Can You Launch From

dave3235 · 28 July 2015, 23:59

Hi all

As the title says can you launch a sib from West Bexington Devon or is it Dorset not to sure.

Maximus · 29 July 2015, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave3235

Hi all

As the title says can you launch a sib from West Bexington Devon or is it Dorset not to sure.

If you want to carry it down the Beach and over the Shingle.....Yep

Beach launch only...
Just make sure it's nice and calm!....you do get a pretty big Surf/Surge on the Chesil with any sort of Sea..which makes things very awkward to say the least!

As an aside,I was talking to the founder of Ribcraft a while ago,he was at the same spot fishing with his friend from the Beach many years ago....
When a Guy along came along,Rolled out a tiny inflatable pumped it up,strapped on a small outboard,and was boat fishing some distance from the shore within a few minutes!
......The rest, as they say is History!

dave3235 · 29 July 2015, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

If you want to carry it down the Beach and over the Shingle.....Yep

Beach launch only...
Just make sure it's nice and calm!....you do get a pretty big Surf/Surge on the Chesil with any sort of Sea..which makes things very awkward to say the least!

As an aside,I was talking to the founder of Ribcraft a while ago,he was at the same spot fishing with his friend from the Beach many years ago....
When a Guy along came along,Rolled out a tiny inflatable pumped it up,strapped on a small outboard,and was boat fishing some distance from the shore within a few minutes!
......The rest, as they say is History!

Hi maximus

Thanks for your reply.

Pikey Dave · 29 July 2015, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

If you want to carry it down the Beach and over the Shingle.....Yep

Beach launch only...
Just make sure it's nice and calm!....you do get a pretty big Surf/Surge on the Chesil with any sort of Sea..which makes things very awkward to say the least!

+1

I'd be very wary of beach launching anywhere off Chesil Beach. Even in benign conditions the surf can be vicious & un-predictable. The beach shelves steeply & is soft underfoot due to the shifting pebbles/gravel, depending on which end of the beach you're at. Eype could be worth a look as an alternative.

dave3235 · 29 July 2015, 13:37

Hi

Will be giving that one a miss.

scar · 29 July 2015, 19:23

Wise decision Dave3235, a treacherous stretch of water.
If you wish to use your SIB in that area you can launch easily at West Bay on the slipway, it is only a few miles up the coast from to West Bexington.

dave3235 · 29 July 2015, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by scar

Wise decision Dave3235, a treacherous stretch of water.
If you wish to use your SIB in that area you can launch easily at West Bay on the slipway, it is only a few miles up the coast from to West Bexington.

Hi

Is there a lanching fee at West Bay thanks

Pikey Dave · 29 July 2015, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave3235

Hi

Is there a lanching fee at West Bay thanks

There is for boats/trailers etc, I'm not sure what would happen if you pitched with an inflated SIB & carried it down the slip. Personally the relative cost of being able to use, slip/pontoon into sheltered water is worth every penny. The ONLY times I have ever damaged a boat, have been when beach launching/recovering

scar · 30 July 2015, 11:43

Yes, fees apply at West Bay however, I do not know the cost as I never go to West Bay boating.
A free launch is located at Castletown on Portland if cost is an issue and it is into the relatively safe waters of Portland harbour, you will need to have a harbour permit though.

McNish · 30 July 2015, 16:40

West Bay is if I remember rightly £18. I've seen a sib be charged for, also, you'll be required to show insurance. Get's so busy in high season that I've stopped using it for my hard boat. It is possible to launch a sib down the beach directly to the west of the slip. I did that one evening last year when many had left. Regarding Eype, also viewed this last year with a view to launching. Well, I'm a fairly fit guy but no way I'd carry a boat and outboard from car park to beach, maybe with two of you but still a toughie.

Maximus · 30 July 2015, 17:13

As the OP asked it is possible to Launch and recover at the Chesil.....as said YES I've done it with a SIB a few times as per the proviso's.
A much better option IMO is "Sea Town"....short Haul for Two over the Beach...Bigger Pebbles you won't sink up to your knees in...good fishing... a decent Pub...and NO Fees!