Putney, Sunday 2nd Sept

[ajstars]

Planning to take the RIB to Putney on Sunday 2nd September. It will be my first time launching here by myself and only my second outing in the RIB. Is anyone else planning a trip for some guidance and back up in case it's required?

[Bern Hanreck]

Someone with real local knowledge may be able to give better guidance , but on the Thames , I would be aiming to launch on the slack low tide ( approx 09.30 am ) and maybe recover on the slack high tide at about 3 ish .

Both launching & recovery are always trickier in stronger cross tides

Regards Bern

[EnglishLes]

This is what was quoted to me in a request I made for best place for a first sea launch between Poole & Brighton asking for a comparison with Putney.

"On the Thames, Putney is OK but best around high water. Half tide and below can be a bit of a problem. For a more relaxed outing I'd launch at Petersham and head down to Richmond or to the White Swan at Twickenham."

I'm looking to go to Putney but the tides never seem right when I can go!

See http://rjen.me.uk/tides/Tides2012-Putney.pdf for Tide times.

I've done 4 launches now (2 canals and 2 non-tidal Thames) so tidal/sea is the next step.

PM also sent.

[ChristopherA]

You may find at weekends that there are a lot of the rowing clubs on the draw docks by Chas Newens, making trailer reversing tricky and that the slipway by the bridge has been blocked by a car parked on it while the owner goes for a walk, if they have parked far enough down though it's always a joy to see the tide come up and watch them paddle out to rescue it.

[ajstars]

I don't hold a licence for the non tidal areas. I think Petersham requires it. Other option was Battersea but I can't find any info on the slipway apart from its next to the church!

[ChristopherA]

Battersea , not much parking from what I can remember , also there tends to be a lot of crap/driftwood at the high tide mark which blocks the slip . Dries to a mud and shingle foreshore.

[EnglishLes]

Originally Posted by ajstars

I don't hold a licence for the non tidal areas. I think Petersham requires it. Other option was Battersea but I can't find any info on the slipway apart from its next to the church!

Non-Tidal Thames Licences:

I've brought day licences from a lock keeper when I have launched at Windsor.

See Environment Agency - Visitor registrations for powered boats


Battersea:
(from Battersea Church London[slipway] - Boatlaunch)

Slipway information:

Phone Number: PLA 020 7743 7900
Ramp Description: Good concrete ramp onto hard standing forming a draw dock. Often a sill at the end of the ramp so take care when launching. Ramp is often blocked by parked cars.
Directions: Slipway is upstream of Battersea Bridge on the south bank. Follow Battersea Church Street and the slipway is next to the church.
Ramp Type: Concrete
Upper Area: Shingle
Lower Area: Shingle
Suitability: Large trailer needs a car
Ramp Length: 1/4 tidal
Facilities: Street parking but limited. Cars are often parked on the ramp.
Cruising Area: River Thames
Navigational Hazards: 8 knot speed limit above Wandsworth Bridge. This part of the river tends to have less traffic than further downstream.

[Tim M]

You may or may not know that under the new Thames by-laws there is a speed limit of 12 knots from Margretness inbound, unless you are exempt (which you are not), still 8 knots from Wandsworth bridge upstream. This area is regularly patrolled by the PLA!

Putney isn't a good idea at low water unless you have a decent 4x4. The nice chaps at Chas Newens marine will launch for you a small fee, quite handy if you're on your own.

[ajstars]

Thanks for the info everyone. Large 4x4 will be used so no worries there!

[CJL]

Chas Newens used to be closed on Sunday!

[ChristopherA]

Chas Newens may be closed , but the rowing clubs are based either side of him.

[Jamesg514]

I've used both slips at Putney the one just up from the bridge and the one up from that good slip ways but hard work at low tide. if you don't have a 4x4 the slip at chas newes is steep I got myself a hand winch because of this slip way at low tide!