Mooring recommendations in New England

[Swedesboating]

Hello!

Looking for any input on moorings in New England- we’re currently traveling 3 hours from Westford Ma to Rockland ME every three days.
Any good/bad experiences in this area? Would love input, prior to putting my name on a 10 year waitlist….
Hannah

[Shrew]

I'm assuming you live in Westford, Ma. an the goal is to move the boat closer?

If so, You're really looking at North Shore to Portsmouth.

[Ziggy]

First, there's no harm in putting your name on every waitlistthat looks even remotely interesting in between. Salem and Marblehead are geographically closer to Westford, but with the traffic you can count on 1 hour commute. Marblehead waitlist is almost 20 years. York Harbor is an option, but sort of isolated from cruising perspective and the entrance can be a little tricky.



If you still want to be close to nice cruising areas, Casco Bay is your best bet. Portland , Falmouth Foreside (Handy boat yard) and South Freeport (Brewers or Strouts Point) are all quite a bit closer than Rockland.


Potts Harbor (Dolphin Marina) is nice, but a bit exposed (but you're used to that if you keep your boat in Rockland). Another option is the Great Island Boat Yard in Orrs Cove /Quahog Bay.


Many of these place have a wait list, but you may be able to rent a seasonal mooring from a boatyard without any wait.

[Swedesboating]

Originally Posted by Shrew

I'm assuming you live in Westford, Ma. an the goal is to move the boat closer?

If so, You're really looking at North Shore to Portsmouth.

Thank you!

[Swedesboating]

Thank you, this was very helpful! Sounds like you come through Maine frequently?

[CaptTom]

I guess I'm not understanding your question. Are you specifically looking for a mooring, not a slip? Are you looking for a rental mooring, or trying to get assigned a permanent mooring by a municipality?

All three (slip, rental mooring, assigned mooring) are currently in demand in Maine and NH. There will be waiting lists in most places. Especially in the more desirable ones. Easiest to get will be a rental mooring.

Are you looking for a destination city with all the amenities? A place to store the boat when not in use? How often do you cruise vs. just staying aboard? These answers will narrow things down a bit.

[Comogene]

Hannah:


You need to be a bit more specific of your wants and needs to narrow it down. I am slipped in Beverly and also live in Westford. Commute is 45 minutes on a good day, staying off 128. In Salem Sound, you have Beverly and Salem. Marblehead and Manchester are packed. Gloucester and Ipswich are a bit rough to get to by car. Newburyport/Salisbury are potentials (about an hour's drive). Not to sure of availability in Hampton or York, they are both small. Portsmouth/Newcastle may be a decent bet.


Start with a harbor that appears to suit your needs and contact the harbor master to see what the mooring list is like.



Gene

[guyrj33]

Salem MA harbor
Salem Willows Yacht Club
Winthrop Yacht Club
Possibly Beverly MA (wait list)