe.

It is only accessable on the top of the tide.

[250kts]

I would very much recommend Alum Bay. Although boats gather there for a quiet stop, once clear to the West and out towards the Needles is stunning and water is always clean.

[NeilH]

Thanks both will give them a go - hopefully will be nice and warm and not too windy this weekend.
Tony - I'd rather discounted the waterski area at the top of Southampton water as I live in Marchwood and know where the sewage treatment works are! The fact that a dead body was washed ashore at Eling a couple of weeks ago is also rather disconcerting - that said there are always plenty of fisherman down there so it can't be too polluted (although maybe the fish are attracted to the sewage....)
Thanks again
Neil

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by 250kts

I would very much recommend Alum Bay. Although boats gather there for a quiet stop, once clear to the West and out towards the Needles is stunning and water is always clean.

Agreed: Alum bay is a nice spot, nice water especially when you compare it the solent and southampton water.

Have you tried further west, mudeford?

[NeilH]

Thanks, Mudeford is our next place to try - had a look at the slip the other week (went for lunch at Rhodes South at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel - excellent food!). it would be good to explore a bit further west.
Cheers
Neil

[PeterM]

my neck of the woods .......Under highcliffe castle is the generally used area as its sheltered and out of the way and where I go with the kids. (I now have three types of inflatable thing !) .

You will be stung for cash to launch at mudeford , however up river is free & you can try the captains club hotel ( and tie up outside !)

[250kts]

Agree, launch at the slip just before Tuckton Bridge and enjoy the trip down the river.

Suggested Alum Bay as I assumed you would be travalling from Southampton by water. However, if you have the freedom to launch elsewhere, then try Studland, either of the naturist beach or just inside Old Harry rocks.

A little further afield, Chapmans Pool. A stunning site off the beaten track and stunning scenery. Will suggest this as either a lunch stop of over night camp on the proposed Jurassic cruise.

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by Blackroady

.

You will be stung for cash to launch at mudeford , however up river is free & you can try the captains club hotel ( and tie up outside !)

How much is it to launch there now?

[TurboSwing]

Originally Posted by NeilH

Hi
We had our first go at pulling a ringo last weekend - in the designated waterskiing area off Hillhead /Lee. All went smoothly and great fun. Any suggestions for the best / safest / cleanest part of the solent to do this (I'm aware you can't tow within the port boundary)?
Presumably towing it on a short line is the easiest way to get the ringo to your destination? it won't fit in the rib when inflated!
Cheers
Neil

Hi Neil,

You might consider attaching a TurboSwing tow bar to your boat. I myself have a 60HP on a 15ft rib, with TurboSwing-XM selling at just GBP 276,- giving your boat so much more power and manouevrability, keeping the line well above the wake and clear from the coil.
Just have a look at the video 45 - 175 HP on our website. You will even see us tow a banana with 5 persons! You can even fully trim the engine, the tow bar comes up automatically.
When you go kneeboarding with the kids on an bridle, you know the line will go under in the wake, not so with the TurboSwing!

Feel free to contact me for any question