Transient Marina in Rhode Island

[ThreeAtSea]

We're looking for a nice reasonably-priced marina in Rhode Island (Narragansett Bay) where we can moor as transients for 1-3 months (Aug, Sep, Oct). We would prefer something on the west side of the bay, on Conanicut Island, or on the southern half of Goat Island so we have a short trip to the airport (PVD). It would be nice to have a small town within walking distance from the marina. We are cruising aboard a 43' trawler with a 5' draft and 15' beam.

What are your recommendations?

[steve_hendry]

Why not Greenwich Bay or Warwick Cove? Can't get much closer to the airport.

[Anomaly]

In Greenwich Bay, you could try Norton's Marina. Art (Artie) is the main guy in charge of docks/slips etc (Pat Norton is the owner and runs the business end (when she is not in Florida....)). VERY quick trip to PVD airport from there and you can walk up the hill to lots of small shops, coffee houses, bars and restaurants on Main St. in E. Greenwich. Hard to get a mooring or slip but perhaps at that time of year (post "the season") you might find something. Worth a try and ask Pat/Art for suggestions (Apponaug is the next cove over with a couple of marinas) if they can't accommodate you.

[Black Diamond]

Norton's is fine and its a short walk downtown or towards some nice restaurants past the East Greenwich Yacht Club. Brewers is fine as well. The problem with Brewers and what used to be Greenwich Bay Marina Club was the railroad bridge. You could not get a boat under it so if you hauled there, you stayed there.

Stay away (repeat away) from Warwick Cove. It always seems to be loaded with 32' Silverton's that take delight in powering full speed in narrow channels and breaking every rule of seamanship possible. The 3 minutes closer to the airport doesn't make up for the risk of danger to your boat at the dock, in the channel or on the hard.

And before anyone asks, I spent 10 years in Greenwich Bay. I'm not one to generalize, but Warwick Cove was just plain dangerous.

Rick

[doug86]

Wickford

[jdives]

I cast another vote for Norton's! For two years now I've taken a transient slip for 2 or 3 months at a time and had a great experience. Artie is very accommodating as has been pointed out.

Jack