Anonymous wrote:

Hello again Jonny, another idea just occurred to me: take a look at Thornham Marina, Chichester Harbour. It's in a beautiful, prime location with Emsworth town and a rail station a half hour walk away, but it's relatively cheap for the south coast because it dries to mud and gravel on the tide. 

Anonymous wrote:

I rather think that 3. is incompatible with 1. But one man's "affordable" is another man's "sky-high", so all I can say for sure is that the closer to London you are, the higher the prices, as a generalisation. For what I would class as "affordable", I think you have to accept some "difficulty of access". Perhaps Bristol Marina, on the main rail line from London? I'd take the UK west coast as a cruising ground, ahead of the south coast.

There's not really a problem with keeping a boat afloat over the winter in the south of England, in a sheltered marina. 

Thank you as well David!

Agreed on #3!

The west coast is certainly beautiful. Something to consider for sure. And Bristol Marina looks lovely as well. I'll give them a shout as well. 

Really good to know about the mild winters ... especially coming from Florida and California.

The new boat has a ducted diesel heater , and I'd like to install a small solid fuel heater for chilly evenings. I actually have a  brand new cubic mini wood stove in my storage unit! I'll see if I can stuff it in a suitcase at some point.

best,

Jonny

I rather think that 3. is incompatible with 1. But one man's "affordable" is another man's "sky-high", so all I can say for sure is that the closer to London you are, the higher the prices, as a generalisation. For what I would class as "affordable", I think you have to accept some "difficulty of access". Perhaps Bristol Marina, on the main rail line from London? I'd take the UK west coast as a cruising ground, ahead of the south coast.

There's not really a problem with keeping a boat afloat over the winter in the south of England, in a sheltered marina. 

Hello all ,

I know my subject is incredibly vague , but I am just looking for suggestions.

I recently bought an 27 ft. junk rigged bilge Keeler , that needs a place to live.

She is currently on the hard on the Axe Estuary in Devon , where she can not stay.

My plan is to get her to her new "home" , spend a few months going over things , and then start some adventuring. I like the idea of sailing around the UK a bit , but Spain and Portugal seem to be calling. Who knows?

The criteria I'm looking for:

1. No more than an hour or two from London . City or Heathrow. By train.

2. Some type of live aboard facilities . I'll be staying aboard for a few weeks (at least ) at a time.

3. affordable . ie: Cheap.

I have spent some time in Ramsgate , and sort of like the marina there. Anyone have experience?

Also : me coming from California and Florida: Is it possible to leave a boat in the water during the English winter? Or , more advisable to haul and winterize??

That's about all I can think of for now.

Thanks 

Jonny