What factors affect the cost of docking a boat in Chicago?
I'm considering keeping a 30-foot boat in Chicago for the summer and trying to work out the full cost. How much difference do the harbour and a slip versus a mooring make, and what extras should I budget for?
Answer
The cost of docking a boat in Chicago depends mainly on its chargeable length, the harbour, your choice of slip or mooring, and whether you book overnight or for the season. Check the harbour's measurement rules and what the fee includes, because electricity, parking and winter arrangements can make a seemingly cheaper berth more expensive.
Boat dimensions and berth size
Start with the boat's actual overall length, beam and draught. A model sold as a "30-footer" may take up considerably more space once you include its bathing platform, bowsprit, anchor roller or outboard. Ask which projections count towards the chargeable length.
Check whether you pay for the boat's measured length, a length band or the allocated slip size. If your boat needs a larger available slip, the bill may reflect that space. Minimum charges can also make a small boat relatively expensive per foot.
- Length: sets the basic charging category or per-foot calculation.
- Beam: limits suitable slips; a wide catamaran may need special allocation and pricing.
- Draught: determines which berths and approaches are suitable, particularly as Lake Michigan water levels change.
- Power requirements: a boat needing twin 30-amp connections or 50-amp service needs a suitable pedestal and a specific electricity quote.
As an illustration, a hypothetical seasonal rate of US$120 per foot gives a US$3,600 base charge for 30 chargeable feet. Paying for a 35-foot slip at the same assumed rate brings that to US$4,200. These figures show the calculation; they are not current Chicago tariffs.
Harbour, slip or mooring
Compare individual harbours: there is no single Chicago-wide price. Location, facilities, berth type and availability all affect what you can book. Factor in the journey from home. Parking costs and a long drive add up when you visit several times a week.
A walk-ashore slip gives direct access for loading, cleaning and connecting shore power. A swinging mooring or fore-and-aft buoy arrangement usually offers fewer services at the boat and can cost less, but you must also consider how you will reach it.
Start with Monroe Harbor when investigating moorings, and compare suitable slip availability at harbours such as Burnham, Montrose and 31st Street. Confirm the facilities and charges for each berth offered.
- For a mooring, ask about tender service, its operating hours, charges and any dinghy arrangements.
- For a slip, check whether water, electricity, toilets, showers and pump-out access are included.
- Check parking entitlement and guest access; a berth does not necessarily include unrestricted parking.