Launching from Westcliff - advice please

[chriswjallen]

Hi All,

I am looking for some clarity on something and hoping you can help

I often launch my Bombard Aerotec with 15hp two-stroke from a small slipway on Westcliff promenade (Western Esplanade) near my home In Essex

I trundle the boat down on transom wheels and launch/return -/+ an hour either side of high tide. It is tried and tested and I can manage it on my own but normally take my wife and 5 year old Son who both love it.

I get some members of the public having a good look and why not! There is no signage to suggest this is not permitted, and as I understand it, it is allowed and in the unlikely event there was a foreshore inspector from the council they could charge you for launching (I’ve never seen one)

I wanted to get your opinion please just to reassure you that i am not breaking the law in any way? I have insurance from Craftinsure and I don’t exceed 8 kts until 200 metres+ away from a beach/jetty/pontoon etc. and am very vigilant for swimmers/cayakers/paddle boards etc.

Thanks in advance for any guidance

Chris

[Mikefule]

I'd say if it looks like a slipway, and there are no signs restricting or banning launching, and if you're behaving sensibly, parking legally, and not causing an obstruction, you're OK.

If someone official says you shouldn't be doing it, then start your response, with, "I'm sorry, I didn't realise."

[chriswjallen]

Thanks for the response Milefule. That’s reassuring.

[chriswjallen]

Apologies, meant Mikefule!

[Fenlander]

I'm sure I've researched this before but out of interest looked it up again. It's really hard to find a link to any launch charges using Google and the only reference I could find was in a 74 page council charges document 20/21 that covered everything from library fines to cremation fees!

It seems the daily charge to launch from the foreshore is just under £40 and the fine for not paying £75. The seasonal charge is almost £200. The daily charge if correct is massive.

But if there are no signs as to the charge amount or who to pay then I'd just carry on.

BTW it's page 17 in this document...

https://www.southend.gov.uk/download...rges-2019-2020

Are you taking the boat down those ramps situated adj to the steps every now and again?

[chriswjallen]

Hi Fenlander

Yes I believe you did when I first joined the forum in 2018

I searched and stumbled across the same council document too, but nothing else.

Yes it is a narrow steep slip onto the beach with steps the other side, but at an hour either side of high water you are straight into water I.e. no beach to trundle across which makes it easier.

There are several of these little slips which are only 2 metres wide

I appreciate you taking the time

So unless someone tells me different or signs are put up, I will carry on as per
Thanks again
Chris

[Fenlander]

Yep I would and actually a "business case" would say not to pay vs daily charge will work out the cheapest as long as you only get caught every other launch. Three fines in a year though and the season ticket would have been better... and you'd be a regular in the Southend Standard.

How's the Aerotec/Mercury 15 outfit going?

[chriswjallen]

It is going really well thanks David

The engine is great and starts first pull.

I use the sand hopper wheels as their negative buoyancy makes life so much easier when preparing to come ashore.

Don’t seem to have the famous transom splash issue weirdly!

There was a F3/4 breeze today and the anchor was slipping when we stopped for something to eat. The small grapnel I’ve got doesn’t grab the mud sufficiently, so i will need to upgrade - any tips gratefully received!

I have attached some photos from today - a great time had by all

Thanks for your help

Chris

[Orwell boy]

Hi Chris ,i have no accurate knowledge on this but have the following opinion based on what i have heard ........ The queen owns the foreshore between the high and low water marks !,and as her subjects we have the right to use it for launch , this could be relevant , I think there has been a dispute with essex council about the charges that were applied at Brightlingsea (essex) ,i think now they can only charge harbour dues ,not launch fees as people took the launch fees on and won ,i believe !!

[chriswjallen]

Very useful, thanks Orwell Boy

[Fenlander]

Great to see the pics of you and the family out on the water.... that's what it's about.