Block Island Advice

G

gnealon

New Member
Apr 8, 2009
570
West Babylon, NY
Boat Info
2005 280 DA, Garmin 4208
"Ship Faced"
Engines
Twin 5.0L Merc BIII
Guys, before I take this trek I'd like to get some advice here first. Any help is much appreciated.

A buddy of mine is going to Payne's Dock tomorrow morning. He goes there every year for the 4th. He asked me to go, however I can't leave until Friday morning. So....

1. What is everyone's opinion on taking the trek from Babylon NY to BI Friday morning in the "HOPES" of getting a slip? I'm trying to seek advice on how realistic it is. If I leave at dawn, I think i could get to BI by 10ish.

2. If I can't get a slip at Payne's... any other advice? Go back to Montauk? Try another marina? Am I taking a huge risk going out there w/o any set reservations?

3. If I can't get a slip at Payne's do you know if they allow anchoring in the area? (assuming all the moorings are taken)

4. I plan on taking the Fire Island Inlet all the way to Montauk. Based on my calculations I should have enough fuel for that leg. Anyone have a good spot to stop for gas on the south side of Montauk before I head to BI?

Sorry for the million questions. I'd really like to go, but its an expensive trip... with 2 kids... gas... food... etc. to go out there w/ odds highly not in my favor.

Thanks everyone. Please have a safe and fun weekend! :thumbsup:
 
there's also the boat basin, and Champlains. If you need a slip, I would not go unless you are sure you can get one. Champlains might be your best bet. It's a Zoo there and they'll raft you up to other boats. If you don't need a slip, you can grab a mooring ball if one is available. those are first come first serve. Anchoring is a throw of the dice. If the wind is calm, no problem. If the wind picks up, boats drag anchor all the time.
 
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Turtlesboat said:
there's also the boat basin, and Champlains. If you need a slip, I would not go unless you are sure you can get one. Champlains might be your best bet. It's a Zoo there and they'll raft you up to other boats. If you don't need a slip, you can grab a mooring ball if one is available. those are first come first serve. Anchoring is a throw of the dice. If the wind is calm, no problem. If the wind picks up, boats drag anchor all the time.
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Thanks Mike... I was hoping you would chime in since i know you go there often. Payne's is a first come first serve. Is Boat Basin and Champlains by reservation? I was under the impression it was all first come first serve.

What is your opinion on arriving Friday morning? Risky? Even for a mooring?

Thanks Mike!!!
 
This is a tough weekend to go to Block without any reservations... Although we are in a different economy then years ago so maybe you will get lucky. Like Mike said Champlains may be able to raft you up there but that is one of the few places you may get in. I think the moorings may be a long shot unless you can get there a little earlier. Anchoring is not easy there, make sure your not swinging into someone else and that there not swinging into you as you do get some strong winds blowing out there.

Good luck, and let us know how you made out!
 
Larry said:
This is a tough weekend to go to Block without any reservations... Although we are in a different economy then years ago so maybe you will get lucky. Like Mike said Champlains may be able to raft you up there but that is one of the few places you may get in. I think the moorings may be a long shot unless you can get there a little earlier. Anchoring is not easy there, make sure your not swinging into someone else and that there not swinging into you as you do get some strong winds blowing out there.

Good luck, and let us know how you made out!
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Well, I got some good news. Kinda. HA! I just called Champlains and they are no longer taking reservations. However they said they will guarantee me at least a raft up (actually most likely a raft up). So at the very least I can try Paynes and then resort back to Champlains if I can't get in. At least i know I am going out there and I'm covered.

Mike - regarding the Fire Island Inlet -> Montauk leg of the trip... doable on the 280 w/ full tank right? I believe its 83 miles. I want to run on the outside and save some time.
 
I've been to Block a bunch of times over the past few years, although not on the 4th. Champlains should be able to squeeze you in somewhere - though you may be rafted 6 boats out from the dock. The Boat Basin and Paynes will most likely be filled up - all it takes is a phone call to find out.

Forget the moorings - you'll never get one on Friday.

Anchoring is a viable option if you have a genny. Just let out plenty of scope and you'll be fine. I've seen people pull up and drop anchor in 10 feet of water, then let out 20 feet of scope - you can guess what happens...
 
gnealon said:
Well, I got some good news. Kinda. HA! I just called Champlains and they are no longer taking reservations. However they said they will guarantee me at least a raft up (actually most likely a raft up). So at the very least I can try Paynes and then resort back to Champlains if I can't get in. At least i know I am going out there and I'm covered.

Mike - regarding the Fire Island Inlet -> Montauk leg of the trip... doable on the 280 w/ full tank right? I believe its 83 miles. I want to run on the outside and save some time.
Click to expand...

I would fuel up along the way. You'll be sucking fumes pulling into block. If you have rolling seas, you'll be going up hill a lot more than you think.
 
Turtlesboat said:
I would fuel up along the way. You'll be sucking fumes pulling into block. If you have rolling seas, you'll be going up hill a lot more than you think.
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Mike... I was hoping to fuel in Montauk... not try straight for block. What do you think about that? Unless i duck in at Shinecock, I'm not familiar w/ any fueling stations between Fire Island Inlet and Montauk. Are you?
 
Fuel up at shinicock, easy in and out, easier than Montauk. I anchor at block all the time with no problem. Ric
 
katricol said:
Fuel up at shinicock, easy in and out, easier than Montauk. I anchor at block all the time with no problem. Ric
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Ohh yea? Thanks! Is it right inside the inlet? Any advice on which one/which side?

Thanks a lot!!!
 
gnealon , I think you might be off a little with your mileage. From west Babylon to block entrance is a 115 miles according to google earth. set it up on your gps to exact. Rich
 
bone354 said:
gnealon , I think you might be off a little with your mileage. From west Babylon to block entrance is a 115 miles according to google earth. set it up on your gps to exact. Rich
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Bone - Thanks for looking that up. I think you might have misread what i wrote :huh:

"Fire Island Inlet -> Montauk leg of the trip... doable on the 280 w/ full tank right? I believe its 83 miles."
 
gnealon , Your right I misread Its a little over 90 miles from inlet to gas dock in Montauk around 106 from Bergen point estimated. Good luck with your trip. Rich
 
bone354 said:
gnealon , Your right I misread Its a little over 90 miles from inlet to gas dock in Montauk around 106 from Bergen point estimated. Good luck with your trip. Rich
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Thx Bone! Yea, i think that distance is pushing it for my tiny 100 gallons. I am going to take Katricol advice and fuel up in Shinecock. Have you ever done this trip? This will be my first time :wow:
 
I did Lindenhurst to Montauk it was like glass on the ocean. I was just a little east of shinnecock inlet when I ran into some fog and I must have been followed it all the way to montauk thank god for electronics. It took me almost 7 hrs total i had just bought the boat and just learning how to use radar and auto pilot. I got a little nervous and so happy to see the anchor on my boat finally after 4hrs. I am planning a trip to Montauk, Block , Newport the end of July hopefully no fog. Block island is pretty cool cant wait to go. Have fun Rich
 
90 miles is to far on a tank of gas. you'll be staring at the needle on E.
 
I've seen it, it's a little distracting to say the least.
 
I do not know about New Harbor, but Old harbor it used to be when you raft up to other boats, as you cross their stern to go ashore, you had to have a drink with the captain of the boat your are crossing. Got drunk way too many times and never made it ashore.
 
Gnealon, you go in the inlet and if you miss it 100 yards to your port....you're blind sell your boat!! LOL Very easy in and out. Ric
 
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