Hamble river and the Southampton water tides

James125 · 28 July 2010, 20:56

Hi,
Can anyone offer advice, I am new to the water and have a small 2.9 meter rib with a yamaha 4HP outboard. I have currently used the rib for cruising up and down the Hamble River but I am not sure if the engine is powerfull enough for me to go out from the hamble River into the Southampton water or the Solent? Does anyone have any idea? The rib has a solid floor and an inflatable keel.

I just have visions on me not having enough power and getting sucked out to sea!!!

James

Doug Stormforce · 28 July 2010, 23:38

the boat will have more than enough power to combat the tide, although it would pay to be aware of when the tide is falling/rising as it will make a big difference to your ground speed.

More relevant will be wind strength/direction and in turn sea state.

Blue Lightning · 29 July 2010, 17:11

I am a Southampton and Cowes PEC holder (Pilotage Exemption Cert) and a Master / Commander for the Red Funnel ferries and red Jets. I know quite a lot about tides!
Also own a 5.3m rib - happy to spend a morning with you on the water if you want to learn more about the Solent tides - PM me.

chewy · 31 July 2010, 13:09

I wouldn't fancy going against a strong tide in that RIB, how fast does the RIB go and what is the flow of the tide?

Andy B · 31 July 2010, 17:56

It’s not the tide I’d be worried about,
There’s a lot of big and fast moving stuff out there in Southampton water and not a lot of room,
especially around the mouth of the hamble,
not to mention the Solent chop.
If you’re struggling against the tide as it is, it don't leave you with much left to manoeuvre!