Suffice it to say that any day on the water is a great day. My best friend was getting married, and our DJ recommended a bachelorette party on the water, in the playpen. I set up everything in April 2014 for an August 2014 boat charter. The bride had no idea where we were going. We just told her to wear her best strapless bikini and bring plenty of sunscreen! We blindfolded her back in the burbs and packed two SUV's with our group of 10 girls for a day on the water. I want to start off by saying....I inquired about this day trip with 9 different boat companies or captains. Every captain emailed me back, but Cap'n Vernon emailed and then called me! From that point on he had my business. He was able to send the documents through email, and I reviewed the contracts and booked right away. Apparently in Chicago you have to charter your boat, and book your captain separately, but Cap'n Vernon's assistant was very detailed and gave me plenty of guidance and options. My concern was that the bride had a good time . He tailored a trip specifically for her. He gave us specifics on what we could bring as refreshments and food, and what would be provided (such as the coolers). We also brought an iPod filled with our kind of music and jammed the whole time through the locks. The original plan was to cruise a little bit and then hang in the playpen. But in our late morning departure the weather and the waters were not cooperating . On the fly Cap'n Vernon made an adjustment and we headed out for some deeper calmer waters. The weather was partly cloudy, and the lake was choppy and not optimal at first, but both Cap'n Vernon and his first mate made every accommodation to assure we had a great time (and they worked hard to keep us in the sun for about an hour before we were able to hang in the playpen). The bride had her strapless suit on, and got some great rays for her wedding day and had not stopped smiling. We were able to wait out the winds and clouds, and still tour, until Mother Nature gave in, and we got to the playpen. Then the party REALLY started. Some of those boats were huge yachts, or those really fast and loud cigarette boats. But... the ones that seemed to be the party starters had awesome sound systems on their boat. We were able to anchor in between some great groups. The party atmosphere was better than Key West. Watching guys do their tricks off the floating trampolines was a blast. We are so glad he recommended we rent the floating chairs and bring our ski jackets, and big noodles. It got quite hot, (88 degrees) and we were able dip in and out of the cool water, cool off, and float around for a great time!~ From the time we spoke on the phone, to the moment we stepped off the boat it was a top notch experience that I would and have recommended to family and friends . We will definitely be back soon! With 10 girls on the boat, and only 1 was married, we have quite a few more opportunities for this same experience. And if not for a bachelorette party, we'll make up another excuse to use this charter company again. Woo woo! (PS - the bride looked AMAZING, and glowed beautifully for her wedding! Make SURE to bring plenty of SUNSCREEN! You tan through it but don't burn. The boat has a little top that you can hide from the sun.) Have a blast! read more

ChicagoWaterCraft.com is celebrating it's 10th Year Anniversary providing boat-related management services. Client needs are served through seasonal and yearly boat slip leasing, seasonal boat lease Shares and bareboat charters, directing boating event productions, a entry level captain's college, and much more. CW leads the market in many fun boating events that provide exclusive use of boat by their clients. ChicagoWaterCraft produces the most Bridal Party events than any other boating company and they are easy to work with. CW offers a premium event day rate price-point that's palatable for the more popular boating events on the lakefront and Saturday Daytime runs. Meeting planners have shared that CW is easy to work with, fun and well organized when it comes to more personalized boating events including: office parties & meetings on boats, concert cruises, private architectural cruises, birthday cruises, fireworks, and bridal pampering cruises. CW is the only company in Chicago that offers 25' small recreational boats and small 34' yachts that hold up to 12 people. With a float plan offered the boats can travel to most lake and river destinations in and around the southern end of Lake Michigan or in and around the Chicago area. The business operation runs 24 hours by appointment from May 1st through Oct. They are located at River City Marina Condominium Association, but call 773-791-7311 first. They have a small charitable affiliate in www.cpjuniors.net that assists kids in getting to college through sports achievement. They support the sports club with event awards and funding for sports equipment. read more

We just had the best time!!!! My party and I arrived early. We rented a pontoon from Chicago WaterCraft and the owner and the 1st mate were there cleaning up the boat and welcomed me aboard right away. I filled out all the necessary paperwork, since the boat was my responsibility, once I left the dock. Captain Patrick was such a transparent business owner. He let me and my party board early. Helped with letting me know how everything worked and what to be on the look out. Smart move since we got wonderfully sun drenched and had a lot of fun when water was splashing up from the lake. We had fun experiencing the locks, and the play pen, then cruising around Navy Pier. Just such a great time. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun on Lake Michigan. I want to go back already. read more

Dreamy and fun. Met up with our friends after work last nite down by the dock at River City. Brought champagne and chips. Capt Patrick (who ain't bad to look at ) piloted us out into Lake Michigan via the Chicago River. The river was magical---all sparkling with city lites. Nice how boaters all wave at each other. Fun going thru lock. Exciting when you enter the Lake. Enchanting at twilight.. Skyline magnificent.......drifted close to Northerly Island to enjoy the Chic Corea concert..........so wonderful to be out on the water with friends. Boat has a little john. Thankfully. Came back by midnite ----- in time to get our cars out of the $2 lot at 865 S.Wells. Like a vacation in an evening. For less than $50 each. Looking forward to our next trip. Thanks Captain. read more

Without going into too much detail don't trust this guy Vernon Patrick Chamielewski. Operating under this name name Chicago WaterCraft. Chicago Watercreaft was invoulantarly disolved by the state of IL. 5/15. https://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/CorporateLlcController copy and paste for proof. INVOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION is when the state disolves your corp. If you do enough resesearch you can find out the reasons why. HIs boat was unsafe and submerged on a charter with my family on board and life vest were locked and unavailable for their saftey if they were even there to begin with. Just stay away from him and his "company" My family was able to return dock safely. read more

Our group had a great time on the pontoon!!! The boat was very clean and accommodated everyone in our party! The captain was fantastic and was very good at maneuvering the pontoon through the choppy waters! We then went down the Chicago River which was less choppy for those of us that we're a little uncertain of the other boats on the waters! The captain made us all at ease! We spoke with Leanne who was amazing at putting the party together for us! She was very helpful as well as informative about the boats!!! I will certainly do this again with the same company!!! Thanks for a great time!!! Eileen R. read more

My family was hosting a nephew and niece that were visiting the USA for their first time. They are 10 and 12 years old. Captain Patrick offered to take us all out with little to no notice! The kids got to experience all the Chicago architecture from the river viewpoint! He even let the kids take turns with him at the wheel, so they got to feel like they were steering the boat! Despite going to carnivals, water parks and fairgrounds - the boat trip was by far the best experience they had in August 2014. Thank you Captain Patrick for a memorable experience! Very professional and friendly to all! read more

our group had a great time labor day weekend...we hired captain Lee Charles and he was very friendly...would definitely use them again. the pontoon boat is a little beat up but we didn't care as all we wanted was to do was cruise on over to the playpen, and just hang there, have a few drinks, and enjoy the summer. it was spacious enough for all 12 of us...and for the price it's very affordable. i would recommend that you bring your own floaties to jump in, and bring your own ipod cord if you want to listen to music. we had a great time and can't wait to use them again next summer! read more

This guy "Vernon Patrick", " Captain Patrick, sometimes just 'Vernon' now I find a different business name "River City Boat Rentals', "Chicago Water Craft", "Rent Chicago Boats" he is a scam artist and a racist. l also see here he has been renting out this un-safe, terrible worn down and used boat to people since 2013. its not safe and shouldn't even be in the water. he writes his own reviews and he is apparently renting out slips he doesn't own, keeping peoples deposits. I don't even see how or why this guy still operates. shame on Groupon, BBB, and everyone else! read more

This was SUCH A great time!!! we used this company and had a blast. It was such a great time. WOULD DO THIS AGAIN!! Our captain navigated the waves despite people flying by on the no wake zone. We cruised up and down the Chicago river and lake Michigan. The person we talked to on the phone - Leanne was super friendly, informative and easy to work with. If your looking for a great time your sure to remember, DO THIS. The boat was clean, and there was plenty of room for a big group. read more

4/25/15 our company booked a charter with catain vernon , and had a great time we had business associates fly in from all over the country and were really impressed by the boat , skyline and a professional captain. we thought the rates were fair and the boat had great ammenities. our next outing will be in july, and we've already booked our excursion with captain vernon . great experience we love lake michigan and would highly recommended this charter to everyone read more

What a wonderful experience! Spacious, relaxing and so enjoyable! Our captain was very friendly, accommodating and took us on a wonderful tour of the river and Lake Michigan. The sites of Navy Pier were fantastic and we even got to see quite a few of the tall ships which was a nice treat! We also encountered some rough waves, but our captain steered us clear and kept us all smooth sailing! Would definitely recommend and can't wait to go out again! read more

We booked a charter for a bachelorette party. Captain Patrick was great. He knew where all the best spots were. We stopped for gas which allowed us to stretch our legs. The boat was nice and clean. We really enjoyed this adventure. It was the best bachelorette party ever. All 12 of us girls loved it. Thanks Captain Patrick. read more

Summer is approaching & once again I am looking forward to taking friends out on the Chicago waterways with Captain Patrick. We've gone out on his boat the last two years. We had a great time. If you are looking for a cruise on a boat that is safe and that is piloted by someone who is very skilled - this is the way to go! read more

For several years, I've had the opportunity to take various size boats from Chicago WaterCraft out on Lake Michigan. They are GREAT. The boats are always clean and sparkling, Captain Patrick and his crew are such a joy to work with. Looking forward to many pleasant boating days with them this summer!! read more

Had a great time with out-of-town guests cruising the Chicago River. Slowly slipping among the big towers at night and seeing the lights was awe inspiring. My guests couldn't believe how great Chicago looked. Can't wait to do it again. Thank you Captain Patrick! read more

Do not rent from this company the boat was cool but last year the captn vernon patrick was arrested for illegal charter by the USCG and the Chicago marine police when we rented from him. he wont give us a refund what a bootleg business read more

This company is operating illegally; their business license has been revoked due to safety issues and tax evasion. Best to stay away. Look them up in the state website. read more

ChicagoWaterCraft has been so blessed and thankful for the wonderful clients we have had over the past couple of years. See our photos...your group could be there too! read more