When can you launch your boat? We have updates!
by Chicago Yacht Works 4 Apr 2023 13:39 PDT
Chicago Harbor Lock © Chicago Yacht Works
Chicago Harbor Lock update
This winter the US Army Corps of Engineers began a three-year process of resurfacing the entire inside of the Chicago Lock. This winter they resurfaced the North side, next winter they will do the South side and in 2025 they will resurface the bottom.
They planned to have this finished by April 14th. Now, we are told completion is "scheduled for the 17th," which means the 18th is the earliest anyone should plan to traverse the lock...pending confirmation of its completion.
It's time to get boats on the water!
This is not an April Fool's joke, we promise. Spring is upon us and it is time to enact the Spring Launch Process!
As you know, the storage buildings must be emptied in roughly the opposite order of how they were loaded, also known as "First-in, Last-out," "FILO" or "LIFO." We are now designating tiers of boat launches based on factors like location, type of shoring, building, etc. and we will communicate to everyone your respective Tier and expected launch date.
Once we get closer to that date, we will confirm your pickup date and time. Please do not request a launch date earlier than your Tier's expected dates. Weather and other unforeseen events can impact launch and cause delays.
It is critical that your boat is ready to launch within (or before) your tier's expected launch date parameters. This includes items such as:
- Do you have enough fuel?
- Are your lines and fenders on board and ready to deploy?
- Do we have a set of your keys?
- Are your invoices fully paid?
- Is all requested service complete?
- Are your batteries connected and fully charged (or did you order Battery Service in the fall)?
- Is your crew scheduled and ready?