Merrimac River Rowing Association | Top Boat Club in Lowell, MA Skip to content

Merrimac River Rowing Association

500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854
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About

Lowell, Massachusetts, is home to Merrimac River Rowing Association, a nonprofit rowing club based at the Bellegarde Boathouse in Lowell Heritage State Park. This boat club welcomes public membership for individuals, families and students, with rowing programs for newcomers and experienced participants. For boating near Lowell, members can pursue recreational or competitive rowing, training, regattas and social participation.

Boat club membership starts with a membership type, then members select a program such as Logbook Sculling, Masters Sculling, Open Sculling or Off Peak Sculling for their rowing participation. The Association maintains single and double sculls plus a quadruple scull for members who demonstrate boat-handling and safety knowledge; members may also seek limited private-boat rack storage and launch permission for car-topped boats. With shared equipment and facilities, the club offers an alternative to boat ownership for eligible rowers. Contact the association to explore membership and get on the water.

Features

  • Programs for all abilities
  • Recreational and competitive rowing
  • Learn to row instruction
  • Informal coaching on request
  • Flexible member rowing access

Amenities

  • Restrooms & Showers
  • Waterfront & Access
  • Fleet & Boat Types
  • Boat Storage

Why book with us

  • Choose a membership type before selecting a program
  • Complete required safety steps before getting on water
  • Row independently whenever weather conditions permit
  • Arrange outings with other club members
  • Build rowing skills through informal coaching on request

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts sets 12 as the minimum age to operate a motorboat without direct adult supervision, if the operator satisfies the applicable boater safety certificate rule; personal watercraft operators must be at least 16. A child under 12 may operate a motorboat only while accompanied on board and directly supervised by a certificate holder at least 18. Direct supervision requires visual contact and verbal communication at all times while underway.

Certification is phased by birth date under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 90B, section 9E: people born after January 1, 1989, have been covered since April 1, 2026; those born on or before that date must comply by April 1, 2028. Rental operators set their own minimums, so confirm when booking.

Source: Massachusetts Environmental Police and Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau (mass.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a boater safety certificate, rather than a boating license, for motorboat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1989; those born on or before that date must comply by April 1, 2028. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16. Children under 12 may operate a motorboat only under direct onboard supervision by a certified adult age 18 or older.

Rental customers are not generally exempt, and temporary rental certificates are only under consideration for lower power boats. Exemptions include direct supervision, qualifying nonresident certificates, merchant mariner credentials, certain military and commercial fishing operators, and recent boat buyers carrying a temporary certificate. Massachusetts Environmental Police administers the program.

Source: Massachusetts Environmental Police (mass.gov)

What are the best places to go boating in Massachusetts?

Some of Massachusetts’ best boating variety is found in Boston Harbor, the Connecticut River, Otis Reservoir, and the connected Knops Pond and Lost Lake. Around Boston, the harbor combines coastal boating with several islands that are accessible by private boat.

In the Connecticut River corridor, state access points serve motorboats, fishing boats, canoes, and rowing craft. Inland, Otis Reservoir in Otis and Tolland offers a large great pond with trailered and cartop access, while Groton’s Knops Pond and Lost Lake form a connected lake system used for boating, fishing, and water skiing.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (mass.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations in Massachusetts?

Popular Massachusetts boating destinations include the Boston Harbor Islands for skyline views, swimming and historic sites; Falmouth and Woods Hole for harbor scenery and boat access to Martha’s Vineyard; Nantucket Harbor for sailing and preserved seaport character; Gloucester Harbor for fishing heritage and schooner outings; and Plymouth Harbor for waterfront views near Mayflower II, plus whale watching and fishing trips. Together, these destinations offer a mix of island stops, working harbors, maritime history and open coastal water.

Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (mass.gov)

Location

500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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