Launching point for boat

retenzo12

I recently bought a new boat and engine and would like to "test the water" with it.. Can anyone recommend a suitable location to launch it in or around the Dublin area. Somewhere suitable for a beginner. thks

spoonface

retenzo12 wrote: »

I recently bought a new boat and engine and would like to "test the water" with it.. Can anyone recommend a suitable location to launch it in or around the Dublin area. Somewhere suitable for a beginner. thks

There's not that many public slipways along the Dublin coast but for example, there's one just to the left of the lifeboat house in Howth. There's another one in Baldoyle but it's not very accessible.

retenzo12

Thanks for your speedy reply if anyone else has an ideas they would be much appreciated!!!

ado100

Dun Laoghaire - Coal Harbour and West Pier.

Tabnabs

Might be a good idea to make life easy for yourself and do it at (or close to) high tide.

This site gives you seven days of tides
http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EASYTIDE/EasyTide/SelectPrediction.aspx?PortID=0616

crashplan

There is a public slip in Clontarf that is nice and sheltered for beginners

tin79

Is it a sea worthy boat? For an absolute beginner an inland waterway might be a better bet. You could tow to Athlone and try the Shannon.

fergal.b

You could also use skerries and stay inside the harbour till you get the hang of things and then venture out a bit.

This is a little page you can copy and print to use when going out on unfamiliar water or any time you go out.
FLOAT PLAN
Complete this form before going out on your vessel and leave it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to
notify the Coast Guard or other rescue organization in case you do not return as scheduled. A word of caution: In case
you are delayed, and it is not an emergency, inform those with your float plan, the police, and/or Coast Guard of your
de,lay in order to avoid an unnecessary search!
1. Name of person filing this plan: __________________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _________________
2. Description of boat: Registration number: _________________ Type: ___________ Make: ___________________
Color: _____________ Trim: ______________________________ Length: ___________ Name: ___________________
3. Name of persons onboard: Age: Address:
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
_____________________________________________ ____ _______________________________________________
Telephone #: ( ________ ) _________ - _____________
Description of engine: Type: ________ Horsepower: ______ # of engines: ______ Fuel capacity: _____________
Survival equipment aboard. Check as appropriate.
❏ Life preservers ❏ Flares ❏ Flashlight ❏ Signal mirror ❏ EPIRB ❏ Anchor(s)
❏ Smoke signals ❏ Horn ❏ Water ❏ Paddles ❏ Raft or dinghy ❏ Food
Radio ❏ Yes ❏ No Type: ___________________ Call sign: ____________________
Cell ❏ Yes ❏ No #: ___________________
Trip expectations
Leaving from: _____________________________________ Going to: _________________________________________
Departing on: ___________ / _________ ❏ am ❏ pm Returning: ___________ / _______ ❏ am ❏ pm
date time date time
And, in no event, returning later than: ___________ / _______ ❏ am ❏ pm
date time
Other pertinent information: _________________________________________________________________________
Description of automobile: Trailer license #: _________________________
Make: ______________ Color: ______ License #: ____________ Where parked: __________________________
If not returned by: ___________ / _________ ❏ am ❏ pm
Call:
Coastguard on 999/112

murphym7

Tabnabs wrote: »

Might be a good idea to make life easy for yourself and do it at (or close to) high tide.

This site gives you seven days of tides
http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EASYTIDE/EasyTide/SelectPrediction.aspx?PortID=0616

I'd second this - aim to be ready to launch with around 45 minutes to an hour before High Tide, tide should be pretty slack around then. Also you will have plenty of water to work with. A nice calm day obviously is a must. Most improtantly, take your time and don't get flustered, have a couple of buddies there to help you out too. A good long bow line and stern line. If you are going to be testing an engine you are not sure about, stay close to the slip, have oar's ready and most important of all - an anchor, in case it all goes horribly wrong.

Can't help with a location though, I have the perfect place in Cork if anyone needs a location for this kind of thing down south.