Seasonal Mooring New England? (Just bought a boat)

[Reeve21]

Your teens may prefer southern New England over Maine.

Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, etc.

Less fog, smaller tides, warmer water, more for them to do ashore. And fewer lobster pots.

Maine is great, but not the first place I would head on a new to me boat with a bunch of kids

[Kettlewell]

Do you really need to go for a seasonal mooring rental if you'll be using the boat so much anyway? I have rented transient moorings for as long as 4 weeks occasionally, then just rented the occasional mooring here or there as I cruised Maine, usually anchoring out. IMHO, don't go to Maine before July, then plan on heading south by September 1 in order to get out well ahead of the first fall gales. July and August are Maine's sweet spots. Sure, there are gorgeous days and sometimes even two or three in a row in September into October, but don't plan on long stretches of nice weather. Ideal schedule is to leave say Newport by September 15, doing the Annapolis show in early October, then south of Norfolk by November 1. Even in the summer Maine can be cold, and the water is always too cold for prolonged swimming without a wetsuit, except in a few protected coves where it warms up a bit. Lots of fog and lobster traps, and very unreliable wind, can make for challenging sailing. OTOH, it is the most beautiful part of the East Coast, and there are infinite places to go.

[pjShap]

Maine has far fewer inshore lobster pots in June, and I recommend it as a good time. Fewer pots and fewer boats. It seems that in early July most fishermen move the pots inshore as the water warms up. Don't underestimate navigation problems due to the pots. I try very hard not to be out in fog, only because I can't see the pots soon enough to avoid them. I have sailed in Maine for 50 years, and loved it, but the pot density is making it harder to enjoy. It is not relaxed cruising, requiring constant attention.

Last year I was in Maine late June, and then went to Nova Scotia early July. No lobster fishing on Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast in the summer! Gorgeous cruising.

[CarlF]

Originally Posted by Midwaysailor

Yes, we are looking at that and Handy does have a mooring available. $4700 for the season, FYI.

OK, with local knowledge can you fill me in on cruising up there with teens? Is the water tolerable to play in? Sound like tons of exploring and local culture. Understand there can be fog and rocks to make things challenging. What is typical summer weather?

We plan to take the boat south come winter time and with the boat in Newport now it seems like now is the time to go visit Maine. Probably take the boat up there in late June/early July, and have weeks with the boat in July, August, and September before starting the treck south (SE coast, still TBD, and eventually the Caribbean).

Thanks!

I've taken my boats to Maine for 20 years. Most recently my Leopard 50. We have a family place on Buzzards Bay. It's very crowded in July and August. Maine is uncrowded, beautiful and special.

Your boys won't swim much because of the water temperature but the hiking and kayaking (and sailing) can't be beat. There are dozens of uninhabited islands owned by conservation groups - most only reachable by boat. Our favorite pass time is a daily hike. And these hikes will have a teen tuckered out - up and over huge rocks and through dense forests. And Acadia National Park up near Bar Harbor has serious hiking and lots of things to do - just not a lot of swimming. Do consider a kayak or at least pair of SUPs to tire the young gentlemen out. Download this app from Maine Island Trail Association - although there are more traills than this shows - https://mita.org/app/

I agree with the other poster that you may not need a seasonal mooring if you plan to be on the boat a lot. You can simply rent on a daily rate using Dockwa. It's generally no problem getting transient moorings in Maine or even leaving the boat for a week. Except in places like Nantucket it's rarely more than $50/night.

There are rocks about but well charted. Most of the water is deep. I find the Maine rocks much less worrisome than the shallow of The Bahamas. There's less fog because of climate change but you'll have some. With chartplotter and AIS it's not nearly as difficult as it used to be. Lobster pots are more troublesome but you'll figure out after a few days how to not get tangled. Do carry a wet suit. A couple of times a summer I have to go in the water to get some rope off the prop. Cutters on your prop are helpful but not critical. If you want to get cutters I got mine at AB Marine in Rhode Island. You can attach them without hauling the boat.

As far as timing, I wouldn't arrive in Maine before July 15. The fog is still heavy. And plan to leave by September 1. I used to go south in October but climate change has had an impact. I now like to be in the Chesapeake by October 1. The first fall gales start earlier and it's possible to get trapped for the winter in New England once the bad weather starts.

Spend June around Newport and going to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Spend the 4th of July in Boston (moorings at Boston Waterboat). You can take the dinghy up into the Charles River for a front seat view of the famous fireworks set to 1812 Overture complete with National Guard cannons firing to the music. Also on the 4th watch the US Constitution - oldest naval ship in the world - cruise around the harbor firing it's canons. Sometimes they dare to set a few sails.

If you decide to do it, message me with an email address and I'll send you my little guide to going to Maine. Has my favorite harbors and such.

[David Mathis]

If you consider Lake Champlain, several marinas have moorings available.

[MartyB]

We had the same problem last year.
We found a slip at Charlestown Marina in Boston. This place is incredible.
The staff is awesome, the prices are Ok and I believe they can accommodate more boats.
And you are right in front of downtown Boston. A short dinghy ride and you have the city to explore. Believe me, one season is not enough...

https://charlestownmamarina.com

[accomplice]

Originally Posted by Midwaysailor

Yes, we are looking at that and Handy does have a mooring available. $4700 for the season, FYI.

OK, with local knowledge can you fill me in on cruising up there with teens? Is the water tolerable to play in? Sound like tons of exploring and local culture. Understand there can be fog and rocks to make things challenging. What is typical summer weather?

Handy Boat is a very good choice. Maine water is generally chilly, but you'll find that the water in Quahog Bay (Harpswell, ME) is warmer than most. This shallow bay several miles from the open ocean is not fed by a (cold) river. While it will still be chilly there for another 6+ weeks, the water there in August is pleasant, even for adults. At the northern corner of that bay is Great Island Boat Yard. They used to be excellent. They've been acquired by a big marina chain. I haven't been back since, so I cannot say if they are still as good.

[accomplice]

Originally Posted by CarlF

\
As far as timing, I wouldn't arrive in Maine before July 15. The fog is still heavy. And plan to leave by September 1. I used to go south in October but climate change has had an impact. I now like to be in the Chesapeake by October 1. The first fall gales start earlier and it's possible to get trapped for the winter in New England once the bad weather starts.

I have found that September in Casco Bay is my favorite time there. There can be a little chill in the air in the early morning -- nothing a fleece can't overcome -- but the days tend to be warm and the light is splendid. Also, most of the crowds have left.

[delucia]

We were in the 'same boat' a couple of years ago and Provincetown Marina in MA came to the rescue. You might also try Flyers in Provincetown. Good luck!