Launching in Tidal Thames I am trying to find as much information as I can about slipways in the Silvertown to City Airport area (including the Isle of Dogs). I usually launch from Barge House Road however, I'm planning an event involving 3 ribs and the launch time is approx 1 hr before low tide on a spring which rules out Barge House Rd. Someone suggested Johnson Drawdock (Isle of dogs) but I can't find any further information. The PLA couldn't help me and put me through to the harbour master who suggested Saundersness Drawdock but again could not offer any further info. Essentially, I need to launch 3 ribs by 9.30am on a day when low water spring is 10.30am... any suggestions
the sub 5metre gang use the slipway next to Poplar rowing club on the isle of Dogs to launch all states of tide, be warned though its fairly narrow at the top of the slip and your'll need a good 4x4 to launch and recover, parking is a nightmare as its on the road and normally we seperate and stack the trailers up which are then all locked to a post with a chain, then park the cars on the street.
Depending on where your event is, and if it's a weekend (ie light traffic) it could be worth driving to Putney (30-40mins from City) where there is an enormous slip way good for all states of tide. Trailers can be left easily, car parking is free on Sundays, metered on Saturdays.
If your event is in the East, then probably no good, although Putney to Tower Bridge can easily be done in 20mins by RIB.
as bilge rat said try the slip by poplar rowing club you will need a 4x4
ive used it three times an found it ok scratch the hole last time i used it at very low water it takes two to hold the boats due to the tide hereis some pics
at high tide
I know this slipway well and have launched many times including very low tide. The main problem with low tide is that the gradient is very shallow, but in my experience the ground is firm. Feel free to give me a call if you require any further information on 020 7274 4153
