Waukegan, Illinois • Boat Brokerage
Browse pre-owned boats for sale in Waukegan, Illinois through Mark Ellefsen — Licensed USCG Master Captain, NRVIA Certified RV Inspector, and independent broker affiliated with Pop Sells, LLC. Zero upfront fees. National inventory.
Waukegan, Illinois Market
Waukegan sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 40 miles north of Chicago, with Waukegan Harbor & Marina serving as the city's main boating hub. The marina holds hundreds of slips for boats up to a substantial size, supported by a charter fishing fleet that ranks among the more active on this part of the lake.
Selling a Lake Michigan boat means reaching buyers who understand open, big-water conditions, not just casual boat shoppers. Mark Ellefsen, a USCG Master Captain and NRVIA certified inspector, represents Waukegan-area sellers through Pop Sells LLC at zero upfront cost, managing listing details, buyer screening, and closing paperwork throughout the sale.
Waukegan Harbor & Marina, owned by the Waukegan Port District, gives boaters direct access to open Lake Michigan along with hundreds of slips, launch ramps, and a full-service fuel pier. The harbor's location within walking distance of the Metra train station makes it a practical home port for owners who commute from the Chicago area.
The boating season here runs from mid-March through mid-November, weather permitting, a longer stretch than many inland lakes in the region see. Waukegan's charter fishing fleet, one of the more established on this part of Lake Michigan, points to the strength of salmon and trout fishing that draws boaters to the harbor throughout the season.
Sport fishing boats and charter-style boats are a natural fit for Waukegan given the strength of Lake Michigan's salmon and trout fishery, and sailboats take advantage of the open lake for both casual sailing and organized racing. Cruisers and larger express boats also do well here, suited to bigger water than an inland lake would offer.
Lake Michigan buyers tend to expect a boat built for genuine open-water conditions, so marketing a Waukegan-area fishing boat, sailboat, or cruiser needs to reflect that big-water capability clearly. Getting that positioning right is part of what separates a listing that sells from one that lingers through the season.
Waukegan Harbor & Marina, owned by the Waukegan Port District, is the city's primary marina, offering hundreds of slips and direct access to Lake Michigan.
The season typically runs from mid-March through mid-November, weather permitting, which is longer than many inland lakes in the region.
Yes, Waukegan has one of the more established charter fishing fleets on this part of Lake Michigan, reflecting strong salmon and trout fishing in the area.
Yes. Mark Ellefsen positions Waukegan-area boats for buyers who understand open Lake Michigan conditions, managing the sale at zero upfront cost through closing.
Why POP Yachts & RVs
Pop Sells operates on a performance model — you pay nothing until your boat sells. No listing fees, no upfront charges, no risk. Mark only earns a commission when the deal closes.
Your listing reaches serious buyers across all 50 states through the Pop Sells platform, backed by partnerships with RVtrader.com and Boatmart.com (both owned by CAR Group). More exposure means faster sales at better prices.
Mark Ellefsen is a Licensed USCG Master Captain and NRVIA Certified RV Inspector with over a decade of brokerage experience. He handles pricing, paperwork, negotiations, and closing — so you don't have to.
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Call Mark directly at (417) 664-5945 or browse current inventory now.