Easy Launch Site!

[Mode]

Hi All

I am a little way off the first trip on the water but I am getting increasingly excited/nervous about launching the rib!

So, where to launch?

If you were a first timer where is the easiest place - I will be setting of from Felsted in Essex.

Any ideas..........

Cheers

Mode

[Mode]

PS - I have looked at boatlaunch by the way! Just wanted to ask !!

[jeffstevens763@g]

Don't know the area mode but I would look for a marina with a good slip launch at high tide and have a play do a launch and recovery then go for a spin then you can enjoy your trip knowing you have recovered your boat before plus you can iron out any possible problems but with a good trailer it's a piece of pssss
Cheers

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

it's a piece of pssss
Cheers

+1
Think it out before you're on the slip.

A check list doesn't hurt until it's second nature.

One in the boat, one in the car (passengers out), on and off the slip in about 3 to 4 minutes tops.

[Fenlander]

Of course I'm a sibber which changes some factors but have a look at post #16 onwards in this thread...

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/launchi...sea-52571.html

The only real difference for you would be the need to take the vehicle/trailer away from the slip to one of the quieter village roads and leave it parked kerbside.

Otherwise the place has a lot of positives for a first trial run...


Hard packed slipway surface useable at 90% of tide states... excellent pontoon to immediately go to and make post launch checks... toilets/wash facility by pontoon... decent cafes... no slip or pontoon charges... plenty of boats about if you had problems with this trial run... even the RNLI adj the slipway!

We whoosh past you on our way to Mersea from Cambridgeshire... it would be an easy run for you.

Brightlingsea is another option. Slip has a fee to pay and it's very muddy when the tide is low which is why we avoid for sibbing but we do motor there from Mersea for the café. Decent pontoon, toilets & café etc. Better parking than Mersea just behind the waterfront.

[Mode]

Thanks all!

Mersea was the one I was thinking of Fenlander - looks the easiest!

Will be there in about 4 weeks for the first launch!

Cheers

[Bern Hanreck]

Mode , have you checked out the trailer before you make your first expedition with this project ? ( Wheel bearings & brakes as a minimum ! )

How confident are you in the engines ability to keep running and did you have any contingencies if she played up ? ( eg a mate in a second rib with a decent tow rope ) . Drifting out of control in the sea or any river will not be a barrel of laughs............

Have you considered Burnham on Crouch as a possible launch site? Decent slip but very muddy at low water . Good Luck Bern

[Mode]

Good point well made! Will call some friends!