Looking for diving in Chicago

[bwstein]

Hello,

I am an AOW certified diver. I've done many dives but none in Lake Michigan. I also own a 50' boat and would love to combine these two things and do some diving in Lake Michigan in the vicinity of Chicago. I'm looking for people who have experience diving the lake who might be looking to dive with me. Ideally I'd love to find an instructor or DM who would like to dive with me (or a group). I'll provide the boat. BTW, the boat is 2001 Cruisers 4450. Fully equipped and seaworthy.

Thanks
Ben

 

[b1gcountry]

I've been up there a bunch, and I'm a DMC. My parents live in Chicago. We will actually be diving on Sunday with Windy City Diving. The last I heard there were still some spots left on the charter.

As to taking your boat out, I would go with you next time I'm up that way. PM me, and we can discuss over email...

Tom

 

[Bill Fisher]

A 50 foot boat ???
Wow...that's bigger than any of the Lake Michigan charters I've been on.
How many divers can you hold on your boat?
The Straits of Mackinac is a nice dive.
All the other wrecks I've been on near Chicago are relatively easy, shallow dives.
Like the Tacoma, or the Material Service Barge, like 40 feet max depth.
If you get decent viz and weather, it can be a great time out there.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I'll dive with you. Lake Michigan is always a blast.

 

[bwstein]

A 50 foot boat ???
Wow...that's bigger than any of the Lake Michigan charters I've been on.
How many divers can you hold on your boat?
The Straits of Mackinac is a nice dive.
All the other wrecks I've been on near Chicago are relatively easy, shallow dives.
Like the Tacoma, or the Material Service Barge, like 40 feet max depth.
If you get decent viz and weather, it can be a great time out there.

I'm not exactly sure how many divers I could hold. The boat can accomodate tons of people in a pleasure cruising capacity (around 20) but isn't setup for diving nearly the way the dive charters are. That said I'd be pretty sure that the boat could accomodate 8 divers without too much trouble. I'd guess the hardest thing would be finding a way to keep tanks from moving around too much. I have some ideas on that though.

Ben

 

[b1gcountry]

I wouldn't try more than 4-5 the first time, plus one on the boat.

Tom

 

[jackswastedlife]

I've yet to be out on Michigan, but I'd love to go. You can find coordinates for lots of wrecks on-line or go out and get Cris Kohl's book "The Great Lakes Diving Guide" it has lost of info. Also, you might want to look into the Underwater Archaeological Society. (http://www.uaschicgo.org) They are always looking for members with boats!

Lastly, and this is my rescue diving training speaking, be sure you have O2, a new First Aid kit and a working radio.

Have fun!!

 

[do it easy]

I'd be happy to dive with you. Let me know when you are going out.

 

[FDdiver]

I would love to go. Drop me a line when you go.