Three wharves are in general use and have float landings and berthing space with water and electricity and 10 feet reported alongside. The yards maintain guest moorings in the anchorage off the wharves; the controlling depth is about 7 feet in the anchorage. The yards can build craft up to 200 feet in length and 1,000 tons, and are equipped with complete facilities for hull and engine repairs. Machine, carpenter, and pipe shops, a sail loft, and two marine railways are available. The larger of the railways can handle craft up to 100 feet. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, provisions, marine supplies, pump-out facilities, a 35-ton travel lift, and open, covered, wet and dry winter storage are available at the yards. Navigation: Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor. The Damariscotta River extends about 14 miles northward to the twin towns of Damariscotta and Newcastle, thence another 2 miles to Damariscotta Mills at the mouth of Damariscotta Lake. The entrance to Damariscotta River is about 3.2 miles west-southwestward of Pemaquid Point Light and 1.3 miles northeastward of Ram Island Light. The tidal current is strong. Although some of the dangers are marked by buoys, strangers in anything but small craft should not pass through or above The Narrows at Fort Island without a pilot. The channel of the river is crooked. In many places it is very narrow because of the constricting islands and ledges. For a distance of 11 miles above the mouth of the river a least depth of 20 feet may be carried in the channel, although there are many unmarked 16- to 18-foot spots on each side of the channel. Above this point the water shoals to 10 feet just below the town of Damariscotta. East Boothbay is a village on the west bank of Damariscotta River, about 3 miles above the mouth. A church spire, lighted at night, and the large buildings of three boatyards are prominent.
