The center of the Kennebunk River is the border between the Towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, and the Town of Arundel borders the river along upper parts beyond the Rte. 9 bridge. The River and Mooring Basin is managed by a Harbormaster and the Kennebunk River Committee, each of whom are appointed by the Boards of Selectmen of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
From the mouth of the Kennebunk River at the entrance of the breakwater to a distance of about a mile north, the river is a Federal Channel. This portion is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Beyond that point, the channel is determined and maintained by the Towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The Kennebunk River is marked by the US Coast Guard with navigation aids, and the average depth at mean low water in the channel is about 6 feet.
The Kennebunk River boasts a diverse mix of both pleasure and commercial vessels. The main fishing industries here are lobstering and tuna fishing in the summer, along with shrimping and ground fishing in the winter. There are also several scenic and whale watch boats, as well as charter boats for fishing and sailing.
There are four marinas on the Kennebunk River, some of which accept transient boaters, as well as two town-owned transient moorings available at $25 per night, with a two night maximum stay. There is also a public dock near the entrance to the river for temporary tie ups that is close to shops and restaurants; however, there are no bathroom or shower facilities.
A floating, self-operated, pump-out barge for emptying boat holding tanks is also available, and located near the Arundel Yacht Club. This is a free service, and we encourage its use as we are a “No Discharge” area.
The Kennebunk River also has a small amount of moorings for which assignees pay a $150 annual fee. Moorings are assigned through a waiting list process at an annual cost of $15; residents and non-residents are eligible for a mooring. These fees help to defray the cost of managing the river. Please call the Harbormaster for an application, or any other information.
Thank you and safe boating.
Raymond Billings Kennebunk Harbormaster
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