Keeping a boat

I had the same thoughts when we first came to Spain.  The Vinalopo is a big, long, river and whilst I was in Guardamar I went to investigate the possibility of a public launch ramp.   I discovered that, near the town, it is reduced to no more than a drain, full of weeds...…!!

Unless you can find a public ramp then its a waste of time!

Cheers

Richard

Hi Richard,

Yes the river is a bit of a ditch isnt it!   Still a nice walk tho'.

What I am after is somewhere to keep a 18 - 20 footer that I can use for day sailing and coast hopping in the area.  I naturally shy away from  glitzy marinas preferring the more honest company of fishing and work boats.  I am coming over next month so I guess I'll have to try out my limited Spanish on the local fishermen - that could be amusing.

If you are prepared to drive an hour or so to Los Urrutias (Mar Menor), I am part of a boat share. We have a 7 metre motor boat and all costs (mooring, maintenance, insurance etc) are shared. 

We are looking for new members. The costs are very reasonable compared to owning a boat on your own.

Los Urrutias is non-glitzy.

PM me if you want more info.

Kelvin

Kelvin,

That might be the way to go.  Its early days at the moment - just asking around before semi retirement next year (i hope!) I'll get back to you. I might just start off with a Topper or similar that I can keep at the house and beach launch.

Sounds like you prefer sailing to motor. 

We used to sail, until I damaged my rotator cuffs and my wife had carpel tunnel surgery. So these days we plod about with a motor. 

FYI the boat share that I am in is part of the SAMM (Sailing Association Mar Menor). They run several types of boats - from dinghies (or tea-trays as I call them) upward. They do racing as well as just messing about on the water. A month or two ago there was a share going in a 7 metre yacht. Naturally, sailing yachts are more expensive to run than motor boats (more maintenance etc), but the costs were still reasonable. 

I think the annual costs were about 500 Euros (all inclusive) for a share in the yacht, so access to boating need not be too expensive. 

Best wishes for your pending retirement

K

Thanks Kelvin.  See you out on the water one day!