Block Island (Old Harbor) Renovation Update

[SOUNDBOUNDER]

The Old Harbor East Dock on Block Island is continuing its renovation by the Army Corps of Engineers and could be finished by January 2012, nearly 2 months ahead of schedule, said Harbormaster Stephen Land at last Thursday’s Harbors Committee meeting.

Grove Construction, which is doing the renovations, has completed the demolition of the old dock and driven a new bulkhead into the harbor floor in front of Ballard’s Inn.


Block Island Dock Renovation Update | BoatingLocal.com

[RobGallagher]

Now if they could just hang a shower curtain

[jppp]

So if I'm headn' there this summer should I do old or new harbor? I would imagine more possibilities in the new harbor for moorings.

[chef2sail]

Great Salt Pond is where to go unless you like being disturbed by the ferry constantly. Hubdereds of morrings available.

Dave

[Bene505]

and they are raising their fees by 20%...

Block Island May Raise Old Harbor Dock Fees | BoatingLocal.com

Block Island Times: The Harbors Committee met Monday (April 4) and voted to recommend a 20-percent increase in wharfage fees at the Old Harbor dock after renovations have been completed there.

The committee decided the upgrade in facilities warranted an increase in fees boaters pay to use the dock. The committee is also considering charging for water and electricity use, which has not been done in the past.

There's more to the article, if you register with them. (I didn't register.)

Regards,
Brad

[RobGallagher]

Originally Posted by chef2sail

Great Salt Pond is where to go unless you like being disturbed by the ferry constantly. Hubdereds of morrings available.

Dave

But not a shower to be had

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by jppp

So if I'm headn' there this summer should I do old or new harbor? I would imagine more possibilities in the new harbor for moorings.

Old Harbor is useless. It's not even a harbor, it's more of a sea wall enclosure. Its only advantage is that it is immediately in town. However, we enjoy the walk from New Harbor (Great Salt Pond) to town before dinner. It's about a mile and a half. Taxis are lined up in front of the ferry dock all night long to take us back. The process usually involves a beer at the Oar prior to departure and upon return.

However, if you've never been to Block, I would caution you on how crowded it gets. From mid-June to Labor Day, you will not likely find a mooring available when you arrive, regardless of how early. There will be boats that spent the previous night on anchor, that keep a close watch on morning departures. No reservations are taken. You can call the harbor master and get on a waiting list for an empty private mooring (same rates) and they will escort you around 3pm, if one is available.

Ultimately, we only go to Block in May and Sept. We love it there, but the insanity during high season is too much. This past Sept, the Harbor Master told us there were 2,500 boats in New Harbor on July 4th weekend.

When you do go, try Eli's restaurant on Chapel street (just off the main drag in town by Old Harbor). Its our fav.

[Bene505]

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

Old Harbor is useless. It's not even a harbor, it's more of a sea wall enclosure. Its only advantage is that it is immediately in town. However, we enjoy the walk from New Harbor (Great Salt Pond) to town before dinner. It's about a mile and a half. Taxis are lined up in front of the ferry dock all night long to take us back. The process usually involves a beer at the Oar prior to departure and upon return.

However, if you've never been to Block, I would caution you on how crowded it gets. From mid-June to Labor Day, you will not likely find a mooring available when you arrive, regardless of how early. There will be boats that spent the previous night on anchor, that keep a close watch on morning departures. No reservations are taken. You can call the harbor master and get on a waiting list for an empty private mooring (same rates) and they will escort you around 3pm, if one is available.

Ultimately, we only go to Block in May and Sept. We love it there, but the insanity during high season is too much. This past Sept, the Harbor Master told us there were 2,500 boats in New Harbor on July 4th weekend.

When you do go, try Eli's restaurant on Chapel street (just off the main drag in town by Old Harbor). Its our fav.

When we go to Block, I anchor really far from the docks, up in the northeast corner. It's the only way to find space. Watch out for boats on chain versus line. We anchor with chain, so I try to find neighbors that are on chain, so we swing similarly. Otherwise you'll find yourself too close in the morning (don't ask how I learned that one).

The holding is not great and 50' deep in spots. Bring your anchoring "A game".

On the upside, it's a great place to shop for a wind generator. There are all types and you can compare the noise levels as you cruise the harbor.

Regards,
Brad

[svHornblower]

Block Island is great, even in the summer. Yes, it gets crowded and moorings can be hard to find if you get there late, but there is usually space to anchor. I don't even try to get a mooring anymore. I just anchor and then watch (while enjoying a beer) the parade of boats tooling around looking for an open city mooring and then coming over to the other side to drop the hook. Then it's over to the Oar!