Boating Guidelines

Lake Attitash can be accessed by boaters using the State Boat Ramp at the bottom of Attitash Ave in Merrimac, MA. During the summer, the boat ramp is monitored by a volunteers who inspect boats for invasive weeds and can give you information about the lake. To prevent boat ramp erosion, please be sure that you do not power load your boats.

Boating laws, including speeding boats, are enforced by the Environmental Police. To report violations, please contact them at 800-632-8075 for 24 hour dispatch.

Jet skis are prohibited on Lake on Lake Attitash for both environmental, safety and noise concerns and the use of a jet ski is subject to a $200 fine.

The following excerpts are from MGL and Section 323, Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR):

  • Safe Speed depends on conditions at the time you are operating. Conditions include:
    • Wind, water, visibility and current
    • Your boat’s maneuverability
    • How close you are to navigational hazards
    • On inland waters of the State, 45 miles per hour is the Maximum allowed, unless posted otherwise
  • Swimming Areas:
    • Operators are prohibited from operating to within 150 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
    • Operators are prohibited from operating to within 75 feet of floats or markers that designate swimming areas
  • Headway Speed: defined as the maximum speed a vessel may be operated to maintain steerage way, but not to exceed 6 miles per hour
    • Don’t operate your boat at more than headway speed when within 150 to 300 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
    • Use headway speed within 150 feet of a marina, ramp, raft or float
    • Use headway speed within 150 feet of a swimmer
    • Come to headway speed when your vision is obscured by a bend in the waterway or any other reason
    • Make sure that your wake doesn’t rock other boats, docks, etc. Your wake is considered a part of your boat, and you are responsible for any damage or injury caused by your wake.

For more information on Massachusetts Boating Law, contact www.mass.harbormasters.org/MassBoatingLaw