It's been brought to my attention by our newest member, Leigh Ross (Hello Leigh!) that we don't actually have a list of slipways any more, despite the fact we refer to one on our "Benefits of membership" page. This is a bit of a faux pas.
Historically we did have one on the previous incarnation of the site, but it was very much out of date and not being maintained, so it wasn't carried over. We've tended to rely on members posting on the forum about slipways they use, but it's somewhat haphazard and hard to search.
Would members be interested in us creating a more structured listing of slipways and launch facilities? I can create a web site form for entering slipway details, plus a listing page for viewing, selecting, and sorting them all. But it will depend on you, the members, to enter information about the slipways and launch sites you use or know about, and also any new ones you visit. If people are prepared to contribute, then I think we can build up a good comprehensive listing.
I you're all prepared to input the information, I'll set about creating the site pages.
Thanks.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
I am up for contributing and sharing my limited experience having only used 3 in the past 5 years. 2 on the Thames plus Bradwell Marina.
Simon
I can input slipways I have used and know of.
Roly
If I may make a suggestion. How about we simply go to the boat launch.co.uk and update the site with details of the ramps we are familiar with. Or add slips that are not in the database Many of the listed slipways don’t have photographs , ramp details , tidal info etc. The information would then benefit all trailer sailers and save the webmaster the chore of setting up a searchable database. Saves him from reinventing wheel as it were. All that’s needed then would be a link.
Regards
Leigh Ross
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
If Irish slips are of interest I can give you at least 10 that are free to public. Some with safe free parking.
These boats are TRAILERABLE. Yeah Irish slips would be of great interest. That’s why I bought the Mac. So I can explore exotic foreign coasts without the intervening long ocean passage.
And while I’m at it , I’m encouraging people to update the database at boatlaunch.co.uk. Have a look there and see if the slips you mention are listed and correct. If not , why not update or add in the new slips. It’d be of great benefit to the community.
Leigh
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
Great idea. We don’t have a Mac yet but have tried find info on slipways. The thing I find most lacking is info on parking the trailer so can I request that info such as: distance from launch, how many places are available, suspected security/safety and approx cost of parking and if it’s a popular place any alternative sites be included.
Hi Keith ,
i believe there are no restrictions on parking a trailer while it’s attached to your vehicle other than the usual ones that apply to the vehicle itself. Not blocking the road , etc. I believe it’s only when the trailer is parked by itself that other rules apply. Maybe a more experienced member could comment. ?
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
I've had a look at boatlaunch, and the problem is the interface is just a map. You can't filter by any kind of categorisation, so finding which slipways are suitable for Macs requires clicking on each entry and reading the information. I think we can do something better for members.
I've actually thrown the basics together, there's an entry Slipways under Resources, which is a list of entries (only one test item present currently).
You can add new items using Add Content in the Navigation menu, then Slipways. You can also edit existing entries (must be logged in of course).
There need to be more fields to categorise information, suggestions for new fields welcome. These can be added retrospectively - Drupal is very flexible.
This is just a start, I can add some slicker stuff, like a map as used for the members and moorings, as well as just a list. A list is good for sorting though.
Try adding some stuff and let me know what you think.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Hi Rick
That sounds like a much better idea. Thanks for your work
My wife and I are planning a drive through parts of the west coast up here in Scotland to check out a few slips that look interesting but aren’t well documented. Ill get you the information. I won’t be able to take delivery of my S model until mid July so I might as well make myself useful until then
Parameters for a database that might be useful could include ease of access , local parking for the trailer, gradient , width , surface, a dock to tie up to on launch , range of tidal that its useable , controlling authority and contact info. I doubt every parameter would need its own cell. Possibly a cell for comments could sweep up any important but uncategorised data
I’m going to make a simple device to accurately determine the slip gradient. A 2m piece of wood with a level. Just place said piece of wood on the ramp. Raise up the low end of the wood until it’s horizontal as shown on a bubble level. Measure the height of the end from the ramp surface. That height , divided by the length of your stick is the tangent of the angle. No more subjective descriptions of the ramp.
Regards
Leigh and Desiree Ross
Leigh Ross
Crieff
0777 558-4561
1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan
1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican
I've developed this a bit more:
There's an "Add a slipway" button on the same page as the listing.
There's a couple more fields for tidal constraints, and availability of holding mooring. I'll probably add more in future, Leigh's suggestions are helpful.
Also a couple more slipways are on the list, courtesy of Roly - thanks! Anyone else?
BTW, I like the idea for a gradient measure. You could perhaps make the vertical measure another piece of wood, and calibrate it in "1 in x" and/or "%" scales.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
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