FAQs • Falmouth, MA • CivicEngage

I just bought a house with a mooring. How do I put the mooring in my name?: Moorings do not convey with a property. The mooring holder must notify our office in writing if they will not be using the mooring any longer. The mooring will be added to the "pool" and a wait list applicant will be assigned that mooring permit. The new mooring may not be in the same location as the old one since access may be restricted.

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Harbormaster

1. How do I get a mooring?: Falmouth Harbors are wait listed. Between January 1st and March 15th you may fill out a wait list form for up to two harbors, pay a $10 fee for each list, and your name will be added to the wait list. Residents of Falmouth as well as non-residents are allowed to apply for a mooring permit.

2. How long will I have to wait for a mooring?: The length of time you'll have to wait for a mooring varies from harbor to harbor. General information about wait times for specific harbors can be found on our
2020 Waiting Lists.

3. Once I have a mooring, can I sell or transfer it to someone else?: Moorings may not be sold. Transfers are only allowed between direct blood relatives, using our Mooring Transfer Request Form (PDF).

4. I just bought a house with a mooring. How do I put the mooring in my name?: Moorings do not convey with a property. The mooring holder must notify our office in writing if they will not be using the mooring any longer. The mooring will be added to the "pool" and a wait list applicant will be assigned that mooring permit. The new mooring may not be in the same location as the old one since access may be restricted.

5. There are moorings that never have a boat on them. Isn't that against regulations?: No. Town regulations state a mooring must have a vessel assigned to it (properly registered or documented if applicable), but the boat does not have to occupy the mooring. For complete information, view Town Code 231: Waterways Regulations (PDF).

6. I'm buying a new boat. Do I have to inform the Harbormaster's Office?: Yes. You must request permission to put a different boat on your mooring and you must supply us with a copy of the registration or documentation. The proof of ownership must be in the mooring permit holder's name. The new boat may not occupy the mooring until approval is received. Permission may be granted pending certain conditions such as a tackle upgrade to accommodate a larger vessel. Tackle sizes and weight specifications can be found on our website.

7. I'm not using my mooring this season. Am I allowed to rent it ?: No. It is against Town regulations to rent moorings. Only commercial mooring permit holders such as certain boatyards have the right to rent moorings.

8. Does the Town Marina rent moorings or slips on a nightly basis?: The Town Marina rents slips only. To learn more about fees, you may call our office at 508-457-2550 beginning February 2nd, or you may visit our
Fees Page.

9. Where can I get a pump out?: From June to Labor Day we run a pump out boat service. Call our office at 508-457-2550 for an appointment. If you don't want to wait for a pump out, there is a pump out station located at the head of the harbor. Call our office for details.