Boats for Sale in Illinois

Titles, registration and tax

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) handles watercraft titles and registration through an online application. What you need depends on the boat's class and where it came from. Illinois requires use tax to be paid, or an exemption proven, before IDNR issues a title.

The most common case for a BoatsArena buyer is a used boat bought from a private individual. For a jet ski or PWC, or a Class 2, 3 or 4 boat, IDNR asks for:

• the original title, or the registration card if the boat comes from a non-title state
• a copy of the bill of sale
• Illinois Department of Revenue Form RUT-75

RUT-75 can be filed electronically through MyTax Illinois. Allow a business day for processing before you apply for registration. IDNR says a Class 1 non-PWC boat bought from an individual needs no tax return. Boats bought from an out-of-state dealer use Form RUT-25, and Illinois dealer sales use ST-556.

Boating safety certificate

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must hold a valid boating safety certificate accepted by IDNR to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft over 10 horsepower. IDNR lists approved classroom and online courses.

Where to boat

Chicago runs a large system of lakefront harbors, from Montrose and Belmont on the north side to Burnham and 31st Street near downtown. Lake Michigan itself is unforgiving. Wind against the breakwalls builds steep waves, so a lake boat needs real freeboard.

The Chain O'Lakes in Lake and McHenry counties links a string of lakes along the Fox River, and summer weekends there are crowded. Downstate, Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville and Rend Lake are big Army Corps reservoirs with marinas and campgrounds. The Mississippi forms the western border. The Illinois River crosses the state with locks and dams, and it carries barge traffic you have to share space with.

Popular boats

Cruisers, sailboats and larger center consoles fill the Chicago harbors. Pontoons and bowriders dominate the Chain and the reservoirs. River anglers favor aluminum fishing boats that can take a bump on a submerged log.

Season

Most boats go in around May and come out in October. On Lake Michigan the water stays cold well into June, so early-season trips call for life jackets that are actually worn and a plan if someone goes overboard. Cold, clear spring days can also bring sudden wind shifts off the lake.

Buying tips for Illinois boats

Get the title and a dated bill of sale with the price, because you'll need the price for RUT-75. Ask about winter storage and winterization. Check river boats for prop and lower unit damage. Ask whether the boat was used on Lake Michigan, a river or an inland lake, because the wear is different on each. If a Chicago slip is part of the sale, confirm with the harbor whether it can be transferred.