Harbor 

HARBOR:

          Launch Ramp and Harbor Rules and Regulations:

1. Every vessel using the launch ramp or dock must have a Bonnet Shores Fire District Permit sticker affixed in the proper place.
2. Unless other arrangements have been made, access to the locked launch ramp will require a call to the Harbormaster Joe Bleczinski at 401-788-3638 least 24hrs. prior to requested use.
3. The launch ramp gate must be re-locked immediately after use.
4. The dock is for loading and unloading only (15 minutes max.) or the vessel may be removed at the owners expense.
5. Do not leave unattended fuel on the dock.
6. Swimming or diving from the dock is prohibited.
7. The dock and harbor area are designated as a no wake zone with a speed limit not to exceed 5 MPH.
8. No person shall operate any vessel in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, safety, or property of any person.
9. Maximum of 30 minute parking on road at the launch ramp area for loading or unloading only.
10.Vessel trailers may not be parked on the beach.
11. Personal Watercraft Operator Certification must be presented prior to obtaining a Launch Ramp permit for that type of vessel.
12. Failure to abide by these rules and regulations may result in revocation of the Bonnet Shores sticker and /or citation.

H            Harbor Master: Joe Bleczinski | 401-788-3638 | Harbormaster@Bonnetshores.org

   

                                                     2021 Letter of Introduction
Hello Boaters,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Joe Bleczinski, and I’m your new harbormaster.  Mike has retired after 30 years needing some rest and relaxation while finally enjoying the summer months.

I have been involved in boats for over 55 years, hold a coast Guard Captain Merchant Mariner certificate with a 50 ton endorsement, and have been part of the harbor committee for about 15 years.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and working together with you to make the harbor a safe and enjoyable place.

The current news from the harbor is that the water to the floating dock should be turned on June 9th. I know that I  want to wash my boat after a day on the water and I’m sure you do also. Just keep in mind the 15 minute dock time, especially during weekends.  The gate which had rusted out has been temporally repaired, so please treat it gently.  The district has a new policy concerning dinghies, kayaks, etc. The policy states that mooring holders will have to get a sticker for their watercraft on the beach. This will be free to mooring holders. All others will have to pay a $25.00 fee. More on this later when the stickers come in. Seaweed clean-up and removal will be ongoing starting Saturday June 5th. Please keep your watercraft as far up to the rocks as you can so the tractor operator can try to remove all the seaweed he can.

Some of you may have noticed that the handrail on the first ramp to the dock is broken.  We are working to get that fixed on June 9th.

As the boating season begins, I have a few tips to pass on that may prevent your mooring lines or chain from breaking. Every year we get two or three boats on the rocks from either broken chain or broken mooring lines. I suggest that you have your mooring checked and replace any parts that are not 100%. A safety on the line from the buoy to the boat is extremely important. I've seen a yoke that goes from two forward cleats to one line that goes to the buoy. This is only one line. There should be another line from the buoy to your bow ring. A separate line should run from the buoy to a front cleat. I keep pool noodles around the lines to keep them floating. It keeps them from wrapping
around the bottom of the buoy.

If you have any questions for me, I can be contacted at 401-788-3638 (try first) 401-487-7019 (second) or whistlerjoe@hotmail.com

Hoping for good weather to make this a great season.  -