Frequently Asked Questions

When to Arrive

Please plan to arrive 20-25 minutes before your scheduled rental time to check in, review your paperwork, and complete a safety and navigation briefing with our team. Bring the following with you:

• A valid driver’s license

• Your NJ Boating Safety Certificate (or accepted out-of-state equivalent)

• A credit card for the required security deposit

Location and Parking

Lake Hopatcong Boat Rentals 

Address: 89 Brady Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.    

Parking: Parking space is limited, so two cars are permitted per boat ONLY, please. Please drive slowly in the marina, 5mph maximum.

Highlands Boat Rentals

Address: 1 Atlantic Street, Highlands, NJ 07732. Our office is located on the Atlantic Street side of Baker’s Marina (southeast side of marina).

Parking: Parking space is limited, two cars per boat only please. Please drive slowly in the marina, 5mph maximum.

What to Bring

We also recommend bringing: sunscreen; towels; snacks; hats; and anything else you’d like for a comfortable day on the water.

Lake Hopatcong guests – don’t miss our “Greetings from Lake Hopatcong” mural at the base of our docks – a perfect spot to grab a group or family pic!

Our rental boats can safely accommodate up to 10 people total, including adults, children, and infants. Maximum passengers is 10 people (all ages count). This limit is set by safety regulations and vessel capacity and cannot be exceeded under any circumstances.

In addition to the passenger limit, all boats have weight and space limitations. Please use sensible restraint with coolers, bags, and gear; overloading is unsafe for your group and others on the water.

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, Bridge Marina may limit the number of passengers or the amount of gear on board if conditions require it. All renters must comply with federal and state boating laws, including those specific to tidal waters or Lake Hopatcong.

Your safety is our top priority, and following these limits helps ensure a smooth, stable, and enjoyable day on the water.

Yes. All Bridge Marina rental boats are equipped with Personal Flotation Devices/life jackets (PFDs) for adults. Guests are welcome to bring their own properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs if they prefer.

What about life jackets for kids? 

We have a rather wide array of varying sized life jackets for children. However, if you have younger children who have their own comfortable life jacket, we suggest to bring your own to avoid tears or complaints on docks and ensure the most comfortable option.

What about life jackets for infants?

We have a very limited selection of infant life jackets due to various expected reasons and variables for this age group (fit, comfort, and individual needs).  We highly suggest you consider bringing your own infant life jacket; we want to make sure your little one has the safest and most comfortable option possible.

Life Jacket Requirements for Children

New Jersey State and Federal laws require that all children 12 years of age and younger wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while a vessel is underway. Drivers, parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are wearing the proper life jacket as required by law.

Do you have life jackets for pets?

We have a very limited selection of pet life jackets due to various expected reasons.  We highly suggest you consider bringing your own pet life jacket.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Rental Driver and Guest to individually evaluate fit and applicability of Life Jackets for the entire crew.

Regardless of age, we strongly recommend that all passengers wear a life jacket at all times while boating.

Bridge Marina offers a fleet of premium, fully-loaded, current triple pontoon boats for rent on Lake Hopatcong and at the Jersey Shore in Highlands. Our top-of-the-line boats have been specifically chosen to meet a variety of our renters’ needs and local conditions. Our rental boats comfortably seat a maximum of ten passengers (or 1,300 lbs of passengers and gear) and are well appointed to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable boating experience.

Why We Rent Triple Pontoons on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands

We’ve specifically chosen Starcraft Marine triple pontoons because they give our guests:

• A smoother, more stable ride than standard pontoon boats

• Enough power for confident handling

• A layout that comfortably accommodates groups of up to ten passengers

• Premium seating and amenities (including shady bimini tops, Bluetooth stereos and more)

• A predictable, dependable boat rental experience every time

We don’t rent speedboats, jet skis, or bowriders. In our experience, triple pontoon boats provide a great experience for families and groups on Lake Hopatcong or Sandy Hook Bay. Interested in renting other types of boats? We suggest checking out boating club, which offers turn-key access to a wide variety of boats and also includes other perks!

Every Bridge Marina boat rental includes:

• Luxury Starcraft Marine triple pontoon boat – seats up to 10 passengers (or 1,300 lbs of people and gear).
• Comfortable seating and a spacious deck layout – ideal for families, friends, groups and celebrations. Check out our video walkthrough here.
• Bimini top for shade, swim ladder, swim deck, ample storage for bags/cooler/gear.
• Bluetooth stereo – bring your playlist!
• Fuel for your day of fun (fuel included on Lake Hopatcong – up to 10 gallons in Highlands)
• Pre-departure safety briefing
• Maps and local navigation guidance
• Friendly dockside assistance upon return

Yes! Bridge Marina Boat Club is Lake Hopatcong’s original boating club, proudly founded in 2006. For almost two decades, we’ve welcomed thousands of local boaters to a better, easier way to access Lake Hopatcong. Our Lake Hopatcong Boat Club is perfect for boaters looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy fantastic times on the water with friends and family. Simply show up to a ready-to-go premium boat and ship out. It’s boating made easy, right in your own backyard.

Looking to explore beyond Lake Hopatcong? Bridge Marina Boat Club also offers incredible boating access to Sandy Hook Bay at our Highlands location, giving our members the best of both worlds – the Jersey Shore and Lake Hopatcong, all in one flexible membership.

Yes! Bridge Marina offers the most flexible boat club membership plans in New Jersey. Unlike “one-size-fits-all” boat club memberships that force you into an expensive unlimited option, Bridge Marina Boat Club puts you in control. You simply choose a membership plan that fits how often you want to boat.

Bridge Marina Boat Club membership pricing is based on when and how frequently you plan to enjoy boating. Want unlimited boat club access? We’ve got you covered. Prefer a more practical approach with only a handful of outings? Start with a plan that better suits your lifestyle.

No matter which flexible membership option you choose, every boating club membership offered includes all the Bridge Marina member perks, from ongoing on-water education throughout the season to hassle-free boating aboard our incredible fleet.

Bridge Marina Boating Club offers multiple, flexible membership options to best suit our members at both of our locations on Lake Hopatcong and Highlands, NJ. Bridge Marina Boating Club membership programs are based on:

• The number of times you want to go out boating each summer (Membership Level)
• When you want to go boating (Anytime or Weekdays Only)
• Where you want to go boating (Your Home Location – Lake Hopatcong or Highlands)

Bridge Marina Boating Club puts you in control. Simply choose the program that fits how – and how often – you want to boat. All options include the perks we’re known for – hands-on education and coaching from our professional team, a fantastic fleet and hassle-free boating, so you can simply show up and ship out!

Our membership program commitment is only one year.

For your convenience, all plans are auto-renewed each year on your anniversary (joining) date, and most members join us for several consecutive years. You can opt out of renewing your plan by simply letting us know, in advance of your anniversary date, that you no longer wish to continue your membership.

No cancellation fees, no long-term commitments. And, when and if you’d like to join us again after a “break” from the Club, you can rejoin for great times on the water for another year. Flexibility is important to us.

You simply make a reservation in our online system. Your confirmed reservation guarantees your use of the Club.

We maintain a ratio of approximately 7:1 Full Members to available boats to ensure our members have unwavering access to the water. Summer weekends are of course our more popular days for reservations, and our weekend afternoons are most popular. We encourage our members to make plans in advance and reserve their time to guarantee their spot.

Our most experienced members have also found that weekdays are some of the best boating days, with less traffic on our waterways. We encourage our members to seek the solitude of weekdays and schedule weekday reservations whenever possible – an early day off work on a Thursday often makes for a fantastic afternoon on the water!

We’ve put together an entire blog post on the subject of whether boating club members can actually get a boat – you can check it out here.

Bridge Marina’s full-service, flagship location is centrally situated on Lake Hopatcong by land or water in a tranquil, no-wake zone at 89 Brady Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ.  In Highlands, we offer boat lessons, boating club and boat rental services at centrally-located Baker’s Marina on the Bay at 1 Atlantic Street, Highlands, NJ.

Bridge Marina offers a comprehensive range of services at our boutique marina on Lake Hopatcong and sister location in Highlands, including boating safety certificate courses, on-water boat lessons, boat rentals, a boat club, boat sales, boat service, and dock slip memberships, all supported by our award-winning team. At Bridge Marina, we cater to every aspect of your boating experience, offering convenience, expertise, and exceptional customer service to our guests.

Yes – Bridge Marina rents premium, fully-loaded triple pontoon boats on Lake Hopatcong and the Jersey Shore in Highlands.  Our boat rental service is second to none and provides an easy way to enjoy a premium boating experience in New Jersey. Advance reservations are highly recommended and booking online is encouraged. Please note our renter requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to the water!

No.  Bridge Marina does not rent jet skis, kayaks or paddleboards at either location; however, first-class, triple pontoon boats are offered for rent on Lake Hopatcong or Sandy Hook Bay in Highlands, NJ.

Yes! Established in 2006, Bridge Marina Boating Club is New Jersey’s original boat club and has welcomed thousands of families to the boating lifestyle. Join Bridge Marina Boating Club and effortlessly enjoy your time on the water with unbeatable access to two incredible locations on Lake Hopatcong and at the Jersey Shore in Highlands. Top-notch boats, welcoming service and ongoing education opportunities are just some of the perks offered to our members.

Bridge Marina Boat Club is the simple and smart way to enjoy all the luxuries and advantages of the boating lifestyle without any of the long-term commitments, costs or shortcomings of owning a boat. Membership opportunities are very limited at both locations; fill out a membership application here.

Yes, Lake Hopatcong is open year-round! In the warmer months, Lake Hopatcong is an ideal spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. In the winter off season, visitor and locals can enjoy ice fishing, waterfront dining, and scenic winter walks around the lake, depending on conditions. Check out our live webcam and Lake Hopatcong business directory for a live view of the lake and our top picks for dining and more.

There are two main public boat launches around Lake Hopatcong:

The Morris County Park Commission: Offers three well-maintained boat launch ramps and parking at Lee’s Park; also hosts several fishing tournaments in season.

Hopatcong State Park: A great location with easy access to the water, plus a life-guarded swimming area, concession stand, bath house, picnicking area, and playground.

Yes, there are several designated swimming areas on Lake Hopatcong. The most popular spot is Hopatcong State Park, which features a sandy beach area for swimming and enjoying beautiful lake views. Hopatcong State Park also offers picnicking, boat launch access, as well as volleyball and basketball courts, plus a soccer field and playground equipment. Insider Tip: During peak season, Hopatcong State Park can fill to capacity quickly, so make sure you grab your spot early on weekends and holidays before the park reaches full capacity.

Yes – Lake Hopatcong hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Block Party in May, as well as their Lake Loop Bike, Hike and Paddle Challenge in fall.

The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club hosts an amazing annual Fourth of July Fireworks display, as well as an Antique and Classic Boat Show each June. Bridge Marina also hosts regular events for the boating community, including boating safety certificate courses, Boating Shows and Open Houses.

Bridge Marina also hosts boat shows and an annual “Christmas in July” food drive for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. All of these events celebrate the community, the Lake’s beauty, and the local businesses that make Lake Hopatcong thrive.

 

All power boaters on Lake Hopatcong must have a valid boating safety certificate and boating license. All boaters must also comply with applicable federal and state boating laws, including those specific to Lake Hopatcong. More detail about boating rules and regulations on Lake Hopatcong can be found here.

To obtain a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate, you must complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police.

Bridge Marina offers the approved New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate Course in Lake Hopatcong and Highlands, NJ throughout the season. With flexible course options and times and online scheduling available, we make it easy to get your New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate. You can see a course schedule and register online.

Great question! As a leading boating safety certificate course location in New Jersey, we are asked this often. A boating license (or boating endorsement) and a boating safety certificate are separate. Here’s how it works:

NJ Boating Safety Certificate: A Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have taken and passed a state-approved Boating Safety Certificate Course.

NJ Boating License or Boating Endorsement: In addition to a NJ Boating Safety Certificate, non-tidal boat operators also need a boating endorsement on their New Jersey driver’s license. To obtain the endorsement, you must first complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police. After completing the course, you will receive a boating safety certificate, which you must take to the NJ MVC, along with other required identification documents, to get your boating endorsement on your driver’s license.

Do you need an endorsement on your NJ Driver’s License? If you plan to boat on non-tidal waters like Lake Hopatcong, then yes – this additional endorsement is required. If you plan to only boat in tidal waters like Sandy Hook Bay, then no – you only need your NJ Boating Safety Certificate.

For more details on how to get your endorsement, please visit the NJMVC.

All New Jersey boaters must adhere to speed limits, no-wake zones, and regulations regarding alcohol consumption. There are also specific rules regarding age restrictions, mandatory safety course completion, and other regulations that must be followed.

Boaters on Lake Hopatcong must comply with applicable federal and state boating laws, as well as those specific to Lake Hopatcong.

For more details regarding boating rules and regulations in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau

The Marine Services Bureau of the New Jersey State Police can provide a replacement if you have lost your NJ boat safety certificate. To request a replacement, please contact the Marine Services Bureau  by email at [email protected] and provide the following information:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Complete Current Address (and any prior addresses the certificate may be under)
• Copy of Driver’s License or State I.D. (any scanned copies or photos must be in .jpg format)
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Reason for the Request

Please note that all requests for replacement must be e-mailed or sent through the United States Postal Service.

You can also read our blog post about what to do if you’ve lost your NJ Boating Safety certificate here.

Bridge Marina offers both small group and private, one-on-one lessons on Lake Hopatcong and Sandy Hook Bay in Highlands, New Jersey.

Our group training participants gain hands-on boat handling experience with a trusted captain aboard one of our beautiful Bridge Marina fleet boats. Group training sessions are designed for 2-4 participants and cover everything from boating basics to docking skills, as well as more advanced open water and tight quarter maneuvering skills. Each learning module is three hours in length.

Our private lessons offer participants a one-on-one, customized learning option, covering the modules of the participant’s choice aboard one of our fleet boats or the participant’s boat. The length of the lesson depends on the customized learning plan developed with the participant.

Learn more about our lessons and sign up here.