Greetings Boaters,
Welcome to May. There is a lot going on as we hit the boating season this month.
Tuck’s Point
Anyone reading previous newsletters is aware that the docks at Tuck’s Point are not permitted by the State or Army Corps. Without the required permits for the docks Manchester will be unable to get the necessary permits for dredging projects in the harbor.
In order to get into regulatory compliance, Manchester hired Foth Engineering to do the necessary work so that the Army Corp did not send the town an order to remove the docks from the harbor. As part of the permitting, the Harbor Department recommended expanding the face dock by the addition of two floats and utilizing the longer ramp that used to be at Reed Park. the new ramp would reduce the steep angle of the existing ramp and push the floats out so that they do not go aground at low tide. This would also benefit dinghy users who encountered a no water issue under their dinghies. During the October storms of 2019 the deck to the docks at Tuck’s Point were damaged just as it was during the March storms of 2018 although not as seriously. A weakness of this deck is the fact that it is three feet lower than the deck of the rotunda and now fairly regularly is submerged and more prone to damage. Damage occurred in 2010, major repairs to the rotunda in 2011/2012, Damage again just six years later and again eighteen months later. The Harbor Department planned a quick repair and reopen until permitting was completed. Unfortunately, after an inspection by the engineering company as part of the permitting project larger problems were uncovered and the entire deck will be condemned. To be clear this does not include the walkway to or the rotunda, only the deck access for the docks. It seems that the regular submersion in saltwater and the increasingly impactful storms have created an unsafe and un-usable situation. This news arrived on Friday the 8th. The design of the deck would have benefited from being at the same height as the walkway of the rotunda and pile supported.
A meeting with the engineering firm, Harbor Department, Town Administrator, Harbor Advisory Chair and DPW will be held this week. Both short term and long-term solutions will be discussed. Once a plan is formulated, I will share it with you all. There is no getting around the fact that the deck is not usable. A plan for the dinghies will also be discussed this week and shared with all of you right away.
Something will be figured out and there will be boating and boating access this summer.
Phase One Town Dock
Re-opening
Town Hall - Ramp remains open. Town docks and access ramps are reserved for dinghy access, pick-up and drop-off of passengers and gear only. No vessels may be tied to the dock whether tended or untended for any purpose other than the immediate boarding or discharging of passengers. No congregating. Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others.
Tuck’s Point - Dock and access ramps are reserved for dinghy access, pick-up and drop-off of passengers and gear only. No vessels may be tied to the dock whether tended or untended for any purpose other than the immediate boarding or discharging of passengers. No congregating. Maintain a physical distance of six feet from others.
Morss Pier/ Masconomo Park - Open for commercial operations only, no recreational boater access. No congregating. Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others.
Reed Park – Install a limited number of docks to accommodate town safety vessels and dinghies only. No recreational vessel access.
All facilities will be monitored by Harbor Department staff to report activity and assist in maintaining appropriate use of the town docks.
Launch Service in Manchester
Manchester Mooring Service is pleased to announce that our new launch service will begin operations for the 2020 season as soon as we get the green light from the Governor's office.
Manchester Mooring Service / Manchester Launch Service, a family-owned business, has been providing mooring sales and service on the North Shore for over 30 years.
Manchester Draw Bridge
Call the bridge operator on VHF 13. The draw shall open from Memorial Day thru Sept. 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and April 1 to Memorial Day and Oct.1 to Nov.1 9 a.m. to 1 pm / 2 pm to 6 pm At all other times, the draw shall open on signal with at least four hours of notice. Call (617) 222-6114
Waterway Renewals
If you have not paid your mooring, slip, waitlist, kayak fee you must pay a late fee of $100 in order to maintain your site. No renewals will be accepted after March 31st unless you have contacted the harbormaster in advance. Please make sure you have paid your excise tax as well. For your convenience payments may be made on-line through the payment button on the town website.
Marine Mammals
A beached whale, dolphin or porpoise should be reported 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’ 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.
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, Sea-tow or Tow Boat US. For a reason-able rate you will potentially avoid thousands in towing fees.
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.
May Harbormaster Hours
Town Hall is currently closed to residents and staffing is limited. The Harbormaster is available by cell phone during regular business hours or in the event of an emergency.
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.
