Anyone work with this company before? The reason I ask is I was wondering if they allow owners to work on their own boats on the hard at their facility. I am a do-it-yourselfer but the options in the Chicago area seem to be limited as far as haul-in/out and sailboat dry storage options are concerned.
Larsen's in Waukegan...
- Thread starter braol
- Start date
i have never worked with larsens directly, though most yards in chicago will allow you to work on your own boat. bringing in another contractor is a different story.
but why dont you store at the navel base? if you are stationed there i think you can store there. i tried to get in there years a go but they were not taking new customers.
mike
but why dont you store at the navel base? if you are stationed there i think you can store there. i tried to get in there years a go but they were not taking new customers.
mike
I was set to at least deliver the boat to Great Lakes (no slips available, just buoys) but I learned that they do not own their own crane/lift. The last day to put a boat in the water there is 29 June and then the crane goes away until fall. #2 place in my book is Larsen's (more sailboat friendly), and last is Skipper Buds (powerboat central).
Another Lake Michigan option - Racine Riverside
It's a bit further north, but Racine Riverside might also be an option. They are the Lake Michigan Hunter dealer and have always treated me well. They've got good facilities, lots of owners doing work in the yards, knowledgeable staff if you need assistance, and are an easy sail back to Great Lakes.
It's a bit further north, but Racine Riverside might also be an option. They are the Lake Michigan Hunter dealer and have always treated me well. They've got good facilities, lots of owners doing work in the yards, knowledgeable staff if you need assistance, and are an easy sail back to Great Lakes.
OK, it's a long shot, but I'll throw this one out there. Further south and a bit less conveniently located for you, consider Canal Street Marina - www.canalstreetmarina.com. On the south branch of the Chicago River - through the Chicago lock and 24 draw bridges in downtown Chicago. Mast down is about 45 minutes from the lock to Canal Street, mast up is usually about four to five hours from the lock to Canal Street - scheduled in groups only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Canal Street is very sailboat oriented, helpful and flexible. They offer in yard services, but I've encountered no objections to bringing in outside contractors or do it yourself work -- both of which I do regularly. If you store outdoors you have 24/7 access. Some consider the river trip through the city a pain, but we find it to be a spring and fall event that is both beautiful and uniquely Chicago.
Those are all nice suggestions. Racine looks like a closer option than Chicago (I'll be living on the Wisconsin/Illinois border area). The fact that they are a Hunter dealer may be a small plus, I know Hunter really doesn't support old Cherubini's but Racine probably has more experience with the brand from a service standpoint.
I called Larsen's this morning and they allow owners to do their own work.
I called Larsen's this morning and they allow owners to do their own work.
It's been a long time since I left the Midwest so my info may be out of date, but Skipper Bud's in Winthrop Harbor used to let you work in their yard.