Novice - Easy launch in Dorset or Devon

[John N]

Hi,

I am looking for some advice and guidance on a good/ easy trailer launch spot in Dorset please 😀

I am brand new to ribbing, I recently bought my first rib, a 5.0m zodiac medline with a 90hp outboard and I want to take my family out for a cruise around, swimming, picnic etc.. I have a van (not 4x4) hence the need for it to be easy. I have done the powerboat 2 course and a fair bit of boating under sail but that’s it so I would like a nice mellow start if possible.

We will probably go for the weekend so if there is somewhere to leave the boat in the water (best) or store it overnight while we camp, that would also be super helpful, thanks

[Steve509926]

Hi John and welcome, my vote would be Mylor Marina. Good slip, good facilities, you can leave your rib overnight on the visitors pontoon, and big sheltered waters to gain experience before venturing out on the sea.

[Pikey Dave]

By far the “easiest” place to launch & leave the boat overnight would be Portland water sports centre, but you will pay handsomely for the privilege. West Bay is an easy launch with limited parking, not sure about leaving the boat in overnight though. As Steve says, Mylor is a good shout as long as you don’t mind very narrow roads & having to reverse a boat outfit because some grockle can’t reverse their Chelsea tractor. It’s a bit out of your target area too.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

It’s a bit out of your target area too.

Oops! Missed that bit.

[Fenlander]

Ha ha Mylor was my go-to thought until I noticed Dorset. Not that I have actual experience but from Steve and others reporting and my own intensive research it looks an ideal spot to start out gently and ease in with a new/new to you outfit.

Worth the extra travel maybe?

[John N]

Great, thanks for your responses guys. I had found west bay from my initial search but will have a look at my lot and Portland ��

[tinker]

Redcliffe Farm Campsite
07859 911795

https://g.co/kgs/7Pbzq2U

Slipway is easy relatively quiet and easy to launch, you can go upstream for about 500m to test your engine and kit before you meander into poole Harbour down the the river frome. From Poole you have multiple options.

[Steve509926]

Hi tinker, is that slip useable at all states of tide?

[tinker]

I have never had any issues, with a 4.8m ribcraft. It's a great campsite as well, perfect , boat storage on the site, clean bathrooms and a mile walk into wareham, which has some decent restaurants, Thai was nice and it also has

The horse and groom....

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1S3gAyJunJBaMeJc6

Slip details here , say all tides. Comments disagree.

https://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/view-slipway/1705

[Steve509926]

Thanks tinker, one for the notebook.

[paulbrown22]

The main public slipway in Poole (Baiter Park) is pretty good, buoys right beside to tie up to while you play with trailer, etc. Or you can pay more to use slips at e.g. MDL at Cobbs Quay, Salterns Marina, etc.

[smallribber]

Video below of our trip and launching etc at Redcliffe Farm Slip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLYr707WFxA&t=1003s

[tinker]

Nice video, sums it up perfectly. Years ago they let me leave my flatacraft force 4 in the river, to the right of the slip, the little pool. And we did also leave her in wareham , under the bridge to the left used to allow 48 hour mooring. Looked last time I was there and submerged boats are now in preventing it.

[treerat]

From Bristol have you tried Portishead? Will give you a nice local option - https://www.bristolmarina.co.uk/inde...id=25&Itemid=6

Others have mentioned Portland, Weymouth itself has a good easy slipway to use and then West Bay, we've left on the pontoons over night there with harbour master knowledge. Lyme Regis is busy so I avoid, but can be done.

Next cost effective one I use is Teignmouth, (I've not used Exmouth but you can) you need a good crew at certain tide states as the river runs (so don't get downstream of teh boat when launching / recovering) but its a great venue and good parking.

Torquay is really simple, great facilities and load of options, as is Dartmouth. Both Dartmouth and then Plymouth, give you in land sheltered areas to play in too. From Plymouth you can visit Salcombe, Fowey, Looe etc if you fancied a longer run too.

[John N]

Thanks treerat, I looked at portishead but you need a 4x4 to use the slipway which I don’t have . Did the pb2 there though and it was pretty cool. Just a shame I can’t do it with the van

[lakelandterrier]

Westbay, Portland or Poole I'd advise for Dorest
Or a bit further East try Lymington

[John N]

This looks great, slightly further than I was planning this weekend but will definitely try it this summer, thanks