Slipways & Launch Fees

We provide a slipway for the launching of vessels, canoes and kayaks.

The concrete slipway at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has car parking nearby and the marina offers a range of facilities, including a chandlery and toilets.

Tide times

Please be aware that the slipway dries out at low water – please do not use 2 hours either side of low water, as it drops off steeply. To check the tidal conditions before you arrive, please see our tide times section.

Paddle sports guide

Download our guide to paddle sports on the Beaulieu River, including safety guidance and route map. First time paddleboarders may also find it helpful to read the advice from HM Coastguard on keeping safe on the water.

>Download paddle sports guide

Protect our wildlife

The Beaulieu River is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Please keep your distance and proceed quietly; sound carries a long way over water. When birds are disturbed they waste valuable energy escaping and parents may not be able to attend to their young. In some cases this means the chicks do not survive.

Please do not launch or land anywhere on the Beaulieu River, except from the slipway at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

Launch & recover service fees & booking

As part of our Covid-19 safety measures, we will be controlling the number of visitors on the slipway at any one time, to adhere to social distancing. We have therefore introduced a temporary online booking system that allows you to book your launch slots by date and 2 hours blocks, with numbers limited in each session.

To book and pay for your car parking and launch, click on the button below and you will be redirected to the Bookwhen Beaulieu River booking site.  You will receive an email with confirmation of your booking and further details for accessing the site, which we ask you to bring with you.

We are working with our Harbour Management System provider to develop a permanent solution for self-serve bookings that we hope to launch later in the year.

Getting here

>Find out how to get here

Slipway safety

Before Launching

• Check your car is in good working condition, particularly the handbrake.
• If you are going to leave the car, ensure it is left in gear, switch off the engine and make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
• Check weather & tidal conditions. We do not suggest launching and recovering in the hours of darkness unless you are familiar with the slipway.
• Do not block access – rig your boat away from the slipway.
• Assess the area for risks such as slips, trips and falls.
• Be aware of pedestrians and other users of the slipway.
• Attach a safety line to your trailer.
• Check any bungs are in place.
• Never stand behind a boat whilst it is being launched or recovered.
• Check the trailer and boat are safely secure.

Launching

• Please wear a lifejacket.
• Identify where the end of the slipway is – please be aware the slipway dries out at low water and should not be used 2 hours either side of low water, as it drops off steeply.
• Be aware of people around you, including people launching boats by hand.
• Tie up your boat securely.
• Remove your car, trailer or hand trailer correctly.

Refund policy

Credit notes will only be given in the event of extreme weather and at the discretion of the Harbour Master, provided a minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellation has been given. These will be held on the account for future visits.