Florida Bay Coasters 53 Trawler

The Lady of Lake Michigan.  If you have spent anytime boating in Chicago you have surely seen this 1991 Florida Bay Coaster, Venture On.  She has been a fixture of the Chicago Skyline since 1996.  Spending her winters at River City and summers at Burnham Harbor.  Venture On is the ultimate in liveaboards with fantastic sea keeping abilities.  The Florida Bay Coaster has a cult like following and is revered by the most knowledgeable of seamen.  Perhaps this is why Billy Joel owned a stunning 65 Coaster named 'Red Head.'

Designed by the famous Jay Benford of Benford Designs this 62 ton behemoth will take you as far as your heart desires, safely.  Powered by twin Perkins M135 diesels she is economical and bulletproof.  If you would like to live off the grid she holds 1000 gallons of water, 1000 gallons of fuel and 300 gallons of waste.  Her twin Onan generators will keep you powered for weeks if needed.

With three staterooms, an office, two heads, full size galley, dining room, spacious salon and standup engine room with tool shop Venture On would make a great home for its new owner.  For the last 29 years she has been owned by an avid captain and operated solely on Lake Michigan since 1996. With her bow thruster, monstrous keel and props she is nimble around the dock and a joy to operate.

Her mast folds and the side rails are removable so she 'should' fit under the Chicago fixed bridge.

A fantastic article about the passionate owner can be found here:  ww.cds.org/news/member-snapshots/snapshot-details/douglas-james