Scottish Lochs

[Bam On A boat]

What is the rules for just throwing my sib in the water?

I know loch lomond needs registration, easy enough done and easy enough to find the info.

I've been on Loch awe and a few other ones that seem like they don't need any sort of permit.

I've taken the kayaks to numerous other lochs I'd fancy going back to in the sib but not 100 percent sure if it's allowed or not. Anytime I search if I need a permit the search results all refer to fishing. Im not fishing just wanting to Potter about on the boat and camp. So is there a general rule like the kayaks that I can basically just go ahead?

[CRF999]

Good question to which I do not know the answer.

If only Donny Wilcox came on here still I am sure he would know.
I am pretty sure that if you can get to Loch Awe from a road it is free to boat ( not to fish )
I am also sure that any element of the scottish cannals, Caledonian, Crinnan , Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal require a licence.

Lets hope someone can give a definitive answer.

[brinormeg]

Scottish outdoor access codes if you Google is your man.

Many private or most inland lochs have a no outboard policy, but allow paddle wind power etc

Loch awe is fine just to enter but make sure to be respectful to the fishing guys.
Perhaps make a donation for the upkeep of the loch.
Expect to be pulled over by the wardens checking if you are fishing without a permit.
Like many fisheries they were having a lot of hassle from Eastern Europe poachers amongst others.
Along with idiots leaving crap everywhere!

As usual a minority spoiling it for the majority.

Sea lochs on the main are fine and for fishing, but again be respectful to the other loch users.

Again take your crap home with you, as anyone that visits some of these most beautiful lochs in the world can testify. Its disgusting the mess some of these places are being left in, and it seems to be getting worse!

But anyway be careful of inland or sea lochs as they have claimed many a life, and still do.

Did see a sign recently that says it all.

Leave nothing but footprints
Take nothing but photographs.
Kill nothing but time.
Be respectful
Leave no trace.
And if you can't do that
F***off...we dont want you here!

[Bam On A boat]

Aye av always felt like anything I see rule wise is kinda vague for my purposes. I may take up fishing at some point but right now I just like visiting wee islands and camping. As for the rubbish situation it's joke man.
Usually end up taking other people's home never mind my own.

The sea is not for me yet. I do have plans to get out on it but kinda waiting on a mate to buy a boat, for some reason seems safer to go In a pack.. less chance of getting caught out if there is another boat to jump into if it all goes tits up is my thinking lol

[Wave rave]

If your running a "motorised boat" on inland lochs you will no doubt need registration.
If your running anything over 6hp engine you will probably need proof of insurance too.
If your fishing you'll need another permit.
If your launching from a slipway they'll probably want money for that too and if your just chuckin yer boat in then the land owner will turn up and demand money when your tryin to chuck yer boat back out..
Apart from that its pretty much batter in mate.

[Bam On A boat]

We ended up going to loch awe at the weekend. Apart from finding somewhere to launch from it was pretty much smooth sailing.
Finally got to try the new 3.8 v floor sib. 3 men and 3 mens camping gear and the little 2.5 hp mariner was actually relatively good. Got roughly 5mph according to the wee speed app I was using. Dunno how reliable it was though.

Was a bit rainy as we set out, cleared up later and even managed to get the drone out the next day n got some great footage.


Can't wait to get a bigger engine got a feeling it will be a flying machine when I do.

[Martin]

I’ve never paid for a permit up the West Coast, I’ve only ever fished in sea locks and certainly wouldn’t pay to fish.
I do expect to pay launching fees from time to time, that’s to be expected.
Insurance is my big one, that’s a must in my opinion! To go out on the water without third party insurance, you’d be risking financial ruin if something went wrong.
Apart from that, fill your boots !

Just as everyone else has said, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos.. you have a right to roam I believe, use it but don’t abuse it.

Martin

[Bam On A boat]

What's with the insurance, I've seen a few posts mention it and you obviously consider it a biggie, Al be honest I dont have any and not really sure why I'd need it other than to replace my own boat if I sank it.

Insurance against what exactly, crashes with another vessel?

[CRF999]

Against ALL 3rd party claims. So
crash with another vessel
Sink another vessel
Sink your vessel and get claimed against for removing the wreck.
Sink your vessel and get claimed against for environmental damages

ETC, ETC, ETC, the list is endless.

If nothing goes wrong great but can you guarantee that every time you go out in your boat, shit happens!
For the sake of £40 - 50 for cover against potential massive claims against you from every one and his dog. No brainer for me.
Also some council sites, harbours etc demand that you have such cover before you can use their facilities

[Limecc]

The same for owning a dog or riding a bike.
Dog causes horse rider to fall and is paralysed. Child is hit by cyclist in a public park and is permanently disabled. No win no fee solicitor will take you to the cleaners for everything you worked hard for all your life. Could cost you your home or leave you straddled with debt for years.