Boston Area Cruising

[Bobby P.]

Looks like we will be heading up to the Boston area in a few weeks. We will trailer the boat up.

Any ideas on where to launch and store truck and trailer for about 10 days? I tried contacting Winter Island (Ranger dealer) but they only suggested to talk to the harbor master in Salem. That was a dead end.

Anyone with local knowledge to share for both my truck storing question or what to do and see in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much,
Bobby

 

[lproulx]

I live in Marblehead, near Salem. I store my boat in a Marblehead storage yard with the unlikely name of "Marblehead Laundry and Boat Yard. Run by a very helpful woman named Chris Peach. (Presents a colorful image driving her fork lift around the yard.) She stores trailers in the summer. I am sure she would store your trailer with no problem. I don't know what it would cost if anything. She is quite pleasant and might do it for free. She gets $185 for the whole summer, so 10 days shouldn't be much regardless. As for the truck, park it on a public street. Chris's number is 781 631 0526. If you get up this way and want to touch base, give me a call. Larry at 603, 494 5457.

 

[lproulx]

I didn't quite remember that you also asked about launching. There is a big launching ramp in Salem at what used to be a Coast Guard sea plane base. They are primarily a land RV park. If you want to call them you can probably search for "Salem RV". They used it for amphibian planes. They have an honor payment system. If you decide to do either the trailer storage or launch, be in touch with me. Our whole area has old New England street that are narrow, often one-way and confusing. I note you have a 31, so you need to be a little careful about your route.

 

[lproulx]

Regarding things to do and how to do it, we have ten foot tides, and many harbors have only moorings. Salem has several marinas with slips. I suggest you think about Salem as a home base. You can easily range south to Boston from there, and north to Newburyport or with a whole day, to Portsmouth NH. At other locations Yacht clubs usually have guest moorings. Salem has train service to Boston a long walk or short cab ride from the marinas. If you do cruise down to Boston, there are marinas within walking distance of Boston's well known North End Italian Restaurants, although at this point they have only outdoor dining. Down side is slip will probably cost you well north of $100/night.

Unfortunately, overall, your experience will be impacted by the virus. No baseball; no Boston Pops; museums will be open on limited basis. Having said that, if you get in your truck and drive around and cruise around you will find many rewarding things to do.

Larry

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks for your suggestions! We are yet to find a storage facility. Tried the laundry place, but Chris could not accommodate the truck and she really only does long-term storage for trailers. She was very helpful and gave us a few more places to try.

We have been to Boston by land many times, so we are really looking at exploring the waters. Seems like there are lots of islands to check out. I noticed that many of these islands are only accessible by boat. I also see that the ferries are not running due to COVID rules. Do you know if we can still access the islands by our own boat? We've also read about World's End as being a great place to visit. My daughter and her boyfriend live in Dorchester and they will likely be cruising with us. I understand that the islands allow for camping, so that would be ideal (for them to camp while we sleep in our state room!).

I appreciate the advice and anything else you can think of would be great!

Best,
Bobby

 

[lproulx]

The Boston Harbor Islands are an under recognized gem. The ferries are not running, and I don't know about access from private boats. I suggest you Google "Boston Harbor Islands" and see what they have to say on their web site. Under usual conditions camping is allowed on several islands. I took a quick look at the World's end web site, and they appear to be open but requiring reservations.

Regarding the truck/trailer storage problem, try Googling Salem RV. They supervise the boat ramp and have RV parking places. If worse came to worse you could probably jut rent an RV parking place for your truck and trailer.

Larry

 

[iggy]

You might try Winthrop. Its the next town north of Boston right next to the airport. You can pick up a town mooring or maybe even a slip. I would call the Harbor Master there for more details. 617-207-9092 He may even let you keep the trailer there if you have a slip or a mooring. Map of Winthrop https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3721541 ... a=!3m1!1e3

I will say that Winthrop is more centrally located. It just depends what you want to do.

By water: The Cape Code Canal and Provincetown are just under 50 miles. Boston is 2 miles, Salem is 8 to 10 miles.

The Winthrop Ferry will be running on July 1st to Boston.

Are you a member of a yacht club that is associated with MBYCA https://www.mbyca.org/ When phase 3 hits, some clubs will be opening to guest clubs. Which is a lot cheaper than a marina.

 

[Barry Cohen]

Hi Bobby:

Give me a call. I may be able to accommodate you.