'Quiet' areas for prop testing / boat familiarisation

[chris123]

Well I'm gradually getting to grips with my SIB, and it's looking like the prop might not be right to give me the correct revs at WOT.

I'd like to find somewhere reasonably 'quiet' and calm to check out this theory and get used to the boat at higher speeds without having to look over my shoulder for Harbour Patrol RIBs.

Can anyone suggest good places to go? I'm thinking the Solent and Southampton Water are a bit too crowded until I've got my confidence in the boat up (or am I being a wuss? ). Poole Bay seems like a possibility, any one got any better suggestions, preferably not too far from Portsmouth? I've even looked inland at lakes, but the ones that allow powered craft seem to be waterski or jetski only.

Saundersfoot Bay over in Pembrokeshire is definitely on the to do list, but it's a bit far for a day out.

Cheers

Chris

[Biggles]

Chris,

Contrary to what you say I believe Southampton water would be the best place for you. Its sheltered and is therefore relatively smooth. If you keep out of the main channel you can blast around to your hearts content without getting in the way of the ferries or large ships and without breaking any laws.


I see many boats doing their own trials on that stretch of water.

NR.

[Searider]

Right up at the top of Southampton Water up by Eling Tide mill there is a waterski area. This is alongside the three most upstream container ship berths and is sheltered on all sides.

Would be perfect for your needs. Could launch at Hythe perhaps, do some smooth water testing and then head back down Southampton water to see if what works in the smooth also works in the rough.

[AndrewH]

Chris

Your suggestion of Poole Bay is also a sensible. If you don't know the are then I'd get yourself a up to date map though. Its worth noting that technically the 10 knot speed limit extends all the way out to Bar Buoy in the main channel and and similarly to the first mark on the East Hook channel. Also watch out for Hook sands between the two as the water is flippin' shallow there at low tide (even for a SIB). However more than about 1/2 a mile off shore and you can blast around to your hearts content.

If you fancy making a day of it give me a shout and I can track alongside you with the GPS

Regards

Andrew

[Nos4r2]

With a sib and a 9.9hp you could launch at Studland and test it in the calm area behind the training bank on a nice day?

[Jon Brooks]

I have used the water-ski area up the end of Southampton water mentioned.
Further up there by the pub is a slip, not sure on the use, fees etc.

As mentioned is very protected and not very busy in the week.

Well worth a look.

[chris123]

Thanks all for the feedback.

I'd missed the Soton Water waterski area - I'd looked at Hythe slip and seen '6 knots speed limit north of Hythe Pier' and not looked beyond that -the slips at either Eling or Marchwood would both seem like options, reasonably close to home as well.

Cheers for confirming my thoughts on Studland and Poole bays too - I've seen how nasty the waves breaking over Hook sands can get when heading out of the harbour so I know to avoid there, and I've got charts for the south coast which I'm gradually finding my way around.

Boatlaunch seems a bit confused about launching at Studland saying in one line 'Motor boats are not allowed to launch here' and on another line '£10 double hull and boats less than 20hp' so I guess I'll have to double check on the NT website or pop over there one day and recce it.

Cheers

Chris

[chris123]

Well that was easy - The National Trust website says for Studland:

No powered craft over 20hp permitted. Tel. for information on boat launching

But then from your comment about 9.9HP I guess you knew that

Cheers

Chris

[Aging Youth]

Hi Chris,

If you are in Portsmouth Lauch at Langstone And use the water ski are inside the harbour, head up towards Hayling road bridge you cannot miss it very flat water in most wind directions, and H/Master is OK about prop testing just let him know you are there.

Good luck with the test.

[chris123]

Thanks for another good suggestion - even closer than the others, particularly if I launch at Brockhampton Quay.

Is it best to have a chat with the HM before launching, or just call him up on the VHF when we are there?

Cheers

Chris