Find Boats for Sale in Chicago and Lake Michigan
 
Chicago has one of the most active freshwater boating markets in the Midwest. From downtown Chicago River marinas to Lake Michigan harbors and North Shore facilities, buyers have access to a wide selection of powerboats, sailboats, cruisers, and yachts throughout the season.
 
To help buyers efficiently locate current listings, Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying Co. maintains this Chicago boat-buyer resource page with direct links to reputable marketplaces and local yacht brokerages. Once you identify a vessel of interest, we provide professional pre-purchase marine surveys to protect your investment and support negotiations.

Current Boat Listings – Chicago Area
 
Browse active boats for sale in the Chicago market through the following trusted listing platforms:
 
• YachtWorld – Chicago Listings
 
• BoatTrader – Chicago Listings

• Pop Yachts – Chicago Listings
 
• Facebook Marketplace – Chicago Boats
 
Chicago & Regional Yacht Broker Listings

Many vessels in the Chicago market are sold through established Great Lakes yacht brokerages:

• Chicago Yacht Works – Brokerage Listings

• SkipperBud’s Yacht Sales – Chicago Region

Popular Boat Types in the Chicago Market

Common vessel categories found in Chicago and Lake Michigan listings include:
• Express cruisers and cabin cruisers
• Sailing yachts and performance sailboats
• Center-console and sport fishing boats
• Day boats and bowriders
• Charter and commercial passenger vessels

Freshwater operation on Lake Michigan reduces salt corrosion but introduces unique seasonal, storage, and freeze-thaw considerations that should be evaluated before purchase.

Why a Pre-Purchase Marine Survey Matters in Chicago

Before closing on any vessel, a professional marine survey is essential. A pre-purchase survey provides:

• Structural hull and deck inspection
• Machinery and propulsion evaluation
• Electrical and safety system review
• Moisture intrusion and thermal imaging
• Underwater hull and running gear inspection (haul-out when required)
Survey findings help buyers understand vessel condition, negotiate price adjustments, obtain insurance, and avoid costly surprises after purchase.

Learn more about Chicago marine surveys: CLICK HERE

We coordinate directly with marina offices and boatyards to schedule surveys efficiently.

Once you find a boat of interest, scheduling a survey is simple. Submit vessel details and location, and we’ll confirm availability and next steps.

Request a survey appointment

About Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying Co.

Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying Co. provides professional marine survey services throughout Chicago and the Lake Michigan region. We serve buyers, owners, insurers, lenders, brokers, and commercial operators with thorough inspections, clear reporting, and responsive scheduling.

Disclaimer
External listing links above are provided as a buyer resource. Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying Co. is not affiliated with listing platforms or brokerages. Always verify listing details directly with sellers or brokers.