Places to go within an hour of Chester

[Katie.harker]

Hi guys,

We had our second trip out on Friday and with some seating tweaks, we were a lot more comfortable.

However, we are thinking that starting at Sandy Lane each time is going to be boring - you can only go a short distance to the right and I don't want to wear out the appeal.

So, within an hour driving of Chester, can you recommend any other places to go Sibbing? OH doesn't want to go on salt water, thinks it will shorten the lifespan of engine and boat.

[Fenlander]

>>>OH doesn't want to go on salt water, thinks it will shorten the lifespan of engine and boat.

It won't to any degree that matters... if you have a suitable coastal location for the ability of your outfit go for it... just something special about sea or estuary sibbing.

[Festinghouse]

dont worry at all about salt water - just flush the engine out each time and give everything a good wash. the sea is much more interesting with a shoreline that constantly changes with the tide.

[davkt]

In this country there is precious little freshwater RIB/SIBing available. With the exception of the safety boats on inland sailing clubs almost every RIB/SIB spends most of its afloat time in the sea and salt water estuaries. Flush the engine with fresh when you are done and enjoy a life on the ocean wave!

[Pikey Dave]

Spread your wings a tad further & go to the Menai. Ignore the OH, salty is best, fresh is boring.

[davkt]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Spread your wings a tad further & go to the Menai. Ignore the OH, salty is best, fresh is boring.

Menai straights are fab (did my RYA advanced course at Plas Menai so may be bias) but can easily catch out the unwary. Between the bridges it is certainly very interesting navigation and probably best to have someone who knows it on board the first time you do it as the various transits and landmarks aren't always easy to spot.
There is also some really good boating just out of the straight, particularly at the SW end though if you are going out that way make sure get the latest chart of the Caernarfon Bar from the Caernarfon harbour masters, the channel realigns itself on a regular basis!

[rossymtb]

Chester River goes 14 miles up river. As I found out the other weekend

But I'm currently camping at shell island. Don't worry about salt. Just wash it afterwards.

[Pikey Dave]

Where's shell island?

[rossymtb]

North West Wales. Between barmouth and Harlech.
One of the largest campsite in Europe.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by rossymtb

North West Wales. Between barmouth and Harlech.
One of the largest campsite in Europe.

Cheers[emoji106] I'll have a look

[twigg]

Hi Dave shell islands 3 mile from mine if you need any info

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by twigg

Hi Dave shell islands 3 mile from mine if you need any info

[emoji106]cheers

[Katie.harker]

Starting from Sandy Lane, we got to where Pulford Brook branches off yesterday, a 3rd trip out.

Part of the reason for avoiding coastal waters is I have been known to get seasick on small boats in choppy water. Mortifying, as I used to enjoy all sorts of kayaking and sailing as a kid.

Also, I don't think our set up is suitable for coastal waters. The 4HP motor we bought doesn't even get us up to river speed of 6mph - tops out at 5mph. The bow does lift but I don't think enough to be considered planing. The 2 of us are pretty heavy.

We are so very new to this, I am wary of going out on on the sea. I forsee a Darwin Award moment happening.

[davkt]

Get yourself some coastal powerboat training (RYA intermediate or advanced if you have your L2) It will give you confidence to go out in sheltered waters, and the knowledge to decide when the conditions are suitable to go out, choppy seas aren't the best place for a SIB! And seasickness, it gets nearly everyone sometimes and in my experience is nowhere near as likely if you are busy driving/crewing the boat as if you are just a passenger.

[wxmrich]

Hi Katie. I'm just down the road from you in Wrexham. I've been a few times from Sandy lane up as far as Holt but the £20 per launch cost puts me off a bit. I've been told you won't get asked on a weekday though.

You could try the river Severn at Shrewsbury. Probably just under an hour from you. It's similar to the river dee but a change of scenery I suppose.

The only other places I go are in the sea. Black rock sands is easy to launch from the beach - we usually go out and around to criccieth, have a pint at Dylan's and then head back. I've done this with my smaller 5hp Honda engine with ease, you just need a day without much wind. Anglesey is also great for a SIB.

[Fishcake]

Fully agree with the very constructive replies so far. First time in the sea can be a bit daunting, but once you've tried it you'll not look back

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Conway river is v sheltered but it's tidal.

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Where's shell island?

How have you not seen it?

Worth a look.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

How have you not seen it?

Worth a look.

I've heard it mentioned in dispatches but never investigated further, sounds like it's worth a look. The cardinal was on station last Weds BTW[emoji6]

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Yeah, cleaned up and all the upholstery redone, back on the water marking the pub now the service has been done.