Boat-friendly Beaches? North Shore, MA - The Hull Truth

192Tourney · 10-02-2009, 09:52 AM

For years, I’ve been anchoring my boat along the long stretch of beach just to the east of West Beach in Beverly. I usually pack a lunch and eat on the beach while the kids play in the waves. Not near anyone’s house, but down by the uninhabited area in front of some conservation land. This past summer, it appears that a few of the local homeowners have hired a Rent-A-Cop to patrol the beach and force anyone who sets foot on the sand to leave.

I know there are places to anchor/moor out at Misery Island, but the water is usually too damn cold out there. Any recommendations for a nice boat-and-kid friendly beach in the Salem/Marblehead/Beverly/Manchester area? Any helpful hints would be much appreciated.

CindyLou · 10-02-2009, 10:53 AM

Maybe further than you want to go, but you could take a ride up the Annisquam to Cranes. Great boat beach.

CJS · 10-02-2009, 01:26 PM

I thought that Mass. had a law that basically stated that a private
beach ended at the high tide line and there was public access below that
line. And if you're in front of conservation land, wouldn't that be public
property?

nausetlight · 10-02-2009, 02:37 PM

Head up to Plum Island Sound, low tide at middle ground beautiful sandbar and warmer waters

Mist-Rest · 10-03-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJS

I thought that Mass. had a law that basically stated that a private
beach ended at the high tide line and there was public access below that
line. And if you're in front of conservation land, wouldn't that be public
property?

They do!!

Just what is a mall cop going to do? Citizens arrest?

MacCTD · 10-03-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 192Tourney

For years, I’ve been anchoring my boat along the long stretch of beach just to the east of West Beach in Beverly. I usually pack a lunch and eat on the beach while the kids play in the waves. Not near anyone’s house, but down by the uninhabited area in front of some conservation land. This past summer, it appears that a few of the local homeowners have hired a Rent-A-Cop to patrol the beach and force anyone who sets foot on the sand to leave.

I know there are places to anchor/moor out at Misery Island, but the water is usually too damn cold out there. Any recommendations for a nice boat-and-kid friendly beach in the Salem/Marblehead/Beverly/Manchester area? Any helpful hints would be much appreciated.

I do not think there are any, have to go over to Ipswich to the backside of Crane's.

Nikodog1 · 10-03-2009, 09:33 AM

Try Gerry's Island in MHD. (AKA Crowninshield Island) Little sandy beach and nice warm shallow water for the kids.

dbc01886 · 10-03-2009, 06:01 PM

Go up the coast to Gloucester and there are plenty of places to beach on the Annisquam River, especially at low tide. Not sure of home owners authority in Beverly, especially at low tide.

lobsta1 · 10-03-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJS

I thought that Mass. had a law that basically stated that a private
beach ended at the high tide line and there was public access below that
line. And if you're in front of conservation land, wouldn't that be public
property?

Actually, in Ma. & Maine the land owners rights extend to the low water mark. The public has access between low & high tide only for the "purpose of fishing, fowling or navigating". I believe this dates back to the 1600's. The land was deeded by King George ( I think) to encourage landowners to build docks. I'm pretty sure that these are the only two states that this is so. In the other states the landowner holds title only to the high water mark.
Al

P.S. If I am incorrect on this, I am certain some one will post the correct info.

mpdcam · 10-03-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacCTD

I do not think there are any, have to go over to Ipswich to the backside of Crane's.

My personal favorite is the sandbar that appears a t low tide across from cranes beach. Kids seem to have fun and not much as far as current. Of course you gotta work with the tides...

casco_schooner · 10-04-2009, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobsta1

Actually, in Ma. & Maine the land owners rights extend to the low water mark. The public has access between low & high tide only for the "purpose of fishing, fowling or navigating". I believe this dates back to the 1600's. The land was deeded by King George ( I think) to encourage landowners to build docks. I'm pretty sure that these are the only two states that this is so. In the other states the landowner holds title only to the high water mark.
Al

P.S. If I am incorrect on this, I am certain some one will post the correct info.

that is correct so all you need to do is put a line in the water and there is not a thing they can do I have been round and round about this over the years..

192Tourney · 10-05-2009, 07:56 AM

Thank you to all those who responded. I’ve been to Dolliber Cove in Marblehead. Nice little spot. Crane’s, Plum Island, and the northern sections of the Annisquam are a bit of a haul for a picnic, but beautiful for sure.

In Mass, the mean low-water mark comments are correct. I don’t think the beach-walking security guard has any real authority, especially by the conservation land. I was just trying to avoid making a scene in front of my kids. Not sure what, if anything, would have happened if I refused to leave. Maybe I’ll find out next summer. I always have a few rods on the boat, so maybe next time I’ll just plant one in the sand and tell the Rent-A-Cop to go screw.

M1911 · 10-05-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 192Tourney

For years, I’ve been anchoring my boat along the long stretch of beach just to the east of West Beach in Beverly. I usually pack a lunch and eat on the beach while the kids play in the waves. Not near anyone’s house, but down by the uninhabited area in front of some conservation land. This past summer, it appears that a few of the local homeowners have hired a Rent-A-Cop to patrol the beach and force anyone who sets foot on the sand to leave.

Bring 1 fishing rod per person and sand spikes. Land on said beach, put the spikes in the sand. Cast the lines out with bare hooks and stick them in the sand spikes. When said Rent-A-Cop shows up, tell him to go pound sand -- you're fishing and therefore allowed to trespass between low-tide and high-tide lines.

MGL Chapter 91 Section 1 gives you the legal right to be there when fishing. Said Rent-A-Cops will try to intimidate you into leaving. Politely tell them to call 911 if they think you don't have the right to be there. The police should know better and tell the Rent-A-Cops to piss off.

Asaltweapon22 · 10-06-2009, 07:11 AM

i would try Kettle cove up by Magnolia and Wingersheek is also a pretty good place to to as well. Kettle gets mobbed at low tide on the weekends because a nice big sand bar comes up. but obviously this post might be a lil to late the water and weather is getting a lil brisk. but you might find a good afternoon to go out for a cook out though. just no water activities.