Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Ports of call, New England

Posted by scrimshaw on 06/27/08 - 12:50 PM
#1

As the Crew and I approach our 1000th mile this season we plan to trailer the boat East every other weekend to continue our exploration and add to the adventures of childhood. Our current plans see us in Mystic, Ct. just after 7/4(here will study our prey) ,then to the Cape Cod Canal and on to New Hampshire and the Maine coast hopefully with some luck and GPS info from some friends the crew will experience a close encounter of Cetacean kind ! Any tips or interesting ports to visit would be most helpful. Thanks Jim and the Crew of the -Scrimshaw-

Edited by scrimshaw on 06/27/08 - 1:43 PM

Posted by Phil T on 06/27/08 - 2:30 PM
#2

Suggest the Merrimack River (launch at Cashman's Park) starting at Newburyport and go up river.

Casco Bay is huge so that is a longer conversation.

Posted by CapnJs on 06/27/08 - 4:35 PM
#3

Newburyport is a good start.

Then I'd suggest exploring Portsmouth, NH and the Piscataqua River basin. Depending on what your mood or your crew's mood there is something for everyone. Great food, shopping and history in Portsmouth; if you feel like exploring rivers you have access, via the Piscataqua River, to the Salmon Falls River, the Cochecho River into Dover, the Oyster River into Durham and the University of NH, then Great Bay and the Lamprey River into Newmarket and the Squamscott River into Exeter. All of that is more than a day (more than a summer) but you have a choice if the weather is nasty outside.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of experience launching (I have a slip in Dover and launch there) but you can launch at Pierce Island in Portsmouth or at Hilton Park at Dover Point. Both places have parking for your car and trailer but Hilton Park is free.

CBO is right about Casco Bay being a long conversation but it should be on your list. Also if you feel like driving further, the Boothbay region has a lot to offer and then Penobscot Bay..... You will wonder why it took you so long to discover the Maine coast.

If you can find a copy of the Tafts' A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast you won't be sorry. The Tafts start in NH at the Isles of Shoals, Little Harbor and Portsmouth and head East. The book tells you how to approach harbors and what to do once you get there. Have fun!

Jack

Posted by myakka on 06/27/08 - 5:13 PM
#4

Why not hit some of the places the older Whalers where named after. Saconnett(sp) river Ri, Cohassett Ma, Minot Ma etc.
Mike

Posted by zach_gaucher on 06/27/08 - 5:39 PM
#5

I would go to Essex and Crane Beach. Beautiful marsh and great beaches. Definitly check out Ipswich Bay. On the other side of Cape Ann is Rockport and Gloucester, another great ride and cultural area.

Posted by howard Werner on 06/27/08 - 6:14 PM
#6

when you head out of Mystic swing by Watch Hill, RI. Check out the oldest working wooden carousel. just took my first mate there tonight... Beautiful sunset.

If you want to set a time and place to meet around the 4th I am all for it. Sorry I missed you on the NYC trip.

Howard

Posted by flippa on 07/04/08 - 6:50 AM
#7

We just got back from a trip to CT. You will love Mystic! Check out S&P Oyster House, one of the best places to eat in town! Gotta sit out on the patio for dinner, it is a great take. Abbots Lobster in Noank is another good place to eat; it is BYOB & I believe that you can pull up with the boat & have lunch. Great fishing out at the Race, not too far from Mystic out at Fisher Island.

Are you planning to stop in Boston? There are a ton of great sites to see around the city and out in the harbor. There are a few places that you can leave the boat & walk around. If you are planning on staying for a weekend, there are 34 islands out in the harbor, and you can camp on several of them. Fort Warren on Georges Island is worth exploring.

Feel free to cotact me with any questions.