Route Planning

[Mattyn]

Hi All

New to the site and new to boating. We are moving to Bray shortly and intend to make the most of the location.  Now the initial excitement had dies down, we are looking to plan this properly so do not intend to hit the water in anger for 12 months.  We are still not properly undecided on what boat we want and will get but we have moved quite quickly from modern cruisers (we did like Aquanaut) to more traditional and vintage that look like this:

http://www.classic-boats.com/en/motor-yachts/andreyale-15-m or this

http://woodyboater.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/allez-Copy.jpg

But being the ever cautious bloke I am, I am really getting my knickers twisted about what is suitable - and the main problem is bridge headroom.  Can anyone recommend/offer good advice as to what sources of information are ideal in this matter?  I would prefer online initially but obvs will get the necessary publications.

I have joined canalplan.org.uk which seems ideal for journey planning - but struggling to find other suitable and good resources.  Any tips would be gratefully received.

Many thanks in advance

Matt

Edited June 10, 2017 by Mattyn
Picture added

[Scholar Gypsy]

You might find the Thames forum has more people with similar boats. http://www.ybw.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?66-The-Thames-Forum 

Also https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-bridges-locks-and-facilities-for-boaters official EA site

and http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/bridgeheights.htm  (looks like the same data). 

I think these heights are to the centre of the arch, so you need to allow for the width of your boat ...

[Martin Megson]

Hi,

The guide at the link below covers lots of info on the non-tidal Thames including bridge heights.  You don't mention where you plan to use the boat but I assume you'll be staying off the canals where headroom is often limited.

http://www.visitthames.co.uk/dbimgs/Cruising Guide.pdf

[OldGoat]

Bray Eh? There's a much nicer marina a bit further upstream where there's a lot more room to enter and turn around in their new lagoon..... Only 15 minutes by car. Bray marina itself is quite tight to turn within and enter for a large boat. With either of the classic boats you suggest there should be plenty of bridge height (excluding masts and aerials).

You'd be much nearer Henley for the Trad boat rally - that's where such craft congregate.

(I assume you mean living in Bray and you've not chosen a marina yet)

[Mattyn]

1 hour ago, Scholar Gypsy said:

You might find the Thames forum has more people with similar boats. http://www.ybw.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?66-The-Thames-Forum 

Also https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-bridges-locks-and-facilities-for-boaters official EA site

and http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/bridgeheights.htm  (looks like the same data). 

I think these heights are to the centre of the arch, so you need to allow for the width of your boat ...

Perfect mate - thank you.

[Mattyn]

47 minutes ago, Martin Megson said:

Hi,

The guide at the link below covers lots of info on the non-tidal Thames including bridge heights.  You don't mention where you plan to use the boat but I assume you'll be staying off the canals where headroom is often limited.

http://www.visitthames.co.uk/dbimgs/Cruising Guide.pdf

Martin

Thank you for that document.  My thoughts at this juncture are limited to Henley ish through Kingston and beyond down the river - any further will need further thought and maybe alternative craft but like I said, this is very early days.  Not yet been lambasted for my choice of craft though - which is a comforting sign!

Old Goat

Yes, living in Bray.  Made a big initial assumption about the marina there - will look at the option you suggest.  Thank you for the reply though - discussing it seems to bring the whole thing closer!

 

Matt

[OldGoat]

22 minutes ago, Mattyn said:

Martin

Thank you for that document.  My thoughts at this juncture are limited to Henley ish through Kingston and beyond down the river - any further will need further thought and maybe alternative craft but like I said, this is very early days.  Not yet been lambasted for my choice of craft though - which is a comforting sign!

Old Goat

Yes, living in Bray.  Made a big initial assumption about the marina there - will look at the option you suggest.  Thank you for the reply though - discussing it seems to bring the whole thing closer!

 

Matt

I felt guilty in suggesting another marina because the folks at MDL (Penton Hook, Windsor and Bray when we had to find winter moorings) have always been very friendly and helpful to me. As you've not fixed anything yet, come and look at Harleyford at Marlow. We've been there for 12 years now initially on a less expensive mooring on one of their islands, but have been seduced into the new lagoon which has been well designed for large and small boats - from 6m to 20 plus. It's a beautiful estate with bankside moorings as well. It depends on what you want - go and have a look.

There are a lot of high fly-bridge boat on the Thames and generally most can get as far as Abingdon. With a traditional boat you "should" have no problems.

There are also traditional boatbuilders nearby - Freebody's  are just across the River at Hurley Lock. Again if you're looking at boats - another plug for the rally -

http://www.tradboatfestival.com/home

is  a must; 14 -16th July. The food and beer is good as well.

Enough...

 

[Peter X]

I love boating on the Thames for its sheer gorgeousness, and part of it is all the beautiful old boats like that Allez. Apart from punting and rowing in eights long ago, I've only been on the Thames in narrowboats, for which the first bridge to pose any headroom problem is Osney at Oxford, but you would need to compare your vessel's headroom against the lists people linked to, bearing in mind of course that it's a river and levels vary.

No one should criticize you if you buy a boat like that, but we might question your sanity a bit! Wooden hulled boats are lovely, but notorious for requiring regular skilled maintenance. If you have deep pockets, or the skills and time, please do buy one and look after it.