[webbie]

I know it's a little early to start thinking about this, but does anyone know if inflatable rafts are allowed at Busse? I sold all of my larger vehicles that could tow a boat, and also gave my jon boat to a friend as well. I'm thinking about picking up an inflatable raft, but wondered if Busse allows them. I have looked around and haven't found anything that says they DON'T....

Let me know and thanks,

Warner

 

[Paul S]

I don't believe floatables are allowed in any of the Cook County forest preserve waters.

From their website:
Busse Lake: S. of Higgins Rd. between I-290 (Rt. 53) and Arlington Hts. Rd. Sailboats, canoes, and rowboats are allowed in the South Pool and on the Main Lake. Access to ramps off of Higgins Rd. just E. of I-290 (Rt. 53). Boat rental.

Why not get a kayak instead of an inflatable?

 

[BassCaster]

Ask Jason he said they are as of 2009 but must have a "Factory installed bottom"

I would change our post title to get more hits on the subject.

This conversation came up over the weekend at the Deep lake outing

 

[webbie]

Ask Jason he said they are as of 2009 but must have a "Factory installed bottom"

I would change our post title to get more hits on the subject.

This conversation came up over the weekend at the Deep lake outing

I wonder what would constitute a "factory installed bottom"?

Thanks for the replies,

Warner

PS - Good idea about changing the post title....but I don't think *I* can do that now...

 

[webbie]

I don't believe floatables are allowed in any of the Cook County forest preserve waters.

From their website:
Busse Lake: S. of Higgins Rd. between I-290 (Rt. 53) and Arlington Hts. Rd. Sailboats, canoes, and rowboats are allowed in the South Pool and on the Main Lake. Access to ramps off of Higgins Rd. just E. of I-290 (Rt. 53). Boat rental.

Why not get a kayak instead of an inflatable?

An inflatable can go into any car....no additional purchases (roof top carrier, etc) required.

Warner

 

[twoglasseyes]

It is true that Cook started allowing "(multi-chambered?) inflatables with a factory installed hard bottom". DuPage county already allowed this. You can check the specifics on the Cook County FP website.

I wonder what would constitute a "factory installed bottom"?

A hard bottom that is installed by the factory that made the raft.

 

[webbie]

It is true that Cook started allowing "(multi-chambered?) inflatables with a factory installed hard bottom". DuPage county already allowed this. You can check the specifics on the Cook County FP website.

I wonder what would constitute a "factory installed bottom"?

A hard bottom that is installed by the factory that made the raft.

Cool...good to know! I was checking around and I think the Intex Mariner would qualify - it comes with a hard floor. For under $500 I can get the raft, motor mount, and new Minn Kota 40 lb thrust trolling motor including delivery. I already have a new deep cycle battery. Hmmm.....

Warner

 

[twoglasseyes]

For under $500 you could probably get a used 12' or 14' rowboat on a little trailer. Or a canoe or johnboat for on top of the car. Check out Craigslist if you're interested. That's where I found most of my boats on the cheap.

 

[webbie]

For under $500 you could probably get a used 12' or 14' rowboat on a little trailer. Or a canoe or johnboat for on top of the car. Check out Craigslist if you're interested. That's where I found most of my boats on the cheap.

I just got rid of exactly that. I gave it away in fact....to a friend who helps me do lots of work on my '68 VW bug (204 HP weekend warrior). What I like about the raft idea is that it's very portable and easy to store (no trailer or beat up old boat in my yard). Unless I'm mistaken, there is no yearly registration required, either.

Warner

 

[twoglasseyes]

Ahhh, I understand. But double check about the registration. I am pretty sure that IL will require it to be registered. They require all watercraft to be registered if propelled by machinery, as well as having a bunch of other standards that can pretty much be applied to any little boat/kayak/canoe. Trolling motor counts as machinery.

 

[webbie]

Ahhh, I understand. But double check about the registration. I am pretty sure that IL will require it to be registered. They require all watercraft to be registered if propelled by machinery, as well as having a bunch of other standards that can pretty much be applied to any little boat/kayak/canoe. Trolling motor counts as machinery.

Yeah...I'll have to check on that. AFTER, of course, checking with "the boss" about the raft idea. :shock:

Thanks for your replies,

Warner

 

[webbie]

Ahhh, I understand. But double check about the registration. I am pretty sure that IL will require it to be registered. They require all watercraft to be registered if propelled by machinery, as well as having a bunch of other standards that can pretty much be applied to any little boat/kayak/canoe. Trolling motor counts as machinery.

You are correct....here's the specifics:

Q. Must I register my inflatable boat(s)?

A. Illinois law includes inflatable boats in the definition of "watercraft" and as such, they must be numbered in accordance with the law. Complying with this law presents certain problems for owners of inflatable boats. Most commonly used materials for numbering boats won't hold up well on inflatables. The most common means of compliance is to affix the numbers and expiration decal to a board which is then attached to the grab rail allowing it to hang over the side in the location where numbers would normally be painted. There are two companies (that we know of) that offer methods to affix numbers directly to a rubber boat:

1) Inland Marine, 1320 Cape Coral Highway, Cape Coral, FL (813) 463-7552 offers a stencil and paint that will adhere to rubber and flex without flaking off.

2) West Shore Marine, 208 Beacon St., Marblehead, MA (617) 639-0480 sells numbers and letters made of the same material that the boats are made of and can be permanently glued on.

Warner