Block Island Trip

  • Thread starter Thread starter blouderback
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Displaying a patronizingly superior attitude:

Over many posts....Ink is anything but this....

When you agree with someone, do you say "Here Here!" or "Hear Hear" ? And what does it mean? What is the origin of "Here Here" or "Hear Hear"? --Tymoma195

SDSTAFF Veg replies:

The correct term is, "hear, hear!" It is an abbreviation for "hear, all ye good people, hear what this brilliant and eloquent speaker has to say!"

That being said Gurryman has one of the best answers to Boobs initial question that started this thread IMO
 
The shortest distance is from pt judith to block i think you are asking alot of a 21ft boat Take the ferry and be sure to get there.
 
From falmouth to MV is easy alot better bet than Block PLUS alot biger island more to see lots of places to tie up Distance why when in falmouth you can see MV forget nantucket it's a 30 nm trip
quote:
Originally posted by blouderback

Thanks for the advice. Is Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard any better, or easier to get to via 21' bowrider?

Click to expand...
 
Hey guys... I am with "Rugger." Please break this thread about "Bob" and give us legitimate boaters some solid info about going to Block. Like "Rugger" I have a solid size boat for this trip, 39' Cruisers, but have never been to Block. Gone as far as Montauk and certainly done the Greenport, Shelter Island thing from Nassau, South Shore.

Can you experienced Block Isle types provide Rugger and me some important tips? I get the need to keep a close eye on the weather and have all the necessary equipment, plus we both have boats that can handle it. To be honest, having read all the hype/ feedback to "Bob's" post I am getting quite nervous about taking a trip from Montauk to Block, despite hearing what a terrific place it is. Thoughts? Ideas? Helpful advice for us? Thanks so much.
 
Brian, I have gone to BI in a 24' boat, a 28' boat and a 38' boat, yours will make it easily.

Just keep an eye on the weather and use your radar and GPS. On a clear day, you can see Block from Montauk.

The channel into Block can be pretty nasty, there are usually a load of boats going in and out creating lots of wakes.

If you want to stay at a marina, there are 3, Paynes, Block Island Boat Basin and Champlins. You need reservations well in advance (like today) to get a spot on a weekend. There are town moorings, but they are usually taken. There is plenty of room to anchor.

They have a pump-out boat that will come when you call them, a launch that will take you from your mooring/anchor to land, and, of course --ALDO - who delivers fresh pastries and coffee in the morning, just listen for "Andiamo" being shouted and wave him down.

From the marinas you can walk to town, or take a cab, it's less than 2 miles.

You can dink to "dinghy beach", leave the dink there and walk across the road to Crescent Beach for a swim.

Get a clam permit from the Harbormaster - right nest to BI Boat Basin and dig 4 quarts (about 50 clams) per day, near the entrance channel.

At night, you can usually catch squid.

Block is a 24 hr party, go over and enjoy!!!
 
Am guessing if you reserve a dock and the weather sucks, you lose your money...?
 
To all those asking info about the trip to BI please keep in mind the original question asked was;

"I've always wanted to try a trip to Block Island on my 21' bowrider. The thing is, I'd have to wait for a day when the weather was perfect. Since I'm about a 4 hour drive from the closest launch point, I thought that maybe the family and I would take a week off and camp somewhere on LI or southern CT or RI, and then if/when we wake up to that "perfect" day, I could make the run that day (returning the same day).

Does anyone have a good place to camp right on the water with the boat that's near Block Island?

Is this a good idea?"

The thread has been 100% on topic based on his request, "Is this a good idea"

The answer is "no, it is not"

There is noting wrong with a thread evoling to provide excellent information for OTHER things as it happens all the time in fact tremendous amounts of decent information have come from this thread.

But it is unfair to criticize those who have been answering the original question asked.
 
Depends on how far in advance you cancel. That's the reason I don't like to reserve. I figure that if I get there mid-week, I can get a slip. Once you're in at Champlains, I don't think they'll boot you out.
 
The NEW moderator........should " LOCK " this thread.........enough of the BOB story !!!!!!!
GEEEEES......
 
Good tip. Mid-week trips I guess are less crowded.

(mental note)

Thanks!
 
Hogan... thanks for the great reply. My biggest concern was handling the rough nature of the waters on the way, based on all the feedback earlier. I guess it's going to be a confidence thing, just like most new boat trips. So I'll keep a close eye on the weather, hopefully get lucky and follow a new friend or two on the way back and off we go. Appreciate all the good info, especially about making a reservation now!
 
A few years ago on my way to Block Island we are cruising past the Race in pea soup fog, really testing my nerves and my ability to stay glued to my radar screen..........all of a sudden I hear something.........sounds like an outboard boat but I don't really see it on the radar...............then finally I see it............. it's a 18 or 19 foot Sea Doo bowrider jet boat with 4 people in it cruising to Block Island.

They buzzed right past me, no regard to the fog.

I think they made it. I didn't hear or read about a missing or sucken boat.

Jonathan
 
Holy Grail; last year, Champlins went to a rediculous 21 day cancellation policy. Two years ago, it was a 2 day policy and when I delayed my arrival by one day due to small craft warnings, I got a credit that I couldn't really use later in the season. So my advice as well is to be careful when making a reservation.

Weekends and events are usually the problem. Go mid-week, call ahead and you should be fine. They should tell you if they are booked or not.

Block is one of our favorite places and we have gone every year of the last 5 at least once. At least half of those trips were in less than ideal sea conditions or fog. IMO This is something you should be cautious of and prepared for but don't let it stop you. Be flexible in your schedule so that you can delay based on conditions you don't want to be in.
 
Mintreglia... good advice. We are thinking of doing a mid-week thing instead of a weekend. Heard it can get pretty crowded weekends, so reservations won't be totally necessary. Fog is never fun, but I can deal with it if I have to. Would much prefer to grab nice weather and go! Flexibility seems to be the key. Again... thanks for taking the time to respond.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rommer

To all those asking info about the trip to BI please keep in mind the original question asked was;

"I've always wanted to try a trip to Block Island on my 21' bowrider. The thing is, I'd have to wait for a day when the weather was perfect. Since I'm about a 4 hour drive from the closest launch point, I thought that maybe the family and I would take a week off and camp somewhere on LI or southern CT or RI, and then if/when we wake up to that "perfect" day, I could make the run that day (returning the same day).

Does anyone have a good place to camp right on the water with the boat that's near Block Island?

Is this a good idea?"

The thread has been 100% on topic based on his request, "Is this a good idea"

The answer is "no, it is not"

There is noting wrong with a thread evoling to provide excellent information for OTHER things as it happens all the time in fact tremendous amounts of decent information have come from this thread.

But it is unfair to criticize those who have been answering the original question asked.

Click to expand...


That's exactly right...we answered his original question as was asked of us.

Then Bob takes it the extra step. With solid advice in hand and not accepting the advice he presses on with stupidity...that's the fuel for flaming. I don't mind giving serious, good advice...I do mind giving serious, good advice to a person that isn't serious in listening.
 
All,

I am seriously considering this trip. I did not post to "stir up the pot". I think there has been a lot of good info passed back and forth on this thread, thank you all very much. I will take the advice of many of you, and try this trip with a couple of friends (yes, I actually have friends), and leave my wife and children at home (I'll ask for her PERMISSION first...).

I have learned quite a bit about reading charts, thanks to you here, so, contrary to what you have said, I CAN read charts. I will get one. The boat will NOT be overloaded. It can handle 1250lbs (10 people), and I will only have about 900lbs (3-4 people) on it I'll get a second VHF. I will file a float plan with the CG. I will only go if the weather LOOKS and is PREDICTED to be absolutely perfect. I will only be out for 4-5 hours.

I have more experience than you all think, I am not a novice boater. Yes, most of my boating has been in calm lake conditions, but I can handle my boat pretty well.

Please stop with the personal attacks. I am offended at the "plans" you are making for SAR. That's NOT funny. Keep that kind of stuff on your little private forum where the general public and I can't see it. Have lots of fun chatting about how stupid I am and how I'm going to kill my family there. Call me names, posts funny pictures about me, do whatever you want, THERE, NOT HERE.

Thanks to those of you who gave me SERIOUS advice, I appreciate it.
 
You're already making a mistake...the 1250 lbs the certification plate is referring to is a GROSS weight. The total of fuel, people, and payload. The NMMA uses an average of 125 lbs for their people weight figure. 2 men on average weigh about 400-415 lbs. Fuel (gas) is 6.1 lbs per gallon X tank capacity.

Oh, the "serious" advice you've been given that you appreciate? You're choosing to ignore it. Mistake #2.
 
Not ignoring. Many folks have said it is not a crazy idea, others have said they wouldn't do it. I have modified my plans due to the advice given.

Mike, I am NOT stupid. I understand that the 1250 is gross weight. I will be well under that, don't worry.

Still not sure if I'm going to do it, just collecting all the pros and cons. I have to believe it's been done safely many times.
 
Ultimately Bob, no, I don't think you are stupid. Inexperienced? Yes. With all my experience, when it comes to "blue water" ocean...I'd have some homework to do. We don't have tidal influence here, we don't have rip currents here. The times I 've been to the ocean, both around and in...have beens sans boat and I learned a lot just standing up to my chest and having a rip current take me out. Learned how to get out of one of those too!
 
Mike, I know what you mean. I'm 43 years old, and I've been around the ocean for 43 years. I know all about those rip currents!

My first boating experience was when I was 12 in a 10' Sunfish sailboat. I've owned a PWC and 2 boats, totalling about 15 years of operating experience. I've spent lots of hours on my relatives and friends boats, and have learned quite a bit in the 30 some years since my first boat ride.

I take safety seriously, just ask my wife and kids, as well as anyone who gets on my boat. New passengers and I spend 5-10 minutes going over all the safety equipment, and we pass out PFDs to all passengers so those who are a little leary of the boat don't feel odd asking for one. I'll even put one on when I sense that there is someone aboard who wants to put one on, but feels weird being the only adult with one on.

Believe me, I won't try this trip if I didn't think I could. For goodness sake, as someone posted, it's not a trans-Atlantic trip, it's a 10-15 mile trip where I will be in sight of land the whole way.

Thanks again for being concerned for my safety as well as my passengers.
 
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