Hire a US Coast Guard licensed captain for your Chicago boat day
3-4 Hours
Spend 3–4 hours on the water with Captain Dave Krell, a US Coast Guard licensed 100-ton captain. Customize your outing for the Playpen, Monroe Harbor, fireworks views, or a city cruise.
The rental fee is separate from the captain fee, which is usually due upon arrival (cash preferred; Zelle or Venmo accepted). There is an upcharge of $15 per hour for the 56FT Sea Ray, and credit cards have a 3% processing fee. No swimming after dark.
30+ days: 10% non-refundable. 15–29 days: 50% non-refundable. 14 days or fewer: 100% non-refundable. If weather is deemed uncharterable, you get a non-expiring credit for the amount paid, excluding catering.
Product ID: VJB5CY
If you plan to go on the river, you typically want a 4-hour rental because you need to go through the Chicago Lock.
You can anchor and hang out or swim at spots like the Playpen or Monroe Harbor, but do not swim after dark.
The rental fee is separate from the captain fee. The captain fee is usually due when you arrive at the boat, but the exact timing is up to the captain.
Knot My Boat Charters has clearly figured out the formula for creating memorable lake experiences. The standout feature here is the impressive roster of captains who consistently deliver exceptional service. John Brown gets multiple shout-outs for being friendly, informative, and creating a relaxed vibe that lets groups truly enjoy themselves. Captain Brian earns high marks not just for his professionalism and safety focus, but for going above and beyond (one reviewer mentioned how he secured a forgotten bag and coordinated its return after hours). Captain Rudy and Captain Josh also receive praise for being accommodating and laid-back, giving groups the freedom to customize their trips. The booking process gets thumbs up for being seamless and straightforward, with the nice perk of choosing your captain upfront. Reviewers consistently mention bringing their own snacks, playlists, and comfort items like blankets and hoodies, which suggests this is a BYOB-style charter where you control the atmosphere. Groups have used the service for everything from bachelor parties to Northwestern game day excursions, with stops at popular spots like "the playpen." The company also helps coordinate catering if needed. With such consistently glowing feedback about the captains' personalities, boat quality, and overall experience, this looks like a solid choice for anyone wanting a fun, stress-free day on the water without unnecessary frills or complications.
Amazing captain! handled everything very professionally and kept everything safe and organized book with Adrian T. !
Julia Pellegrini
August 31, 2026
Amazing captain! handled everything very professionally and kept everything safe and organized book with Adrian T. !
Julia Pellegrini
August 31, 2026
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