Block Island Advise

Audrey II

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I'm planning a trip for August and I have plans to go to Saybrook CT I would like to go to Block Island as well but not sure were to stay. Please advise what you recommend or any thoughts as to the trip.
Thanks
Dave
 
I like Champlins but you'll most likely wind up rafting up if you are there on the weekend. Lots of action and things to do.
 
quote:

Originally posted by rommer

I like Champlins but you'll most likely wind up rafting up if you are there on the weekend. Lots of action and things to do.





Do you mean rafting at dock or on anchor? By the way your boat looks great I stopped by between bottom coats today.
 
Thanks Dave.

Rafting at the dock. I've seen them 4 and 5 boats deep. Not too bad if they are your friends but a drunk you don't know spilling mudslides all over your boat at 2am is not as much fun as it sounds.
 
Champlins is best but the rafting does stink. If you don't want to raft then the boat basin is better. It is right next door so it is a short walk to Champlins.

Paynes is good too but very tight and no floating docks.

Make sure that radar is working before crossing block island sound.

Watch out for stray bow riders!!
 
I'll second everything said but add that the last two times at Champlins, we had some very rowdy "boaters" near us and we will not go back there again. Management didn't care.

We loved staying on a town mooring and the Boat Basin was nice.
 
Bob actually I was hoping you would tow me on you way.
 
I prefer going to the Boat Basin and then walking over to Champlins. All depends on if you want to be in the middle of everything the whole time or prefer some quiet time and be able to go over to the busy/loud marina when you want that. Although I wasn't that happy at the Boat Basin last year either, the power wasn't good (under 200 volts) and my AC kept shutting off. They also put me on the inside where I barely had room to maneuver getting in and out and 2 other boats that couldn't handle the tight docking situation were playing bumper boats when they came in... Luckily I didn't get hit but I think next time I'm going back to anchoring or trying for a mooring. With a 44' you'd be on the outside so shouldn't have that issue.
 
I'm having second thoughts about that trip. Now I'm considering Montauk. I'm told there is more to do, and it's a shorter trip. Time is a factor, I'm not the only boat going and the Sea conditions may be a bigger issue for the others on the trip. I been to both but it's been about twenty years give or take a few. I'm taking an other couple on board and at least another boat or two. I want to pick the right places to go or I won't hear the end of it.
 
I prefer Montauk. There is definetly more to do. We stay at the Montauk Yacht Club. They have 2 pools, restaurants, etc. Also, they run a shuttle that you can take to Gosmans Dock, Downtown, the supermarket or the beach.
 
LOL and see we love Blk... Only problem with staying somewhere other then Champlins is after happy hr and some mudslides ull never find the marina.... Never mind the boat... But yes the place does get nuts but its part of the charm... Montauk gets old quick but if you havent been there in a while then yes by all means go. Either way you cant go wrong . But mudslides at sunset.... nothing better !

Rob
 
Although I enjoy having a few drinks once I have arrived at port, 4 of the other adults on the this trip are none drinkers I'm not sure Block is the right choice. Sounds fun but may not be the best fit for the crowd.
 
Block Island is "okay", IMO, but not the great place everyone makes it out to be. If you want excitement, drunken obnoxious boaters that could give two chits about your boat after having a few, stay at Champlins. If you want less excitement and a moderate experience, stay at the Boat Basin. If you want peace and quiet and relaxation, anchor or get a mooring. With 4 non drinkers along for the trip, I am not sure that BI is the place for you as in recent years it has gone the way of a revitalized frat/sorority house.

I have not been to Montauk in a while, but based on your group, it would be my preferred choice over BI.

Depending on your timing and schedule, another choice is to go the ~15 miles beyond Block Island and make a trip to Newport.
 
quote:

Originally posted by In the know

Depending on your timing and schedule, another choice is to go the ~15 miles beyond Block Island and make a trip to Newport.






Agreed! Newport is a much better choice than Montauk.
 
I second ITK’s suggestion of Newport over Block for your crew. In my option if you want some of both run the extra couple of hours to Martha’s.
What’s funny is that when I was posting to the ‘Dog on Board’ about how people could be worse than dogs I thought of Champlins
 
Well since your thinking of changing your trip, I would consider Greenport as a destination. There is plenty to do, Great little town, good food and good docking. If you don't want to stay right in town, The Townsend Marina if a great place to stay or the Sterling. Both have a pool. Also to change the scenery, you can run over to Sag Harbor or Shelter Island for the day.
 
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