Newbie looking for advice on brokers and surveyors in Chicago

I don't. But someone else here might.

I assume your search is primarily within the Great Lakes to begin with? Chicago is a smaller market but the region as a whole will give you a wider selection.

So, I would say the same thing if you were in Ft Lauderdale, FL or in Seattle, WA. Meet with some brokers. Have them show you some boats and stick with someone who is knowledgeable and responsive.

Martin Kelsey in Door County or Tyler in Milwaukee (both with Centerpointe) are knowledgeable brokers. I’ve used Martin on a few boats.

I haven’t personally used either, but Michael Tock or Richard Reichelsdorfer are surveyors that I’ve heard good things about from friends with similar boats.

Will you be summering in the city of Chicago or the Chicago area? The state tax will vary depending on where the boat is registered. A lot of Chicago area boats are registered in the state where docked. Also some marinas don't want live aboards . Some permit only a few. You have the choice of the WI, IN and IL. I hope you find a great boat and have a great time

Where are you planning on mooring it on Lake MI?

Ray Bock with Weber yachts is a very good and thorough broker.

We are a little off the topic of brokers and surveyors. However, I would urge you to take a look behind "the cheddar curtain" Yes, Wisconsin. Specificly Racine and Kenosha. A bit of a drive from Chicago; about 80 minutes. But I have always had a good vibe when heading to Racine; like getting away. Also, you can check out Waukegan and Larson Marine. Have fun!

Not sure what your experience boating around Chicago is, however considering your future plans of doing the loop etc, you may want to consider a marina where you may use the boat more often. Aside from taking the occasional guest up the river to see the buildings etc, Chicago is kind of a pain from a boating perspective. Slips are expensive, there aren't a lot of destinations to cruise to nearby and a lot of the people on the water have more dollars than sense. The vast majority of boat owners down there merely "captain" their 50 something Sea Ray from the marina to the play pen (partially on plane with their fenders out through the anchorage) drop (and drag) anchor, party for the day and head back to their marina.


As Bliss said above, you may be better served keeping the boat in a marina that is a bit more of a destination for you and your family to visit than what you'll find in Chicago. Even though I live in IL, I have a slip up in Sturgeon Bay WI for the summer as well as another in Racine WI that I will use early and late season.

---- and you might check as to how it is dealing with the Chicago Park District these days. My experience with CPD was fair to middling and long ago so it is simply not fair to comment. Chicago can be great but there is little I found enjoyable within a 15 minute walk of the boat. Good luck in finding the perfect boat for you and your family!

The last time I inquired about a slip even a can in Chicago's harbors the wait list was five years. I sublet a can, in Jackson Park and it was expensive. Chicago doesn't like liveaboards, but there are a few there $$$$$

I have had no dealings with the Hatteras listing broker - Eric Robinson at Starboard Yachts (I think). I have heard nothing but good re his work. One former Racine dock mate and friend of mine has used his services; both buying and selling. This with no complaints as I recall.

I am guessing at the location of the boat that has some of your interest. It would be nice to find a surveyor that is located near the boat . I am surprised that no one has coughed up a couple of surveyor recommendations. What's next, Googling up some SAMS names and reading some of their web sites? Someone in here recommended, if possible having a sea trial before the survey. This just to find any obvious deal breakers before incurring the survey expense.

Wish I good give you a local recommendation for a general boat surveyor but we used a TN based surveyor as that was where the boat was located when purchased. You will need an engine survey as well the local MAN guy has very good rep if a MAN survey is needed.

Northern Marine Diesel
1825 Daisy Lane
Two Rivers, WI 54241
Phone: +1 (920) 660 4746
email: skleckner@msn.com

We're in Belmont, it's a 20 min walk to Wrigley, et al from the parking lot entrance, but the entrance is on the north end of the harbor and its a difficult harbor to get into. Westrec runs the harbor system for the city so it's better than the bad old days. If you can't find the slip/marina you like at first try, you can get a can or slip at 31st harbor and get on the waiting list (i.e. get in the system). The Chicago Harbors website is generally helpful. As pointed out downtown Chicago Boating is lot about the Playpen during the day and Navy Pier Fireworks at night. Cruising out of Chicago usually entails heading to MI as it's closer than WI, New Buffalo is 40 st mi, South Haven 75 , and Saugatuck 88. The alternative is WI as previously suggested, starting at Winthrop Harbor, which is quiet and then Kenosha and Racine,

I am a Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) fully Accredited Marine Surveyor in Houston Area. I would suggest you go to www.marinesurveyor.org and find an Accredited Marine Surveyor in your area, not a Surveyor Associate, with many years of experience. Talk to several and make a choice. Ask for a sample report. Don't consider hiring any surveyor that is suggested, recommended, etc., by a broker. In fact, they more the broker dislikes a surveyor, the better! The busier the surveyor is, you will have to wait a bit for a good one to have a date open, the better. Just my two cents. I suggest you shop boats, not brokers! Use the online websites Yachtworld and Boattrader, they are the only ones that really matter, find one you are interested in and proceed.

The SAMS website is www.marinesurvey.org and anyone can log into it. Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS
GO to Find a Surveyor and navigate to your area for a list of surveyors who are AMS's, accredited marine surveyors.