chicago- lake michigan launch ??

[darektylka]

I just purchased my first boat 1997 regal LSR 2100 and looking where are good places to launch near chicagoland..Im from SW Suburbs (orland park).
Any help will be great since im looking to take it out tomorrow if weather permits..
thanks

 

[chifloater]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

well you can launch in Alsip(127th st Cicero Ave) on the river take it up to downtown chicago,thru the locks and into the lake you go......

also if you want to go right into the lake, go to Calumet Park 95th st,

Hammond,In (next to Casino)

are you A newbie?? make sure all your stuff is in order coast guards are everywhere!!!!

 

[darektylka]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

Where exactly are the ramps on cicero n 127th? Yeah my first boat, but been on many before.. What do they mainly check for ?

 

[chifloater]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

on 127th 2 blocks west of cicero..right before the steel bridge...signs all over cant miss it......
if your going on the lake, need
radio
life preservers for persons allowed on boat..even if only 1 or 2 are going
fire extinguisher
first aid kit
flares/distress signal kit
throwable preserver (ring or cheaper ones are square)
all your paperwork (reg/plates updated on trailer) they will give tickets

 

[chifloater]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

going down the cal sag / river to downtown is a good ride...gives you a chance to learn your boat.....the guys at alsip launch are friendly...this ramp is nice..hasnt been chaotic at all........

fill up with gas.....going downtown..the only gas downtown is at burnham harbor and its a 5 min ride or so after jumping on the lake/by the mccormick place

 

[darektylka]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

Just came back from lake michigan, launched by horseshoe, very nice ramp and everything besides the crappy weather that came around noon but we were back to retrieve at 11 so everything was ok..

Going down the river how are the locks you have to go threw.? and also is there signs and all when going down river?
What time does the ramp open and close in alsip?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure for next time.

Thanks for the help.

 

[chifloater]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

locks in downtown are ok, just use common sense (everyone must wear lifejackets in that lock)....make sure you have some bumpers / fenders....they have some ropes to hang on too, but they come up short sometimes, i bought a grabhook to hangon the wall,its alot easier......

alsip launch opens at 7:00 if not earlier and close at 8:00....very nice ramps 8.00 fee, but well secured

when you launch at alsip you can go east ,follow river ,go through one lock,O'Briens, real easy lock..no lifejackets required ..kids only....stay to your right at the crossways and you wil be in lake michigan in no time...around 95th st........

if you go west at alsip take the sag till you see a "i believe some sort of water filtering plant" "bunch of man made waterfalls" then take a sharp right...that will take you downtown....takes longer when you get close to the city because its mostly a no wake zone... but its fun and relaxing when your not in the mood to fight the lake.

hope this helps.....sorry im not up on all the actual names of the landmarks, but once you see it you will nknow what im talking about....

 

[darektylka]

Re: chicago- lake michigan launch ??

ok cool thanks.