Anchoring in Bangor Maine.

[GRIT]

Hello all. I'm looking for some local information, regards anchoring in Bangor Maine.

I understand folks often anchor off the public landing, but I'd like to know what kind of holding I can expect there, before going all the way up river to Bangor.

What kind of bottom will I find there?

We have an air draft of 73 feet (ish) so I understand I have to pass through the 395 bridge at something other than high tide.

I'll also bet that the landing won't be open, but that we can still find a nook for the dink. If we go, it'll likely be in early May.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers.
Paul.

[pesarsten]

Currents in the river may be in excess of 2 kn, maybe this is helpful

https://www.bangormaine.gov/filestor...rMap_Final.pdf

Contact info. https://www.bangormaine.gov/content/...4/default.aspx

[GRIT]

Very helpful. Thank you.

That's perfect. I tried calling the public landing, but now I'll give those numbers in your link a try.

Thanks again.

Paul.

[AnsleyS]

Grit,


The bottom of the river in the anchorage areas shown on the city map is scoured rock with very poor holding. We have anchored there a couple of times just to wait for the tide to turn but I would not sleep well at the head of navigation at the bridge by the City park and Sea Dog Brewing. Farther down river where it widens a bit you may find some mud to hold you but then it is difficult to get ashore. By far, the best option is the City docks if you want to spend a night.


Cheers

[GRIT]

Thanks AnsleyS. That's exactly the information I was looking for.

Before I saw the info in the link, I didn't realize there was a place to tie up overnight. I thought there was only the public dock available for daytime docking of the dinghy.

I'll take a dock, if we get up that far.

I'm trying to find a place up the coast somewhere, where I can pick up my wife. She's flying back to the boat on the first week of May, and I'd like to get as far North as I can. The boat's full of fuel, for the furnaces, so I'm good to go for some "fresh" temperatures. From there, we'll head to Nova Scotia.

We've never been to Bar Harbour, and it's high on the list right now.

I'm a few hours north of Hatteras, or a few hours south of the Chesapeake, and may be able to go for another day, depending on the wx. If I make NYC before the gale coming later this week, I may be able to use it in my favour to help me get as far as Maine. We'll see. I'll need a good night's rest before making plans like that.

Cheers.
Paul.

[pjShap]

I've picked up crew arriving at the Bangor airport while at a dock or mooring in Belfast, Maine. I was advised by locals that the 24-mile trip upriver to Bangor wasn't very pleasant. In 2019, Front Street Shipyard in Belfast had a car available for the airport trip, but not sure if that's still an option with Covid. A taxi was about $100 if I remember correctly.

You should verify whether or not Nova Scotia can be an option. It's currently closed. I don't think even Canadians from other provinces are allowed entry, and definitely not Americans.

[GRIT]

Thanks for the tips PjShap.
I'll check into Belfast too.

Bar harbour is my backup plan.

Regards NS, the rules change every day, but fortunately Canadians on boat's have been treated well in NS, so far. When we get closer, we'll call the health authorities and see what they say.

Thank you for your input, every bit helps.

Cheers.
Paul.

[longjonsilver]

Originally Posted by pjShap

You should verify whether or not Nova Scotia can be an option. It's currently closed. I don't think even Canadians from other provinces are allowed entry, and definitely not Americans.

Canadians from other provinces are allowed in NS but have to self isolate for 14 days even if they are not coming from within Canada.

jon

[GRIT]

Longjohnsilver. I'm aiming for either Lunenburg or Halifax by Mid May. Perhaps we'll see you there.

We're prepared for 2 weeks of quarantine, and will have our tests before arriving.

Cheers.
Paul.

[flyingfin]

Large tidal range - why would you want to go upstream against currents? Best places to find good anchorages in that area: Belfast, Rockport & Rockland

[GRIT]

Flyingfin.
Thanks for your interest.

Most places worth visiting require a little output.

Cheers.
Paul.

[longjonsilver]

Originally Posted by GRIT

Longjohnsilver. I'm aiming for either Lunenburg or Halifax by Mid May. Perhaps we'll see you there.

If you go to BBYC i will probably see you there....

jon

[GRIT]

We usually anchor up the arm.
Easy access to dinghy dock, and shopping.

Is anchoring near BBYC viable for dinghy dockage and groceries?

Cheers.
Paul.

[longjonsilver]

Originally Posted by GRIT

We usually anchor up the arm.
Easy access to dinghy dock, and shopping.

Is anchoring near BBYC viable for dinghy dockage and groceries?

dunno about anchoring, i am currently exploring it myself. The guy i sail with uses a slip. i am looking at anchoring in Mill Cove, well protected but deep. A mooring for a transient at BBYC is $400/month

10 minute walk to Walmart and Sobeys from Flynn park at top of east arm near Armdale yacht club.

Closest to BBYC is Atlantic Superstore - a 15 minute walk.

5 minute walk from Mill Cove to Sobeys

[GRIT]

Yeah, we very rarely take a mooring, since our anchor is nearly large enough to be a mooring itself.

We'll stick to the Northwest Arm.

Cheers, and thanks for the tips.
Paul.