Buoy Report

Hancock Pond Buoy Program

Hancock Pond is one of the few small ponds in Maine which have buoys. They are very helpful, especially for motor boats, considering many high risk areas on the pond.

In all we have thirty one buoys. There are eighteen hazard area buoys. These are white with an orange diamond which means danger. This buoy marks rocks, ledges, shoals, and submerged hazards. If they are in a pair, do not go between them. If they are in a group of three creating a triangle stay out of the triangle. There are two of these triangles on the pond.

If you see a red and white vertical strip buoy do not go between this buoy and shore. It marks shallow area or rocks between the buoy and shore.

The third type of buoy on Hancock Pond is the rock buoy. Rock is written on the marker. This buoy marks rocks which are close to the surface and consequently very dangerous to boating. It is wise to keep a healthy distance from these buoys because the anchor is on one side of the rock, which could be very large, and the buoy could be in different locations according to the wind direction.

Another important rule is to not to tie up to buoys. The main reason is that you could pull the buoy into deepwater and the buoy will disappear. Also there is a fine if caught tied to a buoy

If you see a red and a white vertical strip buoy, do not go between this buoy and the shore. It marks a shallow area and/or rocks which are close to the surface and dangerous to for boating.

If you have questions, you can call me at (207) 883-6574 (home) or (207) 787-2893 (pond) or Carl Harbourt at (207) 452-2285. If you have a Pond map, you will find it very helpful.

It would be very helpful if you discussed the buoy information with relatives, friends and renters who use boats on Hancock Pond.

Richard Johnson