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Author Topic:   Crane Beach / Ipswich MA Advice Wanted

sail16 posted 07-31-2007 08:27 AM ET (US)
We're considered taking the boat up to Crane Beach this weekend. Any advice on where / when to launch, what to look out for, places not to miss would be appreciated.
gstevens posted 07-31-2007 11:05 AM ET (US)
If you want to launch in Ipswich, use the town ramp (on East St.) I think they charge $10 or $15 for non residents. The ramp offers limited parking so if you arrive too late, you'll get stuck parking in the town hall lot which is about 1/4 mile from the ramp. The dock attendant will show you the way.
Depending on what model whaler you have, be sure to arrive a minimum of 2 hrs. before or after low tide. There are some real shallow areas in the river but overall, the waterway is fairly well marked. Just be careful to follow the markers closely as there are several sand bars you'll want to avoid. Better yet. find a local and follow him or her out!
Once out of the river, you can head across the bay to Plum island or follow the coastline of Crane's beach to the Essex river and head in for a nice ride. The Annisquam river (which brings you to Gloucester Harbor) is also a short trip. Crane's Beach and Plum Island are both great spots to anchor for the day. If you have kids, stay away from the tip of Plum Island (Sandy Point) as the current and riptides are very strong there.
newt posted 08-06-2007 07:22 AM ET (US)
Sail16, did you get out to Cranes Beach this past weekend? It was perfect weather to be on the water. I was a few miles North of Cranes in the Merrimack.

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Author	Topic: Crane Beach / Ipswich MA Advice Wanted
sail16	posted 07-31-2007 08:27 AM ET (US) We're considered taking the boat up to Crane Beach this weekend. Any advice on where / when to launch, what to look out for, places not to miss would be appreciated.
gstevens	posted 07-31-2007 11:05 AM ET (US) If you want to launch in Ipswich, use the town ramp (on East St.) I think they charge $10 or $15 for non residents. The ramp offers limited parking so if you arrive too late, you'll get stuck parking in the town hall lot which is about 1/4 mile from the ramp. The dock attendant will show you the way. Depending on what model whaler you have, be sure to arrive a minimum of 2 hrs. before or after low tide. There are some real shallow areas in the river but overall, the waterway is fairly well marked. Just be careful to follow the markers closely as there are several sand bars you'll want to avoid. Better yet. find a local and follow him or her out! Once out of the river, you can head across the bay to Plum island or follow the coastline of Crane's beach to the Essex river and head in for a nice ride. The Annisquam river (which brings you to Gloucester Harbor) is also a short trip. Crane's Beach and Plum Island are both great spots to anchor for the day. If you have kids, stay away from the tip of Plum Island (Sandy Point) as the current and riptides are very strong there.
newt	posted 08-06-2007 07:22 AM ET (US) Sail16, did you get out to Cranes Beach this past weekend? It was perfect weather to be on the water. I was a few miles North of Cranes in the Merrimack.