Why Mattapoisett?
I’ve boated and lived in Mattapoisett since I was a kid, so it was never a destination to me. The truth is, it’s not really a destination anyone ever mentions, but it’s really a great one…
1. It’s a generally well protected harbor for all but a strong Southeast wind — which is pretty rare on Buzzards Bay.
2. If you live anywhere on the north or west side of the Bay, you can probably pick your way to Mattapoisett on a windy day. The only two challenging spots are getting around Bird Island (if you’re coming from a spot northeast of Marion) and Angelica Point. Neither of these are long runs, so you can just drop down your speed and pick your way through the chop.
3. There are plenty of moorings ($20-40/night), a great launch service ($5PP), and they’re all pretty inexpensive.
4. Once you’ve arrived, there are two great restaurants you can dine at:
– The Inn on Shipyard Park
– Turks Sushi and Seafood
5. There is a quaint general store that has both unique gourmet provisions and plenty of gifts and gadgets – The Town Wharf General Store. And this past week, the Mattapoisett Selectmen granted the little general store a license to sell Wine and Beer.
6. You can even just tie up for 15 minutes and grab a burger or an ice cream cone at the cute little food cart on the pier.
It’s a quaint little seaside town with tons of history and character. Back in the days when New Bedford was the Whaling capital of the world, Mattapoisett is where they ships were built.
My son-in-law Brian’s ancestral Grand Father James Luce was a Sea Captain and also the owner of the local Ships Block Shop (pulley’s use to be called blocks and they were very important in shipbuilding).
Captain Luce’s house sits between the original Mattapoisett Inn (now called The Inn on Shipyard Park) and a newer Bed and Breakfast called The Mattapoisett Inn.
Both Inns offer rooms for rent and both sit right across the street from Shipyard Park and the Mattapoisett Harbor.
Getting There By Boat
Mattapoisett is generally always open for visiting boaters. As you enter the harbor, you’ll pass Ned’s Point Lighthouse to starboard. The first major pier you’ll see is The Mattapoisett Boat Yard. This is the only place to get fuel and also the home of the harbor launch service.
If you keep going, you’ll pass a number of big homes (mansions) on the right and then the next pier is Barstow Pier which is one of a series of Town Wharf’s available on a limited basis for a 1 hour tie up.
There is also a float to the far left of the main town wharf designated for a 1 hour tie up.
I’d suggest doing a “fly by” of one of the Town Wharfs when you first arrive to see if there is any space. I spoke to the Harbor Master about extending tie ups and I was told it’s possible, but you need to speak to them first. You can click HERE to access the Harbormaster’s guest brochure.
I think your chances of grabbing a 1 hour spot are pretty good late morning or during the week. If you strike out, rest assured you can always visit Mattapoisett by calling the Mattapoisett Boat Yard launch (508-758-4791 – Ch. 68).
MBY will direct you to a loaner mooring and also take you to any of three Mattapoisett piers via their first class launch service ($5 PP).
The Harbormaster told me that Triad Boatworks also rents out mooring, but I’m hard pressed to find a link to use to contact them, so I’d suggest sticking with The Mattapoisett Boat Yard.
If you haven’t experienced this special little seaside village, you’re really missing out!
Dave
This story is contributed by Dave Horne at My Buzzards Bay (www.mybuzzardsbay.com). Dave reports on Dock & Dine, Cruising, and the Boating Life Style for Southern New England. Please visit My Buzzards Bay for more stories like this. You can read the original article here.
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