41 North Marina in Newport

[JLR]

Does anyone know anything about this marina in Newport, Rhode Island? Here is the link http://www.41no.com/. I was told it is nice. It is substantially more expensive than other marinas in Newport and before I commit, I just thought I would get the skinny here. Thanks.

 

[34Hatt]

I have always stayed here http://www.newporthotel.com/marina_main.php

and liked it a lot and it not as much!

 

[MicroKap]

The Hatteras Rendezvous used to be held at the Newport Yachting Center. Very nice and high speed fuel pumps, up to 66 gallons per minute. Can be brought down to 33 gallons per minute. Electric was marginal. 41 North, I believe, is behind a restaurant known as The Moorings, unless it's changed its name in the past couple of years. I personally like the marinas in that area as they are marinas, not wharfs behind all of the fanfare. We've also stayed at the Newport Hotel as well and enjoyed it. You can be tied up right next to an America's Cup winner. Only bad thing about Newporter is inside slips are really tight and high probability of swinging anchors attacking boats as boats move in and out. Electric was marginal on end of dock.

 

[JLR]

I was told by a fellow member of my yacht club that 41 North was particularly upscale in both the marina and the restaurant. He said he paid a substantial premium to stay there (perhaps $7.50- $8) per foot plus some sort of entrance fee but he felt is was worth it. I have stayed at what used to be the Marriott (out at the end of the T) but thought the docks were marginal at best and the other boats there (at the time) were a bit over the top on the partying on the dock etc. I have no hesitation about paying more for a little quieter surroundings. We intend to use Newport as a base for day trips by car to Boston etc.

 

[Pascal]

Marinas in Newport are ridiculously priced... 41 North is nice but not worth $8 a ft!

Newport Yachting Center is ok, staff is helpful. not great views (fishing docks or last time i was there, some contruction where they set up tents for big parties.

my preference in Newport is a mooring!

 

[JLR]

I just received word that the price is indeed $7.50 per foot for a transient slip next summer. Again - I do not mind paying that amount. I was just curious if anyone had any experience with this marina and could tell me what it offers to justify why it is more than all of the others.

 

[jeff shayne]

was previously christies-not worth additional cost. view will be blocked by mega yachts on outside, best bet is yachting center which gives access to marriott pool and gym for free. if you want a view just tip dock master-they will make deal for multi-day stays.

 

[JLR]

Any thoughts on docking at Goat Island with a car?

 

[arimkus]

Give West Wind Marina or Casey's Marina a call.

 

[JLR]

I appreciate the options. Has anyone any thoughts on Goat Island Marina or has anyone stayed there?

 

[MicroKap]

Goat Island is nice, however, even with a car, Newport (downtown) is very difficult to find parking. You are better off staying at one of the above marinas. Newport Yachting Center is where they hold a number of rendezvous, including the former Hatteras NE Rendezvous that went until 2005, the year I went. Nice stable floating docks, quick fuel pumps and clean facilities with knowledgable staff. We stayed also at the "Hotel", but suggest getting an outside slip because all of the "crazies" are wedged into the inside slips with anchors flailing about.

 

[spindrift]

I kept my 52 in Newport Harbor for four summers. I lot of us Locals stay out of there as the prices are through the roof.

However, I think the nicest place is Bannister's Wharf which is owned by David Ray who also owns the Clarke Cooke House.

If you want to go down the food chain a bit I would call the Newport Yacht Club which is family oriented facility at the North End of the Harbor. Good simple food and cheap drinks. I used to be a member there. Very friendly club.

The important thing to do is to book early for next summer. From July 15th through Labor Day the Harbor is chock full.

Mario does have good point about moorings. But you also need to book those early. Call OldPort Marine to do that.

Last, you can anchor in the field of the Ida Lewis and New York Yacht Clubs. The Old Port launch will take you back and forth to their base which is just off Bannister's Wharf.

You will have fun in Newport for a few days.

Spin

 

[JLR]

Thank you for all of the help. Our stay in Newport will be a bit unusual in that we anticipate taking perhaps two or three day trips by car to the surrounding environs (Boston), Hampton Beach or Seabrook (historical reasons) etc. Thus, we may actually only spend a day or at most two walking around Newport itself. If Newport is not car friendly (which I also seem to recall) taking the water taxi from Goat Island should work for a day or two I would think. I have spoken with Goat Island and they seem nice. Every time I ask about 41 North, the answer is the same--they are looking for a certain type of customer. I know what that means but what I cannot seem to divine is what more they are offering to justify their much higher prices. Exclusivity usually comes with definable perks--I cannot seem to identify any there. Finally, one last question--as a member of Huntington Yacht Club, I probably have reciprocity with the Newport Yacht Club previously mentioned. What is dockage like there- slips, electric, cable, internet etc? My kids are no longer kids, both now in college and a pool is no longer an enticement but wireless internet is. A mooring will not work for us. Thanks.

 

[34Hatt]

Mario does have good point about moorings. But you also need to book those early. Call OldPort Marine to do that.

Spin

You can book the Moorings I thought they were a first come basis?

 

[spindrift]

In response to a couple of questions.

Newport YC does have reciprocity with all clubs. Despite what you think the name might imply, it is not a upper crust club at all.

They have floating docks which I think can handle up to a 42 / 44 footer. Beyond that, they will put you on their outside main fixed dock which can take boats up to 150 feet. You need to have some good fender boards set as the prevailing winds are from the southeast will keep you on the dock. The club does very well trained dock hands, typically members’ college age kids who have grown up on boats.

The bar is up on the second floor and the outside deck has the best views of the harbor.

There are inside showers. I am not sure about WiFi but Starbucks is a block away on America's Cup Avenue.

Regarding the moorings. My understanding is that you can call Old Port and reserve in advance with a credit card. They may not be taking reservations yet but you should call them and check.

You have to be patient in dealing with outfits like Old Port (the Yacht Club is better) as you are dealing with a third world county when you deal with Rhode Island. Most people here have not traveled much and are quite provincial.


You will still have a good time as people from Boston and Manhattan take over Newport in the summer and displace the locals, which is a good thing.

Spin

 

[Pascal]

You can't book moorings, at least the larger ones that are run by the harbor.
Parking is a mess and worst, it take forever to get a cab even if you call

forget the marinas for fuel, they re much higher than the fuel barge operated by the yard next to 41N. Can't remember the name... As much as .50 cheaper

 

[JLR]

Thanks for all of the help. Subject to approval form the Admiral, I think Goat Island is the final choice. After a day of walking, shopping and eating, we often like to take a stroll just to enjoy the quiet. It looks like a walk around Goat Island might just tip the scales. It also gives us a choice whether to use the car or not and that seems attractive. I guess I am not the kind of clientele 41 North must be looking for--I prefer substance over form.