A trip up the Thames

Jon H · 17 March 2009, 22:42

I am keen to take a trip up the Thames in the summer

I want to do the tourist thing, go under tower bridge etc.

So I am after as many hints and tips and you can provide me with

The start point being, where is a good place to launch my boat into the Thames ?

Bern Hanreck · 18 March 2009, 15:58

a lot will depend on how much time you want to spend on the river .

You will find a lot of folk like to slip in around Putney . A short cruise at 8 knots will get you to Wandsworth Bridge where you can open her up , subject to not upsetting house boats , passing canal boats , rowers , harbour masters & river police ! Remember that the Thames has tides of over 20 feet , and accompanying fast tidal streams . It can get busy around the Pool of London & watch out for fast rib rides from the London Eye to Greenwich .

A search will also throw up a few mooring possibilities such as St.Katherines Dock , or Limehouse ( or moor up to rubbish barge for sarnies & cuppa ).

Remember that upstream you can do the slow cruise to Teddington via Richmond , and downstream you could blast to " Sarfend " and the Medway .

There are a lot of truly spectacular " tourist sights " so pick a nice day and don't forget the camera.......

Neil Harvey · 18 March 2009, 19:51

What Bern said

It's a fantastic day out, do it whilst you can. If possible, go with at least one other boat, much less worry that way and someone around if something goes wrong. Not a nice place to be bobbing around with engine troubles.

geoff · 19 March 2009, 10:12

Putney is good but can be very crowded at the weekend in the summer.
You can also try
http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/default....redfilterid=10
or
http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/default....redfilterid=10
for launching in the docklands area.

Tim M · 19 March 2009, 11:31

I've used the second one and as it says not for the faint hearted! My Discovery very nearly got stuck pulling the boat out at low tide. I wouldn't have risked it, but we had another Disco with us which we nearly had to use. Apart from that its in a good location for seeing the sights. The pain with Putney is the slow bit at the start although its a good slip, and if you get stuck (which I did in a Focus) the nice chappies at Chas Newens will give you a hand with their 110 if you ask nicely. Likewise I think they will launch and recover you for £10.

Bern Hanreck · 19 March 2009, 11:41

Bargehouse Causeway at Woolwich ( on North Side )

but a 4X4 is a must really ! And slack high tides makes for a long day out in Summer , or berth overnight in Gallions Point Marina nearby ?

Also forget to mention , stay on south side of river opposite Parliament and in this same vicinity watchout for the " Duck " . ( Yellow amphibious passenger vehicle like a small coach with very low freeboard !

)

Observer · 07 April 2009, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

I've used the second one and as it says not for the faint hearted! My Discovery very nearly got stuck pulling the boat out at low tide. I wouldn't have risked it, but we had another Disco with us which we nearly had to use. Apart from that its in a good location for seeing the sights. The pain with Putney is the slow bit at the start although its a good slip, and if you get stuck (which I did in a Focus) the nice chappies at Chas Newens will give you a hand with their 110 if you ask nicely. Likewise I think they will launch and recover you for £10.

Tim,

Ref. Chas Newens charge for launch and recovery, is that a trade rate or 'mates rates' deal. I called them and they quoted £15 launch or recover or £25 for both. Am I being taken for a mug?

Neil Harvey · 07 April 2009, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Observer

Am I being taken for a mug?

if you accept it maybe... it's what they quoted when I asked a couple of years ago... maybe you can get a deal if a few boats are going?
it's the same i was quoted by a south coast marina for launch and recover - just by way of a guide

Tim M · 07 April 2009, 19:56

It was about three years ago I last launched there. That price could have been each way I suppose. The price above does seem to be the going rate though. This company, who I used to use a lot when I lived in Norfolk charge £20 to launch you on the beach with their tractor:

http://www.beachrockleisure.com/content/view/10/9/

BarneyUK · 15 July 2009, 13:42

I am currently looking at buying my first rib so if you decide to venture down to Putney i would be more than happy to accompany you on a trip down the Thames. I live in Wandsworth, only 10 mins away from the slipway in Putney.

Look forward to hearing from you
Barney

actions · 17 August 2011, 16:58

Jon,

How did you get on, i'm looking at doing this maybe this year (wife depending).

Where did you end up launching.

Chas Newens quoted £30 + VAT for launch and recovery at putney, mon to Sat between 9 and 5.

ashbypower · 17 August 2011, 18:09

I guess as this in a '09 thread and the OP has not been on for 18 Months you could be waiting some time!!!

actions · 17 August 2011, 18:27

Hmmmmm, I knew it was an old thread but didnt think to check if he was still on here..

Oh well.

Any one else had experience with this ramp then, ideas on how long you get either side of the tide?

redhed · 18 August 2011, 08:47

I've only launched from here in a meat-powered boat (racing eight) a few years ago; their launch requirements are quite different and I guess it might have changed. But happy to share if you think you can sift anything helpful from it.

mitchc · 18 August 2011, 09:53

I launched at Johnson Drawdock next to poplar rowing club on Sunday for free!

Went in about 4 before HW and came out at slack HW.

Wasn't too difficult although had a bit of wash up the chuff when recovering. Luckily our trailer is very forgiving and tend to self centre the boat when it's winched on.

We've got a wide beam 6 mtr rib and use a landcruiser amazon as the tow vehicle. It was pretty tight getting through the barrier, but if you really struggle the rowing club will open the other half.

Launched and recovered with the Mrs sitting in the drivers seat!

ChasTheBoat · 18 August 2011, 11:14

If you are looking at launching and recovering at Putney we are of course always happy to help as long as we have a spare LR and a driver handy (9 times out of 10) We charge £10 +VAT each way, and we can launch at almost all states of the tide here.

If you are planning on launching and are unsure about which slipway or where abouts to use (certain points are like quick sand on a low tide!) feel free to ask - you cant go wrong with Local Knowledge.

Vandad · 18 August 2011, 13:49

Putney is the best place to launch/recover if you plan to do sightseeing and mainly spending time in Central London. You could even go up to Thames Barriers. There is a petrol Station just behind the slipway so you can fill up there.

If you want to start further up, River Lane in Richmond is the best place. It is possible to launch/recover at all tide conditions and it is easier to find a parking space there than in Putney. You may have to go through the Richmond Lock.

Watch This:

Humber Assault on Tidal Thames in February! (1)- London Rib Ride - YouTube

actions · 18 August 2011, 22:24

Perfect, sounds like a plan James. Thanks very much for this. As you say local knowledge is always best and i'd rather a pay a bit extra for the day out than end up with my car (not a 4x4) in the drink. Although i'll take you up on the £10 + vat either way option, rather than the £30+vat option also quoted by chas

Vandand, yep, having not ever taken the rib to the Thames it would be a sightseeing trip so Putney would be best having looked at Google earth. Thanks for the video. We did go through tower bridge on the Waverley last year and they lifted tower bridge for us to go through, a great day, having steamed up from Whitstable. We both said then that taking the rib to the thames would be a must at some point.

P.S, Ashbypower, seems i didnt have to wait to long after all. Result.