Great River & Lakes provides expert marine survey services throughout Chicago and the Lake Michigan harbors — including Burnham, Montrose, DuSable, and Belmont Harbors. Our surveys serve buyers, owners, insurers, lenders, and marinas with clear, actionable reports tailored to local conditions.
Certified Marine Surveyors
30+ Years of Experience
Trusted & Accepted by Insurers & Lenders
Fast & Reliable Service
Our Marine Survey Services in Chicago
Chicago's #1 Ranked & Trusted
Marine Survey Company
BURNHAM HARBOR
MONTROSE HARBOR
BELMONT HARBOR
DUSABLE HARBOR
31st STREET HARBOR
CHICAGO RIVER
Professional Marine Surveyor in Chicago, IL — Lake Michigan Boat Inspections
Survey Package Options
Midwest Service Area
All Chicagoland
(Up to150 Mile Radius*)
Lake Michigan
Burnham Harbor
31st Street Harbor
Monroe Harbor
DuSable Harbor
Belmont Harbor
Montrose Harbor
Diversey Harbor
59th Street Harbor
Jackson Park Inner Harbor
Jackson Park Outer Harbor
Chicago Yacht Club
Columbia Yacht Club
Southern Shore Yacht Club
Waukegan Harbor & Marina
Great Lakes Marina
North Point Marina
Chi, Illinois & Calumet Rivers
Rock, Fox & DuPage Rivers
East Chicago Marina
South Shore Marina Indiana
All Racine & Milwaukee Marinas
Delavan, Geneva Lake & WI
Mississippi River STL to MN
Global Upon Request
*Travel Charges May Apply
Services We Offer
We provide professional marine surveys throughout Chicagoland, including pre-purchase surveys, insurance and marina surveys, condition and valuation reports, damage claim surveys, and certified vessel appraisals. Our reports are prepared for buyers, owners, insurers, lenders, and marinas and are accepted throughout the region.
Professional Marine Surveyor in Chicago, IL
Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying Co. provides professional marine survey and vessel inspection services throughout Chicago and the Lake Michigan region. We serve vessel owners, buyers, insurers, lenders, and marina operators across Burnham Harbor, Belmont Harbor, Montrose Harbor, DuSable Harbor, 31st Street Harbor, the Chicago River marinas, and surrounding North Shore communities.
As a Chicago-based marine surveying firm, we understand the unique operating conditions of Lake Michigan — including seasonal weather exposure, freshwater corrosion patterns, winter lay-up impacts, and marina access requirements. This local expertise allows us to deliver accurate, defensible survey reports that meet the expectations of insurance underwriters, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities.
Whether you are purchasing a yacht, renewing insurance, assessing vessel condition, or preparing for commercial compliance, our certified surveyors provide thorough inspections, clear reporting, and responsive scheduling throughout the Chicago boating market.
Why Local Chicago Marine Survey Experience Matters
Marine surveys in Chicago require specialized knowledge of Lake Michigan operating conditions and regional marina infrastructure. Freshwater exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, winter storage practices, and high seasonal wave action all influence hull condition, mechanical wear, electrical systems, and structural integrity in ways not commonly seen in warmer saltwater regions.
Our surveyors work routinely within Chicago’s harbor system and understand local haul-out logistics, travel-lift availability, marina regulations, and access procedures. This ensures efficient coordination with harbor offices, boatyards, and service providers while minimizing scheduling delays for clients.
By combining technical survey expertise with direct familiarity of Chicago’s boating environment, we provide inspection reports that accurately reflect real operating conditions — not generic assumptions — giving buyers, owners, and insurers confidence in every decision.
Marine Survey Services Commonly Requested in Chicago
The Chicago boating market presents a wide range of survey needs depending on vessel type, usage, and ownership objectives.
We routinely provide:
• Pre-purchase surveys for used powerboats and sailboats
• Insurance condition and valuation surveys
• Financing and lender-required surveys
• Damage and casualty surveys
• Commercial vessel compliance and advisory surveys
• Rigging and mast inspections for Lake Michigan sailboats
• Thermal imaging and moisture intrusion evaluations
• Oil sampling and machinery condition assessments
Each inspection is tailored to Chicago operating conditions, vessel construction, and intended service environment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Chicago Marine Surveys
How long does a marine survey take in Chicago?
Most pre-purchase and insurance surveys are completed within one day, depending on vessel size and systems onboard. Reports are typically delivered within 24–72 hours after inspection.
Do you perform haul-out surveys at Chicago marinas?
Yes. We coordinate hull inspections and haul-outs at Chicago harbor facilities and regional boatyards as required for out-of-water evaluation.
Are your survey reports accepted by insurance companies and lenders in Illinois?
Yes. Our reports meet recognized industry standards and are accepted by major marine insurers, banks, and financing institutions.
What areas of Chicago do you serve?
We serve all Chicago harbors, the Chicago River marinas, and North Shore communities including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and surrounding suburbs.
Do you inspect both sailboats and powerboats on Lake Michigan?
Yes. We survey sailboats, powerboats, yachts, and commercial vessels operating on Lake Michigan and inland waterways.
