Legal Definitions - private wharf

A private wharf is a structure built alongside or projecting into water, such as a river, lake, or ocean, that is owned and primarily used by a private individual, company, or organization, rather than being open for general public use.

Unlike a public wharf, which is typically managed by a government entity and accessible to anyone for loading, unloading, or mooring vessels, a private wharf's access and use are restricted by its owner. This means its primary purpose is to serve the specific needs of the owner or authorized users, rather than the broader public.

Here are some examples illustrating a private wharf:

• Example 1: Residential Property

  Imagine a homeowner who owns a waterfront property on a large lake. They construct a wooden dock and pier extending from their backyard into the lake. This structure is used exclusively by the homeowner and their guests to moor their personal boat, launch kayaks, or fish directly from their property. This is a private wharf because it is owned by an individual and its use is restricted to that individual and those they permit, not the general public.

• Example 2: Commercial Fishing Company

  A commercial fishing company operates its business from a specific location along a coastal harbor. They own a substantial pier where their fleet of fishing trawlers docks, unloads their catch, refuels, and undergoes maintenance. Access to this pier is controlled by the company, and only their employees, authorized suppliers, and specific customers are allowed to use it. This wharf is private because it serves the exclusive operational needs of the fishing company and is not available for public vessels to dock or unload.

• Example 3: Yacht Club Facility

  A private yacht club, accessible only to its paying members, maintains an extensive wharf system along a river. Members can moor their sailboats and powerboats at designated slips, access club facilities, and participate in club-organized events from this wharf. Non-members are generally not permitted to use the docking facilities. This is a private wharf because its ownership and use are restricted to the members of the yacht club, making it a facility for a specific private group rather than the general public.