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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Moving to Chicago.

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Wildcat
Deckhand

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24 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/16/2005 : 00:42:39

It seems the company I work for wants me to move to Chicago and I would like some information from any Catatlina owners about the sailing out there. I now live in hot Las Vegas and think I want to move the fin keel to the Windy City. I am not sure what the slip space rental would be or if the is any that can be rented. I understand the boat will be on the hard all winter but what is the season out there. Should I sell my boat and get another. The fin is not a lot of fun to trailer but I do have a good trailer. Need to make up my mind soon as I will not want to be pulling the boat threw the snow. Thanks for the help.

Wildcat----Sailing year around on Lake Mead.

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thacket3
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2005 : 11:02:58

I grew up sailing on the north shore. So I don't have all the answers you are looking for, but can fill in a few holes for ya!

I'm not sure if you will be moving to the city or to the burbs. If you are moving to the city, most folks try to get into one of the parks dept marinas. They are dotted along the coast but fill up fast! When I used to live there, I know there was a long waiting list. There are a few private marinas in the city along the river, but they are pricey. If you are looking to live in the burbs, there are a few more options. Especially far up north towards the Illinois/Wisconsin broder, and I am sure that the same applies to the Illinois/Indiana border as well.

The sailing season varies. If you are in a parks dept marina, then you have set dates that you can come in and that you have to be out. I used to love the opening of the marinas in the spring as all the boats would parade down the river to the locks to get out into the lake. Very fun to watch. I think it was in April. then I beleive they had to be out in October. ( I may be wrong on that, but you would have to be pretty cold resistant to be out that late in the year anyway) I'm sure that there are folks here on the board from that area who could fill you in better.

Lake Michigan can be as calm as a pond, or it can be worse than an ocean. The waves can be 8-10 feet, and whats called a "confused wave patern" as the lake is about 75 miles wide at that point, the waves bounce off one shore and go across giving no real rythmm. It can be dicey! The water never gets above 74 degrees. (and thats in the heat of august!) But, the area offers so much to do with a boat. You will love it.

A possible word of advise, look into Yacht clubs and sailing clubs for possible places to dock. I would definatley start looking asap for next season. But, I am assuming that you are planing to live in the city itself. If you are planning on looking in the burbs I can get you some contacts on the north side. I don't know anybody on the south side, but I'm sure that I could find you a few places to start looking.

I was transfered to Atlanta ten years ago, and five years ago to Miami, but I would love to get back to Chicago. (I work for a Chicago based corp) My family is still there and it will always be home to me. It's an incredible place. I hope you get to go.
Tim

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2005 : 14:54:28

Keep your fin if you can find a good dock space. If not and you are forced to store and launch from your trailer a wing or swing would be the best bet. If you race I fwould look real hard for a dock space though.

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Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2005 : 12:36:20

Hi, I just bought my 1st boat a few weeks ago (25' Catalina) and had no problem finding a mooring in Monroe Harbor which is in downtown Chicago. Go to, http://www.chicagoharbors.info/ for detailed information on the harbors. Belmont Harbor was also available and had a stardock, not a mooring. I am VERY happy with the service at the harbor and definantely recommend it. Let me know if I can help with answering any other questions.

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thacket3
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2005 : 10:16:39

Jmurfy-
Just out of curiosity, what do they charge for a stardock nowdays?
Tim

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Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 00:23:39

Tim, look at the website link I provided for Westrac Marina. I think its $1200.00 at Belmont harbor.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.