Block Island Trip(pg.4)

Bob

Don't you ever wonder why so many otherwise civil people have a hard time dealing with you? I truly believe you enjoy receiving the attention and you go out of your way to attract it.
 
Hyper... good advice. I think doing it with a few others will give my family (and me) more confidence. Seems like such a nice trip, but one that turn dangerous at anytime. I know it's not that far, but I'd rather take advantage of those cruisers that are willing to help, and then offer my help to others someday in return.
 
I may have read the posts incorrectly. Several of you gave good advice on actually making the trip. Several of you indicated that you yourselves wouldn't do it. I am seriously considering the advice of both sides. I think that anyone who thinks that a 21' bowrider cannot make this trip without killing all aboard is being a little too dramatic.
 
Holy Grail, you have nothing to worry about in your size boat. I applaud your common sense cautious nature though, your family and your boat are in good hands.

Have fun at Block!
 
Grail
We went to block pro'ly 7 or eight years ago. We had a great time. If you can manage or have experience getting to Montauk, Block s/b no additional sweat. Unless of course you trailer to Montauk and have never used GPS, Radar etc..
The time we went was perfect both going from Montauk and leaving to Mystic. We had 1-2 rollers and blue skies. We could see the island once clear of Montauk. While initially intimidating with caution, preparation, and confidence in the equipment (your boat runs reliably) it gets easy.
Personally I've found traversing L.I. Sound more difficult with all the lobster pots. Choose your weather, no problem. Take chances and push yourself beyond your comfort level, and look out.
Bob
A 21 bowrider?
Sure you can make tracks in smooth water, but can you make any in rough water? You need perfect weather.
From a destination point of view, hanging around montauk and fishing, three mile harbor, greenport, coecles harbor, sunset beach, sag harbor, Port Jeff etc. all make much more interesting destinations with more going on than Block. I think the notion of going to Block is more one of the challenge of navigation than it is enjoying an extended stay. Other than that, it's a stop over on the way to parts north when things get ugly. If you really want to know what it is like take the ferry and allow yourself to be ripped off by the hotels.
There just isn't that much going on at block.
 
......................HOLD ON FELLAS......I RAN OUT OF POPCORN & BEER......I'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

OK........................CARRY ON.
 
Hyper... you nailed it. I am cautious but confident. That's what makes boating so much fun for me. Operate my big boat like it is a bit smaller just to be safe. For example, we take the GS Bay route on the south shore, through Shinnecock, Peconic to Montauk instead of just the ocean run when the weather is questionable. Just makes sense and if you're in a rush, you shouldn't have a big boat.

BoatBum... we're hoping for the same blue skies and 1-2' rollers you got!!!! Would sure make the trip more fun! I agree by the way... Block seems to be more about the journey than the destination. Thanks for the info.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Holy Grail

Block seems to be more about the journey than the destination.

Click to expand...


It's both, the destination makes the journey worthwhile.
 
I'd have no problem taking a well built and well maintained 21 foot bowrider to Block. Then again, I run boats in heavy weather and make bad things better on the water for a living. And that's the guage right there - not the boat, but the operator - do you really feel that you know what to do if things go to crap quick, do you know how to handle a small boat in weather it has no business being in? Can you find your way in without taking your hands off the helm and sticks? If you can, rock on, man. Enjoy the trip. Smaller boats make the weather more personal, you can feel it better, like wearing new jeans without underwear.

Just remember what happens if you screw up even once.
 
NC,

Thanks for the info. I totally agree. That's why I'm trying to gain this knowledge. Let me answer your questions in order: Yes,Maybe,Yes.

New jeans w/o underwear? I'll have to give that a try.
 
It is nice knowing you are out there Mike ( for MY sake, not yours!!! That kind of stuff is hard on the old bod!).

If you are ever around here, I'll find ya a NiceCuppACoffee. Community Dark roast.

--

The fact is, under the right conditions, you could likely successfully get there in a claw foot tub and oars. That does not make it wise to do so.

Know your boat, know your self, know your area, then decide.

btw, Bob, I noticed the comment about "not stay overnight" at Block. While that might be the intention upon departure, you should always be prepared to do such a thing if the weather does not cooperate. Pushing the weather window is a common way to "test your skills" and it generally gets far more exciting than anticipated.
 
Bob, you're truly being a fool on here. You asked for advice, it was given. A number of very experienced local boaters have told you your plan is not sound and is potentially dangerous yet you argue with them. So why bother to ask for advice? You obviously know what's best for you and your family, so go for it. You remind me of a long lost RO back when I was moderating the South Florida forum. She was equally convinced that her 18' bowrider was safe for a Bimini trip.

Walter, how many moose-burgers should we bring for the SAR demonstration? I also have a good bottle of rum from Guyana!
 
November Charlie, we on Boater Ed helped explain some things on nautical charts for Mr. Bob not two months ago.....red right returning, and how you spot shoaling on charts. Until a few hours ago, he was planning to run his 21 foot bowrider over to Block with his two young kids aboard.

Mr. Bob admits he has never been outside bays in the ocean before, likely could use some practical experience reading navigational aids in the water, yet thinks he can merrily run his kids in bowrider over to Block for an icecream, and run back the same day.

I really wish you had not made that post, unless you anticipate rescuing people will be slow next summer. <gg>
 
Not to worry Chris, I'm sure Bob has read the post and convinced himself that if Mike can do it he can too. I mean really, how much more difficult can it be compared to running circles around the town lake?
 
Brian,
I truly appreciate everyone expertise here, that's why I ask. Even though you and others feel it's something that shoiuldn't be tried, a large number of experts also agree that it can be done, give the right experience, equipment, and conditions. I am simply weighing all this advice and I figure I have about 6 months to get the right experience, equipment and conditions.

Chris,
You are correct, I knew very little of nautical charts until a month or so ago when I asked for some tips. Now I have poured over Chart One, and other periodicals and reference books, and I feel that I can now read and understand enough to be safe. I have downloaded chart numbers 13215, 13209, 12354, 13212, and 12372. This should keep me busy for the next 6 months.

You have all convinced me that I need more ocean going experience, which I will try to get, and that I should not try this with the family. Thanks for your concern, and see, your posts worked! Feel good that you saved an innocent wife and two children (grin).
 
Inkblue: We are always happy to help folks like you, who listen to the voice of experience, and appreciate the time we spend hitting the keyboard in an effort to help you. Hope to see you next summer!
 
Chris-
Thought crossed my mind, but figured, out of my response area, f$!# it.
I do believe it is mainly a function of the operator, not at all the boat (premise being a skilled and experienced operator knows the boats capabilities and lack thereof). Don't know Bob well enough to say he's not capable of it (although I doubt it - recreational boaters - living ones, and those still willing to get on a boat - just don't have the experience handling small boats in big weather, and this is a good thing), only he knows that for sure, and we've seen that nobody here is going to convince him either way, but he certainly has been given the information to make the right decision. No post here will make that decision for him.
 
"but figured, out of my response area, f$!# it."

Ha ha! That makes perfect sense, thanks for clearing that up. <gg>
 
Ok Bob,
Let me pull up my pants, turn around and now talk to you face to face.:}

If by some chance you are not a troll, then you must take all the advice giving to you about a trip like this with your family. Back in 2003 I had a 2003, 29 foot Searay Amberjack. I was coming back from Block Island after attending a Searay party and an unexpected storm rolled in. I found myself in 4 to 5 foot seas 2 seconds apart. Then to top it off there was lightning. My fear and anxiety was the fact that I had my family on the boat. If I was with my fishing buddies I would not of felt any fear other than the lightning issue. My boat had a cabin that I could send my kids into, this kept my mind off of them so I could concentrate on the task at hand, without that I would of been a wreck.

The point being is that your boat can make the trip in ideal conditions, I myself would not feel comfortable making such a trip with my family in your boat. As people have mentioned the conditions can change in a blink of an eye, I can attest to that as mentioned above.

I assume since you are from PA, that you will trailer your boat Montauk then make the trip to Block? If so you may want to be prepared that you will not be able to do it if the weather and seas are not in your favor, depending on the time of year you will have less than a 50% chance. (that percentage is based upon the size and type of boat you have)

You asked in a previous post "how does one get experience in the ocean" The ideal way is to be a passenger on a boat with an experienced captain. A captain that will explain and teach you what is going on, how to deal with it and what to expect. The other way is to go out many times in the ocean and see what it is like and then develop a respect for it. P.S....this is something that should be done with a person on board that has some experience, certainly not with your family.

If you want to trailer your boat to Long Island, I would suggest you go to Fire Island, protected water, great swimming in the ocean or the bay, and the kids would have a blast in Ocean Beach. Plenty of bars, food and activities for the family. You could launch your boat at Captree Park. Also the kids could fish, clam, tube etc.

So if I was a little rough with you it was only because I felt you were jerking around with us, if you were not than the above is my thoughts on this.

Walter
 
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