Hi from the Lake District

[Gazzago]

Have read articles and threads on the forum for a while now whilst searching using Google! Finally joined.

We came from an open canoe, beautiful in sheltered calm waters but felt really unnerving in open water. More so with a boat wake. Then we got a fibre glass sailing boat. Just a cheap one to try it out. This was trailered so was a bit more involved.

We wanted something to replace the canoe which could come with us when we go on holiday with the caravan so tried a SIB. We bought a barely used Excel Volante 330 with air deck. With an electric pump it sets up in no time and feels really stable and safe in the water.

We were using an old 4hp Mariner but I’ve just ordered a new 15hp as the bug has bitten. The 4hp moved us around but was no good with a strong head wind on Ullswater the other day and I’d never venture anywhere tidal or coastal with it.

Hoping our boat in the boot setup will continue to impress and we can maybe try out some rivers around the north as well as the Lakes.

Any and all advice welcome [emoji4]

[charliee]

Welcome to the forum - you're in the right place for advice!

[knube1]

Welcome, where did you launch from on Ullswater, thinking of taking our Honwave up there when we visit later on in the year, do you need to register with the authority, is there any parking close by etc.

[Fenlander]

Welcome from me too.

I have one of those Mariner 4s but slightly older in the blue finish..... they are great simple OBs that last for decades.

That will be a nippy outfit with a 15hp though... saying you've ordered a new one I assume a new 4-stroke Mariner or is it a crafty 2-stroke??

[rnwright1969]

Lake District Campsites & Ullswater Caravan Site, Cumbria


I use these guys for launching/parking, less than a tenner and the launch is 'ok' for a 2WD car with a 5.4m Searider even though it is over compacted gravel.


Park your car/trailer in the carpark maybe 30 yards from the water so ideal!


Keep to the speed limits, ignoring the steamers that WILL motor past you and keep away from buoyed shallows that are present at a few places in the lake, in the summer these have nice big, red buoys to keep the WAFIs away!

[Gazzago]

Yes ordered a 4 stroke. I know they are heavier but I’m not a fan of 2 stroke. I know the arguments each way. [emoji1]

We also like pottering along on tickover so a 4 stroke is also handy for that.

We launch from Ulswater steamers car park! Pay for parking and launching is free from the old knackered slipway built for Donald Campbell. I don’t think you could launch anything big here but ok for stuff you carry to the shore or small boats on a trailer. It gets very busy quickly on a weekend [emoji15]

No registering is required. Only have to register for Windermere.

The picture I’ve added is Coniston. Another Great Lake to potter around.

[Phil M]

We have launched our 5.3m rib from the Ullswater steamer car park without any issues.