Reviews: Ottawa City Dock

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Ottawa City Dock

1600 Wake Drive
Ottawa, IL 61350
Illinois River 239.6 RDB

Lat / Lon: N 41° 20.645' / W 088° 50.469'
Phone: (815) 434-4131
Email: [email protected]
Website: pickusottawail.com/attractions/name/public-boat-launches-docks/

3.67

(3)

3.67 out of 5 stars

Review for Ottawa City Dock

Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Sep 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Nice town, lousy dock. Fixed concrete and steel dock with wooden posts and some cleats. Dock is about 3 feet above the water with nothing but air under it, so placing fenders was a challenge. Even the bottom of wooden posts were so far above the water (~2') our rub rail went under them. The water was deep enough, though, and once we got secured we found a lovely town.

Good groceries and liquor stores about ½ miles away. Great Mexican Restaurant, El Jinete, a short walk away.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  River stage = 459.0.
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Review for Ottawa City Dock

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Sep 8, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We did not stay here but we visited the dock while touring Ottawa. The Ottawa Free Dock is in the middle of downtown Ottawa. The dock is off the Illinois River at the mouth of the Fox River. Exit the channel on the downstream side of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge (MM 239.7) to avoid the shoaling above the bridge on the RDB. The dock is a 100 foot long face dock with two 30 amp power pedestals. The fixed dock is in good condition but you will be using wooden poles to tie up your boat. The depth at the dock at normal pool is over 7 feet. There was a sailboat with a 6 foot draft tied to the dock and he reported no problems with depth. In addition to the face dock there are six smaller floating slips further up the river for boats up to about 35 feet.

Downtown shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. The free dock is almost under the bridge and access to the free dock by car is easy through an open parking lot. We don't know about security but if we were going to stay there we would call the local police station to inform them of our presence. Bridge noise could be a problem too but the price is right and the town has obviously invested in the dock.

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Review for Ottawa City Dock

Reviewed by: Bruce Stewart on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 3

Wall is a bit rough need long fenders (balls will not work), No water at the dock. 4-5' deep along side (river stage was -2.0')

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