Mere Point Brunswick Maine Boat Launch OPENS
The dual-lane, concrete ribbed ramp on Mere Point is about 6 miles south of downtown Brunswick is ideally situated for easy access to Casco Bay. The new ramp features a large parking lot (55 spaces) and 24 hour all-tide access, however, parking overnight is not authorized.
Above: Grand opening festivities. Lots of happy people were gathered to witness the first boat launches and speeches by officials. Photo by BoatMaine.
Above: Approaching top of ramp. The turn radius (shown by the pavement markings) is quite small, limiting the size of the boat/trailer combination that can use it. It was designed for boat+trailer+truck of no more than 48'. My Magregor 26' sailboat, trailer and short bed truck is 49'! Large Commercial boats should probably avoid the ramp completely.
The Mere Point location offers boaters easy public access to fairly protected inner-Casco bay waters. Unlike Brunswick's other all-tide public ramp at Sawyers Road ramp on the New Meadows River, the Mere Point ramp has the advantage of fast access to a wide body of water. From Sawyers, one must traverse the New Meadows 8-10 miles before you reach expansive water. Besides the obvious waste of gas, it simply becomes monotonous. Mere Point is a welcomed respite.
Pleasure Yes, Commercial No
However, the Mere Point facility is intended for smaller pleasure boats. Commercial boats on trailers will have a hard time navigating the site's tight turning radius at the top of the ramp. (See image at top of page). So, commercial boats need to consider alternatives to Mere Point.
According to Dan Devereaux, Marine Resources Officer and Harbor Master for the town of Brunswick, the launch facility is aimed at boat + trailers + cars of 48' or less. Upon hearing this, I measured my 26' trailerable sailboat and short bed pickup and found it reached 49 feet! Here's hoping the designers used a safety factor!
Parking for Boaters at Mere Point
In Maine, there are lots of ramps, but there are very, very few that can be considered all-tide plus offer parking. Both the Maine Coast Guide and BoatMaine have both called Sawyer the model boat launch; Mere Point may take the crown away from Sawyer because of its paved, well organized and plentiful parking.
There are posted signs that specify no overnight parking, which at first glance puts a crimp on 2-3 day pleasure trips. However, Officer Devereaux said that the town is looking at options for overnight parking. In essence the biggest issue to overnight parking is safety - should a boater launch and get in trouble, a parked vehicle is a sign of a possible problem. Boater's who find themselves overnighting unintentionally are asked to contact Officer Devereaux at Brunswick PD: (207)725-6631. A quick call and message that you're fine will prevent false alarms.
Pumpouts, Water and Head Facilities
Although there is no pumpout station on site, a free station is available a stone's throw to the north at Paul's Marina. (See chart below). So, boater's can take care of... business while visiting the excellent facilities of Paul.
Getting There by Road - Careful!
Once in Brunswick, go south on Maine Street. After a short mile Maine Street becomes Mere Point Road. Take Mere Point Road about 6 miles south. Look for a sign for Paul's Marina. A short distance after the sign for Paul's Marina will be a boat launch sign. If you miss it you will quickly enter the gated (private) end of Mere Point Road where the locals will probably not welcome you with open arms! The boat launch sign is easy to see so you should not have a problem.
NOTE: Please drive carefully, the road is frequented by children and joggers.
One problem you will have this summer (2008) is the condition of Mere Point Road. YUCK! For about half your journey you'll be impressed with what a great two lane road it is. However the 2nd half of your journey will find a road pitted and potholed, enough that you'll want to slow down and navigate the pavement carefully. Repairs for the road are scheduled for next season, so this year we'll have to live with it. Drive slowly and you'll be fine.
Links of Interest
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Link to a Google Maps Satellite view of the boat launch area and Paul's Marina. (Note: their photo has not been updated to show the physical launch).
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Brunswick Downtown website (info about food and fun in downtown Brunswick)
