I have kept my boat at Constitution Marina since 2019. It is a special place. The best thing about it is the community. It feels like a real neighborhood because of the large share of year-round liveaboards. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, fun, as well as safe. You never have to worry about your boat while you’re away. What’s more, the community is especially generous. If you have a problem, or want advice, you can be sure to find someone will gladly help you out. I’ve lost count of how many times a neighbor has dropped everything to assist me in big and small ways when I didn’t even ask. It’s a diverse and inclusive scene and people like to mix; you’ll see impromptu parties on the docks all the time in the summer, and the marina organizes social events as well. As for boats, it’s a nice mix of sail and power, including many unique vessels. I find it to be a perfect location in Boston Harbor: USS Constitution is our venerable neighbor; it’s conveniently walkable, with close by shopping and dining right there in Charlestown, and in 15 minutes walking you can be in the North End, where you’ll find the North Station rail transit hub, TDI Garden, and much else. The marina connects by foot path to a lovely landscaped park along the Charles River, which you can follow as far as the Museum of Science. The marina building has first-rate amenities, including four hotel-quality private bathrooms with showers, ample pay laundry machines that accept all forms of payment, a big deck with a pool, grills, and shaded seating. There’s a pumpout boat that comes around on request. Seasonal contract holders get a pass to park in a dedicated marina lot. Many excellent marine services professionals are available to work in the marina and since it does not have a boat yard, working with outside contractors is hassle-free and they are welcome. The docks are gated and accessed by electronic key fob. There is a Marriott Hotel right on top of the marina which is often convenient.
Very cute club, with friendly people—the Commodore and VC guessed I might be a visiting yachtsman and came to introduce themselves—nice private shower, easy mooring close to the clubhouse, and a launch running 0800-2000 that comes right away. Possible to Uber into Gloucester for provisions but that can be iffy. No stores in easy walking distance.
I couldn’t recommend this marina more. I had the engine of my sailboat die a mile from the marina so I changed my slip reservation to a mooring and sailed onto my mooring. Ever since, everyone at the marina, from the launch operators to the office staff, has been beyond helpful, accommodating, and nice as I’ve tried to deal with my engine trouble. The facilities are very attractive and modern. and the COVID safety precautions and procedures are well thought out and conscientiously followed. The location is beautiful and it is a three minute or less walk from the docks to the heart of town.
The dockmaster was very helpful. I was sailing singlehanded so a work boat from the marina met me and a young man came aboard prior to entering the marina to help with my lines. I got a nice place to tie up on the outer dock and spent a quiet restful night. The docks are well maintained and the facilities are good. I had a good shower and walked into town. The marina is very well located to walk to everything in Salem.
Clean and orderly marina, dead quiet at night despite being right in downtown Salem. The Finz restaurant just a few steps away from your slip is excellent and provides ample outdoor seating. Walk 10-15 to all the historical attractions and fun shops in town.