The Waterline: Looking To November

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Another boating season is coming to a close on Manchester Harbor.  

Dinghies and Kayaks 

Reed Park docks will be decommissioned in the next week or so.  If you had a dinghy at Reed Park you had to remove it by last Sunday, November 1 and if it’s at Tuck’s Point, by November 22. Dinghies at the Town Hall docks must be removed by December 1.  Kayakers must remove their kayak from town racks at Tucks Point and Town Hall by December 1.  Any dinghy or kayak owner who fails to remove their vessel at the appropriate time will lose privileges for next year.  While unlikely, cold weather and the formation of ice in the inner harbor would mean dinghies need to come out even earlier. 

Tuck’s Point 

Residents and boaters had an interesting summer of sand, seaweed and saltwater getting to the floats at Tuck’s.  Here is the latest. 

The photo above is a rendering overlaid on the old docks of the new layout for the dock’s and ramp.  Test borings revealed shallow sand, clay and lots of shattered rock.  These conditions are not conducive to wood pilings, drilling and inserting sockets to receive steel pilings will be required. 

Between engineering, permitting and construction the high-end cost of this project is in the neighborhood of one million dollars.  Factors such as floats bottoming out, no existing permit for the facility, the need for permitting to build in the spring, soil conditions and the condition of the rotunda all contribute the daunting cost of this project.  This project does not address issues with the rotunda itself. 

The town is applying to the Seaport Economic Council (SEC) for a grant that could cover 80 percent of cost of this project.  The SEC will make award announcements in February. We will keep our fingers crossed that Manchester is a recipient.  More updates to follow. 

Towing Insurance 

What happens when you breakdown or run out of gas or some other unforeseen event that ruins a perfectly nice boating day?  If you are lucky enough to be in an area where the community allows towing by the harbormaster help is nearby and probably free.  Many communities including Manchester do not allow towing unless there is risk to life or property involved, otherwise you will pay large sums for towing service. 

It would be wise to consider the purchase of towing insurance from your insurance company, Seatow or Tow Boat US. For a reasonable rate you will potentially avoid thousands in towing fees.  This about it for next year. 

Marine Mammals 

A beached whale, dolphin or porpoise should be re- ported immediately and left alone pending further instruction.  Call the NOAA 24-hour Marine Animal Hotline: (866) 755- 6622. 

Please leave your name and a phone number where you can be reached. 

Sea turtles in our region do not typically come ashore unless they are seriously debilitated.  Call the 24-hour Marine Animal Hotline: (866) 755-6622.  

Seals belong on the beach.  It’s normal.  What should you do if you spot a seal on the beach? 

Keep people and dogs 150 feet away from the seal.  Does the seal look injured or unhealthy?  If so, please call (866) 755-6622 or call your harbormaster.  All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.  This law makes it illegal to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass marine mammals without authorization. 

Manchester Draw Hours of Operation 

Effective Tuesday, November 01, 2011 The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Bridge at mile 1.0 in Manchester shall operate as follows:  The draw shall open from Memorial Day thru Sept. 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.  From Memorial Day and from Oct.1 to Nov.1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6p.m.  At all other times, the draw shall open on signal with at least four hours of notice.  Call (617) 222-6114 

Towing Policy 

Manchester Harbormaster only tows those vessels that are in immediate danger or present a potential environmental hazard.  Please contact a towing or salvage operator should you need to be towed. 

Harbormaster’s Office Hours 

October & November Hours are Monday  Friday9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hours will vary depending on training, Safe Boating classes and meetings.  Feel free to call before coming to the office. 

Be vigilant and notify the harbormaster of any missing or off station aids to navigation.  The latest Manchester Harbor Rules & Regulations are posted on the Harbormaster website.  

Stop by, say hi, and don’t forget your lifejacket. 

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