knotanymore
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- Joined
- May 21, 2007
- RO Number
- 26400
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- 7
Does anyone have any experience for the 4th, fireworks in boston. Can you get up the river on a large boat? What to expect etc. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
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4th of July on the Charles in Boston
- Thread starter knotanymore
- Start date
We have been thinking about that for years. They have alot of info on one of the web sites. I will see if I can find it. You have to go through the locks by Constitution Marina. Its a beautiful short no wake ride to the fireworks from there. Lots of boats. I have seen boats as big as 40' up there.
I've made that trip 4 times in the last 10 years. Unfortunely since 9/11 you have to anchor at least 50 feet from shore. Also if you want to go ashore there is a predefined area where you can drop off people but you cannot tie off your boat or dingy there so someone has to stay with it.
The locks are huge and it's an interesting process, my wife and kids really enjoyed it.
You may have a problem setting your anchor and when you retrieve it have a hose ready, the bottom material looks like black jello.
I think the locks close at 10 but we always stayed the night. If you leave in the morning there usually is a waiting line for the locks.
The locks are huge and it's an interesting process, my wife and kids really enjoyed it.
You may have a problem setting your anchor and when you retrieve it have a hose ready, the bottom material looks like black jello.
I think the locks close at 10 but we always stayed the night. If you leave in the morning there usually is a waiting line for the locks.
I've been going to Boston on the 4th of July with my (grown)children for 5 years now. However, we stay at a marina just outside the locks (Shipyard Quarter or Constitution). You can walk over to one of the piers (happens to be a restaurant there too-Tavern on the Water) and get a great view of the fireworks. After the fireworks, you take a nice lisurely walk back to your boat slip.
The inner harbor just outside the locks is a zoo from about 7pm till after midnight. Not to mention the boats trying to get through the locks. The begging question is also how many of those people out there can pass a sobriety test!
Either way, it's a great experience! On July 4th at 11am, they take the Constitution out to Castle Island. When you see this sight, it makes you proud to be an American.
Jack
The inner harbor just outside the locks is a zoo from about 7pm till after midnight. Not to mention the boats trying to get through the locks. The begging question is also how many of those people out there can pass a sobriety test!
Either way, it's a great experience! On July 4th at 11am, they take the Constitution out to Castle Island. When you see this sight, it makes you proud to be an American.
Jack
I used to launch at the ramp in Newton and head down the Charles (6 or so miles) and out to the harbor. Unless things have changed in the last 5 years - the locks should be operating 24 hours (returned many times after midnight).
I must have made that trip more than a hundred times, the Charles River is all no wake (except for a small section, where the speed limit is something that will not allow you on plane).... you can also take small boats with a very shallow draft (or dinks) right to the food court at the Cambridge Galleria Mall and grab a bite to eat.
I must have made that trip more than a hundred times, the Charles River is all no wake (except for a small section, where the speed limit is something that will not allow you on plane).... you can also take small boats with a very shallow draft (or dinks) right to the food court at the Cambridge Galleria Mall and grab a bite to eat.
Your size is not an impediment for the Charles. The fireworks barges are longer and wider. Your first obstacle will be the North Washington Street Bridge. It is fixed and you may have to lower your antenna at high tide - don't ask me how I know. Traffic lights will direct you into one of three locks which are immediately behind the bridge. All have ropes hanging down to use for holding the boat in place. You'll be directed by the lock personell when to go. The two smaller locks have fendered floats at water level-rig your fenders for the waterline. If there is a lot of boating traffic, they will open the commercial lock. You'll need fenders on the gun'l. You will also need able bodies individuals to hold the boat in place as the lock fills or empties, depending upon the tide.
Then there is the railroad bridge which the operator will open if there is no train scheduled. Doesn't matter if the train is on time or late. He won't open until it passes.
Then there is the Craiggy (sp?) draw bridge. He won't answer the radio and sometimes falls asleep, so you may need to wake him up with the proper horn signal. Again traffic light controlled.
Lastly is the Longellow (Salt and Pepper Shaker) Bridge, just before the Hatch Shell. When you see it you'll know why. Keep in the center span and you will clear with better that 40 feet, although it does look like it.
Don't even try to enter the river close to morning or evening rush hours. The train bridge and draw bridge won't open.
After all that, it is not complicated at all and usually is a pleasant experience. Just takes time and patience.
Don't be misled by the depth of the water. The bottom is muck on top of hard pan. Most anchors won't dig in very well and hold by shear weight.
Gene
Then there is the railroad bridge which the operator will open if there is no train scheduled. Doesn't matter if the train is on time or late. He won't open until it passes.
Then there is the Craiggy (sp?) draw bridge. He won't answer the radio and sometimes falls asleep, so you may need to wake him up with the proper horn signal. Again traffic light controlled.
Lastly is the Longellow (Salt and Pepper Shaker) Bridge, just before the Hatch Shell. When you see it you'll know why. Keep in the center span and you will clear with better that 40 feet, although it does look like it.
Don't even try to enter the river close to morning or evening rush hours. The train bridge and draw bridge won't open.
After all that, it is not complicated at all and usually is a pleasant experience. Just takes time and patience.
Don't be misled by the depth of the water. The bottom is muck on top of hard pan. Most anchors won't dig in very well and hold by shear weight.
Gene
matt_unique
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- Joined
- Mar 28, 2007
- RO Number
- 25670
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- 15
I will be working in the harbor on July 4th and it will no doubt be a zoo. For the locks expect to WAIT. I went one year with my own boat, waited for over an hour trying to get into the locks, and decided to leave. The fireworks are usually very good though.