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-   -   Chicago's Navy Pier/Riverwalk (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/346440-chicagos-navy-pier-riverwalk.html)

Knot 4 Me 04-25-2017 07:24 AM

Time for a bigger cat Rob. 36 Skater should do the trick! :party-smiley-004:

SecondWind 04-25-2017 07:50 AM


Originally Posted by Knot 4 Me (Post 4549290)
Time for a bigger cat Rob. 36 Skater should do the trick! :party-smiley-004:

A 36 Skater would be a great solution if I won the lottery. As for now my thin wallet is looking for alternate water routes to creatively enjoy my little boat!

Knot 4 Me 04-25-2017 08:43 AM


Originally Posted by SecondWind (Post 4549307)
A 36 Skater would be a great solution if I won the lottery. As for now my thin wallet is looking for alternate water routes to creatively enjoy my little boat!

Little boat, big engine!

sommerfliesby 04-25-2017 11:59 AM


Originally Posted by SecondWind (Post 4549282)
:

We launched at Burnham the last couple of times we tried to boat in Chicago (Air and Water Show and a Play Pen day). The harbor is nice and ramp is adequate for our size of boat. We even went through the lock to buy an anchor at West Marine as we lost one to start the morning. Our issue is the size and design of the boat. It's a 26 ft cat that doesn't do well in the rough. I was hoping to find a launch ramp close to the lock and protected from the wind! We ran from Burnham to the Air and Water Show cruising along at 80mph in the morning a few years ago. Trying to get back to Burnham late in the afternoon after the winds kicked up was difficult at any speed! Wasn't sure if we were going to make it back:poopoo:

Heck yeah...even WITHOUT any wind, the chop from boat traffic alone during the Air Show would make things...interesting in your boat! Burnham would definitely be the closest ramp...Diversey would be another option a bit further north...

Wasted Income 04-25-2017 02:00 PM


Originally Posted by sommerfliesby (Post 4549265)
The tiny guy in the blue shirt in the last picture may/may not be around directing things...that is the mayor...Rahm Emmanuel. My wife went and talked to him...I was going to offer him a ride in the boat, but decided against it...

Should have taken him for a Fast and Furious ride, then dumped him overboard in the middle of the lake.

Liquid Lifestyle 04-26-2017 03:31 PM

If you are looking for options. We have launched in Worth, IL at the municipal ramp and ran the Cal Sag out to the lake, or you can head north to the city. Or run the whole loop. There is a nominal fee to launch there. 31st street harbor has closed their launch ramp on the weekends due to lack of parking. The whole launch/parking situation there is a clusterf***. Lately we have been launching at Northpoint Marina up by Winthrop Harbor and having a nice run down. FYI - that launch is no longer free and will start charging a fee this summer to launch there.

When hitting the river across from City Winery is Bridge House Tavern and Restaurant, you can park on the wall for free if you are eating there. It is a little sketchy, with a climb up the ladder to the tables. The food was great and the views are good too.

I still wouldn't consider Chicago "Boat Friendly" but they are getting better. Of course be careful with lake Michigan. The wind changes and your day gets ****ty really quick.

SecondWind 04-27-2017 12:44 PM


Originally Posted by Liquid Lifestyle (Post 4549750)
If you are looking for options. We have launched in Worth, IL at the municipal ramp and ran the Cal Sag out to the lake, or you can head north to the city. Or run the whole loop. There is a nominal fee to launch there. 31st street harbor has closed their launch ramp on the weekends due to lack of parking. The whole launch/parking situation there is a clusterf***. Lately we have been launching at Northpoint Marina up by Winthrop Harbor and having a nice run down. FYI - that launch is no longer free and will start charging a fee this summer to launch there

When hitting the river across from City Winery is Bridge House Tavern and Restaurant, you can park on the wall for free if you are eating there. It is a little sketchy, with a climb up the ladder to the tables. The food was great and the views are good too.

I still wouldn't consider Chicago "Boat Friendly" but they are getting better. Of course be careful with lake Michigan. The wind changes and your day gets ****ty really quick.

Very informative post, thank you.

Knot 4 Me 04-27-2017 01:04 PM

I think Worth may be where the old Crownline group launched for the Chicago Loop Cruise each April.

Edit: Yup, here it is.

http://www.chicagoloopcruise.com/
.


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