Is there a general rule about dropping off crew on a dock. I understand to get a dock you have to convince town, state, and federal authorities. Most ocean shoreline is public space. When you put a dock there, you do not have rights to the space. So, with that said, I understand you can't get onto a dock then schlep across private or commercial property, but what about hotels, marinas, restaurants, and fuel docks? Let's say I get to my destination port and the crew want to get off the boat to walk around town. Can I just pull up to one of these docks and let them off? How would I know? I imagine the marine travel guides would have that info.
Dock drop offs
- Thread starter JV II
- Start date
Let me guess.... You're a democrat.
:smt017Huh?
Because I'm from MA, because I'm new to boating, or because you think my question is dumb?
Anyone else want to offer some helpful advise?
The land covered by water is typically owned by the state up to the high waterline mark. When someone builds a dock, they have to get permission from the state for the use of the land the dock will be sitting on. The dock owner did, in fact, get rights to use the land from the state during the permit process. However, that does not make the dock community property. If your car is parked in a state owned parking lot, other people can't use your car. Likewise, other people can't use your boat because it is sitting in water that is on state owned land. Docks are private property... just like your boat and car. Even if they are at a hotel, marina, restaruant, etc., they are not for public use because they are sitting on state owned land.
Some areas will have "dinghy docks" that are owned by the state or city. Those typically are at "no charge." Using a dinghy dock at a private marina typically involves a fee of some sort. If you are looking to drop someone off, you'll need to ask permission unless it is a city/state owned public dock.
Some areas will have "dinghy docks" that are owned by the state or city. Those typically are at "no charge." Using a dinghy dock at a private marina typically involves a fee of some sort. If you are looking to drop someone off, you'll need to ask permission unless it is a city/state owned public dock.
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estebanj
New Member
Most marinas won't mind a quick drop off or pick up. Same for a town dock. It will depend on which property it is that you want to do this, and the frequency. For example, every weekend at the same marina could become an issue (unless you buy your fuel or supplies from them).
It will also depend on how busy it is. For example, if you are doing a drop off at a restaurant and they are tight with space and customers coming/going, I'm sure they will prefer that you don't do your drop off.
The solution to this dilema? Get a dinghy!
Also, many (some?) town docks and marinas offer slips by the hour or just for day time use. The rate is lower than the overnight price of course. They will tell you when you have to leave by, and they may also tell you not available if they already have many boats for overnight slips.
If you have a particular destination in mind, ask for tips about that specific location.
Esteban
It will also depend on how busy it is. For example, if you are doing a drop off at a restaurant and they are tight with space and customers coming/going, I'm sure they will prefer that you don't do your drop off.
The solution to this dilema? Get a dinghy!
Also, many (some?) town docks and marinas offer slips by the hour or just for day time use. The rate is lower than the overnight price of course. They will tell you when you have to leave by, and they may also tell you not available if they already have many boats for overnight slips.
If you have a particular destination in mind, ask for tips about that specific location.
Esteban
jrirvine1
Member
My guess is that you could use a good cruising guide. These would make good winter reading, but I don’t know what would be best for your area – perhaps others would have recommendations.
http://www.cruisingguides.com/detail.asp?product_id=ww_guide_northern
http://www.cruisingguidetonewenglandcoast.com/
http://www.atlanticcruisingclub.com/guide.aspx?id=33
When you arrive at a destination without a slip reservation and all space is taken, but the crew insists on shore leave, your options are:
Tie up at a restaurant if you can and eat there, most will let you hang out for a while.
Pay way too much for hourly dockage if available at a marina.
Find the local anchorage ground with good holding and either hail the water taxi on the VHF or dinghy in to a town dock or shore.
Fuel up and drop off the crew while no one is looking.
Most of the time we tend to anchor out and dinghy in to wherever we can due to poor float planning.
http://www.cruisingguides.com/detail.asp?product_id=ww_guide_northern
http://www.cruisingguidetonewenglandcoast.com/
http://www.atlanticcruisingclub.com/guide.aspx?id=33
When you arrive at a destination without a slip reservation and all space is taken, but the crew insists on shore leave, your options are:
Tie up at a restaurant if you can and eat there, most will let you hang out for a while.
Pay way too much for hourly dockage if available at a marina.
Find the local anchorage ground with good holding and either hail the water taxi on the VHF or dinghy in to a town dock or shore.
Fuel up and drop off the crew while no one is looking.
Most of the time we tend to anchor out and dinghy in to wherever we can due to poor float planning.
lorenbennett
New Member
+1
The cruising guide is one of the best around for the west coast. Tells you about all the different ports available anchorages and docks including overnight stuff. One other trick I learned was to check and see if any large resorts or hotels have marina's. The marriot in San Diego allow overnight and evens has room service to the boat. Also with payment for the slip you have access to other areas such as showers and the pool. There may be the same in your area.:thumbsup:
- Feb 4, 2007
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- 1996 450DA, TNT, Caribe dink w/15hp OB.
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Buy a dinghy, like suggested. My life changed when I bought a dinghy. You can go ANYWHERE with a dinghy and a smile. If you have a dog in the dinghy, even better. No one will refuse a dog in a dinghy and a smile. Girls will actually run up to the dock to help you tie up so they can pet your dog. Now what sane man at a dock will refuse girls running in bikini's.
- Oct 6, 2006
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- 1996 450DA
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Most marinas have some transient space for both overnight accomodations on a reservation basis as well as short term docking to access to restaurants, ships stores, etc. Just make it a practice to call the dockmaster or proprietor on the VHF radio and ask for instructions(permission) to get directions to transient space before tying up.....and do not tie up to their fuel dock unless you plan to take on fuel.
osd9
New Member
Ask permission....typically VHF or cell phone. There are a few local restaurants in marninas around here with little to no transient dock space. However, if you ask nicely and your timing is right, they will usually let you tie up in the travel lift spot or the fuel dock (if closed). A few $$$ to the dock hand tying you up is a good investment also, as he WILL remember you next time...
As to the dog in the dinghy.....my ugly bald head negates the cuteness of my dog....maybe I need two dogs....:smt017
As to the dog in the dinghy.....my ugly bald head negates the cuteness of my dog....maybe I need two dogs....:smt017
jrirvine1
Member
Why not three dogs?
lorenbennett
New Member
My step daughter would meet you for sure with them doggies in tow.:grin:
wetpaint
Active Member
I am from Boston and if you are asking a general drop off question, everyone has answered it correctly.....If you are asking about a specific example/location, maybe I can help.....Not to spend your money, but if you use the same drop off location all the time, a little green goes a long, long, long way......I know down on the islands (MV and Nantucket), a good relationship with the dockmaster will get you dock space if available.
Henry Boyd
Well-Known Member
- Apr 24, 2007
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- ‘09 Sabre 38 Hardtop Express “Serenity”
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Let me speak now as a dock owner - No reasonable person will ever turn away someone in trouble. However, trouble does not include letting your crew and guests wander through my back yard because they want to 'stretch their legs', or they are 'just going to launch their kayak'.
However, we also live in Massachusetts and Gary is right about the high water everywhere, except Mass, where the property line goes to the mean low water mark, however anyone engaged in fishing, hunting shellfish gathering may move freely between the low water mark and the high water mark. So that means if you come by boat and carry a fishing rod you can park your beach chairs by our dock at low tide (if you don't mind mud).
Henry
However, we also live in Massachusetts and Gary is right about the high water everywhere, except Mass, where the property line goes to the mean low water mark, however anyone engaged in fishing, hunting shellfish gathering may move freely between the low water mark and the high water mark. So that means if you come by boat and carry a fishing rod you can park your beach chairs by our dock at low tide (if you don't mind mud).
Henry
osd9
New Member
Hey Jim....is the pooch looking to stbd moonin' us?....:grin:
Thanks for the info. On my Christmas list are 2 cruising guides. I'll read through them. I bought the boat to visit destinations from NH to RI. Now that I have it, I'm wondering what the heck you do with a 5 ton vessel when you get there and how you get from the boat to the land. I will be visiting friends and family at these destinations. Where do I tell them to meet me and how do I get them on the boat? These are the logistics I'm trying to sort out. You don't think of these things at the boat show and showroom. A dingy is not on the Christmas list this year.
mike..local knowledge is always the key. There are many ports in the Boston area that are boater friendly. When you are at your marina i am sure captians willing to share will not be in short supply. Have you heard of "Worlds End" a great spot to go.. I am sure we will meet at some time, i would be happy share my favorites with you.
lorenbennett
New Member
Mike your not going into anything everyone else hasn't had to learn. The boating forums are the greatest resource for the hidden jewels and local knowledge. With each new trip i will spend a month or so learning everything I can and because I tow that included last minute road conditions and knowing exactly were to find diesel with lots of room for me. The cruising guide was so cool for southern California because it shows you what it looks like coming in from the ocean to many of these ports. For me the learning was at times stressful but was as fun as boating itself because each time you are opening up new horizons. Enjoy and keep you exploits posted.:thumbsup:
I have heard of it and seen it on a map. It is near the end of Hull. I'd really appreciate meeting you at some point and learning from your experience. I hope to do several weekends inside Cape Cod Bay at different places and at least one trip to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. I could spend a week easy without touching land. My wife will need to shop, socialize and fine dine. My 3 y/o son is a wild card. My sister and her family live in Plymouth. We'll likely visit their town and take them out.
jrirvine1
Member
Yep, that would be Morgan the yellow lab to starboard, with Bailey the springer spaniel riding the bow and Lucy the golden to port. When the owners raft up together, it’s my job by default (cause I have the dink) to take the crew to shore. Returning becomes a challenge to get all aboard, as it resembles a Chinese fire drill.
Mike, see how convenient, cool, fun and necessary it is to have the dinghy. I am not sure what would be the best for your 290 with regard to a davit system. I’m assuming you do not have the extended swim platform, which may limit how you can mount and carry the dinghy. The two most popular systems are the Weaver and Hurley davits. Perhaps other 290 owners can better recommend their solutions.
