Manchester Mooring Service

22/10/2026

19/10/2026

Work is underway to remove the historic granite remnants of the Bowditch Ledge Monument in Salem Sound. The monument collapsed in November 2018, leaving the granite blocks piled on the ledge.
For generations, this monument marked a dangerous hazard for vessels navigating Salem Sound's often challenging waters. Historical accounts describe fires being lit atop the monument to warn and guide sailing ships through these hazardous waters. The roughly 30-foot granite tower was built from hand-cut stone and stood as a prominent visual landmark for mariners navigating the area. Its collapse left remnants on the ledge that have remained for nearly eight years.
The removal is long awaited. Despite the white hazard buoys marking the site, vessels have continued to collide with the granite blocks. Once the remnants are removed, nearly 20 feet of water will remain over the ledge. Still, a new day marker pole will be installed to identify the hazard for deep draft vessels entering Salem Harbor.
There is a certain sadness in watching a piece of our maritime history disappear. These stones have witnessed generations of mariners, from the age of sail to modern commercial shipping and recreational boating. While the decision to remove these historic remnants is difficult to accept, the work now moves forward, and we must make the best of the changes while continuing to prioritize safe navigation. Modern aids may change, but the hazards beneath the water remain.
This is the difficult balance between preserving our maritime heritage and adapting to changing approaches to navigation safety. We can respect the need to address vessel hazards while still recognizing the historical and practical value these landmarks have held for generations.
Following Bowditch Ledge, the marine contractor plans to move on to Abbott Rock and then the Lobster Rock Monument in Beverly Harbor.
Fair winds and safe passage.

08/10/2026

New glass windows for Barge #2 pilot house replacing the original plexiglass windows we could barely see out of thanks to our friends at Seaside Glass in Gloucester…they came out great!

24/09/2026

🌊 NOR’EASTER ADVISORY — PLEASE SECURE YOUR VESSEL

A nor’easter is expected to impact New England, with periods of strong winds and the potential for flooding along the river and waterfront.

If you are able to safely pull your boat, we recommend doing so. If your vessel will remain in the water, please check on it before conditions deteriorate and make sure everything is secure.

A few things to check:

• Add additional dock lines as backup/secondary lines.
• Untwist your pennant lines and make sure they are properly led.
• Remove sails from furlers and/or masts.
• Make sure all windows, hatches, and doors are securely latched.
• Bring your flag in.
• Check that fenders and other loose gear are properly secured.
• Make sure all lines have adequate chafe protection.

Please don’t wait until the weather arrives. A few minutes spent securing your vessel now can help prevent damage later.

Stay safe and check on your boat before conditions worsen.

— Beverly Harbormaster

17/09/2026

Work is scheduled to continue on the Manchester Harbor Bridge on the following dates:
📌September 26-27: Unable to open while crews are on site working
📌October 3-4: Unable to open while crews are on site working
📌October 5: Starting October 5, the bridge will remain closed until work is complete.

Access under the bridge will remain open during work.
Contact the Harbor Department with questions.

15/09/2026

BEVERLY, PREPARE FOR BATTLE. ⚓💥

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here!

On October 10, the Hannah and the Nautilus will take to the water once again for a reenactment of the Revolutionary War naval battle fought right here in Beverly Harbor 251 years ago.

Join us at Dane Street Beach to watch the battle unfold as Isabella takes on the role of the Hannah, facing off against Ardelle as the Nautilus.

Ships on the water. Sailors at the ready. Cannons firing across the harbor. 💥

12/09/2026

Sunset yesterday at Cocktail Cove, Misery Island had more wildlife than humans! This fawn is growing fast but still doesn’t venture too far from its mother.

17/06/2026

Sleeping on the job… good thing she’s not on the payroll

01/06/2026

Saylor is ready for mooring work after a couple days off this past weekend!