Gallions Point Marina - Thames

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 08:43

Im planning on taking my boat up the Thames soon and wondered if anyone knows Gallions Point Marina.

Gallions Point Marina - boat mooring on the River Thames in London.

Any experience of the slipway ?

I dont want to drive all the way there and find its a difficult launch - as it will be my second only lauch so far, so Im hoping it will be nice and easy.

Particulary as my RIB is about 9m long and needs to float off the trailer.

I will of course give them a call, but just wondered if there was some first hand experience on the forum.

Cheers.

indaba1991 · 28 November 2013, 09:25

[QUOTE=Trimix;585247]Im planning on taking my boat up the Thames soon and wondered if anyone knows Gallions Point Marina.

Gallions Point Marina - boat mooring on the River Thames in London.

Great place to RIB the Thames but be aware that there many rules in place now, not least that the speed limits have drastically changed. In the old days there was no speed limit all the way to Wandsworth Bridge (still 8 kts above this point.There used to be only wash limits and daily infos for wash down etc) Now the speed limit is 12 kts all the way down river to Margretness. You probably know all about the regs but here is a useful link for you.

Good pub is Prospect of Whitby at half tide and above (be careful of nasty nails when parking - seen a few tubes damaged!)

Recreational Users' Guide

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 09:41

Speed limit

Oh, thats a bummer !

I thougth I saw some youtube clips of RIB rides up/down the Thames and they looked like they were on the plane ??

I will check the regs you linked to. Cheers.

indaba1991 · 28 November 2013, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix

Speed limit

Oh, thats a bummer !

I thougth I saw some youtube clips of RIB rides up/down the Thames and they looked like they were on the plane ??

I will check the regs you linked to. Cheers.

This is a very good doc to print off or put on an iPad.

indaba1991 · 28 November 2013, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by indaba1991

This is a very good doc to print off or put on an iPad.

Here!!!
http://www.pla.co.uk/assets/NEW_Inner_PRINT_FINAL.pdf

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 11:54

Cheers, thats a great printout.

vjmehra · 28 November 2013, 12:04

We used the slipway there last year! Seemed easy enough, we were moored there so I don't recall an additional charge, not sure what they would charge if you weren't moored there.

Its worth pointing out that Gallions Reach is right on the edge of the speed limit zone, so if you come out and turn left you don't have to go too far before you can speed...the downside is that there is virtually nothing to see!

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 12:09

Ok, thats good, I can cruise about sight seeing, then finish with a speed blast and blow away any cobwebs.

I may moore there overnight, then explore the following day. As then it gives me a longer more relaxed day of messing about given the short days we now have.

They seem to have a 10hr tide window for the lock, so I shouldnt find myself locked in/out.

vjmehra · 28 November 2013, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix

They seem to have a 10hr tide window for the lock, so I shouldnt find myself locked in/out.

Careful....they do say that on their website, however last year the lock gates were somehow not fully operational and that window was halved, so make sure you check before going as it obviously affects your trip!

Its also worth noting that you don't have many backup options as Limehouse and South Dock close fairly early.

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 12:18

Good point, I will ring them. (and take a sleeping bag as back up)

vjmehra · 28 November 2013, 12:20

Oh also they don't have petrol there, but there is a Tesco about a 10 minute drive away!

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 12:21

Oh, one more question............ I will be taking some friends / family out and they of course wont / dont own a life jacket. Ive only got two.

Is there anywhere I can hire some from ?

vjmehra · 28 November 2013, 12:33

I'm not aware of anywhere near by and there is no chandlery there.

I would definitely ensure you get some though as the water can be very choppy on the Tidal Thames and would be very difficult to swim in, if you fell in.

You could try Greenwich Yacht Club or perhaps Chas Newens Marine in Chiswick, but I suspect neither hire out life jackets unfortunately

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 12:52

I will buy them arm bands for Christmas then

vjmehra · 28 November 2013, 12:59

Also plenty of layers, despite being inland it can still be bitterly cold!!!

ChasTheBoat · 28 November 2013, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjmehra

I'm not aware of anywhere near by and there is no chandlery there.

I would definitely ensure you get some though as the water can be very choppy on the Tidal Thames and would be very difficult to swim in, if you fell in.

You could try Greenwich Yacht Club or perhaps Chas Newens Marine in Chiswick, but I suspect neither hire out life jackets unfortunately

Thanks for the point to us,

We do indeed hire lifejackets, dependant on our internal requirements / available stocks.

If you give us a call in the Office, either James or Julie, will be able to help.

Trimix · 28 November 2013, 14:50

Cheers Chas - I have been looking at your site and did consider putting the boat in at yours. Especially as I see you offer to do it for a small fee.

Only issue I have is can I get my RIB (9m) plus my van (long Transit) all the way to yours. The last bit of the road looks a little narrow and I didnt want to get stuck in the middle of Putney

What do you reckon ?

Low Flyer · 29 November 2013, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix

Oh, one more question............ I will be taking some friends / family out and they of course wont / dont own a life jacket. Ive only got two. Is there anywhere I can hire some from ?

If your close to Portsmouth I have several you could borrow for a few days. Pm me if any help.

CJL · 29 November 2013, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix

Cheers Chas - I have been looking at your site and did consider putting the boat in at yours. Especially as I see you offer to do it for a small fee.

Only issue I have is can I get my RIB (9m) plus my van (long Transit) all the way to yours. The last bit of the road looks a little narrow and I didnt want to get stuck in the middle of Putney

What do you reckon ?

Easy.

CJL

Bern Hanreck · 02 December 2013, 17:50

I have used Gallions on many occasions over the years but not for some time so I didn't even know they had a new slipway...........

I was passsing by today so I nipped in and took a few photos . Well she's not a thing of beauty , but I guess she'll get the job done . ( Considering any other local possibilities ) .

They told me that £15 gets you locked in and out , and use of the slip .

Plenty of room at the top of the slip for all but the largest of ribs.