Banagher-Athlone

pclancy

Hi Folks,

Some great threads on here from people who have done Shannon trips. Thank you.

Wondering if anyone can advise how busy marinas are in the lower Shannon at the moment? Is there likely to be any issues with finding space at Athlone or Hodson Bay? Will be heading up there from Banagher and never done a mid-summer trip. Always done edge seasons when it was usually fairly quiet.

Cheers

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058361407/banagher-athlone

According to reports it's a very quiet season.

Usually around midday is the best time to get a space.

CraftySue

We recently started in portumna, and moored Banagher, Athlone, Shannonbridge and Terryglass. Each were busy but we generally arrived in the evening. In Athlone the Marina was quite full, but we found a space at Athlone boat club, which was perfect for us. Shannon bridge, some boats had to tie onto other boats, so I would agree with the previous poster plan on arriving around lunchtime for a space.

pclancy

Thanks for the advice. We had a lovely 3 nights up as far as Glasson and yes most places were full by early afternoon/evening. We got lucky by having a smaller 31ft I could pop into small spaces. Made me wonder what would you do when you can't find any space for the night no matter where you go? Are any spots bookable in private marinas I wonder.

Also what's the deal with "rafting up"? Sitting at Shannonbridge I watched up until about 8pm it seemed people just cruised up and down looking hopefully with ropes in hand and then eventually someone kind would offer to tie them up alongside.

So for the rest of the night you just jump across your new friends' stern on your way to/from the pub/shower/playground? 😁

DOCARCH

Rafting up part and parcel of cruising rivers if there are no spaces available. Sort of expected you allow other boats tie alongside you if required.

steve-o

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122457300#Comment_122457300

… and there's a whole art to escaping from the inside in the morning if you get blocked in and don't want to wake your neighbours. If you are on the outside, don't be surprised to wake and find that you aren't in the same place you were last night!

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122457252#Comment_122457252

Usually private marinas won't have vacant spaces to rent on a nightly basis. Hire bases will for a charge but sometimes not on busy changeover days.

Most private boat owners don't mind you going alongside if you ask. If a particular boat is your best option and there is nobody on board it's ok to go ahead and tie up. If they return later ask for retrospective permission.

Usually it helps if you try to go alongside a boat about the same size as yours or larger.

The later you arrive the less likely you are to get help. Once people have settled down to dinner or maybe had a few drinks they are less enthusiastic about going out on deck to take ropes.

When you have secured your boat to your new neighbour it's best to enquire whether they plan to leave early the next morning.

When going ashore better to step rather than jump and go across the bow not the stern. That way you won't be disturbing people socialising on the other boat.

Like with most things in life a little bit of good humour and co-operation goes a long way.