is living on a boat in Chicago possible?

Question

I was just wondering if living on a boat during the boating season in Chicago was legal/possible. I have heard of people living on a boat before, but what about the Chi-Town area?

And if it is. Does anyone have any advice, harbors, etc? Or does anyone know of anybody who has done this before?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes you can live on a boat in Chicago during the boating season.

Many people all over and around the Great Lakes, and the Hudson, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri and Mississippi rivers live on their boat during the boating season. Canada in fact has a huge number of live aboard boaters that live full time on their boats during the boating season.



In addition, you have about a hundred or so Great Loopers per season, living on their boats as they make way around the Great Loop.



The "legal" aspect to living aboard is whether or not the body of water is navigable to the ocean. If so, you are good to go. It is against the law however to live on land locked lakes, and waters that do not drain to the sea.



For several years I lived full time on my boat in Buffalo, NY during the boating season, as many others do as well.



John



Oh. . . the only advice I can give you - is get prepared to love it. Once you experience this lifestyle, it is very hard to give it up. That is exactly why you will find me on my boat, in the south during winter, living on my boat full time all year long.

Answer 2

yes,my friend does it.you need to wrap the boat with plastic at the top and sides.$5000.you need a bubble pump,to prevent the water from freezing around the boat.this is for year round living.summer living is anywhere you want. go to a marina with good bathroom facilities,and hydro hook-up.find a dock with others living there.

Answer 3

Yes you could live on the lake. I don't have any advice, but I know that you can do it.