Mattapoisett Boatyard Celebrating Grand Reopening

Nearly four years after the devastating five alarm fire tore through the Mattapoisett Boatyard, the waterfront landmark is ready to welcome the community back.

From Devastation To Rebuilding

On August 19, 2022, a massive fire broke out just after 1 p.m., sending thick smoke into the sky and drawing emergency crews from across the SouthCoast. Dozens of cars and boats on the property exploded as the blaze intensified, causing unthinkable damage and seriously injuring a boatyard employee. Residents on Ned's Point Road were evacuated as firefighters worked for hours to contain the fire.

It was the biggest fire in recorded Mattapoisett history. The destruction left a lasting impact on the town's community, but it also sparked a determined rebuilding effort.

Grand Re Opening Celebration Details

Now, the Mattapoisett Boatyard is celebrating its grand re opening with a community event that highlights both its comeback and its future. While the boatyard never really stopped operations, it is time to showcase the advancements and upgrades that the boatyard will enjoy after such a mind numbing setback.

Owner Ned Kaiser says the rebuilt facility represents a major step forward for the longtime local staple.

“We really wouldn’t be in this facility without the team that we have,” Kaiser said. “After we lost everything, they showed up that following Monday ready to do whatever they needed to do to get us through.”

Mattapoisett Boatyard Reaches Out to Westport's Mid City Scrap

Kaiser says seeing this week's massive fire at Mid City Scrap in Westport hit home, and he plans on calling the owners today. "If someone called me in the days after our fire and told me they had gone through the same thing 4 years ago, and that there's a light at the end of the tunnel, that would have helped morale a little bit."

Crowds are expected to be heavy, therefore parking at the Mattapoisett Boatyard will not be an option. However, it will be available at several locations including Ned’s Point Lighthouse, Barstow Wharf, Town Wharf public areas, Depot Street parking lot, and nearby village streets. Attendees are asked not to park directly at the boatyard.

To make transportation easier, a free launch service will run from Barstow Wharf to the boatyard between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Multiple boats will operate throughout the afternoon to minimize wait times.

A Community Comes Together

Kaiser says the re opening marks more than just the return of the business. It represents resilience, recovery, and the strength of a community that refused to let a tragedy define its future.

“The coolest thing is that there’s nothing like this in town,” he said. “Having a new state of the art facility is a really cool thing to be able to offer.”