There may not have been fireworks or large crowds of people cheering on from Mattapoisett’s historic harborside, but for the few that witnessed the launching of the new harbormaster’s boat July 4 was still a day for celebrations.
Previously requested by former Harbormaster Jill Simmons and supported by new harbormaster Jamie McIntosh as a necessity, the new boat represents the town’s commitment to safety in the deep harbor of Mattapoisett for residents and visitors alike. The new boat is a Stanley Bullnose with 250 horsepower, twin, outboard engines measuring 28 feet by 10 feet and features removal panels and drop-down side doors for ease in hauling accident victims or large items from the water.
The older boat, a Sea Hawk, was described as being primarily designed for fishing activities versus water rescues or law-enforcement needs. That boat was sold to help offset the costs of the new boat.
During a February 2019 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the board voted to appropriate $75,000 as a down payment contingent upon a positive vote demonstrating support by the Marine Advisory Board. The MAB voted in the affirmative. The total estimated price of the new boat is $150,000, according to McIntosh.
Earlier in the process of lobbying for a new boat, McIntosh met with the BOS on October 9, 2019. While the meeting covered a variety of waterfront-enterprise issues, a new boat was a primary topic. McIntosh explained that a new boat is needed to more efficiently handle the type of work and emergency activities encountered out on the water.
McIntosh said that after meeting with the Marine Advisory Board it was clear that issues around enforcing rules and regulations would be better served with more eyes out on the water during peak seasons and an “all hands on deck” approach. He noted that the prior boat was inefficient for most of the work typically done by his department, including pulling people out of the water. McIntosh said that Marion has a boat comparable to what Mattapoisett now has and that made him familiar with the new craft’s serviceability. He said that, with the significant type of weather Buzzards Bay is known for, twin engines are a must for power and back-up in the event one engine becomes disabled.
Then-Town Administrator Mike Gagne commented that, should a new boat be considered, the plan would also include selling the current harbormaster boat, a Sea Hawk, as well as a small Whaler.
At that time, Selectman Jordan Collyer said, “The boat is justified. We could take a five-year note for the boat,” but also added that costs associated with a new boat could be “lumped together” with wharf repairs into a larger 10-year bond. Collyer also stated that it was reasonable to spread the cost of a new boat across financing sources, not just born fully by boaters because, “Everyone uses the harbor.”
At Saturday’s unveiling, Collyer said, “It’s been a long time coming… it will serve the community for a long time.” Also on hand was Selectman Paul Silva who commented, “This is long overdue. I fully support it. Boating isn’t like 20 years ago; there’s a lot more activity out there.”
McIntosh expressed his sincere appreciation for support from town meeting and the boating community with a special shout-out to Lt. Ross Macedo for his expertise in wiring the boat and with electronics installation. He said that in order to be able to launch the boat on July 4, his team and others who assisted worked late into the night as well as working double shifts for nearly two weeks. In concluding his comments, McIntosh said, “I’m honored to be a part of this department and this day.”
By Marilou Newell
