Castletown Slipway

[JIMBOB]

Hi All

I Was after some advice on castletown slipway.After finding out about Kimmerage slipway charges and new opening hours on my next trip I will have to drive down there to launch.

 

Ive never been there, only to the town Quey slip, what are the charges there? are tides a problem? how far to the banks?

 

thanks

 

James

[Paul D]

James,

 

 I go to Castletown and it is a short steam to the banks.

Basically you come out in middle of Portland Harbour and in 5 mins you are at the Hood then ( for you would be circa 15 mins to the shambles )

 

The slipway is steep and narrow and at low tide it doesn't reach the water, but I launched Neo with no problem on 4 or 5 occasions now.

Beware - Don't make the mistake I did with a rear wheel drive BMW where I had to get towed out off the sand it looks compact but isnt !! ... and the tide comes in fast there..

 

There is parking by the side of the slipway in the car park that the divers use ( by the hotel there ).- not sure exact price, something like £8.00 ish but I could be wrong.

 

Last time I went, we roped out the trailer to get it onto the concrete part of the slip.

 

It is Alun J's favourite launching place I believe.

 

 

PS: If you want crew or buddy boat  and I can get day off ......

[Adam F]

James,

 

The slipway is marginally better than Kimmeridge, and as Paul said at LW you are launching on the shingle / stones. I thinks you can leave your trailer on the beach. Parking is in the CP next door or on the road if you get there early enough.

 

The big benefit is that you are about 15 mins further out that if you launch at the Town Quay, and it's nice and sheltered unlike Kimmeridge, and it's free to use.

 

It's right next to the Aqua Hotel if you look up the postcode for that for the satnav. If not cross the fleet into Portland and take a left at the 2nd roundabout. Don't head up the hill.

 

Adam