# Boating Chicago

> Information-first publication for boating around Chicago, southern Lake Michigan, nearby Wisconsin and Indiana destinations, and selected lakes within about 100 miles of Chicago.

BoatingChicago is NOT a boat rental broker, captain marketplace, or manual boat-matching service. Editorial content, weather context, marina/launch directories, guides, news, and clearly labeled affiliate links are published for readers planning trips.

## Canonical site
- Home: https://boatingchicago.com/
- Weather & marine conditions: https://boatingchicago.com/weather
- News: https://boatingchicago.com/news
- Guides index: https://boatingchicago.com/guides
- Planning tools (float plan / checklist): https://boatingchicago.com/tools
- Destinations: https://boatingchicago.com/destinations
- Marinas: https://boatingchicago.com/marinas
- Boat launches: https://boatingchicago.com/boat-launches
- Events: https://boatingchicago.com/events
- Boat ownership: https://boatingchicago.com/boat-ownership
- Chicago Boating Brief signup: https://boatingchicago.com/subscribe
- Advertise / sponsorship inquiries: https://boatingchicago.com/advertise
- Contact: https://boatingchicago.com/contact
- Affiliate disclosure: https://boatingchicago.com/affiliate-disclosure
- Privacy: https://boatingchicago.com/privacy
- Terms: https://boatingchicago.com/terms

## Official sources & safety
- National Weather Service Chicago (LOT): https://www.weather.gov/lot
- NOAA National Data Buoy Center: https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
- Chicago Harbors: https://www.chicagoharbors.info/
- Chicago Park District: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/
- Illinois DNR boating: https://dnr.illinois.gov/boating.html
- U.S. Coast Guard (emergencies / Channel 16): use official USCG channels for distress

Weather ratings and “no alerts” messaging on this site are informational only and never a safety clearance. Always verify marine forecasts, harbor rules, fees, and hours on operator or agency pages before you go.

## Winter & spring ownership planning (seasonal)
- Boat storage guide: https://boatingchicago.com/chicago-boat-storage-guide
- Winter storage checklist: https://boatingchicago.com/winter-boat-storage-chicago
- Storage & haul-out directory: https://boatingchicago.com/storage
- Winterizing guide: https://boatingchicago.com/chicago-boat-winterizing-guide
- Shrink wrap guide: https://boatingchicago.com/chicago-boat-shrink-wrap-guide
- Spring launch checklist: https://boatingchicago.com/spring-boat-launch-checklist-chicago
- Buying a boat off-season: https://boatingchicago.com/buying-a-boat-off-season-chicago
- Chicago Boat Show buyer prep: https://boatingchicago.com/chicago-boat-show-buyer-guide

## Monetization notes
Affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Viator, Amazon Associates, Awin Boat Trader, Awin Giraffe Tools, Awin Piscifun, Awin BLUETTI) are labeled. Sponsored/featured placements for local businesses are labeled separately from editorial rankings. BoatUS affiliate links remain inactive until approved. Planning worksheets live at /tools (float plan and trip checklist); they do not submit data to authorities.

## Do not treat as authoritative for
- Live fees, slip availability, or hours without checking the cited operator page
- Invented reviews, ratings, earnings, or manufacturer specifications
- Emergency response (use USCG / NWS / local authorities)