Lake Hopatcong trouble?

[lakesend]

Hi everyone, I am close to pulling the trigger on the Yamaha SX210. We have access to a slip on Lake Hopatcong. The dealer is saying of course the weeds there are no problem, but locally the marinas are all saying you have to have a prop (since they don't sell jet). Does anyone dock on Lake Hopatcong? Or spend a lot of time there? I'd like to make sure as the weed situation here is definitely unique. Thanks so much!

 

[VitaminSea]

Saw this similar thread. It’s from 5 years ago, but it’s some feedback...

I also believe @swatski is in that neck of the woods.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/lake-hopatcong-nj.7171/

 

[lakesend]

Thanks, I reached out to him directly as well. I appreciate it!

 

[swatski]

Hi everyone, I am close to pulling the trigger on the Yamaha SX210. We have access to a slip on Lake Hopatcong. The dealer is saying of course the weeds there are no problem, but locally the marinas are all saying you have to have a prop (since they don't sell jet). Does anyone dock on Lake Hopatcong? Or spend a lot of time there? I'd like to make sure as the weed situation here is definitely unique. Thanks so much!

We are in the great cove in LHM, Lake Hopatcong Marine. Yes, where we slip everyone is told to buy a real ski boat, lol. Ron will hook you up!

But seriously, yes the lake is fine. Yes, there are weeds. Yes, there is plenty of clear water in this lake. We were lucky to get a slip which is at the head/front of outer-most dock and it is more exposed but also pretty clear water, some of the inside/more secluded slips can be more overgrown with weed by mid-summer, so I would take notice.
But actually bigger issue than weeds (as far as water sports) is weekend congestion. Need to get out early to not have to fight junk water from hundreds of boats' wakes. It is a gorgeous lake with plenty of restaurants, amazing views, and friendly crowds. Zero concerns for running a jet boat, overall.

--

 

[anmut]

When I've run through weed patches I bump up my No-Wake mode to get those blender blades chopping - I may even do some "bursts" with the throttle. Haven't had an issue yet.

 

[Stevepro172]

I keep my boat at Greenwood lake which is 40 minutes north of Lake Hopatcong. Between mid may and mid June I cannot use my boat because of all the seaweed on the south end of the lake. Of course my marina is at the southern most tip and you can walk on the seaweed about a 1/2 mile! Once the water warms up the seaweed dies and everything is fine. Some seaweed is no problem like patches, if it is solid you will have an issues.

 

[ourlee]

I’m on Hopat with waverunners. There’s a few acres on the entire lake I won’t go. A non-issue. EVERY marina on the lake bad mouths jet boats lol. Reach out, the Cobalt is in (at stone water) and the waverunners soon (Johnny’s) You need to come out with me 6am on a weekday, we‘ll go 70. Check son 2

@lakesend
they go in Wednesday! You’ll be on moms red SHO

 

[06c6z06]

Can image the lake now. I was in the Army at Picatinny Arsenal in the 69 to 71 time frame and a close friend had a place on the lake. Its great late or early but gets very busy during the day. We when out for the fireworks on the 4th and when I got back I kissed the land. I have never seen such crazy's at night. Would never do that again! Too small of lake for too many boats at night. Great lake though!!!!

 

[AshleyPro83]

Husband is from Hopatcong and I'm from Long Valley, we live down south now (thank God lol, we don't miss Jersey!). That lake was busy years ago, I can't imagine how busy is gets now!! The weeds were terrible when I used to go with family out boating. I don't have any advice but stay safe, especially on busy holidays, it's crazy out there!

 

[ourlee]

We love our lake. Have tons of friends what we dislike is 9k real estate taxes

 

[AshleyPro83]

Ouch! Yeah, I don't miss those NJ taxes. Our families still live there and boat on the lake. They enjoy it too, but not the taxes either.

 

[ourlee]

Heading out in an hour