Zanie

Hello!
OK, so I’ve had my Excalibur for 11 years now and I’ve never launched in Chicago (my boat was out of commission for 3 years). I’ve been on Lake Michigan a TON of times.
I’ve launched in Alsip and blasted up the river (either way), I’ve launched at the temporarily closed casino, at Winthrop Harbor, and up in Saugatuck, MI.
But I have never launched in Chicago.

I was contemplating launching at Diversy Harbor………..just on a regular Sunday (July 29).
My trailer was overbuilt for my 31-1/2 foot boat so from the tongue to the drive guards, it’s 40 feet.
I tow it with my trusty (but NEVER rusty) 1989 Crew cab dually. So my total length is 60 feet.

What’s the best route to Diversy (I’ll be coming in on the Eisenhower).
Any tips?
Do’s?
Don’t’s?

Thanks,
Dan

MILD THUNDER

iTrader: (3)

I launch my 40FT Excalibur Hawk at Burnham, and I know a guy who launches a 47ft outerlimits there. I like burnham much better than diversey. For one, its 2 miles from my place, and my trailer doesnt bottom out like it does at diversey ramps.

For you, assuming you are coming from the burbs, you can run I55 north till you hit Lake shire drive, go north and get off at 18th St. Make a right, go about 1/4 mile, and another right and you are at the launch. Much easier than trying to navigate thru the traffic and crap trying to get to diversey from 94.

Let me know what time/day you will be heading down, Im sure Ill be around with my hawk. I would love to see that 31 you have restored. [email protected]

MILD THUNDER

iTrader: (3)

Just noticed you will be coming in on the ike. Take the ike to 94 east to 55 N (lake shore drive), and do the 18th st thing as I posted. Keeps you on the highway, away from the city traffic.

Smitty

iTrader: (1)

I believe there are no trailers allowed on lake Shore drive.

I come in from the west straight down Diversey, jog right when it ends and you are there.

I am also right about 60 feet long.

Take the Ike to 94 north to Diversey.

MILD THUNDER

iTrader: (3)

Trailers are not allowed on Lake shore drive. However, it is mandatory to be on lake shore drive for a minute, because the only way to get to burnham. The distance between 55 and 18th st exit on LSD, is about 1/2 mile. Ive launched at diversey several times last summer, and its way too crowded up there for me. From 94 and diversey, to diversey and the lake can be a pita, if theres a lot a traffic, and it gets pretty narrow thru the streets just around lincoln ave. I know that diversey ave turns into diversey Parkway, and I was told trucks and trailers not legally allowed there either, I think there is a 5 ton weight limit somewhere along diversey.

For someone coming from Lombard, Id say getting to and from burnham to 290 west is much faster/easier than diversey.