[Nero Gatto]

Wow, great info by all, thanks! I think I'm convinced that the breakwater is the way to go, assuming I can scratch the up pennies somewhere. I have gotten several quotes and there was a substantial difference in price.

I just learned that my abutter's first appeal has been rejected, so I'm less concerned about the legal side of it now. I would still like to be a good neighbor and alleviate their concerns if I can. They tell me they are concerned about what effect the structure will have on the wave and wind action and what the long term effect will be on their shore front. They are upwind (NW of me). Maybe I'm naive but I can't imagine how a sloped stone structure 3' off the water could effect the wind we get out there. My understanding is that since it will be constructed from irregular shaped rocks the waves will be dissipated. I doubt they will even be able to see the breakwater from their dock so I don't think view obstruction is a concern. The shore all around me is very rocky.

Acres per Second, I am surprised to hear your opinion about buildup on the NW side though. The permit application does state that "..some minor sedimentation will occur in the protected basin leeward of the breakwater...", but there is no sand to be found anywhere near me, just clean rock ledge wherever I can see, so I even find that hard to imagine. There is a 6' gap in the plan to account for flow (I assume that is a requirement) so I figured that would take care of any buildup on the upwind side, particularly since the structure would curve to the South.

Thanks for the opinions and experiences. Keep'em coming.