About
Knot My Boat Charters

Located in downtown Chicago at 31st Street Harbor and Burnham Harbor, Knot My Boat Charters is a boat rental company that offers individual charters, yacht memberships, and corporate outings.

Our team brings over 15 years of boating experience and 20 years of hospitality experience, offering 17 iconic vessels ranging from 37' sport cruisers to 72' yachts to provide our clients with the best boat rental experience in the Chicagoland area. We are committed to customization, guest safety, and client focus, delivering a full-service yacht charter experience that is both fun and safe.

Our Core Values

• Client Focus

  Booking a boat can sometimes seem like an overwhelming experience. With us, it's our goal to both educate and provide our clients with a simple platform to planning a memory filled day on the water!

• Education & Safety

  Our highest priority is providing a safe boat rental experience for all of our guests. The Knot My Boat Charters team will educate you on water safety essentials from the time of booking to your departure.

• Excellence in Hospitality

  With strong roots in event planning, service, and hospitality logistics, our team has extensive experience in organizing the perfect event. Speak with one of our expert planners to plan the perfect boat day!

Education & Safety

Our highest priority is providing a safe boat rental experience for all of our guests. Consisting of industry professionals, our team will educate you on water safety essentials from the time of booking to your departure. All vessels meet and exceed USCG safety equipment standards, undergo regular preventative maintenance, and are disinfected between uses.

Directions & Parking

Our 13-passenger boats are located on J Dock at 31st Street Harbor at 3155 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL. Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Rideshare and vehicle drop offs may be done near the 31st Street Harbor main entrance at the intersection of 31st Street & Lake Shore Drive.

Our 49-passenger boats are located on J Dock at Burnham Harbor at 1559 S S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, IL. Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Rideshare and vehicle drop offs may be done near the Burnham Harbor main entrance.

Guests may park at the 31st Street Harbor outdoor parking lot located at 641 East 31st Street Chicago, IL (click HERE for rates). The outdoor parking lot is located on the south side of 31st Street just west of Lake Shore Drive.

Weather Policy

To prioritize guest safety, Knot My Boat Charters reserves the right to determine whether weather conditions are charterable or uncharterable for operation. Uncharterable conditions typically include, but are not limited to, severe storms, small craft advisories, gale warnings, high winds, or large waves. Light rain, brief passing storms, and cooler temperatures are considered charterable conditions.

If weather conditions are deemed uncharterable, our team will work with the Charterer to postpone or reschedule the trip for a later date. In such cases, Knot My Boat Charters will issue a non-expiring rescheduling credit (exclusive of catering) to the Charterer, redeemable toward a future boat rental of equal or lesser value.

Cancellation Policy

All client cancellations must be submitted in writing by the Charterer to contact@knotmyboatcharters.com and must include the Charterer's Full Name, Charter Date, and Reason for Cancellation. Oral cancellations are not valid unless confirmed in writing by the Company.

Cancellation Fees:

• 60 days or more prior: 10% is non-refundable
• 30 to 59 days prior: 25% is non-refundable
• 15 to 29 days prior: 50% is non-refundable
• 14 days or fewer: 100% is non-refundable and immediately due

Please note: All rescheduled charters are exempt from the above cancellation schedule. This means that once a charter has been rescheduled to a future date, it cannot be canceled under the original cancellation terms (for example, rescheduling and then canceling 14 days or more in advance does not qualify for a refund).

31st Street Harbor

31st Street Harbor is the newest and most anticipated addition to the Chicago harbor system. Completed in 2012 with slips for 1000 boats and a sustainable, eco-friendly design unrivaled in the industry, it provides an exceptional experience for boaters. All slips include metered electric, water (seasonal charge), and complimentary cable TV and Internet access and can accommodate boats from 35′-70′ in length.

A naturally insulated parking garage and harbor house provide indoor winter boat storage in the off-season. A 63,000 sq. ft. green roof, rentable indoor community space, and brand new playground make 31st Street Harbor a welcome addition to the neighboring community.

Burnham Harbor

Burnham Harbor is one of the most iconic destinations in Chicago's harbor system. Conveniently located near the Museum Campus, it offers unmatched views of the city skyline and a memorable experience for boaters of all levels. All slips feature metered electric, water (seasonal charge), and complimentary cable TV and Internet access, accommodating vessels from 28′ to 100′ in length.

With more than 1,100 slips, Burnham Harbor has ample capacity to welcome the boating community throughout the season. Secure winter storage is also available, ensuring year-round peace of mind for boat owners. Its close proximity to local attractions—such as the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Soldier Field—makes Burnham Harbor an ideal spot for both leisure and exploration along Chicago's dynamic lakefront.