Suffolk Launch Sites

goldeneye243 · 08 June 2021, 11:32

I am trying to find a launch site for my Honwave T38 and struggling a bit for options!

Based in Newmarket, so ideally Suffolk or Norfolk coast.

I would like a shallow slip, ideally with a good range of tide for launching and decent parking nearby.

Any suggestions? I know that Fenlander rates West Mersea, but the parking situation sounds like a pain there.

Orwell boy · 08 June 2021, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldeneye243

I am trying to find a launch site for my Honwave T38 and struggling a bit for options!

Based in Newmarket, so ideally Suffolk or Norfolk coast.

I would like a shallow slip, ideally with a good range of tide for launching and decent parking nearby.

Any suggestions? I know that Fenlander rates West Mersea, but the parking situation sounds like a pain there.

is your launch from a trailer or a car boot out build ?

davej · 08 June 2021, 22:29

I use Orford slip and car and trailer parking which costs 120hrs for an annual pass. The slip is kept in good condition and is the ideal angle.

The river is sheltered in most conditions and has plenty of beaches for picnics etc.

The entrance to the open sea can be tricky but is usually ok as long as you are careful.

Dave j

goldeneye243 · 09 June 2021, 06:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orwell boy

is your launch from a trailer or a car boot out build ?

Car boot build

goldeneye243 · 09 June 2021, 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by davej

I use Orford slip and car and trailer parking which costs 120hrs for an annual pass. The slip is kept in good condition and is the ideal angle.

The river is sheltered in most conditions and has plenty of beaches for picnics etc.

The entrance to the open sea can be tricky but is usually ok as long as you are careful.

Dave j

Would it be suitable for a boat with transom wheels rather than a trailer?

Unknown · 09 June 2021, 06:30

Boatlaunch.co.uk

The whole of the Norfolk coast is tidal and the vast majority is not accessible at low tide. There is a non tidal slip in Lowestoft marina, but it’s a £15 charge for each launch.

Fenlander · 09 June 2021, 08:18

I still rate West Mersea and have never failed to find parking even if a 5min trundle from slipway. Otherwise it's advantages are massive.... free shallow slope hard slip good at 90% of tide states launching into safe waters... good pontoon... immed adj toilets/wash facilities... chandlers at top of slip... 4 adj eateries... choices of places to go once out of the estuary rather than just left or right along featureless coast... and so on.

davej · 09 June 2021, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldeneye243

Would it be suitable for a boat with transom wheels rather than a trailer?

The slip is usable any state of the tide or pretty much so and with the huge car park it’s very easy to launch park etc. Even had a loo block on the car park.

The harbour master is very friendly and helpful with lots of advice and local knowledge. Your transom wheels would be fine, it’s very much the perfect angle.

Dave

Orwell boy · 09 June 2021, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldeneye243

Car boot build

Surely once you are not parking car and trailer then this leaves anywhere a possibility , can you get your rig across the shingle ?? if so flugers at felixstowe would be a good trial ,or brightlingsea ,felixstowe ferry down the old waterski club slipway ? ,orford or mersea as the people have suggested ,if its a first time and you just need to break your duck then i would be happy to pop down felixstowe and show you the possibilities ,however i am not a sibber which may prove relevant

Fenlander · 09 June 2021, 08:39

We do mean to launch at Orford sometime... as far as I can see it is now £22 to launch excluding car parking... hopefully that includes pulling out too. If I'm reading it correctly for a SIB it would be only £80/yr for a non-resident which is better value.

http://www.orfordparishandtrust.ones...harges.doc.pdf

Would I be right in thinking unless you go up to Snape on a high tide there is no stopping off along the Alde?

Orwell boy · 09 June 2021, 10:03

The harbour master is very friendly and helpful with lots of advice and local knowledge. Your transom wheels would be fine, it’s very much the perfect angle.

Dave[/QUOTE]

reckon there must be a new one

davej · 09 June 2021, 12:45

Probably is 22£ a time and yes it includes in and out. As regards Car parking if you are early and get lucky you probably can park for free on the access road.

Regarding beaching, there is a lot of mud on the banks but near the sea miles of shingle beaches on a steeply shelving banks that make good picnic sites, this is where you find the water skiers setting up their base. However, with the sib you will be able to explore all the creeks up to butterly and of course to the maltings.

As others have said Mersea island is another good possibility.

Cheers david