Weather Policy
Chicago weather is unpredictable. Your booking shouldn't be. Here's exactly how we handle weather — no fine print, no surprises.
Our Approach
Safety is the only factor in weather decisions. We never make a weather call to avoid issuing a refund or to minimize inconvenience. If conditions are unsafe, the trip doesn't go. If conditions are safe, the trip proceeds. It's that simple.
The captain has final authority on all weather-related departure decisions.
This is a USCG safety standard, not a customer service policy. The platform does not override the captain. The renter does not override the captain.
What Counts as Cancellable Weather
A trip may be cancelled by the captain or platform when any of the following conditions exist:
- ⚡Small craft advisory issued by the National Weather Service
- ⚡Sustained winds above 20 knots
- ⚡Lightning within 10 nautical miles
- ⚡Wave height above 3 feet (for non-COI vessels)
- ⚡Visibility below 1 nautical mile
- ⚡Captain's professional judgment based on conditions not captured by these thresholds
The captain may also cancel for conditions not listed here. Lake Michigan conditions can change rapidly, and the captain's on-site assessment always takes priority over forecasts.
What Happens When Weather Cancels Your Trip
Cancelled more than 24 hours before departure
Full refund or free reschedule to any available date. Your choice.
Cancelled within 24 hours of departure
Full refund or free reschedule to any available date. Your choice. Same protection regardless of timing.
Cancelled after boarding but before departure
Full refund. If you've already arrived at the marina and the captain makes a last-minute weather call, you receive a complete refund.
Trip departs but returns early due to deteriorating conditions
Prorated refund for unused time or credit toward a future booking. Your choice.
What Does NOT Count as Cancellable Weather
The weather policy does not apply to conditions that are uncomfortable but safe:
- —Light rain or drizzle
- —Overcast skies
- —Temperatures below the renter's preference
- —Choppy but safe conditions within the captain's comfort level
The captain decides what is safe, not what is comfortable. Many of the best charters happen under overcast skies with calm water.
Renter-Initiated Cancellation Due to Weather Forecast
If you want to cancel because you see rain in the forecast but the captain has not cancelled the trip, your standard cancellation policy applies — not the weather policy.
The weather policy activates only when the captain or platform makes the call based on actual conditions or official NWS advisories.
How We Monitor Weather
We don't leave weather decisions to the last minute.
T-24hrs
First weather alert sent to captain with NWS marine forecast
T-12hrs
Updated forecast review. Early cancellations communicated here when possible.
T-2hrs
Final conditions check. Last-call go/no-go decision by captain.
Data sources: NWS marine forecasts, NOAA buoy data, Chicago Harbors conditions, and the captain's on-site assessment.
Guaranteed Departure
If weather cancels your trip and no reschedule date works for you, we activate the Guaranteed Departure search — our system looks for an alternative vessel or date that fits your group, budget, and occasion.
If no alternative is found, a full refund is issued. No questions asked.
Bridge Lifts & Chicago River Departures
For charters departing from Chicago River locations, wind conditions can affect bridge lift schedules. If bridge operations are suspended due to high winds, river departures may be delayed or rerouted to a lakefront marina.
This is separate from open-lake weather decisions. A bridge suspension does not necessarily mean lake conditions are unsafe — it means the river transit route is temporarily unavailable.
No Weather Insurance Upsell
Playpen Chicago does not sell weather insurance. This policy is your protection. Every booking is covered. No add-on required. No extra charge.
Common Weather Questions
What happens if it rains on the day of my charter?
Light rain alone does not cancel a charter. If the captain determines conditions are safe, the trip proceeds. If the captain cancels due to weather, you receive a full refund or free reschedule — your choice.
Who decides if the weather is too bad to go out?
The captain makes the final go/no-go decision. This is a USCG safety standard. Neither the platform nor the renter can override the captain's weather judgment.
Can I cancel because I see rain in the forecast?
If the captain has not cancelled the trip, your cancellation falls under the standard cancellation policy, not the weather policy. The weather policy only activates when the captain or platform makes the call based on actual conditions.
Do I need to buy weather insurance?
No. Playpen Chicago does not sell weather insurance. Our weather policy is your protection. If weather cancels your trip, you get a full refund or free reschedule at no extra cost.
What if the trip starts but the weather gets worse?
If the captain returns early due to deteriorating conditions, you receive a prorated refund for unused time or a credit toward a future booking — your choice.
How far in advance will I know if my trip is cancelled?
We monitor NWS marine forecasts continuously. Captains receive weather alerts at 24 hours, 12 hours, and 2 hours before departure. Most weather cancellations are communicated at least 12 hours in advance, but conditions can change rapidly on Lake Michigan.
Chicago weather is part of the adventure. We make sure it's never part of the risk.