Ramps in, or around, Boston?

[charlg]

Does anyone know where some decent boat ramps may be around the Boston area? I typically use the public ramp in Watertown, at the end of the Charles, but I've done some damage because it is too shallow (I have a post in Maintenance). There are also holes at the bottom of the ramp, and if you don't avoid them, one of the trailer wheels fall in. We enjoy Boston Harbor and the islands, but there doesn't seem to be too many spots to put her in.

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Charlie,

Brighton
Lower Charles River off Nonantum Rd
We think it's run by the Metropolitan District Commission

Dorchester
At the Boston Gas tank off the 93
Freeport street exit (#11) coming from the South on 93
Exit 12 from the North (Should only be used at 1/2 tide and above)
Local Knowledge
The status of the Boston gas ramp is closed 12 months of the year. A Boston Police detail stops all non employees of Boston gas from entering Rainbow Park and the boat ramp since the attacks of September 11.
The officer will direct people to the beach approximately 1/2 mile North on Morrissey Boulevard. This is very popular with Jet Skis and personal watercraft but the water is very shallow and a larger boat must be walked out to deeper water, a very cold process even in the warmest of weather.

Winthrop MA
Town Ramp, Shirley Street, Winthrop Harbor

Quincy, MA 02169
Anchor Marine, Southern Artery (Rt 3A) $10 for the day, closes at 6pm

Weymouth, MA 02191
Town Ramp, River Street, Back River

Also, there used to be one in Hull, near the high school, but I'm not sure it's still there.

Go to:
http://www.bostonboating.com/publiclaunchramps.htm

 

[out-n-aboat]

I can tell you the Weymouth ramp is open.

 

[charlg]

Thanks for the suggestions. Not too many good choices around town. Maybe it's time to look into a marina.

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Thanks for the suggestions. Not too many good choices around town. Maybe it's time to look into a marina.

Charlie,
I trailered a 22 for about 10 years, and a 17 for 2 years before that.
The beauty of trailering is the ability to launch at various places, such as Boston, Scituate, Plymouth, or a number of places on the cape, starting with Falmouth and Sandwich.
To be honest, the trailering, even with it's advantages, got to be a hassle. Tow vehicle capacity, trailer maintenance, traffic, idiots on the road, pedestrians darting out in front of you, ad infinitum.....
We've had a slip now for 12 years or so, which has allowed us to get bigger boats, which has its own perks... :thumbsup:
For whatever it is worth.... :wink:

 

[charlg]

That is exactly what I am thinking. At first, the idea of travelling to Boston, NH, and the Cape was very appealling, but I'm starting to second guess the decision of trailering. The ramps that I have used are in terrible shape and not very accomodating for a 240. I seem to be in two feet of water ALL the time! :smt013 With the damage I have done....B III, prop dings, and bottom gel coat gouges, I could have paid for a slip!!!!

I'll have to start a new post....pros and cons of yacht clubs vs. marinas.

 

[garjowan]

I know this is an old post, but i'm new here and thought I would chime in...
Charlie, I have used the Brighton ramp for YEARS!
Now with the building of the sculling storage building it's a nightmare...
If you decide to keep putting in there, use the right side(as you face the river) it is more level... There is plenty of water for your boat if you stay mid-river until after the first bridge where there is a drain coming out off your starboard side heading downstream(towards Boston) you need to keep left as it gets about 8" there for a bit...

If you are interested, I am a member of Newton Yacht Club and give you some info on that... It's a great place, been there for 3 years and am loving it!
cheap, Cheap, CHEAP!
I am actually in the process of buying my first Sea Ray from someone there... LOL!!!

Good Luck

 

[Henry Boyd]

Again with adding to an old post. If you want to come up to the Nrth Shore there are public ramps in Essex and Ipswich Rivers.

 

[charlg]

If you are interested, I am a member of Newton Yacht Club and give you some info on that... It's a great place, been there for 3 years and am loving it!
cheap, Cheap, CHEAP!
I am actually in the process of buying my first Sea Ray from someone there... LOL!!!

garjowan,

After I started this post, I decided that there are not many good places to launch and I joined the NYC. I have been a member since mid June. I am in slip #23. What are you buying?

 

[garjowan]

Small world huh Charlie!?
I am in #97 on the inside, 22' Grady.
I am buying our Commodore's 340 express!
I will look for ya when I am there...
Gary