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Seven Great East Coast Anchorages

Boundbound Peer to Peer Boat Rental shares its East Coast spots.
How to Raft Up With Other Boats
Where is your place to raft up or anchor out?

As we covered in our February issue, peer to peer boating is becoming a popular way for people to enjoy boating at destinations all over the country. Read the article to get the landscape of how to do it and what companies offer peer-to-peer boating opportunities. Boatbound, one of the companies we listed in the article, sent us a list of its seven favorite summer anchorages along the eastern seaboard. (Well, one’s a lake, but New Hampshire is a coastal state.) Of course, Boatbound has vetted owners near each locale ready to rent you their boat. Overall, it’s a list we like.

What say you? Do you agree with this list of seven? Do you have other places in mind that should be mentioned? Let us know your favorite spots, too.

Braun Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
The sandbar here is one of the best places to hang on Winnie. The water is only a few feet deep, making it a great place to swim, paddle board or raft up. Idea not only for a little party scene but also for families and kids too.

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World’s End, Hingham, MA
Only about 10 nm from Boston Harbor, the east side of World’s End in Hingham, MA, offers a beautiful protected cove. Here’s a great place to barbecue, sunbathe and spend the day in the gorgeous, shallow cove. It can be a busy place on a weekends too. Be sure to dock up by Sea Dog Brew Pub (Hull, MA) on your way down or back for a drink and a bite.

Hadley Harbor, Cape Cod, MA
Hadley Harbor is widely known as one of the best protected and most beautiful places to anchor in the area. Although there are no amenities here you’ll find it a stunning place to spend and afternoon picnicking and swimming or for an overnight. The surrounding islands are all beautiful, and you can spot the Forbes Mansion nearby. Once you’re here you’re only a few miles from some amazing other places to explore like the Vineyard, Cuttyhunk and Tarpaulin Cove.

Cold Spring Harbor, NY
On the north shore of Long Island, NY, the protected waters of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor are ideal for anchoring out. Whether it’s picnicking, tubing, or overnighting this spot is a serene respite from the bustling of New York City, only 40 miles away. Check out Sand Hole and explore the sandy shoals and calm waters.

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Mattawoman Creek, Potomac River, Washington, DC
If you’re near Washington, DC, and you want to boat on Potomac River, we’d recommend dropping anchor just off Mattawoman Creek. You’re right across from Tim’s Rivershore, if you’re in the mood for a little more action and some local fare (definitely worth stopping by!), but you’ll find this area to be a peaceful contrast. The water gets shallow as you get close to the shore, so drop anchor and bob around in the secluded flat water. Launch from nearby Leesylvania State Park.

Morris Island, SC
Not far from downtown Charleston, SC, Morris Island has 2 beaches that are accessible only by boat. It’s secludedand has great views of Fort Sumter. On the weekends it can be more of a party beach, but on the other side of Morris Island there is a strip of beach in the inlet that is more family friendly. It helps to have local knowledge to be able to navigate to it, but once you’re there you’ll feel a world away.

Haulover Sandbar, Miami, FL
This is the best spot for a floating social scene in Biscayne Bay. If you’re in the mood for a happening place the weekends, the white sandbar here can be packed with boats anchored out for the day. During the week, however, you can find a more calm atmosphere to enjoy the bright, clear water. At low tide you can get out and hang on the sand. Plus it’s a great spot to bring paddle boards and rafts too.

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SUGGESTED READING:

HOW TO RAFT UP WITH OTHER BOATS

10 BEST PLACES TO LIVE AND BOAT

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ANCHORING AT NIGHT

TIPS FOR PROPERLY SETTING AN ANCHOR

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