Dinghies beware, a new launch service is in the works for Mattapoisett Harbor.

On Tuesday, March 27, the Board of Selectmen discussed plans for a private company to run a launch service - for the convenience of boaters and to alleviate traffic caused by the addition of 55 new moorings in the harbor.

The launch service will taxi boaters from Barstow Wharf to their boats for a fee, sidestepping the need for dinghies.

“The launch service would make the harbor safer and could even make it a greener harbor,” said Marine Advisory Board Chair Alan Gillis.

“The launch service is going to use one engine instead of 30, 40, 50 tiny outboards.”

Gillis said the service has been requested by many Mattapoisett residents.

“There are a lot of people in town who paid their dues,” he said. “They deserve a launch service.”

The Board of Selectmen and Marine Advisory Board sent out a request for potential service providers and received applications from two local businesses.

“Both had excellent proposals but brought up a ton of questions we hadn’t thought about like where is it going to be? What will the hours be? What about insurance?” said Gillis.

At their March 27 meeting, the Selectmen decided to modify the original requirements for the launch service and reissue the application.

Under a three-year contract, the provider will be expected to run the service from June 15 until Labor Day.

Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday through Sunday and until 30 minutes after sunset on weekdays, said Town Administrator Michael Gagne.

The costs for the service will be determined by the company, said the Selectmen.

The deadline for the new applications is April 18 and Selectmen will choose a company soon thereafter.

Gillis expects the previous two companies to reapply, and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more applications.”

He admitted that time is running short to get the launch service in place for this year’s boating season.

“I’d love to see something happen this year, even if it’s on a preliminary basis.”