Bruce and Cynthia, You will want to unstep your mast at Crowley's Yacht Yard on the Little Calumet River, just 3 bridges in from the lake. One of the bridges is a RR and is usually up, the others are 24/7 operation. I do not know where you will restep down south, I suggest Skipper Bob's books for this information. You will have no problem with your draft in the Illinois Waterway as long as you stay in the marked channel, you may have a problem finding marinas/dockage or anchorages with sufficient water for you to swing freely. You also want to remember that in the Illinois Waterway the depth is controlled, so it can go down, usually to relieve flooding problems somewhere else than where you are. On Lake Michigan watch your charts when you get within one mile of either shore, and beware of all of the marked shoals, they are not kidding. In my area Glencoe shoal is a killer, it is marked on charts, but not always buoyed. On the south side of Chicago JP Morgan shoal is also a killer-literally, read and heed the charts. And be sure you have towing coverage, Towboat U.S is the way to go on Lake Michigan, as there is only one Sea Tow guy. Good luck, Jack TTBG (the towboat guy)