Prominent Machiasport landmarks include a church spire, the cupola of the town hall, northward and below the spire, the tall metal stack of a cannery, and a white church with belfry on the slope of the east bank of the river opposite the town. The harbormaster can be reached through the town clerk’s office.
The cannery wharf has 8 feet reported alongside. There is a boatyard with marine railways capable of hauling out craft up to 50 feet long. Hull and engine repairs are available.
Navigation:
Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor.
Craft bound for Machias Bay and River from the eastward should not attempt passage through Cross Island Narrows without local knowledge. With the aid of the chart they should have no trouble passing southward of Cross Island, and when clear of Seal Cove Ledge, the buoyed ledge at the southwest end of the island, shape up the bay for Avery Rock. Pass either side of the rock, preferably to the westward, passing eastward of Round Island, then head up for the river entrance, which is marked by a buoy on its southwestern side.
Approaching from the southward and westward, vessels with the aid of the chart may pass either side of Libby Islands and head up the bay for Avery Rock, keeping clear of Stone Island Ledge and unmarked Colbeth Rock. Pass westward of Avery Rock and proceed as in the preceding paragraph.
The channel in Machias River is marked by buoys to about 0.8 mile below Machiasport and should be followed with the aid of the chart. The best time is at low water when the flats are visible and the channel more clearly defined. The least depth in the channel to the town of Machiasport is about 17 feet.
