How Much Does It Cost To Dock a Boat in Chicago?
If you're planning to take your boat out in the windy city of Chicago, one of the first things you'll need to consider is where to dock it. Lake Michigan in Chicago has several marinas that offer different boat slip rates for various vessel types. In this article, we'll break down the costs associated with docking a boat in Chicago to give you a better idea of what to expect when planning your next trip.
The average docking fee in Chicago is around $2.50 per foot per day. So, if you have a 30-foot boat, you can expect to pay around $75 per day to dock your boat. In Belmont Marina, the monthly docking cost for a 30-foot boat can escalate up to $3,275, while in Montrose, it is only $2,900.
These numbers do not yet include the rental fee for a boat slip, permit fee, boat insurance, or maintenance costs. Let's learn more about what costs to account for when planning to dock in Chicago, as well as the types of docking you can opt for and their costs.
Summary
- The Chicago Harbors is a popular destination for boaters, making docking fees and other additional fees slightly higher than in other places in the US.
- To save money when planning to dock your boat in Chicago, try dry docking to store your boat if you're not going to use it for a long time, or use a mooring can instead to save docking space.
- If you're living outside Chicago and are planning to dock your boat in this area, note that you will be assessed a 20% non-resident surcharge.
On this page:
Costs of Docking a Boat in Chicago
One of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of docking your boat in Chicago is the size of your vessel. As a general rule, larger boats will require larger slips, which will be more expensive. Additionally, some marinas may charge extra fees for boats that exceed a certain length or width.
Another factor to consider when calculating the cost of docking your boat in Chicago is the duration of your stay. Most marinas charge slip rates by the day, week, or month, with longer stays generally resulting in lower rates.
However, you may need to note that some marinas may require a minimum stay, so be sure to check the policies of the marina you're considering. With these factors in mind, let's take a closer look at the costs associated with docking a boat in Chicago.
The average docking fee in Chicago is around $2.50 per foot per day
Docking fees are charged separately from rental fees and are based on the length of your boat. The average docking fee in Chicago is around $2.50 per foot per day. So, if you have a 30-foot boat, you can expect to pay around $75 per day to dock your boat in Chicago.
Docking fees in two popular marinas in Chicago
| Boat Size | Belmont Cost | Montrose Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 20 feet | $1,925 | $1,700 |
| 30 feet | $3,275 | $2,900 |
| 40 feet | $4,625 | $4,100 |
| 50 feet | $6,225 | $5,500 |
Belmont and Montrose are two popular marinas in Chicago that offer dock space for boats of all sizes. These marinas offer a variety of amenities, including electricity, water, and sewage hookups.
The cost of dock space at Belmont and Montrose varies depending on the size of your boat and the length of your stay. The table above is a sample breakdown of costs for docking at these two sites.
The boat slip rental fee can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per season
The rental fee for a boat slip in Chicago can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per season, depending on the size of your boat and location. Most marinas charge slip rates in feet, so the bigger the vessel, the higher the docking costs. For example, a 30-foot boat can cost around $3,000 to $5,000 per season, while a 50-foot boat can cost around $6,000 to $8,000 per season.
The permit fee is charged around $600 per season
Before you can dock your boat in Chicago, you need to obtain a permit from the Chicago Park District. The permit fee for a boat slip in Chicago is around $600 per season. This permit allows you to use the slip during the boating season, which runs from May 1st to October 31st.
The mooring fee can reach up to $1,000 per season
If you plan to anchor your boat in Chicago's harbor, you will need to pay a mooring fee. The mooring fee for a boat in Chicago is around $1,000 per season. This fee covers the cost of maintaining the mooring buoy and the chain that connects it to the anchor.
Insurance costs can range from $500 to $2,000 per year
Insurance is an essential aspect of owning a boat, and it is also a requirement for docking your boat in Chicago. Most marinas require you to have liability insurance that covers at least $500,000 per occurrence. The cost of insurance varies depending on the value of your boat, but it can range from $500 to $2,000 per year.
Maintenance costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year
Maintaining your boat is crucial to ensure its longevity and seaworthiness. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the size and age of your boat, but it typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Regular maintenance includes cleaning, painting, and repairing any damages to the boat.
Types of Docks and Their Costs
Dry storage docking
If you're looking for a more affordable option, dry storage might be the way to go. Dry storage is a great option for those who don't need to access their boat every day.
Dry storage is also a good option for boats that can't be left in the water year-round. Here are the costs for dry storage in Chicago:
| Boat Size | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 20 feet | $300 |
| 30 feet | $450 |
| 40 feet | $600 |
| 50 feet | $750 |
To understand dry-docking better, you can read this article on How Much Does It Cost To Dry Dock a Sailboat Exactly?
Using a mooring can
A mooring can is a buoy that your boat is tied to. This is a good option for those who don't need to access their boat every day and want to save money on dock space. Mooring can costs are much lower than dock space costs. Here are the costs for a mooring can in Chicago:
| Boat Size | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 20 feet | $100 |
| 30 feet | $150 |
| 40 feet | $200 |
| 50 feet | $250 |
Additional Costs to Consider
When it comes to docking your boat in Chicago, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind beyond the basic slip fees. Here are some of the most common additional costs you may encounter:
Cost of electricity usage
If you plan on using electricity while docked, you will need to factor in the cost of electricity. Most marinas charge for electricity usage separately from slip fees, and the cost can vary depending on the amount of electricity you use.
Cost in cases of towing and salvage
If your boat breaks down or you get stranded on the water, you may need to pay for towing and salvage services. These costs can vary depending on the distance and the type of service you require.
Paying for storage fees
If you don't plan on using your boat for an extended period of time, you may need to pay for storage fees. These fees can vary depending on the size of your boat and the length of time you need to store it.
Costs of building a removable dock
If you're looking for a more economical option, you may want to consider a removable dock. These docks are designed to be easily installed and removed, which can save you money on installation costs.
Paying for boat charter
If you're interested in chartering a boat in Chicago, you can expect to pay an hourly rate for the boat and captain. The cost can vary depending on the size of the boat and the duration of the charter.
Cost of registration of new boats
You will need to register your boat with the state of Illinois and pay a registration fee. The cost can vary depending on the size of your boat and the length of time you plan to use it.
Additional Costs Based on Location
When it comes to docking a boat in Chicago, the cost can vary depending on the location. In this section, we will discuss how zip codes and access to water can influence the cost of docking your boat.
Zip code can influence the cost of docking
For example, docking a boat in a popular area such as Downtown Chicago can be more expensive than docking in a less busy area.
According to Chicago Harbors, the harbor fees are based on the length of the slip or the overall length of the boat, and the fees are paid in full for the entire harbor season. Boaters who reside outside the City of Chicago will be assessed a 20% non-resident surcharge.
Access to the water can influence the cost of docking your boat
If you want to dock your boat in a marina that is at a prime location, easily accessible, and has plenty of amenities, you can expect to pay more.
The Chicago Harbors are recognized as the nation's largest municipal harbor system that offers a world-class guest experience on Lake Michigan. The harbor system has 10 harbors and 6,000 slips, making it a popular destination for boaters. For this reason, the costs of docking will be higher in this location.
Did you find the answer to your specific question?
👍 0 👎 0
Leave a comment