Reviews: Hoppie's Marine Service

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Hoppies Marina is legendary on the Great Loop, even though it is just a fuel dock with enough room to accommodate 6 – 8 boats. The staff could not be more friendly or helpful. The evening briefing provided by Deb was remarkably helpful in that the rivers was very low and the anchorages we had planned on staying at were not available. She provided us three alternatives and instructions on how we should approach the anchorages safely. We were there on Monday, and the dock hands told us the town was essentially closed on Mondays, so we cannot comment. We were the only boat there for the evening, and the docking was quiet and peaceful. Hoppies also had very reasonable fuel prices.

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Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Anchor Management, on Oct 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Not fancy, but all you need, including very reasonable fuel prices! They were full, but made room for us to come in at dusk from a long run northbound and got us much needed fuel. Great folks!!!!

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Oct 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

A good example of owners doing all they can to serve the boating community with what they have. Previous reviews give an accurate description. A solid tie up with power, water and fuel. Evening briefing is very helpful. Blue Owl is a gem but they close at 3:00. Your fenders will earn their keep if river traffic is busy. We wouldn't hesitate to stop again.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Sep 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Marine service, not marina. Cheapest fuel in area. Helpful staff tying up and departing. Nightly briefing on anchoring options downstream. Water and power at the barge docks. Maximum 6 looper size boats. Call to reserve a spot. Kimmswick has the Blue Owl, La Chance winery, and a coffee shop, walking distance. Can get ride share to "civilization" near the interstate for other dining options.

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Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Sep 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We were here Oct. 13, 23. Hoppie's Marina isn't much of a marina! A couple of barges to tie off, fuel, and power. But, the owner gave us an insight on what to expect until we got to Green Turtle Bay. The owners were kind AND they are there to dispense the needed fuel to recreational boaters. In addition, a small walk into the cutest little town was worth staying at Hoppie's. The briefing by the owner and the town certainly made this stop worthwhile and I would stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Michael Kwiat on Jun 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

What can I say that has not been said. It is Hoppies, a legend, an oasis on the river. After battling 5 mph current for 3 days. Ray and Deb were great getting us on dock and settled.

Took on Fuel , water , assistance and advice. He also has a small workboat standing by if you need any assistance.

Corp of engineers , winters ice flows and the economy may someday win in taking this 3rd generation marina away from us.

You will not find a pool, tiki bar or an ascot yacht club. You will rock and roll all night by the passing tows, but it is Hoppies and an absolute necessity in a perfect location.

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Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Toscana, on May 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Much needed fuel stop for many, we fueled because it was the best price ahead of us for quite some time. It is not what it once was, but be thankful it is still here for those that need the fuel stop. We pass by in the fall to leave a space for someone that needs it more. Otherwise we stop just to do our part to keep it around! Debbie, the daughter is running the place now and again very glad to see it in operation!

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Reviewed by: Chris Ensing , Pau Hana, on Oct 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Rating: 4

A looper tradition. Call to make reservations, the staff will guide you in and tie you off. We were here on a Saturday and the town was absolutely awesome. We listened to live music at the winery and had lunch. Great stop.

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Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Oct 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Old rusty barge, but I felt comfortable and safe. You will get waked by the barges, but the folks there know what they are doing. Last chance for fuel so fill up if needed.

Nothing here other than a tie up and easy walk into town. Good folks are running the place though.

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Reviewed by: Robert , Slow Dancing, on Mar 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Hoppies is still there and still in business as of Feb 2023. The barges are rusty and raggedy.

Water not available. Fuel was available. Electric is available.

Not much there - just a couple of very rusty barges, and place to tie up, fuel up and plug in your power cable.

The two restaurants in town were not an option since we arrived at 5pm. Blue Owl closed at 3pm, and La Chance winery closed its kitchen at 5pm.

We called on the phone two hours out to let them know we were coming. They asked us to call again on CH16 when we got near. When we called in range, they told us to prepare for a port side tie and came out to catch lines and help us tie off.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Dec 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

We stayed at Hoppie's on 11/28/22. The current was swift when we arrived and we were given instructions for a port side tie at the fuel dock. Three dock hands caught our lines and tied us securely. The fuel was a full $1/gal cheaper than we paid at Alton and we topped off. We then drifted the boat back to the next barge -- with me at the wheel (engine running) and those three guys on the lines -- to tie up for the night. They connected us to power and then disappeared. We were the only ones there.

Hoppie's is special -- and a worthwhile stop -- for two reasons: First, it's the last fuel stop before Paducah on the Great Loop. Second, it's so unbelievably rugged that it must be experienced. The "dock" is a series of barges with loose metal plates covering gaping jagged holes. You have to walk through an enclosed barge full of junk on the fuel dock to get to land to walk a dog or go to town. (We did not go to town since the restaurant everyone recommends was closed the day we were there.) There are no restrooms, showers, or any other amenities.

While I'm sure it must be a lot more fun when other Loopers are around, it was a quiet night without much wake to bother us. A good, basic stop.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Not your typical Marina, several barges tied together, quite rough, no facilities except electric, certainly not to code but works. Very helpful and friendly family run. The town of Kimmswick is worthwhile, small population but lots of stores and several really good restaurants, walking distance. An institution not to be missed.

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Reviewed by: Wade A. on Oct 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

For all its history and legend, Hoopies is just a dock made from a couple of barges. And small, tired ones at that. There are no services beyond power, limited water, and fuel.

That being said, the folks there are very helpful and Debbie provides an excellent briefing on current river conditions as far down as Paducah. And they provide a necessary last fuel stop downstream form Alton.

A short Uber ride will get you and excellent Italian dinner, however.

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Reviewed by: Teri Healey , DaBoatofUs, on Oct 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Totally enjoyed this stop. Folks at Hoppies were helpful and friendly. Yes it is rustic but the little town of Kimmswick is very cute with lots of little touristy shops. The Blue Owl Restaurant was excellent, I highly recommend the apple pie, and there were a couple of other restaurants as well. Would definitely stop again.

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Reviewed by: Brian Wicks on Sep 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 3

No frills dockage along a barge. Friendly staff to assist with fueling and docking. No facilities, but shore power was a bonus. The little town was nice. Get there early as most shops close around 4 pm.

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Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley , Calypso, on Sep 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We arrived at Historic Hoppies Marina at about noon. The staff is very friendly and capable. They helped us dock and top off our fuel tanks before the next 200 mile journey without fuel. Hoppies Marina is a series of old barges tied together. Up to 7 boats can stay here. They have fuel, power and water but no other amenities. We attended Debbie's informative briefing about traveling down the Mississippi River to Green Turtle Bay. Due to low water levels and tow traffic, the recommended stops are limited to Kaskaskia Lock (they are currently dredging but will allow you to anchor with permission) Little River Diversion Channel (mile marker 49), Angelo Towhead Anchorage (mm 2) Paducah and Green Turtle Bay.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Oct 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Legendary looper stop. Wouldn't be the same without stopping there. Great help getting us tied up. Debbie's brief covers the rivers down to Green Turtle Bay. The Blue Owl is a must stop. Adequate areas to walk the dog. Barges are a little challenging to get around on but that adds to the charm of the place.

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Reviewed by: Karen Johnson , Navigator , on Oct 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

After a 0700 departure from Alton and a 1 hr delay at Mel Price lock we arrived at Hoppies at 1330, average speed was 9 knots. Four 40' something loa boats fit no problem. Reservations are required. Diesel, gasoline & electricity provided and a 5 ish pm river briefing by Debbie (important to attend). Get there before 1500 for lunch and pie at the local restaurant Blue Owl bakery. Easy walk, see the old rock fence and structure of the old KIM house on the left as you walk. Great fresh food and terrific people. Don't let the well weathered Hoppies facility discourage you from stopping in. You haven't done the loop without stopping in to see the real America and truly helpful people. Leave your attitude at the boat and enjoy the character of the location.

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Reviewed by: Roger S. on Sep 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 3

Although the staff was courteous and quite helpful getting us safely tied up there is little to be said in favor of this marina other than being a stop between Alton and Kaskaskia Lock. Hoppies's is charging a premium price yet there are no toilets, no showers, the barges/dock are full of serious trip hazards and passing barges rocked us pretty hard throughout the night. No need to stop again and if one is able to clear the Alton Lock in good time, push on to Kaskaskia Lock and give this former icon a miss.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Sep 17, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Hoppie's Marina is one of a handful of places on the 6,000 miles of the loop that has achieved legendary status. Hoppie's, quite honestly is not much but it is the only "marina" and the only fuel stop between Alton and Paducah. The fact that it exists at all is a testament to the strong will of family against the river and the powers that be.

Call for reservations. Do not be alarmed by the casual nature of the reservation process, they really do know who is coming and what space is available. Space is a port side upstream side tie on a series of barges tied up against the RDB of the Mississippi. There will be several people there to assist you as you will be tying up against a minimum of a 2 knot current.

Amenities at Hoppie's are minimal. Electricity is available. So is diesel and gasoline. No water. No toilets or showers. Certainly no swimming pool or hot tub. Care should be taken walking on the deck (barges) as there are numerous cutouts. The spirit of camping prevails except you have entered the river dominated by commercial barge traffic that operates 24 hours a day between St. Louis and New Orleans and does not cater to pleasure traffic. Deb, the owner's daughter, gives a route briefing in the evening to help get boats safely from St. Louis to Paducah. Hoppie's is an essential service for boaters and deserves our patronage.

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Reviewed by: Robert Webb , Doc's Aweigh, on Aug 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

A definite refuge on the Mississippi R. Barges are a bit rough but functional and they have power [30/50A] and fuel again. Incredibly helpful group of men for our docking in a turbulent current with wind thrown in. Reminds us a bit of Bobby's Fish Camp only better. You have to dock on the river side [not inside the barges] and the current will keep rocking your boat so have at least 4-5 fenders placed just above the water line [unless you are docking at the fuel dock and then they need to be higher] on your port side [dock into the the current]. A unique and actually enjoyable experience, mostly because the folks here are great.

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Reviewed by: Andrew Thom , Lindy Sue, on May 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stopped at Hoppie's in October 2020 during our trip from MN to Fort Myers Beach. As everyone knows, Hoppie's isn't fancy, but it is a great stop! As we came in with very little remaining sunlight, the owners' son-in-law, Ray, guided us into the dock with a spotlight, communicating with us via handheld radio. We were having generator issues, and got us in touch with someone from the St. Louis area who came down to Hoppie's promptly the next morning and took care of it before we went on our journey. As of our visit in October 2020, there was no fuel (gas or diesel) available, but being a diesel vessel, we were able to fuel up from the Kidd dock in Cape Girardeau. We also took an extra day here to sit back and relax after four days of running sunrise to sundown. There ain't much for amenities, but it is a quiet place run by great folks. I can't recommend Hoppie's enough!

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Reviewed by: Greg Youngberg , Blurred Lines , on Nov 7, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

They lost a barge/docking space, so call ahead to ensure there is room to overnight. October 30th, 2018: 5 Loopers filled their available space on the main barge docks with room for one more on their smaller upstream barge dock. Fern passed baton to daughter Debbie while she recovers from knee surgery. Debbie also does an excellent job of briefing on what to expect between Hoppies and Paducah KY. We changed our plans and opted not to anchor at Boston Bar MM7 during these unusual fall flooding conditions after Debbie's advisory.

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Reviewed by: Richard Robinson on Sep 1, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Last fuel stop before Green Turtle Bay Marina. Thankfull it was there, fueled up, plugged in spent the night, and listened to Fern give a very detailed report of the next 200 miles. She was spot on. Highly recommend everyone stop and pay attention to the brief

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