Treat Yourselves to a Romantic Time on the Water or on the Docks The great thing about the Chain O’Lakes is that there’s something for everyone. With so many lakes and parks to choose from and a climate that provides a complete range of seasonal activities, you can find something to fulfill whatever vibe you’re looking for. Whether out on …
How Can You Benefit from Permanent Pier Installation?
Many Boat Owners Wonder if Permanent Pier Installation is Worth It With winter on the horizon, it’s safe to say our days out on the lake are almost over. Many boaters dread the task of removing their dock for the winter and wonder about a more permanent option. As pier installation experts, we at Captain Rod’s can guarantee that there …
What’s the Pier Removal Process Like? [Infographic]
Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide to Pier Removal November is here, the trees are losing their leaves, and winter is right around the corner. This also means that soon, boating season will end and our waterways throughout the Chain O’Lakes and the Fox Waterway will start to freeze over. In preparation for the coming season, pier removal is a necessary part …
Top Pier Accessories for Convenience and Fun
These Accessories Will Make a Great Addition to Your Pier! Your pier is sturdy, stable, and reliable. You have a good access point to the water, a good view, and maybe even a bench or two. However, don’t go thinking you’re done building your custom pier just yet! With a whole market full of different accessories you can attach to …
Top 10 Most Useful Knots to Know on a Boat or Boat Dock [Infographic]
Learn Essential Knots for Securing Your Boat to Your Boat Dock, Your Cargo to Your Deck, and More Every experienced boater knows their knots. Whether you’re tying your boat up to the boat dock, securing cargo to the deck, or furling your sails, you need the right knot for the job. Yet there are so many knots out there to …
How to Protect Your Boat Docks from Flash Floods in Northern IL
With Flash Floods Hitting Chicagoland, How Do You Protect Your Docks? This week, torrential rains swept through Northern Illinois. Flash floods hit many towns throughout the Chain O’Lakes and Chicago areas. Roads were closed, apartments evacuated, and more. As the floodwaters continued to travel down the Fox River, towns issued warnings to residents close to shore—but what about your boat …
6 Summer Activities on the Chain’s Trails, Parks, and Lake Docks
Kick Off Summer on the Chain O’Lakes Campgrounds, Lake Docks, and More In Chicago’s time zone, the summer solstice this year falls on June 20th at 11:24pm. That means the official start of summer on the Chain O’Lakes is right around the corner! A whole season of warm breezes, cold beers, and good times. So, how are you going to …
What Flooding and No-Wake Zones Mean for Your Floating Dock
Does Flooding in Lake and McHenry Counties Threaten Your Floating Dock? April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes they also bring flooding. This past month, heavy rainfall caused parts of the Chain O’Lakes and Fox River to flood, and the Fox Waterway Authority (FWA) declared no-wake zones in various places. If you’re a relatively new boater, you might be wondering, …
What to Expect at the Northern Illinois Boat Show & Sale [Infographic]
Visit Captain Rod at the Biggest Boat Show of the Year! It’s that time of year again—spring is coming, and soon it’ll be warm enough to take the boat out on the water. With that in mind, now’s the time to gear up and make sure you’re ready for boating season. There’s no better place to do that than the …
