Napoleon---Have a few questions about Boston Harbor.

[Kelly Lynn]

My wife and I are interested in boating the Boston Harbor on July 4th. I was wondering if you can give us any information concerning. Ramps, Marinas, point of entry and any other info. you can provide. It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

 

[matt_unique]

My wife and I are interested in boating the Boston Harbor on July 4th. I was wondering if you can give us any information concerning. Ramps, Marinas, point of entry and any other info. you can provide. It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Would be happy to, I will be there too.

You have basically two options for where you want to park to watch the fireworks. You can go through the Gridley Locks into the Charles River to watch the fireworks up close. They set them off from a barge in the Charles River and most people drop anchor somewhere near the Hatch Shell where the Boston Pops plays music in the background. Last year the Blue Angels made a low pass down the river to kick things off as well. There are a million boats - it will be relatively easy to get there and will take a few hours for you to get out afterward with the rush hour. This is what I did last year. This year we plan to stay overnight on the Charles River to avoid the crazy traffic jam getting out. If you had a nap or some coffee - it's not too horrible as the police will be monitoring things but plan for crazy boat traffic getting out through the locks if you plan to leave after the fireworks.

Your second option is to watch the fireworks from the inner harbor. The views will not be as good, potentially obstructed in part by buildings or clouds, but will allow easy exit at the conclusion. Most of the large commercial ships stay in the harbor for their fireworks tours of course.

In terms of ramps - there is one right in Charlestown right at the end of the Little Mystic river near the Boston Autoport. This would be the closest ramp but I don't know if they allow for overnight parking...I would check that out to find out. It has a small parking lot as well. One of my favorite ramps is in Weymouth but it's not that close to Boston (well it's a 45 minute cruise by water during the day). If you were overnighting you could launch there then return and drop anchor near one of the harbor islands for example on your way back - again not sure about the overnight parking. The following link will help get your started:

http://www.bostonboating.com/publiclaunchramps.php

I would call the harbor master's to see what they may suggest.

I will try to dig a bit more as well...

--Matt

 

[patrick and linda]

hello capt. mattie,
i can't offer advice on the boston harbor, however can give recommendation that you change course and head for the ohio river!
on the ohio river you will find an abundance of mud, debris, commercial traffic and crazy boaters. so, this plan works great, your wife will have a terrible time, she will most likely never want to go boating with you again and therefore free up much needed room aboard your boat so you can have all your buddies, food and cold beer!
i was like you until brydman straighten me out several years ago. my wife hasn't been aboard in years, i now have empty beer cans, moldy pizza's, dirty underwear, even a rodent or two, and have never been happier!
valued wisdom, dude!
pat

 

[Kelly Lynn]

I thank you for your advice and I am sure I will have few more questions along the way. It is in the works we'll see what transpires.