Keyhaven launching?

[Calne Diver]

Anyone know what keyhaven launching and recovery is like? Never been there before, but it's the closest point to Alum bay, which is where we need to dive this weekend!

Thanks,
Jon

[C2 RIBS]

Very tidal and will restrict you entering and exiting at low water, not sure from my memory what launch site is like- may be on boat launch boatlaunch on RIBnet


Name: Roy Plummer (River Warden)
Phone Number: 01590 645695 VHF 37
Mobile Phone Number: 07969182007
Fax Number: 01590 645695
Email: Send Email....

Ramp Description: Very busy in summer weekends, holidays and world sailing race starts. Best to use Calshot slipway. North slip for RIBS and is closed October and November for oyster storage. South slip for sailing dinghies (faces east) but can be used inc concrete slip but ONLY if not busy or as directed by river warden. No access at 2 hours before and after low water springs. Tide stands approximately 2 hours after high water. Slips shared with other trailer-launchers and Keyhaven Yacht Club and Hurst Castle Sailing Club. There is only the one car park and no street parking May to October. Look out for children in the road, slips, river etc.. The whole area is a 'Conservation Area' and a breeding area for sea birds.
Directions: From East (Lymington) A337 onto B3058 to Milford-on-Sea (direct) Village Green. Do not go down Lymore Lane, signposted Keyhaven, you will get stuck. From west (Christchurch) A337 onto B3058 to Milford-on-Sea village green. Common route thereafter from Milford-on-Sea following signposting to Keyhurst and/or Hurst Castle. At Keyhaven, straight on at War Memorial/Village Green (not left fork), round narrow right-hand bend, past pub The Gun (on right) and car park (on left) and left, after 200 metres into lane (often very busy, mind the children) leading to slipways, quay and river wardens office/lookout.
Ramp Type: Gravel and 3.5m concrete.
Upper Area: Shingle
Lower Area: Shingle
Suitability: Large trailer needs a car
Ramp Length: 3/4 tidal
Facilities: Boatyard, pub, parking 133 spaces inc 4 disabled (pay and display £4.20 all day, March to October, max 20 hours, you pay for both car and trailer. No parking on quay or slipways, public toilets, fuel in Milford-on-Sea.
Charges: RIBs £15 per launch.
Cruising Area: Solent (West), Christchurch Bay, English Channel (going East or West).
Navigational Hazards: Narrow winding river channel but follow densely moored boats to access Solent. Fishing trawlers and Ferries (to Hurst Castle) also use river. Lots of sailing dinghies many under control of children. 4knts speed limit. Tide drops fast, don't push your luck, as the mud is very soft, smelly and particularly adhesive.

[Calne Diver]

Yep I saw that, but didn't find it very clear. Couldn't tell when it was talking about the north and south slips, or whether they meant both sometimes.

Thanks for the note though. Still not sure whether to try it or not.

[mattfx]

Im based in Lymington, and I would suggest you launch from here. Its pretty negligable the time saving from Keyhaven to Alum Bay, and the facilities at Lymington are better - and you can get into the water and out to the Solent at pretty much all states of tide...

[Calne Diver]

Hmm, I looked at Lymington and couldn't decide if it would be any good. Sounds like a good bet though! Might be there Sunday...

[mattfx]

http://www.lymingtonharbour.co.uk/Fa...Facilities.htm

[akirk]

Totally - go for Lymington - takes about the same time, and much better for launching - just avoid the wightlink ferry

Alasdair

[Calne Diver]

Ok that's decided then! Lymington it is! If anyone is about, look out for Shot Away out for it's first launch since retubing!

Thanks all!

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by mattfx

Im based in Lymington, and I would suggest you launch from here. Its pretty negligable the time saving from Keyhaven to Alum Bay, and the facilities at Lymington are better - and you can get into the water and out to the Solent at pretty much all states of tide...

1000% I always launch at Lymington and it is straight forward. You might want to miss low springs by an hour or so, but other than that .........
Keyhaven is severely limited, muddy bottom and difficult to get trailer in and out. Had trouble getting a mates Wayfarer in and out, wouldn't fancy trying it with a RIB, not impossible, but not for me