Harbor Committee recommends ferry fee increases, keeps boat size limit
Harbor Advisory Committee backs ferry lease hikes, keeps boat size limit. The committee recommended fee increases for three ferry operators: Island Queen to $39,600 from $36,000 annually; Rhode Island Fast Ferry to $31,900 from $29,000; and Patriot Boat to $15,900 from $12,000. Harbor Master Emily
Harbor Advisory Committee · Meeting of April 15, 2026
OAK BLUFFS — Harbor Advisory Committee backs ferry lease hikes, keeps boat size limit. The committee recommended fee increases for three ferry operators: Island Queen to $39,600 from $36,000 annually; Rhode Island Fast Ferry to $31,900 from $29,000; and Patriot Boat to $15,900 from $12,000. Harbor Master Emily DeBettencourt said the Patriot Boat adjustment addressed past undercharging.
In a separate unanimous vote, the committee rejected a Shellfish Commission-backed proposal to allow 40-foot quahog dragging boats, keeping the current 30-foot limit after DeBettencourt reported complaints about dragging operations.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 342 words
Source: the Harbor Advisory Committee meeting of April 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Oak Bluffs meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Oak Bluffs who follows town government? Share Townbrief Oak Bluffs: they can sign up free.