The preferred plan consisted of over 3,300 feet of rubble-mound breakwater, including a 1,200-foot detached offshore segment. Physical hydraulic model tests were conducted in a small-scale ripple tank to economically assess the merits of the 49 alternative plans that were considered. A matrix of breakwater cross-sections and layouts was formulated and analyzed to select an optimum plan that achieved the desired level of wave attenuation minimized adverse wave reflection at the specially configured entrance satisfied navigation maneuvering and visibility requirements and maintained acceptable water circulation via natural tidal flushing processes.
Alternative methods were studied to provide shelter from deep water storm swell transmitted through existing and permeable rubble-mound structures, and short period seas locally generated within a broad inner harbor fetch. A breakwater system was designed for development of an extensive recreational and commercial fishing boat berthing facility located within a semi-protected Federal harbor of refuge on the open coast.