Mooring Christchurch or Swanage ??

[pabs]

Hello All
It was our first outing last weekend in my Honwave t40 from Baiter splipway, perfect launch area, toured around Pool harbour and along the coast just passed Bournemouth beach then up to Wareham for a spot of lunch at the Granery pub.
It was my first opportunity to let the boat rip and I bloody loved it.
The main thing I was glad of was the misses enjoyed herself and got to grips with the boat and outboard as well so looks like it was a perfect purchase.
We are looking to launch again from Baiter this weekend but I would like to take her to see old harry rocks.
I'm toying with either Swanage or Christchurch for the pub lunch but I'm unsure regarding the mooring situation at both these places.
Could anyone please advise which would be easier/safer for us to moor at or ever just anchore up to shore and walk to the nearest foody place.

Many Thanks

Pabs

[mattswan2512]

Pabs i dont know the answer to your question but id so love to visit harrys rock and is on my hit list..... butttttttttt why stop of for food when your having so much fun take a picknic

[Paul]

Pabs
Sounds like your first trip out was a resounding success with the Bruce'y bonus that the misses enjoyed it too
Good setup you have there and very capable as I'm sure you've discovered

I believe Peter M is your man for info around that part of coastline, so hopefully he'll be along soon to advise you

[PeterM]

Hi Pabs . Sounds like you had a fab time . I was out form Baiter last Thursday fro the afternoon and got to St Albans head & back in my 4m Rib

Swanage & Christchurch are similar ein that I'd suggest they are both places to pull the SIB up the beach , or anchor off a few M and get wet feet .

Christchurch Harbour - You can park & launch at the public slipway there ( its free ) and just pay to park . I think its Mayors Mead Slipway. - Up river is Tuckton tea gardens - where you can tie up ( out the way of the hire boats ) on the bank , you can stop at the Captains club hotel for more 'high end' food ( think bigger ROBS & Fairline motor yachts ), and then down the river to the 'Beach house' & pub on the quay - again these are cases of pulling up the beach . Mudeford is famous for 'The run' - which can hit 6knts current at strongest times - but nothing a SIB on the plane wont cope with - but can be bumpy over the sand bar on the way in & out & probably only to do at least hour or so before/ after low tide. and ALWAYS STAY IN THE CHANNEL - or you'll need a new prop quite quickly ;)

Swanage - Again I've only ever pulled up the beach or achnored a few feet off. Lots of places to eat & drink - can get very busy on the beach & in the bay . There are bouys in the bay that belong to boats/ companies who get protective of others using them.

Old Harry is good - lots of rocks under water to think about though - but a good place to stop is just into Studland bay - very sheltered and out of the way & you can get close in to the cliffs .

Hope this helps a bit pabs - but I'm sure we'll see each other in the coming summer Pete

[pabs]

Thanks Peter m
Believe it or not me and the missis arived at baiter last Saturday, got the boat out the van, proceeded to unpack it and then I looked for my launch wheels and realised I'd left them in the shed back home. Had to put the boat back in the van and drive home. A 3 and 1/2 hour round trip.
I felt like a complete amature. Lesson learned, I now have all my boat gear in one place so it's all ready to go.
We did however manage to get a few hours in on the river between bristol and bath when we got back.
As you say it would be good meet you maybe at baiter.
Pabs