New Top Hat owner-relocation advice

[Bruce]

Hi everyone. I recently bought a Top Hat Mk 1 which is moored west of the Capt Cook Bridge. I need to move it to Pittwater which will be its final home, but have a few issues to resolve that I would like some advice on.

It has a 13hp inboard diesel and I could probably just motor it up in calm conditions but I don't know the boat well enough to trust it to go the distance and I am not an experienced sailor. I don't want to do it alone or take the family either!

I was wondering if anyone could suggest someone who can relocate for a reasonable price, or better still someone who would just like to come along for a sail for the day? I would like to move it asap.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Bruce G.

[robf]

Hi Bruce

With the inboard diesel, you'd be looking at covering the 35 nautical miles into Pittwater in about 8-9 hours without a headwind, allowing for the southerly current off Sydney. With a breeze behind you, setting a headsail would be easy to manage and shorten the trip. If you ask around the local yacht clubs or marinas, there are usually any number of yachties prepared to go for a sail. You'll need an EPIRB (or a loan of one that's got your boat registered) and a radio (VHF or 27 MHz) to log onto Marine Rescue. Having a GPS unit (hand-held) is good too, as Marine Rescue ask for your position from time to time, not to mention life jackets as well.

Good luck! Where are you re-locating to in Pittwater?

Cheers

Rob
Isabella II, Salt Pan Cove, Pittwater

[Bruce]

Hi Rob.

Thanks for the reply. Will be going to a marina mooring initially while I organise a private one...somewhere.

It looks like I have a number of brave volunteers to help relocate it now, so will hopefully be up there soon. Thanks for the tip re the epirb. The boat has one but will update the details.

Cheers,

Bruce

[Miker]

Hi Bruce and welcome.

A few of us have re-located from one place to another, so there is some good info here.

Best to check the Maritime website for their list of required safety gear for coastal passages. EPIRB and radio are not essential unless you go beyond 2nm. Although it's better to make sure you have it all, which includes flares, v sheet, radio, EPIRB (can't be a PLB either). Check my trip report in the Voyages section.

As for the diesel engine, it may pay to have someone check the injectors, fuel pump and water pump before you leave, oh and the battery and starter as well as the stern gland.

If you want a hand to sail up and I've got the day free I'd be happy to help out, but one thing is you shouldn't take more than say three, or at a pinch four. It will slow you considerably having any more.

BTW, who are you mooring with? We're with Careel Bay Marina at present and out wide they're pretty reasonable for a swing mooring. They have no berths though. Their tender service is 8am to 5 pm and they have a three boat slip, painter, shipwright and rigger etc. All pretty good, as far as marine services go.

Best to PM If you want more detail, or email a michael.richmond a t microfocus.com (replace at with @)

Michael

[Bruce]

Hi Michael.

Thanks for the reply and the offer to help relocate. I have some firm arrangements in place for this weekend now with two experienced people coming along for the ride. The weather looks good so hopefully all will go well. The diesel has had some work done to it recently and the batteries are near new, so hopefully those items will be ok too, but you never know...

I will be at Holmeport Marina at Church Point initially on a swing mooring, but I am am looking at all of the options for the longer term, so I would be interested in what Careel has to offer. Will get settled and then make some inquiries.

Thanks again.

Bruce

[Miker]

You're welcome Bruce,
Holmeport were good, when I asked them about their services, but couldn't guarantee the mooring and said I had to chance one being available when I arrived.

Bluey at Careel Bay was much more relaxed and said, "Just pick one up and give us a call when you get in".

When you go past Stokes Point, you may catch a glimpse of Dulcamara in Careel "out wide" as they say.

Have a grand trip, you'll really have a ball if the weather and wind are with you...

Michael

[Bruce]

8.5 hours from Sans Souci to Church Point. Sea conditions were a bit average but otherwise the trip went well.

[azzura]

Hi Bruce

I was the marina manager at holmeport for 6 years and still stand in occasionally when needed . I will be working next Sunday (21/3/10) If youre down there drop by the office and say hi....I'll make sure they have you on a good mooring .

Cheers

Mark

"Azzura "

[Bruce]

Hi Mark.

Thanks for the reply. I'll be there Saturday, but Sunday is only a maybe at this stage. I'm on a mooring almost in front of the cafe/shops etc and getting fit using the after hours dinghy! Will call in if I can.

Cheers,

Bruce