Good places to launch on the Broads

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
6 messages Options
Andy Lee Andy Lee
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Good places to launch on the Broads

Hi Everyone,
I have been sailing my Seahawk on Bewl Water Reservoir since I bought her. In a few weeks time I have been invited to go sailing with her on the Broads, especially Hickling Broad.
Could anyone recommend a suitable free, or cheap, slipway to use?
Many thanks in advance
Andy
GregSeaHawk GregSeaHawk
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Good places to launch on the Broads

I don't think there are any free slipways on the Broads unless a member of a club.

Until I sold Just 17 in 2018 she was moored outside the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling and I used to launch and recover her from the Parish moorings there. I think I used to pay £5 each use.

There was a political war in the village a few years ago that couldn't be solved by District Council or MP's intervention. The main issue concerned the control of the newly built village hall. Eventually the entire Parish Council was ejected at an election, who like a number of Broadland parish councils manage village moorings and slipways. Not quite sure who the contact is these days, but I suspect Google will provide the answer.

There's lots of pictures of the Parish moorings at:
https://www.seahawk17.org.uk/owners-slipways.php

I have also used the slipway at Martham Boatbuilding and Development. There's a little about that at these pages:
https://www.gregafloat.org.uk/seahawk/2004launch.php
https://www.gregafloat.org.uk/broads/2011rhiannon.php
Greg Chapman
GregAfloat - My Boating Biography
ianhurley20 ianhurley20
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Good places to launch on the Broads

One place I found very good indeed was Wayford Bridge Marina. They have a boat lift which goes down an extra wide and deep slipway. If you don't need the lift then they are happy for you to use your own trailer for launch at reasonable cost. Greg has photos of my boat being launced there (or a link to them). The slipway at Hickling is intended for smaller boats and the Seahawk is marginal in the reduced water levels at the moment. Not a problem at Wayford - or Martham
GregSeaHawk GregSeaHawk
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Good places to launch on the Broads

You're quite right, Ian. Wayford Marine has an excellent slipway that is broad and with a gradual slope. You find my report of the launch of "SB" as you later called her at:
https://gregafloat.org.uk/broads/2012summerbreezelaunch.php

The main reason I didn't mention it is that I reckon it to be eight hours sailing time from Hickling. But then you'll recall that I only ever used my electric outboard to exit the dyke outside the Pleasure Boat Inn. Those who motor would make it much quicker.

A half way house would be the Swallowtail Yard  at Ludham. I've never used the slipway there but there is video of a Pedro being launched there on the site.
https://forum.seahawk17.org.uk/SOLD-Amigo-Pedro-Tollesbury-Essex-td4023852.html
Greg Chapman
GregAfloat - My Boating Biography
Andy Lee Andy Lee
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Good places to launch on the Broads

In reply to this post by GregSeaHawk
Many thanks for this advice, Andy
Andy Lee Andy Lee
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Good places to launch on the Broads

In reply to this post by ianhurley20
Many thanks for this advice, Andy