"The Basin" is one of the most popular gunk holes on Casco Bay. Picture a small to medium size lake. Then, picture it being connected to the open water by a quarter mile stretch of narrow channel- sometimes perhaps 50' across. (
see location chart below or view satillite map.)
Well, The Basin isn't a lake. It's a body of water so well protected that you'll often miss the gentle rolling of the water while you sleep.
Even at low tide, the channel connecting The Basin to the ocean has some 6 feet of water. Most of it is 10-20 feet. The Basin itself has from 12 to 30 feet. The bottom is mostly soft for easy anchoring. All the moorings are private. The Basin is generally of good depth, but there are some rocks and shallow areas so pay attention to your chart and depthsounder.
One thing to keep in mind: the surrounding area is residential, so it's best to take loud parties elsewhere.
Small State Owned Island
There's a very small state owned island in the Basin that is perfect for the kids to explore. (
see location chart below.) You'll frequently see campers enjoying the solitude of "owning" their own island for the night. Approach by dingy.
The Basin as a Community
No matter what time you arrive at The Basin, you'll find several boats inside. But wait until dusk, and you'll soon see a parade of boats, one after another, like a line of baby ducks following their mom. One after another they pull in, drop anchor, and relax for the evening.
The mornings in August are particularly stunning - the stillness of water and wind so absolute, that you forget you're on a boat and not in your home. One-by-one boaters arise to meet this perfect morning on a perfect day.
You'll see birds and fish interacting, and hear sounds that come from one side of The Basin as easy as if they came from the next boat over.
Or enjoy as one neighbor did, the sights of a young lady in a swimsuit on another boat's deck, taking an early morning shower. The gentleman with the binoculars was getting his morning workout; back and forth between binoculars and coffee.
Something for everyone in The Basin.