10/06/2023: On this date, subject arrived at Lake Hopatcong Station to report that his boat (Vl), a 2022 Bayliner VR6, was damaged while docked at Lake Hopatcong Marine Corporation. Subject explained that he removed his vessel from the water on 09/28/2023 for the season and became aware that his boat had scratches and chips on the starboard side. He believed the damage was caused by the vessel that shared a slip space beside his vessel. I observed the damage to the starboard side of Subject's vessel. There were multiple scratches and chipped fiberglass. Subject was in possession of an estimate for the damage to his vessel which was $3,172.09. 

After speaking with Subject I responded to Lake Hopatcong Marine Corporation. Employee was aware of the damage that was caused to both vessels. He explained that the owner of V2 had his vessel loosely tied to the dock which caused the vessel to impact Vl. Employee also showed me the location where the boats where docked. There was also damage to the wood dock where V2 was moored. The damage was an indication that V2 was loosely tied to the dock. I observed damage to the port side ofV2 that was consistent with the damage to Vl.

Investigation revealed: Vl and V2 where moored adjacent to each other at Lake Hopatcong Marine Corporation, Jefferson Township, Morris County. Both vessels were unoccupied. While the vessels where docked, V2 struck Vl multiple times as a result of being loosely tied to the dock. This caused scratching and chips to the fiberglass of both vessels. Paint transfer was observed on V2 from Vl and on Vl from V2.

LAKE HOPATCONG
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP            