Chicago's Navy Pier/Riverwalk
04-25-2017, 07:24 AM
#11
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Time for a bigger cat Rob. 36 Skater should do the trick! 
04-25-2017, 07:50 AM
#12
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Thread Starter
04-25-2017, 08:43 AM
#13
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04-25-2017, 11:59 AM
#14
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:
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
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
04-26-2017, 03:31 PM
#16
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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.
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.
04-27-2017, 12:44 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
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.
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.
04-27-2017, 01:04 PM
#18
Registered
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/
.
Edit: Yup, here it is.
http://www.chicagoloopcruise.com/
.
Last edited by Knot 4 Me; 04-27-2017 at 01:07 PM.
