Block Island, RI, local knowledge

[Bobby P.]

We are headed to block island in a couple of weeks and are looking for some local knowledge for a place to launch and store our truck and trailer while visiting. Probably Connecticut and Rhode Island will be the best areas to launch. As well, anyone cruising around this area please let us know. We always like to see fello Tugnuts.

Best,
Bobby and May

 

[cwalden]

Hi,
We are Bristol, RI boaters with an R23. If you want a pristine ride to Block, consider going down the Sakonnet River first, then heading southwest from tip of Sakonnet to Block. Youll be about 8-10nm from Newport or about another 5-6 nm from Point Judith, where the ferry departs to Block. If you want to do this, check with Safe Harbor Sakonnet (former Brewer Yard)to see if they can accomodate storage and launch (assuming from trailer). You can also check into Mellville Yacht basin, which is the home of Hinckley Power Yachts and i believe Alden amd Ted Hood Yacts. Thete is a huge yacht yard there. Its in Portsmouth/Middletown RI. Let us know what you find.
Happy-Safe Cruising

Toot Suite
Bristol


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[Brian B]

I’m from RI, relocated to FL.
Are you towing a 31’?
There is a ramp at the N end of Point Judith pond, there is parking there but I don’t know about long term. Look on Active Captain and call the marina’s in the area about storage. This location would probably be the shortest distance to Block Island. There is another ramp further down the pond but you won’t fit under the bridge.
The best ramp in the state in my opinion is on the West passage of Narragansett Bay. It’s located at Allen’s Harbor marina if you do a google search. It’s a free ramp, free parking. The parking is not secured so you are on your own although I’ve never heard of any problems there.
Not familiar with what’s available in CT.
I spent many nights on the hook at Block, let me know if you need more info.

 

[Alpina]

Watch for breaching whales 🙂

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[Bobby P.]

Thanks for this great information!

Yes, I'll be towing my R31CB from Baltimore.

I'm finding that most of the state park ramps, if they have parking, will allow you up to 72 hours. It is free.

I did find Piney Island Marina, Groton Ct., where I can keep the truck and trailer for about $10 per day. There is a very nice State Park ramp next door.

We do plan to visit Pt. Judith and the Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River.

And, I will not share the whale story with my wife!

Thanks for all the good intel.

Any info on Block or Fischer's is greatly appreciated.

Bobby

 

[Brian B]

There are two harbors on Block, old and new. (Not much thought went into naming them.) Old is where the ferry boats go in and the center of town is around it. New harbor is where almost all pleasure boats go. There are 3 marinas in New Harbor. Champlins is the largest and they sell fuel. There is a large mooring field and moorings are on a first come first serve basis. Call the harbor master when you enter the harbor if you want a mooring. Many boats anchor outside of the mooring field that is well marked. There is good holding with appropriate scope.
There is a launch service that runs daily.
In the morning Aldo’s bakery boat comes around with fresh baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, coffee etc. They come around in the evening with seafood.
If you have a dinghy go to “dinghy beach” on the East side of the harbor. Beach it and walk across the street to a beautiful beach. Bring whatever you will need as there is nothing available.
The launch will bring you to the Oar restaurant which is very good. From there you can rent bikes or take a taxi into town.
Ask the taxi driver for a tour of the island.
Also there is a free pump out boat, give the guy a tip.
There is a water boat that sells fresh water.
Near the Oar restaurant is a small store that sells the basics. There is a larger grocery store on the outskirts of the center of town.
If you are going to use a marina slip definitely make a reservation.
Block is a fun place, enjoy.
Oh one more thing. Bring extra underwear for towing a 31’ through NY

 

[GZigmont]

Hi Bobby,

We met last year when we were both moored in Edgartown. I was going to suggest Pine Island to you, but you beat me to it. I believe that is a great choice and the state ramp there is good as well. All the info that Brian B. gave you is spot on. If you do decide to go around to Old Harbor, it is small, but the holding is great. The bottom of the harbor is shaped like a cereal bowl. You can anchor stern in to the breakwater, tie a line to the breakwater and put your stern right where the bottom comes up. You can walk off your boat and into town at low tide.

Fishers Island is nice, but largely private. You can find a great anchorage in East Harbor. Clear, clean water, great swimming and calm. You can go ashore in West Harbor, but there really isn’t much there. Fishers Island Sound is my favorite place on the planet. If you have engine trouble or other problems where you need a yard, look up Noank Village Boatyard. They are Volvo Penta and Yanmar certified and their service is top notch. I kept my boats there for fifteen years and will be going back at some point - hopefully soon.

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks for the local knowledge for Block Island and Fischer's Island. Looking forward to it!
Good to hear from you, Gregg and Joyce. Totally remember our visit together on Martha's Vineyard.
I'll keep you all posted when we are in the area.

Bobby

 

[knotflying]

I have used this ramp in Old Saybrook, CT several times. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Boat-Launches/Baldwin-Bridge-Boat-Launch This is a real nice ramp and I have left my rig there for 10 days without an issue. I will say this was a while ago so I am not sure if parking restrictions have changed.