Chicago, Illinois · Boats & Sailboats for Sale

Boats for Sale &
Boat Broker Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's trusted Lake Michigan boat broker. Sail or power — sell your boat with zero upfront cost.

Browse Inventory List My Boat Free Consultation
35K+
Units Sold Since 2009
300+
Brokers US & Canada
$0
Upfront Cost
CAR+
Group Partner

Quick Summary

  • Boats for Sale Chicago IL — browse pre-owned boat inventory through Pop's national network
  • Mark Ellefsen: Master Consultant/Broker · Licensed USCG Master Captain
  • Sell your boat: zero upfront cost, you keep using it while it's listed
  • Affiliated with Pop Sells since 2015 — 35,000+ boats and RVs sold, 300+ brokers nationwide
  • Contact: (573) 207-4022 · mark@popsells.com

The Chicago Boat Market

Chicago sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan — the only Great Lake entirely within the United States and one of the world's great freshwater sailing and cruising destinations. Illinois consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for total boat sales, and Chicago's large, affluent population drives strong demand for quality used sailboats, powerboats, and cruisers.

The Chicago waterfront and its network of marinas — from Belmont Harbor to Monroe Harbor to DuSable Harbor — house thousands of boats within the city alone. Chicagoland's boating culture is sophisticated, with a strong sailing community and a growing powerboat market driven by weekend cruisers and fishing enthusiasts heading into Lake Michigan.

Sell Your Boat in Chicago

Selling a boat in Chicago with POP Yachts reaches a well-funded, knowledgeable buyer pool. Chicago boaters understand the value of quality vessels and are willing to pay for them. Our national network also means your Chicago-area boat can attract buyers from warm-weather markets who specifically seek well-maintained freshwater vessels.

The process is simple: contact Mark, get a free valuation, approve your listing, and keep using your boat while Pop's 300+ broker network markets it to thousands of buyers, Boatmart.com, RVtrader.com, and partner platforms. You only pay when it sells — that's the POP promise.

Used Boats for Sale in Chicago

Looking for used boats for sale in Chicago or on Lake Michigan? POP connects buyers with quality pre-owned sailboats, cruisers, powerboats, and fishing boats throughout the Chicagoland area. Mark can help you find the right vessel for Lake Michigan sailing, weekend cruising, or Great Lakes fishing.

Browse current boat inventory through Pop's national network — including listings in Chicago and nearby areas. Mark can help you identify the right boat for your needs and budget, negotiate price, and arrange financing through our lending partners.

Areas Served Near Chicago

We serve buyers and sellers throughout Chicago and the surrounding region, including:

Cook CountyWaukeganWinthrop HarborKenosha WIMichigan City INEvanstonCalumet City Statewide Nationwide

Chicago Boat Market

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a boat broker charge in Chicago?

POP Yachts and RVs charges zero upfront fees in Chicago. We operate on a Paid on Performance (POP) model — you only pay a commission when your boat actually sells. If it doesn't sell, you owe absolutely nothing. This is fundamentally different from dealerships that charge storage, listing, or preparation fees regardless of outcome.

Can I keep using my boat while it's listed for sale in Chicago?

Yes — this is one of Pop's biggest advantages over traditional boat dealerships. You keep possession and full use of your boat throughout the entire sales process. There's no need to drop it off at a lot or pay storage fees. We'll list it, market it, and handle buyer inquiries while you continue enjoying it.

How do I sell my boat in Chicago?

The simplest way to sell your boat in Chicago is to contact Mark Ellefsen directly at (573) 207-4022 or mark@popsells.com. Mark will provide a free market valuation, walk you through the listing process, and handle all marketing and buyer negotiations. The entire process is designed to be hands-off for you.

What boats does POP buy and sell in Chicago?

POP handles all major boat types in Chicago including sailboats, cruisers, powerboats, fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons, and PWCs. Chicago's Lake Michigan market particularly favors sailboats and larger cruisers.

How long does it take to sell a boat in Chicago?

Time to sell depends on the boat type, condition, pricing, and current market demand in Chicago. Pop's network of 300+ brokers across the US and Canada gives your listing dramatically more exposure than selling privately or through a local dealer alone — typically resulting in a faster sale and a better price.

What is Pop Sells' connection to CAR Group, RVtrader.com, and Boatmart.com?

Pop Sells, LLC — the national brokerage Mark is affiliated with — was acquired by CAR Group in May 2025. CAR Group also owns RVtrader.com and Boatmart.com — two of the largest boat marketplace platforms in North America. This means your boat listing gets exposure across a massive, established network of motivated buyers.

Get In Touch

Buy or Sell a Boat in Chicago, Illinois

Contact Mark Ellefsen — Master Consultant/Broker with POP Yachts and RVs. No pressure, no obligation, no upfront cost. Serving Chicago, Illinois and clients across the US and Canada.

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Call or Text(573) 207-4022
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ServingChicago, Illinois · Nationwide
Master Consultant/Broker USCG Master Captain NRVIA Certified Inspector Pop Sells Affiliated 35,000+ Units Sold Affiliated Since 2015

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