Trailering/parking in MA this season

[Monte Cristo]

New to cruisers and in a predicament....

We just purchased a 260DA over the off season but also moved from a house to a condo. As luck would have it, we will NOT be able to park the boat and trailer at my residence this summer.

We don't want to commit to a slip for this season because we enjoy the flexibility of boating at different locations. We are just looking for a place to park the boat and trailer with easy access for weekend boating.

Am I stuck with a "U-Store-it" type of place? Most of these types of places don't have the height I need. (radar arch)We will have it out of winter storage at the end of March and hope this won't prolong the winter season. Any suggestions or advice?

P.S.
I'm new to CSR but already have enjoyed reading many threads. Very knowledgeable group.

 

[Henry Boyd]

If the North Shore interests you, the marina and yard where we store our boat in Essex has what they call 'dry slips'. They allow you to store the boat on your trailer for the season. You can then launch the boat from their ramp for no additional charge. If that would work for you PM me and I will send you the contact info.

Henry

 

[ChuckW]

Welcome to the cruising crowd in the area. Like Henry said, check out the marinas near you. Many will accomodate your needs.

I keep mine in my driveway in the summer.

What's your preferred boating area?

 

[Monte Cristo]

Henry/Chuck,
Thanks for the advice. I will look into a dry slip.

We do most of our boating in the Mt. Hope Bay and Bristol Harbor area with the occasional trip to Lake Winnipasaukee. A few times a year we visit family in Long Beach Island in NJ and the boat comes with us in tow. This year, with the larger cruiser we may attempt a trip to NJ via water.

We moved a little further north and hope to also explore more of the north-shore and Boston Harbor.

Thanks again

 

[Henry Boyd]

Stay Below Cape Ann during July. The greenhead flies are nasty in Ipswich Bay. The Essex side of Cranes Beach is not too bad as well as the Annisquam down to Gloucester during GH season. The south side of Cape Ann down through Salem is fine.

You might also try Cape Ann Marina. I don't know if they offer dry slips, but they are right at the Bleynam Canal at Gloucester Harbor.

Newburyport is great, but do not try going in, or out of the mouth of the Merrimack until you get to know your new boat. Depending on the state of tide there can be six foot high standing waves at the mouth of the river.

If you come up to Ipswich (before/after GH season) you can put in at the Ipswich Town Landing. Let me know, we can show you some of the nicer spots where you can throw out the anchor and spend the weekend.

Henry

 

[MonacoMike]

Ask anyone you know about empty buildings such as former machine shops or manufacturing facilities. Many times a good deal can be found. Good luck, MM

 

[CV-23]

I would go with the Marina dry storage. We offer that for $100 a summer here in PA at our club. That is cheap storage! Good security is the key. You won't get that in a former machine shop or manufacturing facility that is closed unless it's in a good part of town or still has security. A company here closed a building and the windows were smashed out in a weeks time and the building was broken into already. Just todays society I guess. I'd put some big guard dogs in there if it was my place, Mike.

 

[Monte Cristo]

Guys,
"Our ship came in." We towed her up this past weekend. I have spoken with the local Marina's about dry dock's and havn't decided yet. We are going to visit a few this weekend and will find her a home.