Recreational Boating in Boston Harbor
Chapter 91 compliance for selected recreational boating sites in Boston Harbor. Click on a circle to learn more about a specific site.
Since the 1600s, Massachusetts has protected public use of the waterways. Today, that protection is provided by the Public Waterfront Act and coordinated through the issuance of Chapter 91 licenses to property owners who wish to build on the waterfront. One of the ways a Chapter 91 license can ensure public access is to require the property owner to build and maintain facilities for recreational boaters to access Boston Harbor. CLF visited 27 sites along Boston Harbor that have recreational boating features required as part of their Chapter 91 licenses.
The map above shows the locations of these recreational boating sites and the property owner’s Chapter 91 license compliance status. Green dots show sites that are in full compliance with their recreational boating requirements, while orange dots show sites that are only partially compliant or not compliant with the terms of the associated Chapter 91 license. Click on a dot on the map to learn more about a particular site.
Where can I go boating?
Of the 27 sites CLF visited on Boston Harbor that have recreational boating facilities associated with their Chapter 91 licenses, 21 are required to offer “touch and go” transient boating facilities. Transient boating facilities allow boaters to pull up to the dock and tie up their boats to enjoy the nearby land-based amenities. You can use the map below to investigate which sites are compliant with their transient boating requirements. To find a place for recreational boating near you, type your address into the search bar or click on a site on the map. We recommend starting with the sites in green – these sites are in full compliance with their Chapter 91 license. Scroll through the rest of the storymap to learn more about the compliant sites.
You can use the map below to investigate boating compliance at the rest of the sites. To find a place for recreational boating near you, type your address into the search bar or click on a site on the map to learn more.
Transient boating compliance for recreational boating sites in Boston Harbor. Click on a triangle to learn more about a specific site.
Want to get involved?
With such an extensive waterfront, it takes the work of many to protect our right to enjoy its pleasures. If you visit one of the 27 recreational boating sites mapped above and can’t access the waterfront as guaranteed in the property owner’s Chapter 91 license requirements, please reach out to CLF. Click below to send an email to CLF to describe the challenges you faced!