Apply For A Boat Dock In Harwich, Ma: A Guide

If you're looking to apply for a boat dock in Harwich, MA, the Saquatucket Municipal Marina offers transient slips available throughout the season, with reservations recommended. You can make reservations for up to two weeks at a nightly rate during the summer season. The marina's contact details are provided on its website, along with information on transient dockage reservation requests and online payments.

Transient dockage reservations

To request a transient dockage reservation in Harwich, MA, you can contact the Harbormaster's office. While there are transient slips available throughout the season, there is a significant waitlist for all dock space and mooring fields in Harwich. Therefore, reservations are recommended and can be made for up to two weeks at a nightly rate during the summer season. The season typically runs from mid-May to mid-October, and reservations can be requested from January 15 onwards.

The Harbormaster's office can be reached by phone at (508) 430-7532 or by mail at P.O. Box 207, Harwich Port, MA 02646. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Additionally, you can explore online platforms such as Dockwa, which allow you to discover new marinas, reserve spaces, and pay conveniently. Dockwa offers a free app, with no booking fees or price mark-ups, and serves as a digital wallet to store your vessel and payment details.

For specific rates, the nightly rate for transient dockage in Wellfleet, MA, a nearby town, is $65 during the season and $27 off-season. The nightly rate for transient moorings is $47 during the season and $9 off-season, plus an additional $2/ft over 30ft.

Docking restrictions

The Town of Harwich has several boat ramps for public use. These include tidal-water ramps at Saquatucket Harbor in Harwichport, Allen Harbor in Harwichport, and Herring River in West Harwich. There are also two public ramps located on Long Pond. All ramps are subject to the following restrictions:

• No person shall build or maintain a fire for any purpose.
• No person shall remove, destroy, or deface any vegetation, sign, poster, building, or other property.
• Parking areas are solely for motor vehicles. Vehicles must be parked according to the striping pattern or other means used to delineate the proper places to park.
• Camping, swimming, sleeping, and picnicking are not permitted within the boundary of the Public Access Facility.
• Water-skiing is not permitted from or within 300 feet of any Public Access Board Facility. The operation of personal watercraft is not conducted from any Public Access Facility, except for initial embarkation and final disembarkation.
• No fishing activity shall be conducted within a 50-foot radius of any boat launching ramp.
• No person shall deposit or leave any refuse on the land or in the adjacent waters under the control of the Public Access Board. The deposit of sanitary waste is also strictly prohibited.
• The washing of motor vehicles, flushing motors, or other equipment is prohibited.
• No person shall carry on any business or commercial trade, sell or otherwise deal in wares of any sort, advertise any business or commercial calling, hold any public meeting, or conduct any tournament, contest, or organized event, unless they have received a written permit from the Public Access Board. The posting of any sign or notice (commercial or otherwise) without the prior approval of the Public Access Board is prohibited.
• No person shall dock or beach a boat or leave a motor vehicle or trailer for more than 24 hours within the boundary of the Public Access Facility. Storage of boats, equipment, or other items on Public Access Facilities is prohibited except with written permission from the Public Access Board and the managing authority (Harbormaster).
• Disorderly conduct, gambling, drinking alcoholic beverages, use of illegal drugs, obscene or indecent language, or behavior is prohibited.
• The closing or gating of any Public Access Facility, or any action that prohibits or impedes the ability of the public to use any such facility without the written permission of the Public Access Board, is prohibited.

Violations of any of these rules may be punished by a fine of up to $100 for each offense.

Boat launching and beaching

The process of launching and beaching a boat in Harwich, MA, requires adhering to certain regulations and adopting specific techniques to ensure safety and compliance with local bylaws. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Understand the Local Regulations

Before launching or beaching your boat, familiarize yourself with the Town of Harwich's General Bylaws, specifically Chapter 47, "Boating and Waterways." This chapter outlines important definitions, restrictions, and guidelines for boat launching and beaching.

Step 2: Choose a Designated Area

According to the bylaws, it is unlawful to launch or beach boats at any town-owned or town-operated location except in areas designated and posted for that purpose by the Board of Selectmen. Make sure to look for these designated areas to ensure you are complying with local regulations.

Step 3: Prepare Your Boat and Equipment

Ensure your boat is in good working condition and that you have all the necessary equipment, such as ropes, anchors, and safety gear. Check local conditions, including the tides, wind patterns, and bottom conditions of the beach or launch area. This will help you anticipate any challenges and make the necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Launching Techniques

When launching your boat, back it down to the water's edge and adjust the hydraulics to prevent the boat from rolling off the trailer. Wait for the right wave patterns, and then back your trailer steadily into the water until you reach a depth where your boat will float when the hydraulics are raised. Raise the hydraulics, and with a slight change in direction or a gentle dab on the brakes, the boat should slide off smoothly. Launching at a slight angle can be beneficial to reduce the chance of waves coming over the stern of your boat.

Step 5: Beaching Techniques

When beaching your boat, examine the shoreline and choose a path of approach that is free of obstacles. Judge the water depth and have a crew member hold the bow of the boat when it's in waist-deep water. Turn off and trim up your engine, and then pull the boat ashore, bow first. Secure your boat by anchoring it, tying it off to a stake or nearby tree, or walking it up the beach. Remember to keep the back of the boat slightly afloat due to the weight of the engine.

Step 6: Visitor Dock Space

If you're visiting the area and need a transient dock space, the Saquatucket Municipal Marina in Harwich offers transient slips throughout the season. Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer, and can be made for up to two weeks at a nightly rate.

Anchoring restrictions

According to the bylaws, it is unlawful to anchor a boat closer than 75 feet to the mean low-water mark at any town-owned or town-operated bathing beach. This restriction applies to all boats, regardless of size or type.

In addition, there are specific anchoring restrictions for boats operating in areas with public bathing beaches. It is unlawful to operate any boat shoreward of any markers or floats stationed by the Harbormaster off a public bathing beach. These markers or floats designate the swimming area and must be respected by boaters. However, if these markers or floats are placed more than 75 feet seaward of mean low water, a boat may enter the swimming area within certain parameters. Specifically, boats can enter the swimming area to within 75 feet of mean low water at a speed no greater than five miles per hour for the purpose of coming to anchor.

The bylaws also include restrictions on the launching and beaching of boats. It is unlawful to launch or beach boats at any town-owned or town-operated location except in areas that are specifically designated and posted for this purpose by the Board of Selectmen. These designated areas provide the appropriate infrastructure and conditions for safe and responsible boat launching and beaching.

These anchoring restrictions are in place to maintain the safety of swimmers and boaters, protect the environment, and ensure the responsible use of Harwich's waterways. It is important for boat operators to be aware of and comply with these restrictions to avoid any violations and penalties.

Docking fees

At the Saquatucket Municipal Marina in Harwich Port, MA, transient slips are available throughout the season, and reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made for up to two weeks at a nightly rate during the summer season. The contact details for the marina are:

508) 430-7532

Monitor VHF-FM Channels: 16, 66, 68

P.O. Box 207

Harwich Port, MA 02646

The marina's website may provide additional information on docking fees and other charges. It is always a good idea to contact the marina directly to inquire about the most up-to-date rates and to understand any additional fees or charges that may apply.

When planning your boat docking, it is essential to consider the length of your vessel, the duration of your stay, and the time of year, as these factors can influence the cost of docking. Additionally, some marinas may offer discounts or packages for long-term stays or off-peak seasons.

It is also worth noting that some marinas may have waiting lists for dockage, so it is advisable to plan ahead and make reservations in advance when possible.

Frequently asked questions