Northeast - Launching in Ryders Cove or Woods Hole

Hey Guys,
We were thinking about launching at the ramps in either Ryder's Cove (Chatham) or Great Harbor (Woods Hole) tomorrow (July 4). How early do I need to get there to guarantee a parking spot. Will 4AM do it or do I need to be there earlier.

Thanks for the insight,
Ari

For Ryders Cove it doesn't matter what time you get there. You have to get a parking sticker the day before. They limit them. $20 for sticker. Just found out they don't start selling until 7-6-12. So get there early. 4am should guarantee a spot.

Great. Thanks.

I thought I read on another forum that most of the parking at Ryder's Cove is now resident only?

I thought I read on another forum that most of the parking at Ryder's Cove is now resident only?

I thought I read the same thing! But, according to the Chatham website, "all visitors to the Town of° Chatham desiring to use Ryder's Cove boat ramp must first obtain a Ramp Use Permit during the seasonal period of July 06 through 30 September, excluding Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). No more than 40 permits will be issued during any one day on a first come, first serve basis. Permits may be purchased electronically or at the Harbormaster Office no earlier than 24 hours in advance at a daily rate of $20.00 per permit. Permits are valid for only one 24 hour day (0000-2400), and are non-refundable. Permits can be purchased electronically by visiting the Town of Chatham web-site, and clicking the Daily Ramp Permit link on the Harbormaster page. Vehicles not displaying a current Chatham resident beach or transfer station sticker must display a current ramp permit or Chatham mooring permit on the vehicle's dashboard.

I've not used Ryder's Cove before, but I'd like to try it. However, before a 3am launch, I'll try a day trip first to get familiar with the way out east.

There are spots noted as resident only right at the ramp. We parked on the street and at 4AM there wasn't a whole lot of traffic competing for those spots. Because it was before July 6th we didn't need a permit.

Make sure you don't park in the spots near the ramp. They are resident only. I got a $50.00 ticket and paid for the permit!