CHATHAM

• USCA3
• Latitude: 41.665
• Longitude: -69.9665
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Chatham is a town located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. It is a historic and picturesque coastal community known for its beautiful landscapes and maritime heritage. Chatham does not have a large commercial marine port, but it does have several smaller harbors and marinas primarily catering to fishing, recreational boating, and tourism.

Harbors and Marinas in Chatham:

1. Stage Harbor:

   • Location: South side of the town, between Morris Island and Stage Island.
   • Usage: Primarily used for recreational boating, small commercial fishing vessels, and charter boats.
   • Facilities: Includes moorings, transient dockage, fuel services, and boat maintenance facilities.
   • Navigation: Well-marked channel; however, shoaling can be an issue, and the harbor entrance requires careful navigation, especially at low tide.

2. Chatham Harbor:

   • Location: On the east side of Chatham, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
   • Usage: Predominantly used by commercial fishing vessels and pleasure boats. It is also noted for its role in the local shellfishing industry.
   • Facilities: Limited dockage and mooring options, but some boat service and repair facilities are available.

3. Ryder's Cove:

   • Location: North side of Chatham.
   • Usage: Smaller boats, recreational fishing, and boating.
   • Facilities: Limited in terms of dockage but has moorings and some basic facilities.

4. Old Mill Boatyard:

   • Location: Near Mitchell River.
   • Usage: Primarily small recreational boats.
   • Facilities: Offers dockage, boat ramp, and maintenance services.

General Port and Harbor Information:

• Tidal Range: Chatham experiences a significant tidal range which can affect navigation, particularly in the shallower areas of the harbors.
• Navigation Aids: Channels are marked with buoys and beacons, and local knowledge is highly beneficial for safe navigation.
• Weather Considerations: The area is subject to typical New England weather patterns, including Nor'easters, which can affect sea conditions.
• Environmental Concerns: Preservation efforts in and around Chatham are strong due to its rich marine and coastal ecosystems, so mariners should be aware of and follow all local regulations.

Economical and Cultural Significance:

• Fishing Industry: An important part of Chatham’s culture and economy, with local fisheries focusing on species such as cod, shellfish, and lobster.
• Tourism: The town attracts visitors for its beaches, historic sites, and maritime activities. Whale watching and seal tours are popular.
• Maritime Heritage: Chatham has a long history of maritime activity, including a working lighthouse (Chatham Lighthouse) and a maritime museum.

Due to its small size and specialized nature, those looking to visit or use the marine facilities in Chatham should plan ahead and possibly contact local marinas and harbormasters for the latest information on facilities, reservations, and navigation.