Parking at Mass State ramps

DavidGC · 05-08-2007, 11:26 AM

I'm planning to launch at the south end of Buzzards Bay and sail for several days this summer around the Bay/Elizabethan Islands/MV.

Could someone please tell me if the Mass State launching ramps allow overnight parking? My original plan is to launch at the Westport River, or maybe Mattapoisett or Fairhaven.

If overnight parking is not allowed, could anyone direct me to a commercial launch site in those areas that would allow parking for several nights?

Thanks a lot

David

SageBoy · 05-08-2007, 11:30 AM

I could be wrong but I think you can park overnight at Westport. I have never left my vehicle there overnight but I have launched at many different times throughout the night without any issues.

inaforty · 05-08-2007, 06:55 PM

David,
You might contact Fairhaven Shipyard for information. New Bedford/Fairhaven is a much easier harbor to get in and out of compared to Westport (certainly not as pretty).
http://www.fairhavenshipyard.com/marina.htm
If you do decide to leave your vehicle in Westport you might contact the harbor master (Mr. Earle at (508) 636-1105) to make him aware of your plans etc.

DavidGC · 05-09-2007, 05:10 PM

"Pretty" is a prime factor. I don't want to have to deal with New Bedford if at all possible. If all goes as planned, I'll be in a 16-foot sailboat (so I'm looking for the shortest passage over to Cuddyhunk). If plans change and I end up in my 21-foot power boat, I can put in anywhere (maybe further "into" the Bay, say Mattapoisette, or even all the way back to Bourne).

Thanks for your help (good idea to notify the harbormaster -- since I have family who will know my plans and schedule, I wouldn't have thought of that) If anyone else has any ideas, I'd sure appreciate them.

David GC