Weaver Cove
41° 34.427' N 71° 17.268' W See this location in: Google Maps Map Server Acme Maps
This is a site for launching boats from trailers. Boat ramps can normally be used to launch canoes and kayaks but please do your best to keep the boat ramp clear for boat trailers.
Description & Overview:
This boat ramp at Weaver Cove, on the west side of Aquidneck Island (properly "Rhode Island"), is part of the new Aquidneck Island Blue Trail and is a good place to start or end a kayaking trip along the shoreline of Aquidneck Island. For larger, trailered boats it also provides good access to the East Passage of Narragansett Bay where it narrows down next to Prudence Island. Swimming and diving are not permitted at this site, nor is overnight parking.
There is a new gravel path that leads from near the boat ramp down to a gravel beach suitable for launching hand-carried boats.
Heading south from this boat ramp, following the shoreline, you will need to pass the navy site to get to the next public access site. Since it is advisable not to get too close to the navy areas, be prepared to head out into the East Passage past this area. Heading north along the shoreline you can follow the shoreline north to the Mount Hope Bridge and beyond.
Offshore from this site, west of Dyer Island, is the shipping channel leading to the Port of Providence as well as Mount Hope Bay and Fall River.
On most days the southwest wind fills in strongly in this area in the morning and blows briskly throughout the afternoon, producing strong waves, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.
This site provides access to the following water bodies: Weaver Cove, East Passage.
Location:
Town: Portsmouth
Nearest Town Center: Portsmouth
Driving Landmarks: From Route 114/West Main Road, in Portsmouth, take Stringham Road east. There is a sign for Melville Marina at this turn. In 1/2 mile Stringham Road will take a bend to the right and cut downhill across a steep slope. Partway down this hill, make a SHARP left turn onto Defense Highway. In 1/2 mile look on the right for a right turn onto a road that leads to the boat ramp.
Access & Waters:
Water 'Features' At Site: ocean/bay
Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.
Type of Access: Boat ramp
ADA Accessible Boat Launch? yes
Shoreline: concrete boat ramp and gravel beach
Float/Dock: low float or dock
Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 100 feet
Parking:
Parking: yes: 25 spaces, no overnight parking
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? yes
Nearby Amenities:
Public Restrooms: No
Sources for More Information:
Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website
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The data on this website come from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form (see link above).
This site report was last updated on June 5, 2011