Block Island, RI

[NO GIN]

Hey all! The admiral and I are planning our first seasons trip and would like to make the trek from the start of the Peconic at Riverhead all the way out to Block Island. My question is, how would my 270 handle the seas from Gardiners Island and the bay to Block Island and the ocean? It looks as if it would be about a 30 mile trip in the ocean and this would be our first time outside the protected waters of the LI Sound and Peconic Bay.

Thanks!!

[Rob_boater]

I you get a good calm seas day then you will be fine.  A bad sea day and it wont be good.  We went to Block on our old 28 ft from up on the Hudson.  We stayed overnight in Port Jeff than ran straight to Block from there.  Block was great.  Stayed at Champlins and that can be hit or miss depending on the day if they are busy or not.  Leaving Block the seas were calm but the fog was bad.  Left Block in pea soup and went slow until it lifted around noon then on to Newport.  When we got back from our trip I installed radar and will not have a cruising boat without one again.

[jjlovett]

Some folks have suggested "shadowing" a ferry over there and back

[NO GIN]

So from the end of Long Island at Montauk to the Block there really is no protected waters right? It's just about a 30 mike trip from Montauk. This is a trip we would love to take this Summer but with what you guys have said, it may be one that will take place when we step up in size.

[Rob_boater]

I did it in my Bayliner 28 with no problems (except fog).  The waters are wide open.  On a clear day you can see Block from Montauk. 

[Gene]

Maybe you should find a wingman just in case! Im sure you could find a partner on here to go with you!

[NO GIN]

Maybe you should find a wingman just in case! Im sure you could find a partner on here to go with you!

That's a great idea! Actually we are planning our Summer "Great Escape" to the Block. We are going to be starting from our Marina in Riverhead and run to Montauk and spend the day/night there. Then on to the Block the next day for what we hope to be a 4 day stint. Then back on the North side of the  Island to Orient Point for another day/night. Then back home. If anyone is interested in joining us the more RBO-ers the better!!!   

[NO GIN]

Perhaps we can turn this opportunity into our first N. East RBO Gathering! Make a run from Montauk to the Block and a few days there. I know I will have myself and the admiral on board and my two sons Joe Jr (8 but will be 9 then) and Aidan (5).  Let me know what you guys think. I have never been to the Block but I heard it's a fantastic get away with crystal clear waters!!

[Rob_boater]

We would like to go back there one day.  The water was nice (but a little cold).  A dingy is allot of fin there to get to the beaches.  I doubt it will be this year as we may not even put the boat in the water this season. 

[NO GIN]

Man that would suck! I heard there are some slips avail but few and far between. We may just invest a few bucks on a small RIB w a trolling motor to make our life easier as we are planning many trips this season.

[TiniTime]

If you want to get good info on Block Island, go to the LICC page on the Boatered web site.  Many of those guys have been to Block and can give you any info you need.  From what I hear, fog is common around Block so running it without radar can be a problem.  Also, when there's no fog, the seas can get very snotty rather quickly.  Champlins rafts up the boats from the dock to get everyone in, so if you don't like strangers climbing across your platform that can also be a problem.  I hear its a great place and a great time, but I'll wait until I upgrade from my 250EC to go there. 

[ParkRode360]

Tinitime, where do you cruise instead?

[NO GIN]

I have a decent Radar system on my other boat that I am considering stealing and installing on my Rinker. If I do that and some other RBO-ers have interest in making this trip I will do it. Otherwise I will probably wait a year or two 'till we move to the 310 or larger.

[TiniTime]

I keep my boat on the south shore of LI in the Great South Bay, so I go to Fire Island a lot of the time.  I also go to Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach Marinas.  I try and make a couple of trips east to West Hampton Beach, Sag Harbor and Green point.   I do want to make the trip to Block Island, but I don't feel comfortable with out radar in a 25' boat.  Also, from what I hear Champlins is the only game in town there and they raft you up like sardines during the busy season.  That may get old after a day or two of dealing with that.  There are many great places to boat on Long Island's south shore and between the forks.  Over the many years I've been to most of them, so if anyone needs specifics on a certain location, let me know.

[NO GIN]

I have been thinking about Fire Island. I guess I would hit the channels and go through the Shinnecock Bay. I haven't been out of the Peconic yet so I am very unfamiliar with how to get there.  At that point from being so East, would I just jump into the Atlantic and go West to Fire Island?