Chicago Air&Water-Where to Launch?
08-14-2023 | 11:45 AM
#11
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From: Bourbonnais, IL
Just be aware if you want to launch in the city and be close to the action then plan to get there EARLY! ive only launched at Burnham during the week when its now where near as busy as the weekends, but Diversey Harbor we launched once for the Air/Water show....got there at 7:30AM and we were the last ones to be allowed in!!! It was packed solid...wasn't expecting it to be that busy so early but then again you are right on the boundary zone so the planes fly right over your head during the show 
Most times we launched at Winthrop Harbor in Zion and just cruised on down...
Most times we launched at Winthrop Harbor in Zion and just cruised on down...
08-14-2023 | 12:00 PM
#12
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From: Zion, IL
Northpoint marina in Winthrop Harbor is a good option if the lake isn’t ****ty. Can be a long ride if it kicks up a bit, but a nice ride if weather/lake stays decent. Also, waukegan marina is a bit closer, but it’s not as nice of a launch, and isn’t in the best neighborhood. Kind of rough.
08-14-2023 | 12:09 PM
#13
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From: Bourbonnais, IL
Northpoint marina in Winthrop Harbor is a good option if the lake isn’t ****ty. Can be a long ride if it kicks up a bit, but a nice ride if weather/lake stays decent. Also, waukegan marina is a bit closer, but it’s not as nice of a launch, and isn’t in the best neighborhood. Kind of rough.
08-14-2023 | 02:31 PM
#14
Were doomed!
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Chicago, IL
You haven't lived until you launch your 30' boat at 6pm....leave Diversey Harbor to dead flat water....head into the locks go down the river and party with some friends at a bar..then come back out around midnight only to see white caps coming over the break wall!! Nasty 6-8' waves if not bigger.....longest and wettest ride ive had just to go about 2 miles to the harbor!
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Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
08-14-2023 | 03:31 PM
#16
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From: Chicago
I like Hammond,
It`s closer to Aurora and they have 93.
gated parking lot vs. east $hitcago , they have been break ins there .
9 miles back incase the lake gets ugy like this weekend.
It`s closer to Aurora and they have 93.
gated parking lot vs. east $hitcago , they have been break ins there .
9 miles back incase the lake gets ugy like this weekend.
Last edited by ICDEDPPL; 08-14-2023 at 03:35 PM.
08-21-2023 | 04:13 PM
#20
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Nice, lake looks calm. Was rolling pretty good on Friday. Yup F18 star of the show. That thing digging into them turns is bad ass ****. Bring the F22, F35, Stealth bomber and keep those boring thunderbird at home. Prop guys were impressive. Just my opinion. Maybe next year. Off to the shoot out next.
