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Post by Mr Stabby on May 2, 2016 17:49:20 GMT
As per the title, has anyone done the tidal Thames? I think my boat could handle it, and I'd be confident enough to do it, but I'd be interested in hints, tips etc. Here's our planned itinerary, based on 12 hours travelling a day, we'd probably be doing the trip mid-late June and would plan the Thames section according to the tide. We've got lifejackets and an anchor, we don't have VHF radio but I think we could live without it. I'd probably rather do it in convoy but equally don't mind doing it solo if needs be.  Any advice welcome. |
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Post by loafer on May 2, 2016 18:22:13 GMT
Most of the available advice is on CWDF. Do a search there and you'll get all you need!
My biggest recommendation is to study the tide tables for the Thames and pick a day when it's neap tides at the right time of day. The first time we went, the lowest tidal range of the whole year allowed us to start out from Teddington Lock at 0900. Perfect.
Try googling 'Thames Cruising Guides' or similar and you should come up with BW's slightly dated guidebooks, although they are still correct. I would NOT go in a convoy, because no-one can really help you anyway, and the resulting queue at Limehouse Lock entrance is NOT for the faint-hearted or those with inappropriate boat.
Going together with a VHF-equipped boat is, I believe, allowed, although a bit pointless because you still can't hear what's going on, unless you know the other boat and have mobile phones.
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Post by peterboat on May 2, 2016 18:46:27 GMT
I did it years ago with 6 other boats from the Regents really enjoyed it even the hangover from the party from the night before couldnt dampen our spirits! The other boats had VHF and we all had each others mobile numbers so all was well. It is a long trog I would recommend Hampton court when you get there I really enjoyed the visit
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Post by carlt on May 3, 2016 1:30:20 GMT
I used to do it regularly when I was moored on the Crouch in Essex but I had the advantage of an ex-RNLI lifeboat with a pair of 128hp Ford Mermaids.
I'm not sure I'd do it with a narrowboat though...well...
...maybe somebody else's.
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Post by Saltysplash on May 5, 2016 15:02:23 GMT
Have done it 3 times in a narrowboat, 5 times in a dutch barge. If your going via Limehouse you will nee VHF or be in company, and it can be a bit choppy prior to Lambeth Bridge so make sure your fuel tanks are clean, after Lambeth Bridge its a totally different river and calms down a lot do to the lack of trip boats. Do it. eta Welocme Carlt  |
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Post by bills on May 5, 2016 16:07:00 GMT
You must be planning on some very long cruising days if you are going to do that trip in 11 days!
If VHF is a problem, you could always come off the Thames at Brentford and do the Limehouse leg as an out and back from Bull's Bridge. That way, you won't need one, but you would be replacing the "landmarks" route with a rather dreary climb up Hanwell flight. |
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Post by Mr Stabby on May 5, 2016 18:55:39 GMT
Yes, we do normally put in very long days when we are cruising, I inputted 12 hour days to arrive at that, although it wouldn't matter if we took longer, that was just the quickest journey practicable, I can extend it according to the tides and the dates the crew are available. I will probably get a VHF radio for emergencies, and I'm looking into taking the VHF course, although I understand that at 42' VHF radio is not a legal requirement?
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Post by PaulG2 on May 5, 2016 23:45:21 GMT
Doesn't Tony Dunkley know the Thames quite well?
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Post by JohnV on May 7, 2016 15:36:13 GMT
Doesn't Tony Dunkley know the Thames quite well? His stamping ground is the Trent and the Humber Like Carlt I have done it a few times but not in a narrow boat, I suppose my little cruiser was the closest but that was from Limehouse downstream. All the other times have been in commercial vessels and although sometimes I've been on the wheel, it was not as skipper. As a result I would consider myself a novice and will keep my trap firmly shut. |
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Post by PaulG2 on May 7, 2016 15:43:25 GMT
Doesn't Tony Dunkley know the Thames quite well? His stamping ground is the Trent and the Humber That's cool - but when he's not practicing philately, does he ever stomp around on the Thames? I'll get me coat......... |
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Post by JohnV on May 7, 2016 15:52:06 GMT
His stamping ground is the Trent and the Humber That's cool - but when he's not practicing philately, does he ever stomp around on the Thames? I'll get me coat......... |
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Post by on Mar 12, 2024 14:50:02 GMT
And I was like "OMG it lasted 8 yars!'
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Post by dogless on Mar 12, 2024 19:15:01 GMT
Some terrific old posters on here ... hadn't realised it was an old thread initially 🤣
Rog
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Post by on Mar 12, 2024 20:07:05 GMT
I was like OMG the cesspit of gods mistakes has made it through this far.
Who knows what the future holds?
Will it be greatness or just a re hash of the same old garbage by worthless inconsequential nobodies, gutless invertebrates and psychotic arsewipes?
"Sweary chip-shouldered weirdos' also works as this has all the vowels and is thereby linguistically efficacious.
In fact I would like to remark that 'sweary chip-shouldered weirdos' also has a letter y which while not being a vowel is worth including.
So I am awarding the award of best terminology to telly mackus.
Perhaps 'Pointlessly useless moronic arsewipe' could be included here as an edited version. If I may be so bold.
I feel the inclusion of double S in the words helps but I am a mere amateur in these matters and always happy to bow to authority.
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Post by dogless on Mar 12, 2024 20:15:11 GMT
I believe he included bigoted at some point ... sweary, chip-shouldered, bigoted old weirdos.
It certainly has a ring to it.
Rog
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