CENTER MORICHES

• USNMS
• Latitude: 40.7864
• Longitude: -72.8153
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Center Moriches, a hamlet in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, doesn’t have a traditional industrial marine port like some larger urban centers. However, it has a significant waterfront community with various marinas, boat docks, and small marine facilities that cater to recreational boating and fishing. Here is a general description and some specifications based on its potential facilities:

Geographic and Location Details:

• Location: Center Moriches is situated on the south shore of Long Island, New York, along the Great South Bay. It borders the Moriches Bay, contributing to its notable boating and fishing activities.
• Coordinates: Approximately 40.8007° N latitude, 72.7934° W longitude.

Marine Facilities:

• Marinas: Several marinas in the area provide slips for various sizes of recreational boats. Common services include docking, moorings, fuel stations, and minor repair facilities.
• Boat Ramps: Public and private boat ramps are available for launching small to medium-sized vessels.
• Fishing Docks: Special docks for fishing purposes support both recreational and possibly small-scale commercial fishing activities.
• Yacht Clubs: Local yacht clubs offer social and recreational activities, along with dock facilities for members.

Specifications:

• Depth: The water depth in marinas and docking areas typically accommodates smaller to medium-sized recreational boats. The average depth is sufficient for vessels drawing around 4 to 6 feet of water.
• Slip Numbers: The number of slips varies by marina but generally ranges from a few dozen to over a hundred, depending on the specific facility.
• Amenities: Amenities might include fresh water, electricity, Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and sometimes on-site restaurants or snack bars.
• Navigation: Entry and exit to the docking areas usually require careful navigation due to the shallow nature of the bays and potential sandbars. Channel markers are used to guide vessels safely.
• Winter Storage: Many marinas offer winter storage solutions, either wet (in-water) or dry (out-of-water), to protect boats during the off-season.

Environmental Considerations:

• Tidal Influence: The area experiences tidal variations, which can impact docking and navigation. Boaters must be aware of the local tide schedules.
• Weather: Being on the Atlantic seaboard, the area can be subject to Nor’easters and hurricane impacts, necessitating secure mooring solutions and preparedness for extreme weather conditions.
• Marine Ecosystem: The local waters support a rich marine ecosystem, including fish species such as striped bass, flounder, and bluefish, which are popular targets for local anglers.

Community and Economic Impact:

• Local Economy: The waterfront activities contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting businesses ranging from bait and tackle shops, marine supply stores, boat repair shops, and local restaurants.
• Recreational Activities: The bay area is popular for water-related recreational activities, including sailing, kayaking, and sport fishing.

Access and Transportation:

• Road Access: Center Moriches is easily accessible via major roadways like Montauk Highway (Route 27).
• Proximity to Larger Ports: It is relatively close to larger ports and facilities, such as the Port of New York and New Jersey, which handle significant commercial maritime traffic.

While Center Moriches does not host a commercial marine port, it plays a vital role in the local maritime and recreational boating community. Its facilities cater primarily to recreational and small-scale commercial marine activities, reflecting the vibrant maritime culture of Long Island's south shore.