River Dart - Totnes to Dartmouth and return

trevbouy · 19 April 2021, 17:34

I'm planning my first day out in the rib on Friday 30th April. Leaving from Steamer Quay ramp Totnes around 1030 ish for a steady cruise to Dartmouth. Lunch there then a return back.

Anyone feel like coming along they would be most welcome.

Steve509926 · 19 April 2021, 17:43

Unfortunately Rob, 275 miles away otherwise I would have loved to have joined you

trevbouy · 19 April 2021, 17:58

Hi Steve,

Well I'm 300 miles away at moment in S. Yorks but return on 28th

Looking forward to the trip down river. I only realised recently it's 6knt speed limit all the way.

Rob

Steve509926 · 19 April 2021, 18:18

When I was there last year it was certainly enforced, especially from Dittisham to Dartmouth. You'll still have a good day.

36valley · 19 April 2021, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

When I was there last year it was certainly enforced, especially from Dittisham to Dartmouth. You'll still have a good day.

They're very polite when they point out your unintentional transgression.

lakelandterrier · 19 April 2021, 21:49

Any reason for launching at Totnes?
It is 6kts whole length of river, and out well into the Range
Pretty, but very slow.

treerat · 20 April 2021, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by 36valley

They're very polite when they point out your unintentional transgression.

and it makes great entertainment for those around...........

It's a very slow poodle down the river and back, any reason why you want to do the river and not get out from say Torquay or Brixham for a good run to Dartmouth, with more then 6 knts possible?

Fenlander · 20 April 2021, 09:08

Re speed limit remember Trevbouy is running a 4hp at the moment.... unless he's managed a crafty upgrade to spring on us.

treerat · 20 April 2021, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Re speed limit remember Trevbouy is running a 4hp at the moment.... unless he's managed a crafty upgrade to spring on us.

Ah - good point, well made

trevbouy · 20 April 2021, 09:40

Dave hit it spot on. 4hp is a bit of a limiting factor.

Besides Lynn and I have wanted to do this for quite some time. I know it can be done on the steamer but with other passengers and where's the fun in that.

"Oh please Captain can you just pull over here" nah don't think he will be up for that :-)

Steve509926 · 20 April 2021, 09:49

I really enjoyed a leisurely trip down the Dart, we saw a lot of wildlife, seals, kingfisher, otter - or maybe it could have been a mink. Providing its nice weather, you'll have a good day. You may wish to consider lunch at Dittisham though, only because of time.

trevbouy · 20 April 2021, 09:58

Anyone any thoughts?
1995 2 stroke Johnson 15hp tatty but runs fine, starts first pull. He's asking £475

Thought it might make a stand in till market settles down else everything so overpriced.
Ebay just plain crazy

Fenlander · 20 April 2021, 10:28

Buy now if it starts Ok, runs seemingly OK and pumps water OK!

A few rattle cans and an Ebay transfer set could have that looking sprucy and being an absolute bargain. If it turned out to be a bit iffy it would break for more than that.

trevbouy · 20 April 2021, 10:46

Gone again, so quick.

I'll just bide my time, something will come along. I'm in the right area for them anyway.

Obsidian · 20 April 2021, 15:32

A SIB river run would be fun if the weather has blown through by then, will keep my eye on the thread!

trevbouy · 20 April 2021, 15:56

Yes, long range not looking too good. Oh well.

Lynn says weather is sunny with just a light breeze at the moment. I hope for same on 30th

lakelandterrier · 20 April 2021, 16:40

It is a nice pootle down the Dart, plenty of wildlife to see... I've seen seals as far up river as Home Reach.

You'll be coming down on a falling tide(spring), so do stay in the channel on the ebb, on the way down - don't be tempted to cut over the Dittisham site of Ower Flats anywhere near low springs

Not sure what's open at Dittisham - Anchorstone cafe will be, but tends to get booked well ahead, I'm not sure if the FBI is now serving outside.

It should be a beautiful day on the river

trevbouy · 25 April 2021, 15:59

Well I've been watching the weather forecast updates for the Friday and they have gone from near gale to now a sunny day and gentle breeze.
I'll keep my eye on the forecast but it looks ok. We may do just to Dittisham depending how it goes setting up. This will be the first time with rib folded in boot rather than trailer, so not sure on setting up time.

I'm not back till afternoon Weds so engine and general checks on Thursday.