Mooring Areas
The Town of Newbury has five designated mooring areas.
The Parker River: A shallow fresh water river that winds through the Byfield section of Newbury and passes through the Olde Town section on it's way to Plum Island Sound. Following the marked channel will lead to Ipswich Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The marked channel is maintained by the local towns and is subject to the changing bottom conditions. Nautical chart #13282 Newburyport Harbor and Plum Island Sound is available also nautical chart #13274 Portsmouth Harbor to Boston Harbor will give a general depiction of this area. These are available through Marine suppliers. The Route 1A bridge is a fixed structure and due to shallow drafts and mooring availability we can not accommodate sail boats or large motor boats at this time. Access to the river is by way of the Town launch ramp. A ramp permit is required for use or prior permission can be obtained through the Harbormaster's office. The parking area is for town residents only, a resident sticker must be displayed. Parking is strictly enforced and vehicles will be ticketed and fined. A resident sticker can be obtained through the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall.
The Newbury section of Plum Island Basin: This is a tidal basin in Plum Island it has no water at low tide and the draft is shallow at high tide. Small boats do use this as a mooring area. When the tide is in it is used for Sailing , Wind surfing, Water skiing, PWC's and the access to the Merrimack river. The Merrimack river leads to the Atlantic Ocean or upriver to Newburyport harbor and as far upriver as is navigable.