Can I sail a 6 foot by 8 foot raft on the Chicago River? Lake Michigan?

Question

Me and my friends have constructed a 6 foot by 8 foot raft. It is in fine working condition. It is not a registered watercraft. Neither me, nor any of my 3 friends have a boating license. However, I have seen people kayaking in the river before. Are we allowed to sail our raft there? How about on the North Branch? If neither of these are allowed. Any suggestions as to where we could sail it? Can we sail it in Lake Michigan? Thanks

Answer 1

You probably can do it legally... but do you REALLY want to go SWIMMING in the CHICAGO RIVER if things go wrong?

Lake Michigan is something else... you may be OK in the yacht basin... but taking a 6x8 foot raft with 3 people on board out into lake Michigan sounds sort of suicidal to me.

Find a small lake and put your raft in there... you will be much safer and have just as much fun as putting your life in danger on either the river or the lake

Answer 2

SORRY! I must disagree with the first two answers.  I too don't want to rain on your idea, however the law's have changed, and the day's of Huckfin are over.  My guess is that the state has provisions for a "home built boat" but I know that Federal Law requires you to meet all U.S. Coast Guard Standards for safety and construction.  The kayak's you see all have an Manufacturer's Vessel Identification Number, and meet the Coast Guard standards.   What I'd suggest is that you ask for help from your parents.  Good Luck!!!!  

Answer 3

Go for it man!  Don't let the nay-sayers keep you from living your dreams....   Just try not to be "stupid". Wearing life jackets would make your otherwise "crazy" stunt - a lot smarter.

In fact, in California - in the 60s - when Robin Lee Graham (first teenager to sail solo around the world) was about 12 when he and some friends built a similar sailing "contraption" out of a old parts, pieces, and wood they gathered up in the scrap yard of an old Marina... after some time in the water, his friends "chickened out" but Robin made it all the way to Hawaii...  Course, a storm came up, and a massive Coast Guard search and rescue insued... but they couldn't find him, and a few days later - Graham shows up in Hawaii.

So... do it... but be safe about it.

You do not need a license or registration for a craft that size with no engine.



Happy & Safe Boating!