MarineMax Lake Hopatcong

New Jersey does not use an adult supervision exception: the minimum age is 13 for limited power vessels and 16 for any power vessel, including personal watercraft. Operators ages 13 through 15 need a boating safety certificate and may operate only an electric powered vessel or a vessel at least 12 feet long with less than 10 horsepower. Anyone under 13 cannot operate a power vessel, and the State Police manual says there are no exemptions to the age requirements.

The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

Yes. New Jersey requires operators 16 or older of power vessels, including personal watercraft, to hold a boating safety certificate. The requirement goes by age, not by birth year. Ages 13 to 15 may operate only an electric powered vessel, or one at least 12 feet long with under 10 horsepower, and still need a certificate; children under 13 may not operate power vessels at all.

Operating on non-tidal waters also requires a New Jersey boat license, an endorsement the Motor Vehicle Commission adds to a driver's license or ID card. It is an additional required document, not a replacement for the safety certificate. Out of state proof is accepted for visits under 90 days, as are Coast Guard operator licenses. The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau administers certification.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

From Lake Hopatcong, choose among Landing Channel, Floating Island, King’s Isles, Henderson Bay and Byram Cove. Landing Channel is a quiet, low-traffic cove with speed restrictions; within it, Floating Island provides wetland scenery, while King’s Isles is a small side cove with historic boathouse and cabin remains. Henderson Bay connects to narrow, sheltered inlets best explored by small, nonmotorized craft. Enter close-quarters Byram Cove slowly with little or no wake.

Motorboats can launch at Hopatcong State Park. Paddlers can put in at Roland May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary for the Henderson Bay route.

Source: New Jersey State Park Service (dep.nj.gov)

On Lake Hopatcong, boaters make short outings to Byram Cove for summer anchoring and its floating Statue of Liberty landmark; Raccoon Island to watch the lake’s cable-guided ferry; Landing Channel for quieter water and wildlife viewing around Floating Island; King’s Isles for the remains of an early boathouse and log cabin; and Bertrand Island for a shoreline cruise past the former amusement park grounds. Much of the shoreline is private, so stay aboard unless using a designated public landing.

Source: Lake Hopatcong Foundation (lakehopatcongfoundation.org)