FAQ

No. This is a private guest outing program. The host holds no Merchant Mariner Credential and does not accept paying passengers. Guests are personal and professional contacts of the host. No fee is charged.

No fee is charged. Guests may reimburse a pro-rata share of the documented costs for the outing — fuel, the host's Freedom Boat Club guest fee, and any provisions. Reimbursement is split evenly among adults aboard and never exceeds actual documented outlay. If you'd rather not chip in, that's fine too; the host covers all costs by default.

Use the request form. Requests need at least 72 hours of advance notice, cannot be more than 60 days out, and are reviewed by the host within 24 hours.

Personal and professional contacts of the host. If we have not met or worked together, this program is not the right fit. Chicago has a number of licensed commercial operators better suited to public requests.

The host cancels for NWS Small Craft Advisory, sustained winds over 20 knots, forecast thunderstorms during the outing window, wave height over 3 feet, or visibility under 1 nautical mile. If a session is cancelled, any cost-share already collected is refunded the same day.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a light layer for wind on the water, closed-toe shoes with non-marking soles, and a water bottle. The host supplies life jackets, a cooler with ice, and basic refreshments; additional provisions are welcome but optional.

Guests may bring moderate alcohol for personal use with the host's prior approval. The captain remains sober. Any guest who appears intoxicated to a degree that compromises safety will be returned to shore — this is the captain's call, non-negotiable.

Yes, with a parent or guardian aboard and on the waiver. Life jackets are mandatory for minors at all times underway. The waiver includes a minor addendum the parent/guardian signs.

Yes. A waiver finalized by a Chicago maritime attorney is signed by every adult guest before boarding. A preview is available on the waiver page. The final signed version is delivered before your outing via e-signature.

No cancellation fee. If you cancel at any point, any cost-share already paid is refunded in full. Please give as much notice as possible so the host can offer the slot elsewhere.

Tips are neither expected nor solicited. The host's preference is that you pay it forward — host a friend at your home, introduce the host to someone interesting, that kind of thing.

No. This is a private program, not a commercial service. Outings cannot be billed to a company, expensed, or treated as a business transaction. If you're looking for a corporate team event, Chicago has licensed commercial operators better suited to that.