Master Your Boat Move: Training, Relocation & Storage Tips

Boat Lift at Safe Harbor Tower Marine in Saugatuck, MI/photo courtesy of Boat Safe Chicago

Planning your spring and fall boat moves can take place at any time. Avoid the last-minute rush and always plan early. But what if your boat move could be more than an ordinary boat move? What if it is a real-life learning experience?

Why hire someone to move your boat when you can turn it into real-life training? It has become increasingly popular for owners to ride along on boat moves, especially long trips. What better way to familiarize yourself with your vessel than on a boat relocation adventure? You can even get certified in the National Safe Boating Council Curriculum along the way.

Meeting Insurance Requirements and Building Muscle Memory

If you are buying a big boat and don’t have experience with that sized vessel, insurance companies often have strict guidelines. Many require a minimum of 28 hours of training with a Master Captain before they will fully underwrite your policy.

After a recent 28-hour training session with the new owners of a 55-foot Carver Yacht, our social media post received comments asking, “We wondered why we saw that boat docking 30 times in one afternoon!” Now everyone knows it was professional training! We need to build muscle memory so that handling a large vessel becomes second nature.

Master Captain Aaron instructing new Carver Yacht owners in Holland, MI photo courtesy of Boat Safe Chicago

Case Study: David’s Lake Michigan Adventure

David, an experienced boat owner, recently purchased a 50-foot Sea Ray. The boat was a bit bigger than his previous vessels and certainly had more electronics than he was familiar with. Although not required by his insurance, David, a lifelong and avid learner, completed an afternoon of training with Master Captain Todd in Waukegan Harbor as he prepped for his ride home to Sandusky, Ohio. But even with his training, David felt uneasy making the complex trip entirely alone.

David considered hiring Boat Safe Chicago to move his boat. At the last moment, he decided to turn the boat relocation into a master class in learning. David, his dog Elroy, and Master Captain Joseph headed out across Lake Michigan on a late Monday afternoon. Captain Joseph regularly runs Great Lakes routes, making this an invaluable mentor-led journey. It turned into an exciting learning adventure for David, even involving a small craft advisory along the way. The conditions were REAL, and now in port at home in Ohio, David truly feels prepared for whatever comes his way on the water.

David’s Sea Ray in Waukegan, Illinois/photo courtesy of David

• Pre-Departure Prep: They first calculated the optimum cruising speed to maximize fuel efficiency—and filed their float plan—which provided foundational lessons for David even before they left the dock.
• The Route: Captain Joseph shared his live location with the Boat Safe Chicago team as they crossed the lake, arriving safely in Ludington, Michigan, late Monday night. 
• Overcoming Obstacles: After waiting for severe weather to pass on Tuesday, they headed north along the Michigan coast. Over the next two days, they made the trip around Michigan, passing under the majestic Mackinac Bridge and enjoying the eastern Michigan coast en route to the yacht’s new home port of Sandusky, Ohio.

Upon arriving safely in Sandusky on Thursday (less than 72 hours from their Waukegan departure), David texted:

“I am all tied up at the dock, and Captain Joseph is on his way back to Chicago. Thank you to Boat Safe Chicago for your services. Your team (Captain Todd and Captain Joseph) represents your company well. I am so glad you popped up on my Facebook reel at the right time.”

Weeks later, on an Instagram post about the adventure, Master Captain Joseph (who RARELY makes an appearance on social media) made a lengthy comment, describing how the adventure brought him joy:

“I had the pleasure of bringing this beautiful yacht from Chicago, Illinois, through Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the Saint Clair River, Lake Saint Clair, the Detroit River, and finally across Lake Erie to Sandusky, Ohio.

Even better than the miles and waterways was the company along the way. I had a fantastic time with the owner (David) and his four-legged first mate, Elroy. It was a real pleasure helping him get familiar with all of the electronics aboard, walking him through the systems, and spending time working together on maneuvering this vessel.

Trips like this are exactly why I love what I do: great people, beautiful water, new experiences, and plenty of time on the helm. I’m grateful for the opportunity and for the memories made along the way. Fair winds and following seas, until the next adventure!” -Master Captain Joseph on Instagram

Always Look Ahead: Seasonal Transitions and searching “Boat Movers Near Me”

Chicago Harbors usually opens in April and closes at the end of October. Summers fly by, and those final weeks can quickly turn into a stressful scramble. Don’t get caught without a plan! A crucial detail often overlooked is that fuel dock hours shorten significantly as the season winds down. Be sure to check the most up-to-date information on hours and closures directly at the Chicago Harbors website.

Where Will Your Boat Call Home This Winter?

Finding the right boat storage facility is essential for protecting your investment through the freezing months. You have a variety of excellent options for winter storage, depending on your personal preferences and geographic location:

• Wisconsin: Several marinas offer fantastic storage solutions tailored to regional boaters.
• Illinois: Beyond Chicago, many facilities can accommodate your boat. Our absolute favorite? Crowley’s Yacht Yard.
• Indiana: Consider Trail Creek Marina, in conjunction with the Michigan City Port Authority, for a great option near the southern tip of the lake.
• Michigan: Popular choices include Anchorage Marina and Yacht Basin Marina in Holland or Gull Lake Marine in South Haven, widely known for their exceptional customer service.

Note: The Chicago Harbors website offers an official list of approved storage facilities, so please check with them before finalizing your winter arrangements!

Beyond the Move: Winter Storage & Maintenance Best Practices

When planning your winter boat storage, think carefully about what environment is truly best for your vessel:

Key Considerations Table/Courtesy of Boat Safe Chicago Boat storage boat relocation boat delivery yacht storage yacht delivery

Make Your Move a Learning Experience!

Thinking about a longer trip but feeling a little nervous? Why not ride along with us during your boat’s relocation? It’s an incredible opportunity for a personalized boater education lesson that will help you get comfortable with longer passages, advanced electronics, and new navigation skills.

The experienced team at Boat Safe Chicago will help you plan and coordinate the perfect move, ensuring everything goes smoothly from dock to dock. You can even check pricing and book your move online directly through our website!

(Note: Boat lessons require an extra fee.)

Flexibility is Key!

Remember, when it comes to boat moves, we are always beholden to Mother Nature. We strongly recommend planning a primary move date and having at least one backup date to account for unexpected weather changes.

Start planning now for a stress-free, highly educational start or end to your boating season!

Magic Wands Not Included (Although It Might Feel Like It!)

Moving and storing your boat shouldn’t feel like a second job. By handing the logistics over to the experts at Boat Safe Chicago, you can skip the stress, avoid the seasonal hassle, and get straight to enjoying the water. Don’t let the details weigh you down—email Dani@boatsafechicago.com today, snap your fingers, and let us handle the heavy lifting from shore to storage—and back!

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