Hello all :!:

[bobtooke]

Hi all out there on the forum. My name is Bob and although its probably the wrong time of year to do it, I've just bought myself a little 535 for myself and Mrs Bob to spend a few weekends away in. Its in a generally good overall condition and all newly painted although a little bare at the moment. It needs a complete fit out having been stripped out by the previous owner. Presently the engine I have for it is only a little Johnson 25 so I'll be after a bigger power unit but it's enough to get me going for now. It's not our first boat, we've had a little speedboat for a while now but this is our first boat with a cabin. I'll post a few pics when I get a chance.

We're based in South London and generally our boating experience has mostly been up and down the tidal Thames but now looking to get to know the coast a bit better. Maybe also do a bit of fishing. I reckon we will be mostly using slipways on a regular basis, probably Littlehampton or those going onto the Solent. We'll be looking for advice on slipways/clubs/marinas and also in finding interesting spots to visit come next summer.

I joined the forum here a while ago but not really had much to contribute since I hadn't got a boat! Anyway, I've been looking for a while and now taken the plunge. No doubt I'll have lots of daft questions on repairing and preparing the boat over the coming weeks and months.

[admin]

Hello and welcome. I am impressed, a 535 on the tidal thames. We spent August bank holiday on the Thames and came down to Greenwich and stayed at St Kats. never again, lol. However there is a tale to tell and it's on video but got towed in by the Thames police. Very embarrassing. However if you need advice on the Solent! contact me! it's our home port

[johnevans]

Hi Bob,

Sounds good, I have been away for a while, but am looking to sort a Solent flotilla next year. I ran them from 2008-2010 with Sue's help and they have been a great long weekend. I am based at Newhaven and am happy to help as I can on sea sailing.

[bobtooke]

Thank you Sue, it would be nice to catch up sometime in the Solent. A shame we didn't spot you in August we were out and about on the river that weekend. We could have rescued you from Mr Plod lol.

John, I'd be up for a flotilla across to Cowes - could be fun. Also, I'd like to pick your knowledge of slipways down south in the Newhaven to Shoreham stretch. I can scoot down the M23 in about 35 mins so it would be good to find a spot to get my bottom wet quickly.

[alwischy]

Hi bob

Welcome to the club,i am just coming to the end of my refit on a 535,many ups & downs along the way but its starting to look like it was worth all the effort.
Will post some pics in a couple of weeks hopefully.