Enjoy a Morning Meeting or LunchTime Cruise

ChicagoWaterCraft is offering a 2-hour daytime weekday only river cruise for corporate groups or vacationers (during non-peak, non-holiday hours). These are great for small intimate office, family, or romantic lunchtime events. Pack a picnic lunch or do take out off the river restaurants, and bring it back to the boat to enjoy a relaxing, productive cruise on a party pontoon boat, deck boat or yacht. Package includes: boat time, gas, city tax. Captain hire ranges around $40-$60 hr + gratuity. A refundable insurance deductible (RID) is required per boat (accidents on board sometimes happen) and can all be put on a credit card or local corporate check.

These greatly reduced prices means your group cleans up after your through and bag the refuse for disposal.

Add a Architectural Docent to your boating event….See our Private Architectural Tours link.

Hire a captain! The list of captains is in the middle of the page.

All Credit Cards Accepted!

Capacity Limit on all vessels: 12

Party Pontoon: $100 + captain + ($2,500 RID)  

Deck Boat: $160 + captain + ($2,500 RID)

Yacht: $350 + captain + ($3,400 RID)

CW doesn’t rent boats. We bareboat charter and lease!

Bare-boat chartering is much like renting a boat, but with boats that have a higher caliber boat safety licensing. Our program’s insurance does require charterers to have three (3) years of documented boating education with a US Coast Guard approved boater education service, if not you will need to hire a captain. A captain’s list is offered on this page.

So please surf our site to review our boats, pricing, and Chicago Watercraft Premium Events page to compliment your experience with us. After you have reviewed our site, give us a call at 773-791-7311 or email us, so we may reserve your date and time on the boat of your choice.

FIND THE BOAT PRICING AT THE END OF THE PAGE.

Click to print off ChicagoWaterCraft’s charter information page and fill it in with your desires AFTER WE TALK TO SHARE OUR BOAT’S AVAILABILITY!  charter-info request Email it or send it back to us with your check to ChicagoWaterCraft: PO Box 14576, Chicago, IL  60614.

Costs and Bareboat Charter

* Boat Fee $$$ + 9% city tax + Insurance Refundable Deductible

* + Gas

* Don’t forget – Captain if necessary!

How to Book

50% Deposit on the Boat is placed at time of booking. Follow-Up with us to confirm CW receiving your request. You fill out your request in writing on our pdf above and email it to us at chicagopartyboat@gmail.com. Finally, you print out email and present email at the boat’s location.

Cancellations

All Deposits on Charter Boats have 1-month out for a full refund, 2-weeks out for a 50% refund on the full expected boat fee, and less than 2-weeks the full fee will be expected to be paid whether you do the boating event or not.

Day of Event

Charterer must arrive at boat a minimum of one (1) hour for final payment (fee/tax/insurance) and usage contract review and signing. A boat inspection and safety equipment review is expected. For Insurance liability purposes every passenger on your boat fills out your boating roster and you would include your float plan.

Boat Condition

Chicago Watercraft does a basic cleaning of every boat in our fleet prior to you leaving the dock. Each client receives the boat in a clean, supply provisioned, and well-cared-for manner. We expect you to return the boat in the same condition you have received it in. If not the following cleaning fees will be assessed:

* $250 party pontoons

* $250 sport boats

* $500 for our yachts

Boat Damaged

All boat damage is assessed within 72 hours of usage. If boat damage occurs, clients are expected to stay with the boat management until all remedies have been supported and paid for.

Gas Replenishment

Gas is settled either during your event or at the home-base dock immediately upon your return during final boat inspection.

Your choices to pay for gas are:

* Pay Pump Pricing if pumped by Charterer during, or

* Pay Double the current on-water pump pricing if pumped by Chicago Watercraft + $100 captain / travel fee. (strictly enforced)

Captain’s Review

Whether you hire a captain or meet insurance requirements, captains are required to set-up an appointment with Chicago Watercraft’s management to demonstrate and practice boat management skills with boat secured by you or your hired captain.

If you require a designated captain trained on our boats, please contact one of the following names:

Commodore Yachts and Commander Boats

* Captain Vernon Patrick

Phone: 773-791-7311

Email:  ChicagoBeachVolleyball@gmail.com

* Captain Robert Johnson

Phone: 708-417-4649

E-Mail: cptjohnson@aol.com

* Captain Chris Connor

Phone: Cell: 773-230-9173

Commander Fleet

* Captain Jim Sharkey

Phone: 847-695-3072

Cell: 847-899-3072

E-Mail: jimnrita@comcast.net

* Captain Mark Stevenson

Cell: 312-437-2230

E-mail: shipmastermark@gmail.com

Chicago Watercraft’s Scheduling Policy

Monday through Friday

* Day Session – 9am to 4pm or 5pm (depending on what vessel)

* Hourly begins from 4pm to 1am

* Wednesday Fireworks go off at 9:30pm, Saturday Fireworks go off at 10:20pm

* Northerly Island Concerts Start at 6:30pm, 7:00pm or 7:30pm

Friday & Sunday – 4 Hour Minimum Evenings & Daytime: Full Day Rate Sessions Mainly!

* 9am to 5pm, 6pm – 11pm

* Midnight Madness: 12am – 2am

* 9am to 5pm, 6pm to 2am

Saturday Day Timeline – See Premium Events Pricing

* Day Session – 9am to 5pm

* Evening: 4 Hour Minimums

* Most Gas Stations Close at 7:00-8:00pm weekends (earlier during the week)

* Saturday Fireworks go off at 10:15-10:20pm.

* Northerly Island Concerts Start at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, or 8:00pm

Bareboat Charter Pricing

Commander Party Pontoon(s)

Boat Rate + 9% tax + $2,500 Insurance + Captain (Max Capacity of 12)

Pontoon Day Rate

* Premium Event….See Chicago Events Page Pricing, includes “Saturday Daytime” in Chicago.

* Weekday: Monday – Thursday – $400   (up to 8 Hours)

* Weekend: Friday & Sunday – $500   (up to 8 Hours)

Pontoon Hourly Rate

* Monday – Thursday $80 (2-hour minimum on Mon-Thurs only)

* Friday – Sunday $90 (4-hour minimum on non-Premium Event dates)

Commander Deck Boat(s)

Boat Rate + 9% tax + $2,500 Insurance (Max Capacity of 12)

Deck Boat Day Rate

* Premium Event…See Chicago Events Page Pricing, includes “Saturday Daytime” in Chicago. 

* Weekday: Monday – Thursday – $500    (up to 8 Hours)

* Weekend: Friday & Sunday – $650    (up to 8 Hours)

Deck Boat Hourly Rate

* Monday – Thursday $100 (3-hour minimum Mon-Thurs)

* Friday & Sunday $125 (4-hour minimum Non-Premium Event dates)

Commodore 34.5 Formula 330 Sun Sport

Boat Rate + 9% tax + $3,400 Insurance + Captain (Max capacity of 12)

Day Rate

* Premium Event….See Chicago Events Page Pricing, includes “Saturday Daytime” in Chicago.

* Weekday: Monday – Thursday – $1,200    (up to 8 Hours)

* Weekend: Friday & Sunday – $1,500     (up to 8 Hours)

Hourly Rate

* Monday – Thursday $190 (2-hour minimum Mon-Thurs)

* Friday & Sunday $235 (4-hour minimum on non-Premium Event dates)

Tubing Accessories

* $20 (1) One-Person Inner-Tube with Tow Rope

* $30 (1) One-Person Giant Tube with Tow Rope

Floating Accessories

* $10 (1) One-Person Chaise Lounger – (4) Available

* $1 (1) One-Person Kick Boards – (4) Available

* $1 (1) One-Person Noodle – (10) Available

Lost or Damage to All Accessories

* Damaged Inflatables – $250.00 each

* Damaged Tie Lines or Tow Ropes – $100.00 each

* Damaged to Air Inflator – $150.00 each

* Lost Noodles or Kick Boards – $15 each

All Inflatables are priced per event.

Conditions of the offer:

1. Can use only during the week Monday – Thursday for daytime or night time cruises.

2. Must be used for boat time only.

3. Adults only!

4. Non-Transferable to others. Original party is the only one who may use offer.

Take your meeting or event OUTSIDE and enjoy hosting your event on a Chicago WaterCraft Boat. We can even pick you up and drop you off at a convenient riverside location close to your office. BYO food and beverage, have your event catered, or we can stop by one of the few riverside cafes that have popped up and receive your pre-ordered food.

Contact Captain Patrick at 773-791-7311 and let us know your date? timeline? and any special needs? Click to print off this link and fill it in with your desires AFTER WE TALK TO SHARE OUR BOAT’S AVAILABILITY! charter-contract

River City Marina, Downtown Chicago’s exclusive private marina. Slips have been an excellent buy and have held their value through every economy! The facility has been 95% restored with new plumbing, all new electrical, many new shore power towers, new head pump, new bubbler system, Direct TV Package offered. Assessments cover water, electric, and beautification. Strong Board of Directors. Very Good management in place. We have one of the largest boat live-a-board communities in the Midwest, making all slips a viable year-round social and strong earning community as well.

Both slips are accessibly near the pumpout and the marina’s entrance, with M-18 having coverage also from the building. Both slips have a fantastic view of the city lights at night and romantic sunsets.

Slip M-9, $43,900
CAP Rate Return Met in Earnings
20.6 ft x 14 ft
Averaged 3 leases per season. One ski boat + 2 jetskis.
Taxes: $605, Assessments $140

Slip M-18, $44,900
CAP Rate Return Met in Earnings
25 ft x 10 ft
Main Year-Round Leases between $3,500-$5,000
Taxes: $595, Assessments $163

BUY BOTH SLIPS FOR $82,900 and $ave $5,000 off the TOP!

These are Chicago WaterCraft owned slips.  Contact Vernon Patrick for a showing at 773-791-7311 or email your contact info to ChicagoWaterCraft@gmail.com.

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Boats & Yachts for Sale…Contact Patrick for showings 773-791-7311

1979 38′ Bayliner Available Again for $15,500. Call For Appointment!

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Antique Lone Star 13′ Day Sailor, SOLD

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1965 Webber Cove Trawler. SOLD $10,000!

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2008 & Newer Kawasaki Jetski Mechanics Repair Manuel - $49.00

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1988 Silverton 34 Express…..Amazing Condition…..$44,900 (Spring 2012)  Appropriately Named “Big Kahuna”….Offers Accepted

Catch this one before it goes into 2011-12 winter storage and $AVE!

Powered by twin Crusader 454 350HP engines with only 960 hours! Always heated storage Turn key and ready for the new owner. Boat is in excellent condition – fresh water cooled -A/C- 2 zone with reversible heat -Canvas- full enclosure in good shape recently done   -2 TVs (19 in. flat screen in aft.) -garmin gps – radar -Halon ext. system -New bridge seats – refrigerator with freezer -2 burner stove  -Sleeps 6 (forward, dinette, sleep sofa, separate aft cabin) -full baths Everything on the boat goes with it. Lots of extras and upgrades. Upgraded sound system with remote control from bridge microwave, coffee maker 2 dvd satellite radio depth sounder speed through gps (just filled 130 gal of fuel) Shower , marine toilet, with holding tank, bottom paint this year cruises at 24 25 miles at 3000 rpm, swimming platform windless anchor custom big kahuna towels window corners

Call Captain Patrick for an appointment before it goes to Winter Storage! 773-791-7311

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Antique & Classic Cars For Sale………

Call Vernon 773-791-7311 for an Appointment

SOLD…Rare 1984 BMW 633 csi “The Shark”

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1988 Mustang GT Convertible…$4,999 Cash, Fair Offers Considered

NEW Convertible TOP, NEW Exhaust, 302, Auto, Saleen cowl & spoiler, black exterior, runs, Alpine Stereo, set of Pirelli wheels & tires + 2 added Mustang wheels comes with car, drive away.  New power steering pump, battery, doors, hood, ball joint, alternator, trunk lid, New Paint and ready for Spring!

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1973 Dodge Charger SE…$7,500 or Cash or Trade & Cash

Hot Muscle car from the early 70′s. This car is Blue with black striping and has a 318 V8 with a 3-speed on the floor. This car has had an older restoration. The car is complete, runs, Keystone rims with 60s on the rear, trunk floor and main seating area have good floors. Floor at driver’s feet and driver’s rocker will need restoration. I am having a new clutch installed, tune-it up, and its safe to drive around town or cross-country.  The average restored resale price for these cars ranges from $25,000 – $40,000 (see HemmingsMotorNews).  Most 1973 Dodge Chargers are taken apart and sell for my listed price as you will find out….with one exception, this car will be drivable.

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1968 Mercury Cougar….$6,500 or Cash Preferred or Trade & Cash

Great car of the late 60s. Runs, drives, 2 year body restore project completed & New Paint. 302 cu, auto trans, Dana 60 Rear-end, interior 80% complete and have all interior components, newly restored dash, all new rubber parts, hideaway head lights, restored tail light assemblies, new front and rear windows, completely new exhaust system, have all parts available to complete restoration

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1956 Chevy Bel Air 2-Door Sedan….$8,000 Firm

Nearly complete car with good floors front to back (nice surprise). Good frame, windshield and rear glass, complete dash with padded dash. Mid-to-rear quarters “do not” need repair. Interior: have complete front bench seat and rear seat bottom only. Has incomplete 265? v-8 and the original rear end. Its a roller without a transmission. Has all side stainless, both hard-to-find bumpers, and more….. Needs total restoration and is in “AS IS” condition. Great car to start a project with! I’m totally tempted to keep this one!

Chicago WaterCraft Tours are 1.5-2 hours long, and can be customized depending upon where you desire to go on the Chicago River. Lake tours are available, but require more time and charter prices will be considered.

Daytime Tours run Monday through Friday days.
Night Time Tours run Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The event is simple to organize. You purchase our boat package of choice, hire the Docent of choice and hire the captain. You may bring your own food & beverage, but you clean up the boat upon your return prior to final boat inspection.

Each Boat Package includes: Boat Time & Gas for a River Tour. Chicago WaterCraft can work on a moments notice if a docent and a captain is secured by you.

Lake Tours, gasoline is separate. All boats carry a maximum capacity of 12, more people secure a Flotilla Tour (multiple boats).  Fireworks cruises are extra, contact us for a price! All boats have a RID (Refundable Insurance Deductible) that’s held by credit card. We accept all major credit cards and local corporate checks paid 2-weeks in advance.

Pontoon $200
Deck Boat $300
Yacht $500

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Tour Docent Experts

* Sean Ursini
Cell: 312-437-1729
Email: skyscraperjunkie@yahoo.com

Commodore Yachts and Commander Boats

* Captain Robert Johnson
Phone: 708-417-4649
E-Mail: cptjohnson@aol.com

* Captain Olaf Schneider
Phone: 847-710-7245
E-Mail: olafsails@hotmail.com

* Captain Chris Connor
Phone: Cell: 773-230-9173

Commander Fleet

* Captain Jim Sharkey
Phone: 847-695-3072
Cell: 847-899-3072
E-Mail: jimnrita@comcast.net

* Captain Mark Stevenson
Cell: 312-437-2230
E-mail: shipmastermark@gmail.com

* Captain Jim Menard (max 6-persons only)
Cell: 708-641-7007
Phone: 847-524-7607

Ladies Take it Outside and do it on a Boat!

Looking for IDEAS…Look no further! Chances are we have experienced every possible Bachelorette Boat Party known to women. Call Captain Patrick at 773-791-7311

Chicago WaterCraft is very EASY to work with and we’ll be as accommodating to your busy planning schedule as possible! Click our link to our Premium Boating Events pricing to help you price out and plan your event.

So what’s your question? Call Captain Patrick at 773-791-7311

Yes, you have the privilege of being able to bring your own food and beverage, as long as you clean up completely after yourselves. If not we do secure a clean up fee upfront which is returned after the final boat inspection.

Yes, your caterer is welcome to deliver to us, but no open flame.

Yes, we have a changing room and bathroom on every boat in our fleet.

Yes, you can decorate our boats with non-bleeding materials.

Yes, you can bar-hop on the Chicago River.  We bet you didn’t know that!

Yes, you may have SINGERS and dancers on the boat.

Yes, you can rent inflatables for all the ladies and enjoy a lakeside experience in the water.

Yes, hear your favorite band at Northerly Island, right on the boat. The sound is great!

Yes, we have I-Pod hook-Ups on the Commander Boats and a DVD player & Serius Radio on the yacht.

Yes, you can go to the Hammond casino by boat and enjoy a day of gambling and take a nice lake cruise return trip.

Yes, you can see the fireworks from a boat while staying on the river where all the bar action is.

That was easy, wasn’t it? Now Book Us QUICK!

Call Captain Patrick at 773-791-7311 and BOOK Us Early!

• 2006 Formula 330 Sun Sport
• Gorgeous Red & White with Multi-Color Stripes
• Awesome 34.5 ft Yacht
• Session Price Point + 9% City Tax + $3,400 (RID) Refundable Insurance Deductible
• Captain’s College (if necessary) (US Power Squadron Certified, USCG Captains)

Four (4) Session Plans to Choose From!

24 Sessions: $7,000
10 Weekend + 14 Weekday Timeslots
Timeslots 9am-5pm & 5pm-9am 7 Days / Week
24 hr Moment’s Notice Session Trading
Guaranteed Trips Up To 6 Days
5 Month Season
All-Inclusive, 1 Season Lease

18 Sessions: $6,500
8 Weekend + 10 Weekday Timeslots
Timeslots 9am-5pm & 5pm-9am 7 Days / Week
24 hr Moment’s Notice Session Trading
Guaranteed Trips Up To 6 Days
5 Month Season
All-Inclusive, 1 Season Lease

12 Sessions: $6,000
5 Weekend + 7 Weekday Timeslots
Timeslots 9am-5pm & 5pm-9am 7 Days / Week
24 hr Moment’s Notice Session Trading
Guaranteed Trips Up To 3 Days
5 Month Season
All-Inclusive, 1 Season Lease

6 Sessions: $5,500
2 Weekend + 4 Weekday Timeslots
Timeslots 9am-5pm & 5pm-9am 7 Days / Week
24 hr Moment’s Notice Session Trading
Guaranteed Trips Up To 2 Week Days
5 Month Season
All-Inclusive, 1 Season Lease

Prime Time (6) Weekend Sessions: $8,500
(SAVE $1,100 off 6-Weekend Day Rate Charter Pricing)
(3 Saturday & 3 Sunday Sessions)
Timeslots 9am-5pm & 5pm-9am
Dates/Sessions Pre-Selected
72 hr Moment’s Notice Session Trading
Guaranteed Trips Up To 2 Over Night Early & Late Season
5 Month Season
All-Inclusive, 1 Season Lease

We are celebrating our 10th Year Anniversary in Chicago. Thank you for finding us!

Along with our Boating Experience, we’ve added a BIG Beach Volleyball program at North Avenue Beach for adults and kids. We’re hosting Beach Leagues Wednesday nights. JOIN NOW and follow our beach volleyball link with our Junior VB Club affiliate on this website. All earnings will be dedicated to the development of our new indoor volleyball facility in Chicago. So help us build the facility by JOINING our adult & corporate Volleyball leagues. Tournaments, SAND Camp & Court camp sign-ups are happening too!

Everybody wants a boat during a premium Chicago boating event time-line during a Saturday 9am-5pm day session, July 4th weekend, Northerly Island Concert, Air & Water Show, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, the Chicago Scene Magazine Boat Party, and to tailgate at a Bears Game.

Chicago WaterCraft offers a Premium Day Rate program for all the Special Days and Events enabling you enjoy those events listed above. These are prices are for whatever time-line you desire up to 8 hrs within either 9am-5pm or 6pm-8am. We always sell out for these events, so its best to reserve one of our boats now than wait and miss out!

How It Works
Chicago WaterCraft requires a 50% non-refundable (2-weeks out)  boat deposit commitment with the balance paid in full prior to leaving the dock. Yes, a 40 minute contract, boat inspection, and roster can be expected upon your arrival. A roster of your guests is for insurance purposes. Boat deductibles are held by credit card or cash only!

Clean-Up Policy
You clean up after yourself, bag the trash and toss in dumpster nearby and $AVE!
Clean-Up Fees:
* Commodore $500
* Commander $250
These fees are taken upfront with your deductible and returned to you when you return the boat back to ChicagoWaterCraft for follow-up inspection.

Chicago WaterCraft’s Gasoline Policy
* Decision is made prior to leaving the dock!
A. You pump – Pump Pricing
B.  CW pumps – Double the Pump Rate + $100 travel / captain fee. (no exceptions)

Drinking or No Proven Boating Skills, you will hire a captain or you won’t meet insurance requirements! We offer a list of local captains to hire!

Commodore – 34.5 ft Formula 330 Sun Sport
$1,500 Boat Rate + $3,400 (RID) Refundable Insurance deductible + replenish gasoline  + Hire a Captain.

Commander – 25 ft Bennington Deck Boat
$800 Boat Rate + $2,500 (RID) Refundable Insurance
deductible + replenish gasoline + Hire a Captain.

Commander – 25 ft Bennington Party Pontoon
$650 Boat Rate + $2,500 (RID) Refundable Insurance
deductible + replenish gasoline + Hire a Captain.

All RID’s can be placed on a credit card as a preventative freeze through Final Boat Inspection.