Working with Paul and his team has been a wonderful experience. I was new to boating and he took the time to teach me everything I need to know and truly made me feel part of the “boating community” that was completely foreign to me. Paul is great small business owner that listens to his customers, operates with integrity, and continually improves based on his customer’s feedback/ideas. I can’t recommend Paul and Carefree Chicago highly enough!

This is a real Chicago gem for sport and recreation. They ae very welcoming to new members, and owner Paul has a network of slips and boats available to reserve at 2 Chicago Lake Michigan and also other nearby locations. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the boat fleet is great, varied, and always get additions. I recommend checking this out if you want none of the hassle of boat ownership, and all the fun and freedom on the lake!

Carefree is definitely the best way to do boating in Chicago! With Carefree, you get access to nice boats that are always clean, fueled up, and ready to go without all of the hassles of boat ownership... simply show up and have fun! The dockhands and staff are super helpful, courteous, and really go the extra mile to make sure that the members have a positive experience. Weve been here as guests many times, but this is our first year as members and were so glad we joined. Looking forward to many more years in the club and fun trips out on the water!

(New club member

Had a ball

Exceptional boating experience for timeless memories, without the hassle and worry of owning! The boats are always ready when you are, and they are kept in pristine conditions. Excellent way to relax and enjoy yourself with family and friends!

Carefree is a great club and Paul the owner is very hands on. They look out for their members and have been especially responsive and flexible during the struggles of COVID 19. Love being a member!

New management took over in 2018 and the experience has been nothing but positive. Newer, clean boats. Management and workers are great! Looking forward to the 2019 boating season!

I am very excited to continue my membership with the Carefree Boat Club! The new owner Paul Standring has been a gentlemen to deal with and a true first class owner and operator! The expansion to Belmont Harbor Chicago and some new 2020 crusisers added to the line up will ensure an amazing boating season! Paul and his team are tuned into all the details regarding boating, specifically with the maintenance of the boats, the cleanliness of the interiors and working accessories. His crew is also hardworking and professional, they make you feel comfortable and confident to head out on the waterways of Chicago! Congrats to Paul and his fine team, truly setting the example of how Carefree Boating is better than owning!

Ever since new management has taken over in late 2018 the overall experience has gone up immensely. Paul(owner) is very hands on and he makes sure every experience lives up to the new high standards. I am looking forward to new boats this year along with a secondary location in Belmont.

Great boat club! New management in 2018 improved an already great experience. Great variety of boats, attentive dockhands, and so so convenient - beach is next door, great park for kids to play at, easy parking, and 31st Street Harbor even has a pool on the docks! Can’t say enough good things about the club. I’m going on my 6th season with the club!

Best place to boat this is the easiest way to boat and its affordable

I just joined the Carefree Boat Club this year & am absolutely addicted! I am lifetime resident of Chicago & this experience gave me a completely different way to enjoy Chicago. The staff at Carefree did an excellent job of providing me hands-on training to get me ready. They have been very responsive to any & all questions I have had since joining. I highly recommend this anyone who has ever dreamed about owning a boat on the lake but never wanted to deal with all of the hassles. I look forward to every weekend in the spring & summer that much more now!

Great atmosphere, classy... but didnt get a chance to ride the boat. Id go again.

Secure area. Staff is helpful with question. Neighbors friendly. Lots of parking

Joined Carefree for the first time in May 2018 after living in Chicago for about 3 years. Since the new ownership (Paul Standring) and staff took over in mid July, we have been extremely satisfied with our experience at carefree. If you live in Chicago and want to get out on the water, carfree is really the only way to go (vs. renting every time vs. owning your own boat).Pros:- All the boats are legit brands (regal, sea ray, scarab, cruiser, etc) and are fairly new.-31st harbor is very nice. Docks have digital locks. Parking garage on site (also carefree provides a free parking pass while youre boating). Harbor also has a small store to buy ice and stuff. Also nice to be heading south on the lake from the playpen/river etc. when the day is done as opposed to north towards diversey/belmont etc where everyone else is going.- Paul and his staff maintain excellent communication with the members regarding any issues with boats, weather, updates on new boats, etc. Paul is very personable and happy to deal with members directly. They want you to have a good time and are laid back but professional.- Everything is basically done for you (cleaning, gassing, maintenance). You make the reservation online, show up, and take the boat and bring it back. Very very hassle free and efficient.Cons:-Upholstery on the boat is what you would expect from a rental boat (which is good if you plan on using the boat for having a good time)-Sound system doesnt always work on every boat so bring a bluetooth speaker just in case- The pick up and drop off timing of the boats is not always well enforced; i.e. you may book the boat at 830am through the online reservation system but when you get there the boat still needs to be cleaned and gassed up, etc.- Not necessarily a con per se, but you do have to stay about 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule in order to get a boat on the weekend. For example, to get a boat for this weekend (9/15/18) you would have to book it by ~8/15/18. This should improve as Paul adds more boats to the fleet.Overall we have loved our time with carefree and had the best summer in Chicago yet this year with carefree. We love being on the water and if you do too carefree is the only way to go!

Nice place to chill out have a drink and listen to some music.

This Chicago boat club has it all. Every boat is pristine and new. I couldnt ask for anything else. This boating club is highly recommended. Ask for Greer. He will take care of you.

This is amazing Club and the Docks real good ( I am from Atlanta) Services fantastic Good job

Good location and clean harbor.

Good location and clean harbor.

Great music, clean, good service and great people

Its so relaxing and peaceful

Always a great time when visiting

Very relaxing experience.

Our charter tour was awesome

Big fun, and kid friendly

Amazing place to relax.

Always fun

Its a nice place

Loud... loud... loud... nobody there.

Music

Its carefree

Good times!

Had fun

Great place

Great enjoyment love it

Beautiful place

Loved the place

31st Harbor

It was nice