<img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/photo_2.jpg"><h2>photo 2.JPG</h2>The Orkney has a metal grounding plate that allows it to be beached. The forward hatch makes access to shore very easy.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060364.jpg"><h2>P1060364.JPG</h2>Waiting for the lock to open at Shepperton. The Orkney is very manoeuvrable at low speeds in close-quarters situations and light enough for one person to handle the lines.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060423.jpg"><h2>P1060423.JPG</h2>Cruising along the Thames with a Just Married flag on the transom. The pefect honeymoon.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060357.jpg"><h2>P1060357.JPG</h2>The Thames Court pub, just above Shepperton Lock, offers a very lively atmosphere and decent food. With mooring space outside it is a popular stopping point for passing boaters.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060451.jpg"><h2>P1060451.jpg</h2>MBM's editor Rob Peake enjoys a beer and lunch at The Anglers of Walton, after tying up the Orkney on the quay outside. The quay gets busy with hireboaters but it's a great spot to watch the world go by.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060335.jpg"><h2>P1060335.JPG</h2>While most of the Thames isn't marked, there are a few buoys to alert boaters to potential dangers, such as shallow water in this case, just downstream from Chertsey Bridge.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060327.jpg"><h2>P1060327.JPG</h2>Our Orkney Longliner 2 was fitted with a 25hp Mercury outboard. The non-tidal Thames' speed limit doesn't allow us to push the boat to its 20 knots+ max speed but the engine and Orkney hull were a great combination at river cruising speeds, very quiet and easily handled.<br><img src="http://www.mby.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/09/P1060321.jpg"><h2>P1060321.JPG</h2>The boat has been kept on its trailer at Chertsey Meads Marine, where we've been given first-rate and friendly service. The Orkney is launched for each use on the yard's slipway.<br>
