Not So Live-ish Reporting From The Lake Hopatcong ACBS Boat Show

What a weekend, 4 shows that we knew of and more I am sure that we did not know about. One of the key shows though was the lake hopatcong show that for some reason each year I end up missing. But thank god for our trusty Woody Boaters who have filled in the seams… Get it.. Seams,,,, cracks.. ITS A BOAT JOKE! Anyway.. Here is a report from fellow Woody Boater Bob Kays.. Take it away Bob..

It was another beautiful day for the 37th annual Lake Hopatcong ACBS Chapter boat show, held at the historic Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club.Keeping with the history theme, wooden boat icon Hopatcong’s own Wayne Mocksfield stands next to his 1948 19’ Higgins Runabout “Splish”

A little more for history fans, we all know “Thayer IV “ making an appearance at the show, alongside a Barnes Craft built across the lake from the site of the show.

This lake and show are all about Hopatcong History

“Hopatcong History” is a 1965 Century Coronado

Kim Marsden jazzed up the show and her family’s 1926 25’ Hackercraft “ Black Witch”

A local Boy Scout troop learned about judging from club President Bob Larson

Fellow Woody Boater and Katz’s Marina employee Alex Kays puts the final touch on “Port of Entry” a newly preserved, by Katz’s, 1955 22’ Chris Craft Continental.

A beautiful 1948 25’ Chris Craft Sportsman

Here are some of the hard working volunteers the help put on the show

My own 1957 17’ Chris Craft Custom Runabout “Relax”

Best in Show Preserved “Marjorie” 1929 Chris Craft Triple Cockpit owned by Sam and Jerrie Hoagland

Best in Show Restored “Mohawk Jr”. 1961 17ft Chris Craft Ski Boat owned by Ed Alonge


After the awards came desert, a special cake from New Jersey’s own Cake Boss TV star baker from The Learning Channel. The boat is Seth Katz’s 1955 21’ Chris Craft Cobra “ Finito”. That’s Seth and Renee Katz in the cockpit. The cake tasted great!

20 replies
  1. allen
    allen says:

    Great looking show…….maybe the parade video sometime……how about the banner picture so we can the U-22’s without the logos…..thanks guys , great coverage.

  2. Al Benton
    Al Benton says:

    I heard that Mariah, the Century Raven Mail Boat would make an appearance beside Thayer IV at the show. Was she there?

    Very good report, wonderful history, looks like fabulous weather. Thanks.

    • Bob Kays
      Bob Kays says:

      Yes, Mariah was there next to the Thayer IV, both very popular.
      It seemed everyone had a Golden Pond story or memory.

    • matt
      matt says:

      I have no idea, it was good, no issues or problem, its in my email..Wait, you posted it on an old story regarding strippers..

  3. Philip Andrew
    Philip Andrew says:

    What a beautiful header today. Raining and cold here with gray skies and gales forecast. That picture cheers my soul.

  4. jerri
    jerri says:

    What a stunning header photo. My blood pressure went down 20 points just looking at it. One day we must go to Hopatcong, it is rumored that our beloved 1962 Sea Skiff started her life at Lake Hopatcong as the constable’s boat ” 3 Penguins”. Would love to see where it all began for her.

  5. Texx
    Texx says:

    That’s my new favorite banner / header of all time Matt, very cool. It makes me want to go to the market aboard a U-22.

    Now if I could just find someone with a white U-22 who would invite me to Lake Hopatcong….

    Great show report Bob!

  6. chad
    chad says:

    I need to check that lake out and see what all the fuss is about.

    Maybe next year…

    And swing by the market for some Tastykakes and Wishniak Black Cheery soda.

    • Bob Kays
      Bob Kays says:

      The Market is the Lake’s Woody Boater destination of choice for coffee and a bun in the a.m., a sandwich at lunch and the best ice cream after dinner. Plus they sponsor our calendar and our chapter.

      • Texx
        Texx says:

        There you go Matt – Your ultimate retirement project.

        You can buy the market, relocate to NJ and re-name it the “Woody Boater Market”… Drive to work every day in a U-22, sell vintage Captains Caps, have an Internet Cafe section that only shows Woody Boater, and…

  7. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    Will Matt’s new white U22 be the lead story tomorrow morning? You guys have had some good filler stories over the last week or two, but it is time for Mr. Woodyboater to get himself a woodyboat to go woodyboating on.

  8. John Kadimik
    John Kadimik says:

    “The blue U-22 was delevered new that color to Marijorie Merriweather Post,as where all her Chris Craft’s. The boat was used at her camp Topridge at Upper St. Regis Lake in the Adirondacks.

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