Cheapish mooring Argyll or thereabouts

[ljs]

Apologies for raising this again.
Circumstances have dictated that my boat remain on the west coast for the foreseeable future. At present it is at Balvicar boatyard (mooring) but am looking to keep it on a mooring over winter (Balvicar don't overwinter on moorings) that my insurance will ok. Crinan (inside the island) is one option but £500 for 6 months over winter (not unreasonable but £500 more than taking it back to Donegal). Also need to look at cost-efficient options for next summer.
Having previously bought a mooring in Fanny's Bay (Donegal) for 250 euro am somewhat spoiled. Any ideas (other than selling it and buying a caravan)?

[claymore]

Jonners
I would have thought that a private mooring once the owner has vacated it for the winter.
I'd be unhappy to park up at Oban as its quite exposed and the last thing you need is to be worrying about the boat being bounced around each time a gale is forecast.
The most sheltered are obviously where first we met and then the lagoon at Ardfern.
Perhaps a call to the secretary of WHAM who may know of someone who would be happy to let you occupy one for the winter?
Beyond that Crinan seems a decent option.
As you say Fanny's Bay has spoiled you a bit (pricewise) but at least you had a low cost year or two there.

[jim.r]

Have you checked out the cost of overwintering in a marina? Whilst it may be closer to 4 figures, it may be worth it for the peace of mind and ease of access for working on it?

[ljs]

There are dedicated winter moorings 'inside the island' at Crinan boatyard for £515 for 6 months (boat 34 feet) - outside (ie summer moorings) is apparently open to NW gales. The lagoon moorings at Ardfern are £680 for 6 months. Balvicar boatyard don't do winter moorings. Tayvallich private mooring arrangement would be good but would need to be lucky! All would be subject to St. Margarets insurance agreeing to cover winter mooring in that location.
Yes Jim pontoon would be great but need to budget. Will charter my boat to you and Bev for CC'10 and defray the costs!

[Booby Trapper]

I know it's a bit off track but Clyde marina do a very good rate for winter ashore inc lift out/in, pressure wash and cradle hire this years price is £746 up to 9.5m and £892 up to 12m.Maybe if your insurance comp won't allow over winter on a mooring it might be worth considering.

[aquaplane]

Tayvallich private mooring arrangement would be good but would need to be lucky! All would be subject to St. Margarets insurance agreeing to cover winter mooring in that location.

Your luck is in. Some other folk have been offered use of it next season for their summer cruise so it's only a temporary loan.

[Telo]

You know where we keep Shard; it's fairly basic, but with great service from Paul and Nick. We usually lift out for the winter, but I believe that Paul at Linnhe Marine keeps his moorings in all year (apart from the annual inspection), although I'm not sure whether he keeps the pontoons in (handy for diesel, water, loading etc). He usually offers competitive prices and would be worth approaching imho.

It's exposed from the NNE, but perfectly well sheltered from the prevailing southwesterlies, and the other winds. Frankly, given wind strengths so far this year, I don't suppose winter would be any worse than earlier in the season. Anyway, on those occasions when you're on board at the mooring (and who wants to stay on the mooring?) and it's blowing hard from the NNE, it's an easy enough job to nip down to Airds Bay, drop the pin, and get a good night's sleep.

I'd be inclined to give him a ring:

• Linnhe Marine
  Appin Home Farm
  Appin
  Argyll
  Scotland
  PA38 4BN
  
  Tel: 07721 503981
  Fax: 01631 730401
  Email: info@linnhemarina.co.uk