Ryder Cove Inlet

About

Introduction:

Ryder Cove is located off Chatham Harbor and Pleasant Bay southwest of Strong Island on the eastern part of Cape Cod. Inside Ryder Cove there are two extensive mooring fields that straddle a medium-sized and well-equipped marina. Although the approach can be a bit tricky for deep-draft boats, Ryder Cove makes up for it in providing a quiet and well protected setting for an evening's rest.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13248.

Ryder Cove and its approach, like most of the tributaries of Chatham Harbor and Pleasant Bay is unmarked. If you choose to enter Chatham Harbor and navigate the water up and into Ryder Cove, you should arm yourself not only with the latest edition of the NOAA Chart listed above, but also with advanced local knowledge from local sources and an accurate and operating depth sounder. It is necessary to dead reckon your position here and feel your way along the channels.

The entrance at Chatham Harbor is unmarked and subject to continuous shoaling. You should only attempt the inlet with advance local knowledge. The Chatham Inlet Bar Guide Light stands to help mariners navigate in from offshore.

Once you have cleared the Chatham Inlet, take a course north toward Nauset beach, favoring the east side of the channel up to Allen Point, where you will make a turn to the west toward the opening at Bassing Harbor. The channel into Bassing Harbor favors the north end toward Fox Hill. Once you have cleared the opening, head south into Ryder Cove.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.