Ben Watts Marina

08/30/2026

Following the filing of upgraded charges related to the July 25 fatal boating crash on the Fox River in McHenry County, Illinois Conservation Police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance with the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are specifically seeking to identify a boat, its owner, and its occupants depicted in a bystander video recorded around 11 a.m. on Petite Lake prior to the fatal crash. Although the boat and the occupants are not believed to have been involved in the fatal crash, investigators believe they may have witnessed activity or possess information relevant to the case. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hqgro7mSsdE

Anyone who recognizes the boat or its occupants, or who has additional information, is asked to submit information through the Illinois Conservation Police online tip portal here: dnr2.illinois.gov/OLETIPHotline/. The occupants of the boat in question are being sought solely as potential witnesses; they are not suspected of any wrongdoing.

*Post has been updated to include photo of smaller boat we are seeking to identify.

Illinois Conservation Police McHenry County Sheriff's Office Lake County IL Sheriff's Office Fox Waterway Agency

08/30/2026

08/28/2026

While there's still plenty of sunshine left in the season, it's still time to start reserving your boat's Winterization and Winter Storage Spot!

Ben Watts Marina is ready, and we're taking reservations!

Link To Complete Online: https://na3.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhCj3GxnMxcIT2AHbZ1Zq3MZYuIhoinXnEeo4pbz4FNoDZDjWicqIc-Uud29yIs_L3k*

07/14/2026

Last night our marina was used by law enforcement to stage the rescue of a missing 15 year old swimmer off of Meyers Bay. We were saddened to learn that the 15 year old's body was found and recovered. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young person.

We would also like to say Thank You to all of the agencies that came out to support in the inital search and rescue, turned to recovery mission. You are the unsung heroes and we appreciate all that you do.

To our customers, we apologize for any inconvienece this operation may have caused. We, at Ben Watts Marina, will always do our best to accommodate our community, and first responders, when tragic moments like this arise.

Hold your kids a little closer today. Give extra hugs, and together we will get through this tragedy. Blessings to you all.

05/25/2026

WE ARE OPEN TODAY!
8am - 5pm!

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

Due to the high water levels we are forced to close our launch until further notice.
Safety must always come first!

Launch is CLOSED.

04/18/2026

Sorry Folks, but due to the water levels our launch is CLOSED until further notice. Safety must come first!

04/13/2026

04/10/2026

Please Note: We will be closing at noon tomorrow, April 11th.

Our team will be together with Debbie, Brandon, Karleigh, and the rest of the Nordmeyer family and community as we honor Bob Nordmeyer's life and memory.