Cruising to Chatham: A Transient Boater’s Guide to Outermost Harbor
Chatham is the elbow of Cape Cod — the natural stopover between Nantucket Sound and the outer Cape, and one of the prettiest harbors on the coast to spend a night in. Here’s what visiting boaters need to know.
The short version
- Transient dockage for boats up to 55 feet, a night or a week
- Book online with instant confirmation at
- Just inside the Chatham inlet — minimal harbor transit to open water
- Fuel dock, ship’s store, and certified Yamaha & Mercury service five minutes away at our 157 Enterprise Drive shop
- 83 Seagull Road — walkable to a quiet corner of Chatham, a short ride to
Main Street
Approach and local knowledge
The Chatham bars shift — genuinely, year to year — and local knowledge matters more here than almost anywhere on the Cape. Hail us on VHF channel 80 on approach — we monitor it — or call (508) 945-2030, and we’ll talk you in with current conditions. Our live tides and conditions page carries the tide state and forecast we use ourselves.
Why cruisers stop here
Reliable deep-water access at most tides, a protected basin, and a family-run yard that’s been at this since 1998. If something on the boat needs attention, our service department works on transient boats too — the rare stopover where a Yamaha or Mercury issue can actually get fixed before you leave.
While you’re here
The seal colonies are resident all season; Main Street is Chatham at its best; and if you’ve ever wanted to see a great white, this is the place on the east coast to do it.