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1. How do I register my boat?

Renewing a Boat Registration

Boat registrations can be renewed online.

New Boat Registration

Boat, Recreation Vehicle & Snowmobile Registration Bureau
251 Causeway Street
Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114

Boats 14 Feet & Over - Documents Required

• Bill of Sale - Name, address and signature of the seller must be on the bill of sale. See note 1.
• Title from the seller signed over to the new buyer (If the boat is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, a Deletion Letter is required. You can contact the Coast Guard at 800-799-8362)
• If your boat is purchased brand new from a registered boat dealer, department store or internet sales, an original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin is required.
• Proof of sales tax paid (Sales tax form Form ST-6 or Form ST-6E). You can pay this 6.25% tax online and print out your receipt.
• Pencil tracing of the hull ID number (serial number) See note 2.
• Completed application - Registration and Titling Application
• Required fees - check or money order only, no cash, debit or credit cards accepted. Checks are payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Boats Under 14 Feet - Documents Required

• Bill of Sale - Name, address and signature of the seller must be on the bill of sale. See note 1 below
• Proof of sales tax paid (Sales tax form Form ST-6 or Form ST-6E). You can pay this 6.25% tax online and print out your receipt.
• Pencil tracing of the hull ID number (serial number). See note 2.
• If boat is purchased brand new, from a registered boat dealer, department store or internet sales, a copy of the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin is required.
• Completed application - Registration and Titling Application
• Required fees - check or money order only, no cash, debit or credit cards accepted. Checks are payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2. How do I pay or appeal a boating citation or violation?

Pursuant to the authority granted by c.102/90B/111 of the General Laws and c.28 s.3(1)/8(3) of the Town By-Laws:

"The Town of Danvers authorizes the Harbormaster and Assistant Harbormaster's to enforce all state and local laws in Danvers Harbor. Any violation of equipment, safety and operational standards may be enforced by means of non-criminal citation pursuant to c.40 s.21D of the General Laws or by means of criminal complaint."

What should I do if I received a ticket/citation?

If you were issued a "Massachusetts Uniform Environmental Violation Notice", the fine must be paid no later than 21 days after the date of violation to the
Clerk Magistrate of Salem District Court
65 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970

If you are requesting a hearing, you must mail the citation along with a written request for a hearing to: 
Salem District Court
65 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970

Note: If violation is not paid within 21 days a criminal complaint is issued.

If you were issued a "Danvers Harbor Violation", you have 21 days from the date of issue to pay the fine or request a hearing. If you are paying a fine or requesting a hearing, you must mail the violation along with payment or written request for a hearing to:
Danvers Harbormaster's Office
1 Sylvan Street
Danvers, MA 01923

Note: If violation is not paid within 21 days a criminal complaint is issued.

If a Town Ticket was issued for "failure to obtain a permit sticker" you must obtain the permit prior to mailing in the fine payment. Do not mail cash. Only Postal Note, Money Order or Check.

3. How do I pay my mooring or dockage permit fee?

Mooring, dockage, slip and waiting list fees can be paid in person at the Harbormaster's Office, 8 Harbor Street or online using the link below. This link will bring you to our secure application site where you will be able to apply for or renew permits, apply to a waiting list, review your mooring and inspection information, view your mooring location, as well as make online payments.

Waterfront Online Permitting

4. Do I need a fishing permit for fresh water?

In Massachusetts, fishing licenses are required for all persons 15 years of age and over on inland waters. Anglers under 15 may fish, but do not need a license. To obtain a freshwater fishing license, visit the Freshwater Fishing Licenses page.

5. How do I get a slip at the Town’s public marina (Crane River Marina)

The Crane River Marina is the Town's only public marina and provides dockage for 68 vessels up to 25 feet in length. Dockage space is assigned from a waiting list with Danvers residents given priority. There is a one-time $6 fee to apply to the waiting list. Apply online at the Waiting List Application page.

6. Do I need a fishing permit for saltwater?

In Massachusetts, if you're 16 years or older, you need a recreational saltwater fishing permit to fish in Massachusetts. This permit may be issued from Massachusetts or from a nearby state that has a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts.

For ages 16-59, the cost of the permit is $10. Ages 60 and over must still have a permit to fish in Massachusetts but the permit is free. For more information or to apply for a permit, visit the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permits page.

7. How do I get a mooring for my boat?

The Harbormaster's office oversees the placement and permitting of 125 moorings. Moorings are privately owned by boaters and homeowners.

The Town of Danvers is not currently permitting new moorings, however, moorings being sold are offered to waiting list applicants. To apply to the mooring waiting list, visit the Online Waiting List Applications page.

8. Where can I launch my boat in Danvers?

Danvers has a public boat launch ramp at Pope's Landing on Liberty Street. For a minimum charge of $5 ($75 for the season) you can launch your boat using the ramp. The Landing also offers public restrooms, a lighted parking lot, scenic park, and picnic area.

There is a thirty-minute tie-up area at the public dock for boaters who want to enjoy the view and use the picnic area and facilities.