Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the boats will be available?
The Club maintains a ratio of members to boats that preserves the availability of the boats - as the Membership grows, so will the fleet. In addition, the Club gives Members equal access to reservations up to six months in advance.

What types of boats are in the Club?
The Club features a variety of quality boats specifically chosen to meet a variety of its members’ needs and the conditions of Lake Hopatcong. Your fleet will include a luxurious cabin cruiser, a deluxe bow rider, a no-nonsense fishing boat, and a well-appointed and nimble pontoon boat. Future additions may include jet skis, tournament ski boats, or cuddy cabins. The future fleet will be largely determined by the popular demand of members. 

Can I use the boats anytime I want?
There are no limitations on the number or frequency of boat uses within normal operating hours of our facility, Tuesday through Sunday (Mondays are service days and boats are only available after they have been serviced).

Can I use the boats anywhere I want?
Anywhere you can safely travel on Lake Hopatcong.

Can I take the boat for a test drive before I become a Member?
We welcome you to visit our lake anytime, view our facility and fleet, and if available, take a ride with one of our staff. Due to insurance reasons, we cannot allow you to test drive the fleet.

Can I bring guests on the boat?
Yes. You may bring as many guests as are safely allowed by each boat. There is no extra charge for guests.

Can we invite guests to enjoy the marina facility with us?
Yes, please feel free to have your friends and family at the marina during your boating trip. We require one responsible Member to be present with guests at all times. Members can also reserve Bridge Marina grounds at a reduced rate for large company or family events.

Who cleans and maintains the boats?
We clean and maintain the boats after every use, on a daily basis, and once a week.


What if I am new to boating?
No problem. We will arrange a NJ boating course for you to attend so you can obtain your boating license. Then, we will arrange time with you on each boat you use to assure that you are comfortable.

What about boating safety equipment?
Safety is very important to us. Each boat is equipped with proper safety flotation devices and fire extinguishers for your safety and protection.

Is insurance included in my membership?
Yes. Insurance is included in your membership. In the unfortunate event of an accident, you may only be responsible for up to the deductible on the vessel.

Are local maps and charts included?
Yes. Each boat is equipped with a chart of Lake Hopatcong as well as a depth finder.

What if I already have a boat?
That is fine. Prior boat owners understand the time and money responsibilities of ownership and recognize what a great value our Club is. If you are interested in our Club, we may consider your present vessel as a trade in towards membership. Bridge Marina may also consider brokering the boat for you at the marina, where your boat will get tremendous exposure.

How long have you been in business?
Our owners have been in the marine business for 51 years, serving boaters and operating a successful marina on Lake Hopatcong, which is where they noticed how much boaters love boating, but hate dealing with the commitments of owning a boat.  The Club’s owners have been providing turn-key marine service to demanding customers for the better part of a century.

Is the number of memberships limited?
Yes. Membership are limited in order to maintain a ratio of members to boats to assure you will have plenty of opportunity to use your season to its fullest. As membership demand grows, so does the number of boats in your fleet.

Do I pay for fuel? Do I have to refuel the boat each time I take it out?
Yes, you pay for the fuel. Fuel must be replaced after each use. If you like, you can return the boat and ask our staff to fuel it for you. We will fuel the boat and charge your account for only the price at the pump-there is no additional charge for us to fuel the boat for you.

How do you know how much fuel we used?
The boat is full when you go boating and is to be returned full.

Are there any hidden dues or fees that have not been thought of?
No. There are only your chosen membership dues, and of course the fuel you use.

What amenities are available at the Marina?
Bridge Marina is a full service marine facility providing prime deep water dock slips, well trained and friendly staff and dock hands, beautiful grounds with picnic and restroom facilities, convenient marine store, easy access fuel dock, excellent lakeside location, and great access to many activities and restaurants. It is the premier marina on Lake Hopatcong!

Is the club some sort of fractional ownership or time-share?
No, the Boating Club is like a county club or spa club. We own and maintain the facilities and you own a membership to use the facilities. There are no restrictions on the number or frequency of times you use our Club. There are no mandated long-term commitments in our Club. There are no additional maintenance, association or grounds fees that you are obligated to in our Club. You simply join the Boating Club for the term you want and enjoy boating how you want.

How do you compare to the competition?

We are the only Boating Club on Lake Hopatcong. Our marina is considered one of the premier marinas on Lake Hopatcong. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and delivering beyond expectations.

Bridge Marina Boating Club’s owners have been in the marine business for 50 years. We are experienced marina operators. We understand every aspect needed to make boating work from both a client’s perspective, and a marina’s perspective.

Bridge Marina Boating Club’s owners also operate Bridge Marina Inc, which has been in the same location since 1957 (51 Years!). You can rest assure that your membership is safe and secure in their hands.

Bridge Marina Boating Club is not a franchise. Our Club is distinctively designed from years of research and experience by boaters and marina operators; Bridge Marina Boating Club is not a mass-produced plan directed by folks in suits sitting behind a desk. Our family reputation and passion is rooted in the success of the Club.

Bridge Marina Boating Club has no hidden annual fees, initiation fees, dues or the like. Everything is simple, listed up front and clear.

Bridge Marina Boating Club is so confident of our product that we do not force long-term multiple-year contracts on Members. We want you to enjoy all the benefits of our Club, including the freedom to choose the membership duration you desire.

How do you monitor the condition of the boat before and after we use it?
Prior to your departure, our staff will guide you through a 5-minute comprehensive check out (safety equipment, interior condition, hull condition, etc). Upon returning, we will do the same. These “check in/out” procedures are similar to those you encounter when renting a car.

Who is not a good candidate for the Bridge Marina Boating Club?
A person may not be a good candidate if they prefer to do their own boat maintenance and care and have a lot of free time to spend on all the varying responsibilities of owning a boat.

Can I go fishing on the boats?
Yes. Out of consideration to other Members, we respectfully request fishing be relegated to our fishing boats. You can bring your own fishing equipment and bait, or have us provide them for you.

Who cleans the boats after we use them?

We do. We take care of all cleaning. Although should a member negligently soil a boat, additional cleaning fees will be charged to the offending member.

What happens if there is a problem with a boat while we are using it?
Should there be any problems while boating, you can contact the club and we will assist you. Bridge Marina has a ready and available tow service to assist you on the water or bring you back to port.

Are there any times when boats are not available?
When weather conditions are deemed unsafe for boating by the Club, such as during heavy rain, lighting, wind storms, and the like.

If a boat is damaged such that it renders the boat unsafe or unsuitable, the Club will do its best to replace it as soon as possible. Our service and parts department are readily available to handle most potential repairs to avoid down time.

Boats are not available after Club hours unless reservations have been secured and approved in advance with the Club.

Although the boats are reviewed and maintained daily, Monday is fleet maintenance day where each boat may be hauled and fully serviced as needed. Boats may only be available on Mondays based on the scheduling of our service department.

What are the dates of the season?
The Club season extends from May 1st through October 1st and is subject to seasonal weather. Seasons and scheduling will greatly be determined by weather and water levels of Lake Hopatcong.

Where are Club boats stored?
The boats are kept at Bridge Marina on Lake Hopatcong. They are stored at some of the most prime in-water slips on the entire lake. During the winter, they are professionally serviced and securely stored at Bridge Marina.

If there are any other questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at your convenience! 

 

 
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