MDL Marinas has announced a reconfiguration of Pontoon X at Penton Hook on the River Thames, creating 18 berths for barges and narrowboats of up to 20 metres. The project also includes refurbished showers and washrooms for owners and visitors using this inland boating base.

A reworked pontoon layout

Nine new 14-metre angled pontoons create 18 additional mooring positions under the operator’s published plan. The scheme is intended to use the existing marina footprint more efficiently while responding to demand for larger inland craft.

The newly configured spaces are specified for barges and narrowboats, not automatically for every 20-metre sea-going motor yacht. Beam, draft, permitted type and approach must be checked with the marina.

A facilities refurbishment

MDL lists upgraded fixtures, floor finishes, heating and LED lighting in its shower and washroom building. Exterior work includes timber cladding and redecoration, improving the shore-side experience as well as the number of available berths.

The July announcement scheduled berth completion for August and facilities improvements over the following weeks. It does not guarantee that a berth remains vacant or that every element is complete on a particular later date.

A Thames cruising base

Penton Hook serves one of the river’s busy leisure-boating areas with access towards Runnymede and Windsor. Inland cruising can offer a quieter contrast to coastal yacht itineraries, while locks, bridge clearance and current river conditions shape any journey.

A vessel falling within LYG’s 12–23.99m remit may still be unsuitable for a specific lock or pontoon. Owners should plan around the actual dimensions rather than length alone.

Booking a suitable berth

Longer-term owners need a written confirmation of the assigned position, utilities and access terms. The operator’s works announcement is evidence of investment in the marina, not a blanket promise of availability.

Information comes from MDL’s official 27 July project update and uses the operator’s matching photograph. This is independently written Luxury Yacht Guide coverage.

Official source: MDL marina announcement. This is original Luxury Yacht Guide reporting.