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 07.30 until 22.00 from April to September, and from 08.00 until 19.30 from October to March.

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. In addition the slipway may be locked without warning, due to operational reasons, during these periods the Marine Services staff will be contactable on 0117 9031484.

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 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, 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

Albion Dry Dock

This large facility adjacent to Bristol Marina is available for dry docking vessels up to 60 metres in length. A 12.5 tonne gantry crane and mobile cover is on site. Workshops are fully equipped for all new build or repair work.
Albion Dockyard website

Underfall Boat Yard

Boatbuilding, repair and maintenance facility with haul-out slipway facilities for vessels up to 140 tonnes.
All boatyard trades available and experienced shipwrights, riggers, blacksmiths and advanced fibre composite specialists on site.
Underfall Boat Yard website

Bristol Classic Boat Company

Classic wooden boatbuilding expertise, restoration and maintenance at Redclffe Wharf. Hard standing available.
Bristol Classic Boat Company website

Electricity

A number of metered electricity points are available around the Docks.

The electricity is paid for by electricity cards available in £1, £5 and £10 denominations. Electricity Cards may be bought at the Harbour Office, the Shakespeare Inn or the Nova Scotia Public House.

All connecting leads must be assembled by competent electricians and comply with the Conditions and instructions for connection to shore supply (pdf, 106 KB) (opens new window).

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. Please use water sparingly and report any leaks to the Harbour Master immediately.

Important:

• Hold the end of the hose while the tank is being filled.
• Do not connect to a plumbing installation on board.
• Unattended hoses will be removed by the Harbour Master.
• Hoses should not be allowed to be submerged in harbour waters as this can lead to contamination of the water supply.
• Do not use hoses for cleaning chemical toilets or other sanitary fittings.
• To avoid damage to the water pipes, water supplies may be turned off during periods of extreme cold weather.

Vessels over 30 tonnes gross register

Please contact the Harbour Office during normal office hours, giving 48 hours notice, who will arrange for a waterman to attend and supply water from one of the 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 500mm (2 feet) below normal float level.

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.