Bristol Harbour facilities and marine services

Slipways

Baltic Wharf Water Leisure Centre

• Concrete slipway.
• For vessels up to 6.0m long.
• Water depth at the outer end is 1.2m.
• The centre and the slipway are open from 08.00 until dusk from May to September, and from 08.00 until 16.30 from October to April.

Licensed vessels may use the slip without further charge, subject to the rules and regulations of the Centre.

Special events sometimes prevent the slip from being used and owners should check in advance with the Harbour Office that the slip is available.

Bristol Marina slipway

The slipway is situated on the west side of Bristol Marina. It is suitable for launching and recovering of dinghies, day boats and other small vessels.

Slipway users must purchase a 24 hour, 48 hour, 7 day or 15 day licence from the Marina Office before launching, unless holding an annual City Docks Licence.

• Concrete slipway
• Maximum length of approximately 6m.
• Overall width 15m
• Maximum depth of water at the outer end is 1.5m
• There is a deep step at the outer end, falling to a soft clay bed. The extremity is marked by a 300mm diameter steel pile on the eastern side.
• Hours of operation are as stated on the notice board at the head of the slipway.

Users should moor to the pontoon on the eastern side, the pontoon on the western side is restricted to use by the Rowing Club and may only be used with their permission.

There is an area adjoining the car park for the short-term parking of trailers.

Repair facilities

Bristol Marina

On the south side of the Floating Harbour approximately 0.5km eastward of the Junction Lock Bridge. The marina travelift has a maximum capacity of 30 tons and ancillary craneage is also available. Other facilities include high pressure hull washing, marine diesel fuel and a chandlery (Force 4). Owners may carry out repairs to their own boats or use the services of the independent contractors operating from the marina.
Bristol Marina website

Mud Dock

Hard standing is available for vessels up to 8.9m long. Applications to use a crane on the hard standing should be made to the Harbour Master.

Albion Dry Dock

This large facility adjacent to Bristol Marina is available for dry docking vessels up to 90 metres in length. A 300 tonne ship lift is on site with covered working area. For details of booking contact David Abels Boatbuilders on 0117 929 4507.

Underfall Boat Yard

Boat repair and maintenance facility with haul-out slipway facilities for vessels up to 180 tonnes.
All boatyard trades available and experienced shipwright and blacksmiths on site.
For further information, ring 0117 929 3250 for the yard and 0117 954 0272 (fax: 0117 955 8350) for the office.

Electricity points

A number of metered electricity points are available around the Docks. Keys to the service pillars containing the meters and connections are available from the Harbour Office on receipt of a returnable deposit.

The electricity is paid for by electricity card available in £1 and £5 denominations. Electricity Cards may be bought at the Harbour Office and the Shakespeare Inn.

All connecting leads must be assembled by competent electricians and comply with the specification detailed on the electricity cabinets or available from the Harbour Office.

Long term berth holders may obtain a dedicated outlet by paying an additional fee.

Fresh water

Small vessels

Fresh-water taps are provided on the face of the quay wall in several places. The owners of small vessels should help themselves to water. There is no charge for the water from these taps.

A hose will be needed to fill tanks on board the craft. The hose should have the usual 5/8-inch union to connect to the tap.

Important:

• Hold the end of the hose while the tank is being filled.
• Do not connect to a plumbing installation on board.
• Do not use hoses for cleaning chemical toilets or other sanitary fittings.

Vessels over 30 tonnes gross register

Please apply to Elementa Facilities Maintenance on 0117 923 1342, during normal office hours, giving 24 hours notice. A waterman will attend and supply water from one of the company’s hydrants on the quay wall. There is a charge for this service.

Engineering and scouring operations

For engineering works the dock level may occasionally be lowered by as much as 0.5m below normal float level.

Where possible, warning will be given in advance over BBC Radio Bristol and local independent radio stations.

During scouring operations please note that the water level throughout Bristol Harbour may be reduced by as much as 0.5m for up to five hours during the operation. See Local Notices to Mariners for timings.