Annapolis to Block Island 2 Week Boat Trip

I guess I didn't use the best choice of words to deliver my point across. Please don't get me wrong and I totally agree with Todd and Larry that the marina itself is very family oriented. In fact this is the most happening place. We go to the bar all the time and kids use all the amenities to keep themselves busy. We always use Champlins as our "primary play ground".

When I said "not pleasant" I meant that docking and departure might be an event on its own. When traveling with a group obviously rafted with your friends is only a good thing and the schedule is not an issue. But, when you're there by yourself and have to leave while other boats tied up to you, now they have to be moved, plus any other that block your path.

Being there midweek most likely be different and less crowded, especially the way the economy affected boating industry.

The beauty about Block is that you have pretty much all the options you need and finding decent and comfortable spot will not be an issue, even if you don't feel like staying at Champlins.
 
Having stayed many times at Champlin's I'd forewarn anyone that though they take requests regarding rafting and floating docks they generally ignore them unless there's a handicap involved. In my observation, boats with kids (or elderly) and dogs don't get any prefered treatment. I've been rafted to strangers even when there were floating dock slips available and sections of dock had no one tied to them. I've never gotten a rational expalantion from the dockhands for that. If you don't want the exposure to that potential, Champlin's is not the place for you. Having said all that, between the pool, playground and movies Champlin's is the best place on Block for anyone with young kids.....and I no longer have young kids but keep going back to Champlin's.
 
Also, plan for a big power bill in addition to the slip fees....Champlins makes their own power and last I heard it was somthing like $30 a day for a single 30A power cord...
 
BTW, one of the reasons we love staying on a mooring is that the water in the Salt Pond is very pleasant and clean with great visibility. We swim off the boat all the time and never need a pool. But, everyone has their own preference. If you choose to pick another marina everything is a quick dinghy ride with a beautiful scenery of the harbor.
 
Thanks guys for the comments. If you don't dock at Champlins can you still use the ammenties? When on the hook for days how do you fill your fresh water tank when empty? I have 100 gallons which will last a little longer than one day, I plan on being in BI for 3 nights. I have a buddy who was there last year during the 4th of July, he got so pissed from drunks climbing all over his boat, he left. I will be there Wednesday-Saturday so I assume it won't be that bad, but I don't know.
 
CAMELLA said:
Thanks guys for the comments. If you don't dock at Champlins can you still use the ammenties? When on the hook for days how do you fill your fresh water tank when empty? I have 100 gallons which will last a little longer than one day, I plan on being in BI for 3 nights. I have a buddy who was there last year during the 4th of July, he got so pissed from drunks climbing all over his boat, he left. I will be there Wednesday-Saturday so I assume it won't be that bad, but I don't know.
Click to expand...
I replied to a similar ? In the flotilla thread - we use camping 5 gallon water bags ($5 at wallmart) and the spigot is on the dinghy dock at the boat basin - you cant use the pool or showers at champlins unless you stay there (unless you sneak in) all other amenities are fine - boat basin uses tokens for their showers and you can only get them if you stay there - public showers are in town and a far walk - the 4th is a madhouse everywhere on block - you should be fine when you are planning to be there
 
Ididntdoit said:
I replied to a similar ? In the flotilla thread - we use camping 5 gallon water bags ($5 at wallmart) and the spigot is on the dinghy dock at the boat basin - you cant use the pool or showers at champlins unless you stay there (unless you sneak in) all other amenities are fine - boat basin uses tokens for their showers and you can only get them if you stay there - public showers are in town and a far walk - the 4th is a madhouse everywhere on block - you should be fine when you are planning to be there
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
Hey Jon,

In case if you didn't see my responds in our flotilla thread, here's what I've posted:

Since were are usually very close to Champlins I just tie a dinghy to mooring or tell harbor master to put the "reserved" sign and we take Inspiration over to the fuel dock and just fill all 120 gallons instead of messing with small cans. We pay $10 and after 10-15 min we're back in business for another 3 days or so.
 
Alex F said:
Hey Jon,

In case if you didn't see my responds in our flotilla thread, here's what I've posted:

Since were are usually very close to Champlins I just tie a dinghy to mooring or tell harbor master to put the "reserved" sign and we take Inspiration over to the fuel dock and just fill all 120 gallons instead of messing with small cans. We pay $10 and after 10-15 min we're back in business for another 3 days or so.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex, now you have me thinking.
 
Jon,

My advise is to go to Block open minded. Plan on taking a mooring close to Champlins, so your dinghy ride will be just a minute or two. You can use green balls (tell the harbor master that you're 42' and he'll let you stay), which very much increases your chance of getting one. Try it for one night and see how it goes. If you don't like it (in the meantime you'll be able to observe the situation in the marina) you can always move to a marina (Champlins or whatever else you wish).

We pretty much leave on the hook when we're on the boat, so the only reason we pick mooring in Block vs. anchoring is just to be on the safe side. We've heard number of stories how others drag if the wind picks up. So, for $40-$50 per night I don't need to worry in congested spot and sleep well.
 
Alex F said:
Jon,

My advise is to go to Block open minded. Plan on taking a mooring close to Champlins, so your dinghy ride will be just a minute or two. You can use green balls (tell the harbor master that you're 42' and he'll let you stay), which very much increases your chance of getting one. Try it for one night and see how it goes. If you don't like it (in the meantime you'll be able to observe the situation in the marina) you can always move to a marina (Champlins or whatever else you wish).

We pretty much leave on the hook when we're on the boat, so the only reason we pick mooring in Block vs. anchoring is just to be on the safe side. We've heard number of stories how others drag if the wind picks up. So, for $40-$50 per night I don't need to worry in congested spot and sleep well.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex, I have a SeaLift hydrualic lift which puts me at 49ft, can I still grab a green ball?
 
I plan on bringing a dinghy but I'm not sure if its worth bringing my 11ft AB Nautilus with a 30hp motor (750lbs) or borrow a relatives 9ft Mercury with a 5hp (200lbs) dinghy. The difference is 550 lbs of weight on the hydraulic lift plus the extra fuel burn. At the same time there is a big difference between the two, the AB is like a mini boat. I would mostly use it during Block Island and maybe Mystic. Thoughts?
 
I guess, it all depends on what you want to do. If you're just looking to use it as a tender to get from the mother-ship to shore carrying 4-5 people, then regular 8'-9' dinghy will do fine. But, if you're looking to do more of longer cruising on the dinghy and/or do some water sports for the kids, then you need the center console one. I totally understand the concern about the weight and fuel saving on a long cruises. In fact I'll be facing similar dilemma when I'll be getting the center console dinghy. I'm not sure if I'll be selling my smaller one just in case if I need to swap for the same reasons you're describing.

Just like most people we use our current 8.6' dinghy for everything, including exploring tours around areas we're traveling through. The ride is slower and if the wind kicks in it could be a wet ride (smaller tubes).
 
Last edited:
I would bring yours....You could take it to napatree for the day while in Mystic, go to abbotts, etc...lots of ground to cover there - as far as block is concerned, either would work but you could use yours to pull a tube, etc - per your other question, the green ball limit is 50', and Ive never seen them whip out a tape measure - if it says 42 on the side of your boat, you'll be fine
 
On the way back from Block Island I would like to stay in Brielle NJ, somewhere in the Manasquan Inlet. What's the best marina to stay out for one night?
 
Jon,

Have you looked into Brielle Yacht Club? If I recall it's one of the biggest marinas in the area. It's nothing to brag about, but the location is great. The docks are fixed and tide swing is about 4-5', so account for it when tying the lines. It's right in the middle of all the restaurants. Make reservations to Shipwreck (5min walk from the marina). If you've read the book "Shadow divers" you'll appreciate it even more.

Since it's a one night passing by stay, I would give it a shot. It's conveniently located and you can get fuel either right there or marinas next door.
 
Last edited:
Alex F said:
Jon,

Have you looked into Brielle Yacht Club? If I recall it's one of the biggest marinas in the area. It's nothing to brag about, but the location is great. The docks are fixed and tide swing is about 4-5', so account for it when tying the lines. It's right in the middle of all the restaurants. Make reservations to Shipwreck (5min walk from the marina). If you've read the book "Shadow divers" you'll appreciate it even more.

Since it's a one night passing by stay, I would give it a shot. It's conveniently located and you can get fuel either right there or marinas next door.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex, that's the marina I was thinking of. I lived in Brielle for a little while, didn't know if there was anything new. I heard mixed reviews on the Brielle Yacht Club.
 
Did you considering running from Block to Atlantic City on your return? Its a straight shot and takes about 6 hours or so going at 25knots. I run this route to get to BI from AC. Have fun....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,182
Messages
1,428,060
Members
61,088
Latest member
SGT LAT
Back
Top