Lake Hopatcong no longer ...

Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
We finally pulled the trigger and moved to Barnegat, NJ and we're looking forward to the change!
IMG_2939.jpg

I'm actually going to have to learn a few things about charts, vhf, zincs, tow insurance, channel markers, bridge openings, inlets, anchoring (always a source of angst it seems :cussing:), and greenheads (and other pests). This forum is the best resource I know. :D

It should be fun!
 
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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Onward and upward Scotty!

Bigger horizons = bigger dreams.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Plus this is better. Every time I saw the name of your lake I read:

 

Zed

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Aug 19, 2015
96
West Wight Potter 19 Bar Harbor
Yes... Ocean or near ocean sailing is way different than lake sailing. And it can be way more stressful. Days that you went easily on the lake, you have to think twice on with the bay or near ocean.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
And then of course there is always the chance of this....

 
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
But seriously, congratulations. Moving from a 4 sq. mile lake to an ocean.

Nice trade-up!
 
Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Love the album cover art for a t-shirt ... that will get a reaction from Sue, for sure! I'll have to get his and hers. That will get her eyes rolling!

salt water ... hence my reference to zincs, Stu. And bottom paint will now be an important issue. The list of differences goes on. Upside is a washdown hose and shore power. I need to shop for a charger, a TV, and a hot water heater.
 
Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Yes, looking forward to the changes ...

But seriously, congratulations. Moving from a 4 sq. mile lake to an ocean.

Nice trade-up!
I hope to pass thru the inlet on my way to some destination and find dolphins on the bow wave. That is the magic I'm seeking. Barnegat is not an easy inlet, from what I'm told, and we won't spend much time on the boat this fall, but at least we're closer to those options.
 
May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
congratulations! I think you'll like the bigger water. I'd consider boats-us unlimited tow. for 1st year anyway... I only used 2x in 10 years, but I like knowing I could call if needed.
 
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
It's very exciting to meet up with the wildlife. A humpback in the Sea of Cortez.
 

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bzano

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Jun 3, 2004
25
Hunter 18.5 Lake Hopatcong, NJ
We finally pulled the trigger and moved to Barnegat, NJ and we're looking forward to the change!

I'm actually going to have to learn a few things about charts, vhf, zincs, tow insurance, channel markers, bridge openings, inlets, anchoring (always a source of angst it seems :cussing:), and greenheads (and other pests). This forum is the best resource I know. :D

It should be fun!
Scott

I knew this was coming but it still sad news. Lee's Park will not be the same and there will be one less sailboat for sure. I stopped by my boat on Sunday AM and noticed the wooden fixtures on the bow and stern of the Thunderbird( to support the unstepped mast)and said to myself...he is really going to it!

Been through a lot - the time during hurricane Irene when the pier had a foot of water on it, the snowstorm that October and of course surviving Sandy.

I can't say I blame you with having the biggest sailboat in lake I figured at some point you would try a slip down the shore. I have sailed a lot out of lower barnegat bay (in previous years) in the LBI area and except for some shallow water here and there, the winds are constant 10+ knots. Nice seabreezes.

The lake water level drives me nuts too. Seems also like the weed havesters took a break when it came to our cove. If it doesn't rain soon, I'll be pulling my boat for the season in a few weeks.

I wish you luck and enjoy your new sailing venue. If you need crew I would be happy to oblige, especially where you don't have to worry about wakes and shifty winds. You might even forget that you have to tack once and a while!
Shelly, Luke and now Brody (our new sailing puppy) will miss you too.

Good luck and fair winds

Bob
S/V Zanotime
Hunter 18.5
 

Zed

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Aug 19, 2015
96
West Wight Potter 19 Bar Harbor
congratulations! I think you'll like the bigger water. I'd consider boats-us unlimited tow. for 1st year anyway... I only used 2x in 10 years, but I like knowing I could call if needed.
Yes.... relying on the Coasties can be embarrassing, and they will board you when they come, so be doubly sure that you have back ups for all the equipment that they will require. They are much nicer when they show up if you are properly equipped and not drinking. Of course, they don't charge money, and their towing is very safe for you and your boat.
 
Jun 24, 2014
74
Kayaks for now, oday coming soon 13 Waterford, CT
And then of course there is always the chance of this....
I never saw that at lake hapatcong or budd lake or any other lake. Everyone knows the edge of the world is at the end of the ocean.
 
Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
Not only that, the bait you use to fish will be the size you used to try to catch.

Life is potentially so full of adventure we need to try new things.

Ken
 
May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
Yes.... relying on the Coasties can be embarrassing, and they will board you when they come, so be doubly sure that you have back ups for all the equipment that they will require. They are much nicer when they show up if you are properly equipped and not drinking. Of course, they don't charge money, and their towing is very safe for you and your boat.
Around hear, Coasties leave the soft groundings to TowboatsUS and sea tow.

They will come out for an emergency, and I do prefer them to paid operators. But I have heard them tell non-emergency calls they are not in the business of towing people in, for non-emergencies.

-That said, it probably depends on the volume of calls they get. the new are looks like it could be tricky. sandbars.
 
Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Nice to hear from you Bob!

One of my favorite memories is the October snow storm! First we cleared our driveway, then I went over to clear snow off the boat. Once that was done, I thought "why not see if I can start the engine" (no glow plug). Surprisingly, she started in the sub-freezing temp so I decided to take a spin around the lake. Finally I raised a sail. Why should 15" of snow keep me from sailing? The best sailing on LH is in October. Y'all can come down and sail with me, for sure.

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Funny you mentioned the weeds ... lately I've had to jump in to clear them from the prop shaft because the prop doesn't keep them cleared. So, yesterday morning when motoring over to Barnes, I was just about to dive overboard when I got into deeper water and then I realized I took the stern ladder off! That could have been embarrassing if I found I couldn't wrestle myself aboard!

BoatUS Towing seems to be the service to use in Barnegat.

Zed, that reminds me ... I need flares! It would have been silly to have them aboard on LH.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Around hear, Coasties leave the soft groundings to TowboatsUS and sea tow.

They will come out for an emergency, and I do prefer them to paid operators. But I have heard them tell non-emergency calls they are not in the business of towing people in, for non-emergencies.

-That said, it probably depends on the volume of calls they get. the new are looks like it could be tricky. sandbars.
Its called a MARB, or Marine Assistance Request Broadcast.

Its SOP now. If the coasties figure there is no immediate risk to life or property, they will make this call and the commercial guys will contact you. You deal directly with them. Or you wait until a good Samaritan comes along. Or it DOES become life threatening.

http://uscgaux-danapoint.ipower.com/members_area/Library/general/MARB Policy.pdf