Ottawa, IL to Confluence of Mississippi river in April

[Knot It]

Any one ever made this trip down the Illinois river? We are in the planning stages of making the trip in our new to us 340. Using Quimbys to plan gas and marina stops and hope to do the 232 mile trip in 3 days.
Many of the marinas dont open until April 1 so it will likely be mid april when we make the trip so long as the water level is cooperative.

Any advice on this trip is welcomed!!!

 

[Registered]

I had it planned out for last Spring to take it from Lk Mich, down the Illinois and up the Mississippi home.

The Mississippi had major flooding, so we were going to stop in Peoria and boat there until the Miss came back down.

We made it down from Winthrop Hbr, Lk Michigan, Chicago Rvr, Des Plaines Rvr to Joliet where we hit a bid deadhead. Down the Illinois Rvr and limped it in to Seneca. Had her pulled for prop work, but the Ole Miss was in extended flood stage last spring, so we ended up shipping from Seneca.

We started April 12th and it was early, so it was hard to get in touch with anybody at any marina.

I have a bunch of friends that have made the trip from Seneca to the Miss. My buddy made it in just over a day in a Carver 46.

What do you need to know?

 

[Knot It]

Was just looking for insight on some marinas, and if they would actually be open. The Quimby's book shows them opening April 1 but was afraid there might be some that were not actually open, as you pointed out above. We were hoping for a nice 2-3 day trip with stops for the night at some nice marinas with restaurants/fuel. When it gets closer and I start the final planning I will call the marinas to be sure they are open.

How are the locks along the Illinois?

 

[Registered]

Deep!

We were used to locks on the Mississippi with 10-20' drops. You can see the numbers on the charts, but 70' comes to mind.

The nice thing is that they had floating bollards instead of dropping lines.

You should only have 3 locks which are pretty shallow. 20' at Starved Rock, and 10' at Peoria and LaGrange.

 

[skolbe]

It is great trip once you get out of Chicago. When does Tall Timbers open up? It would be nice to top off fuel there on your way back from Peoria.

 

[Knot It]

Thanks guys. I'll keep TT in mind for sure.

Sammy

 

[almostenuff]

I'm bringing my newly purchased 370DA UP from Ky Lake to Peoria. I've planned a 3 day and a 4 day COA. I have a concern about getting fuel in Cape Girardeau, MO though. Any recommendations, gotchas, go-see's, DON'T DO THIS's or any colorful stories are greatly appreciated. I have the Quimby's Guide, as well as, a few other guides.:smt100