Buzzards Bay Ramps?
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Bobglas
- First Officer
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Sat May 12, 2012 1:00 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Jefferson, NY
Buzzards Bay Ramps?
Taking a year off from Lake Champlain. Want to smell saltwater again. 5 years ago we put in at Wareham MA. The parking area was small and crowded and trees hung up my mast. However we had a wonderful week sailing Buzzards Bay, visiting Cuttyhunk and other places. Wondering if anyone has experience with any other launches? Want to do it again.
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Be Free
- Admiral
- Posts: 1890
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Re: Buzzards Bay Ramps?
Sorry, I know nothing about ramps in that area but I have launched at ramps where trees made it impossible to launch or retrieve with the mast up. It is only slightly more difficult to raise and lower the mast on the water than it is on the trailer. I've done it at the dock, anchored in a quiet cove, and beached on a nearby island where I learned how much the tide can go out in just the time it takes to drop the mast 
(twice! 
).
(twice! ).Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
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K9Kampers
- Admiral
- Posts: 2441
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:32 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH, former 26X owner
Re: Buzzards Bay Ramps?
Hi Bob! I know the tree to which you are referring at the Tempest Knob ramp! I have used some other ramps in the area as well for access to Buzzards Bay, Cuttyhunk, and Martha's Vineyard.
In South Dartmouth is the Apponagansett Beach & Ramp on Gulf Road. It has dual ramps with a floating dock between and ample parking for 50-ish tow vehicle / trailers. Next to it is a pier with floating docks to load, unload, and wait at for your turn at the ramp. I recall this one being a pay at the drop box. The challenge of this facility is having to wait for the Gulf Road bridge to open. I don't recall if it was scheduled or hail the bridge keeper.
East of New Bedford, between Sconticut Neck Road and West Island is Hoppy's Landing. Ample parking and nice ramp, however, the pier and floating dock do not aid in launch / haul out with wind and current. I struggled against the wind at this one to get the boat centered on the trailer while hauling out alone.
Near the Massachusetts / Rhode Island line is the Westport River Ramp. It is wide enough for 3 or 4 at a time and floating docks on either side. Parking for about two dozen. Navigate the river about 2 miles to the bay.
In South Dartmouth is the Apponagansett Beach & Ramp on Gulf Road. It has dual ramps with a floating dock between and ample parking for 50-ish tow vehicle / trailers. Next to it is a pier with floating docks to load, unload, and wait at for your turn at the ramp. I recall this one being a pay at the drop box. The challenge of this facility is having to wait for the Gulf Road bridge to open. I don't recall if it was scheduled or hail the bridge keeper.
East of New Bedford, between Sconticut Neck Road and West Island is Hoppy's Landing. Ample parking and nice ramp, however, the pier and floating dock do not aid in launch / haul out with wind and current. I struggled against the wind at this one to get the boat centered on the trailer while hauling out alone.
Near the Massachusetts / Rhode Island line is the Westport River Ramp. It is wide enough for 3 or 4 at a time and floating docks on either side. Parking for about two dozen. Navigate the river about 2 miles to the bay.
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Bobglas
- First Officer
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Sat May 12, 2012 1:00 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Jefferson, NY
Re: Buzzards Bay Ramps?
Excellent! Thank you, I will check those places out. Years ago pre-Mac I chartered a boat and visited Westport. I remember the spacious ramp. I believe a parking permit can be had by contacting the town clerk.