www.iFourWinns.com

We live in Muskegon, MI and we are considering a trip to Chicago next summer. Does anyone have a tip on the best marina? Do they take reservations? Any must see attractions? Mary Ann II

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

A group of us did a downtown Chicago river cruise last summer which was really cool, and the Navy Pier fireworks on Wednesday and Saturdays are always fun to watch on the water! As far as Marina's, Dusable seems to be right in the heart of the action and is directly connected to the river walk and the Lake shore bike/run path. As far as reservations the only thing I can tell you is it might not be as easy to get reservations as it is in Michigan...you guys have an awesome municiple system! Maybe someone else can chime in here with more experience with the Chicago marina system...we always cruise home after spending the day in Chicago considering our marina is only 25 miles away.

Just curious....Will you be crossing the lake and going down the Wisconsin/Illinois side or hugging the shore and heading south towards Indiana, and also kind of boat are you making this trip in? Good luck with your planning.

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Depending on the size of your boat, you can also look at Belmont or Montrose Harbor. We stayed at Montrose and it was very nice.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Chicago isn't to accessible by water. From what I hear, Milwaukee is much better in that regard.

I've been down the Chicago River a few times, and the views are spectacular. We get a transient slip in Hammond which is 13 miles from Navy Pier.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

1994 Four Winns 278 Vista

viewtopic.php?t=6709

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I suggest DuSable Harbor. That's where we keep our 378 Vista and it’s a great location for visitors. You can walk just about anywhere (downtown, Navy Pier, river walk, Grant Park, Museum Campus, etc.) and view the Navy Pier fireworks right from the dock if you wish. They have transient slips available during the season - I would suggest calling when the harbor opens in April 2011 to make your reservation.

Thanks for all the input. We have a 1994 278 Vista. It has twin 5.0L EFI and has proven
to be very dependable and seaworthy. My wife is a bit leery of bluewater sailing ever
since I got her caught between Muskegon and Sheboygan in 6 to 10 ft. waves. She seems
to be warming up to a return to blue water sailing so we may take the direct 110 mile trip.
We have also discussed traveling to Benton Harbor, MI and then crossing to Chicago.

When I figure out how to edit my signature, I will post my current and previous boats.
This is a GREAT site and I appreciate all the comments.

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

If you decide to go this route stop by at Boaters Beach, halfway between Michigan City and Portage and I'll have the beer on ice and burgers on the grill waiting for you! I'll be the guy with the Four Winns surrounded by Sea Ray's

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

And depending on the time of year I might be tied up next to him

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Ditto!!!

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Same here as well. We may be making a trip up to Summerfest in Milwaukee also.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Bliss36, flyer51, Jnizi & firecadet613,
Thank you for the invitation. If we go along the shore, we will contact you and take you
up on the offer. Bliss36, I checked out your blog. Very nice job of sharing a great trip! I
noticed that you visited Cap'n Morgan on your trip. Next time in town, ask him to call
me. We will buzz over in the dingy, (if the water is soft). MaryannII

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista