Arriving by boat:

Melton Boatyard is at the top of the River Deben; it’s easy enough to find and the main channel clearly marked. Simply follow the well marked buoys and come up on a rising tide. Unless you have a very shallow draught (a cat, centre boarder or a bilge keel for example), we recommend aiming to come past the Tidemill at about an hour before high water. This gives you plenty of time to berth. A rule of thumb is to aim for about 2 hours before high water over the Deben bar and carry the flood all the way in.

We’ve included a chartlet for you to download, or you can refer to Imray 2000.1 or Admiralty 2693 for the official versions.

Recent storms have made considerable changes to the Deben Bar.  This pic was taken 10th January 2016 about 2 hours before low water and shows new areas of breaking water as well as an extension and breaking up of the shingle banks.  (This is a panoramic photo – click and zoom in for detail). Before attempting entry to the Deben, good practice is to check for latest advice and come in on the flood but the team at Felixstowe Ferry do ensure the buoys are well placed.  Regular updates can be found at http://www.debenestuarypilot.co.uk/

melton_approaches_chart

Melton Approach. Click to download as a pdf.

Arriving by road:

Melton Boatyard is not far from the A12 arterial route. It is an easy place to deliver or collect with a trailer or large vehicle as the roads are straight.

From the A12, turn down Woods Lane towards Melton. Turn right at the traffic lights towards Woodbridge, then first left down Dock Lane just before the Coach and Horses Public House.

Melton Boatyard, Dock Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. IP12 1PE

There is a manual level crossing as you enter the yard; it is absolutely essential that you call the signalman to ask permission to cross. This applies to ALL vehicles.  Simply open the yellow phone box, lift the phone and the signalman will answer.  Explain your vehicle type and the time you need to cross. For example, “One car, two minutes to cross please” and then wait for their response.

The google map opposite will help you find us and can be used to print off directions.  Sat nav postcode IP12 1PE.

 

Tel: 01394 386327

Today’s (local) tide times for Woodbridge (Town) are:

Tide Times & Heights for Woodbridge on
29th March 2024
02:26 - High Tide ( 3.85m )
07:22 - Low Tide ( 0.46m )
14:41 - High Tide ( 3.64m )
19:43 - Low Tide ( 0.63m )

And the weather should be: