Reviews: Newport Mooring Service

Reviewed by: Nancy & Sven , Shiplet, on Sep 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.9'

Rating: 5

Friendly harbor master and convenient shoreboat. Pretty perfect for a transient stay.

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Reviewed by: Joanne Schutter on Oct 12, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent service. Newport was lovely and easily explored on foot. The maritime center closed the day we arrived (Columbus Day) so there were no showers to be had.

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Reviewed by: James Brace on Sep 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Review Newport Mooring Services
Looking through Waterway Guide and Active Captain for a place to moor in Rhode Island. It was Labor Day weekend and I had forgotten to cover this part of the voyage till the Wednesday before. My first call was to Newport Mooring Service. Neill Gray answered the phone and indicated he had a ball available for the next day for two nights. Perfect. He gave instructions to call him upon entering the channel. Here's what I learned observing activities in Newport for a few days:
• Neill uses the phone only.
• The business takes only cash or checks. To complete your transaction with Neill you will coordinate a time and place to meet in town. It was really easy (but felt like a drug deal, passing an envelope with a check into a stranger's car on a random street). It works and he is a really nice guy.
• As of 2022 Labor Day the rate was $50/day.
• We opted to use Oldport Launch to get back and forth. They will take you and pick you up anywhere in the harbor. Bring your handheld VHF to hail a ride back from town. $4/person per ride each way. Again, cash.
• There are many dinghy docks to use as well.
• The Maritime Center on Ann St has Laundry (expensive), showers (pick short or expensive), Wi-Fi, lounge. But closes 5 or 6.
• As I listened to radio traffic and read web pages I learned there are two other mooring ball owners: Oldport Marine services (VHF 68), same as the launch service; and the Harbormaster office (VHF 16 then 14). It appears these are both first come first served. I heard several late comers be turned away. Oldport has several large floating docks out in the harbor. Handy for a couple buddy boats to tie up and enjoy.
• Great visit in a cool old town.

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Reviewed by: Richard on Jul 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Spent two wonderful evenings in Newport on a mooring with Newport morning service. Safe and secure. Good location. Easy access to shore with multiple dinghy docks. There is a launch for a fee if needed. Great way to see Newport on a budget.

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