WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GREAT LOOP?
Being boaters from the Pacific Northwest, every segment of this 5,800-mile trip was new. We looked forward to the surprises that were revealed with each bend and turn of the water and the experiences at every stop. We were awed by the variety of the scenery and the daily blessings and serendipity that were received.
We learned about ourselves, became better boaters by meeting new challenges and became better citizens as we learned about geography, the history and the culture of the towns, states and provinces that we visited. We learned about science, natural history and the current issues and challenges faced by the people that we met.
No list of highlights would be complete without the great people that were met along the way, especially the other Loopers, but also the locals, the employees and the many kind souls along the way. Most importantly, we made life-long friendships and that separated this experience from nearly all the other traveling that we have done.
Being boaters from the Pacific Northwest, every segment of this 5,800-mile trip was new. We looked forward to the surprises that were revealed with each bend and turn of the water and the experiences at every stop. We were awed by the variety of the scenery and the daily blessings and serendipity that were received.
We learned about ourselves, became better boaters by meeting new challenges and became better citizens as we learned about geography, the history and the culture of the towns, states and provinces that we visited. We learned about science, natural history and the current issues and challenges faced by the people that we met.
No list of highlights would be complete without the great people that were met along the way, especially the other Loopers, but also the locals, the employees and the many kind souls along the way. Most importantly, we made life-long friendships and that separated this experience from nearly all the other traveling that we have done.
WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE CALLED TO THIS ADVENTURE?
Just do it. If you wait for the ideal time, you will never go. Obstacles will always be present and reasons to not do it will be easy to see. Whether you think you are capable of doing this trip or you think you are not up to it; you are right. The main problem to overcome is the one between your ears. Do not over-plan or over-think this. Planning and preparation is important but this is only a stage. Be open to learn and adapt along the way and being open to new information. Look for opportunities and serendipity - the unplanned discovery. Never, ever have a schedule or timetable as that will make you do things you should not, you will take preventable risks, and you will miss things. Being safe and staying within your capabilities means being patient and waiting for the right weather window to move.
Be a journeyman-level boater. Take the basic courses. Be comfortable at slow speed handling skills and anchoring. Most loopers are pairs of boaters and each member should have developed skills and as a team, share in the decision-making. Be able to fix the top tier of the minor things that go wrong. This adventure is safe and relatively easy if you take reasonable precautions and watch the weather; but it is an adventure; if was not, every boater would do it. Best estimates are that less than 200 boats a year do the Great Loop; doing so puts you in an elite group.
Know thyself and your cruising style. Every Looper does the loop differently. Some will do it in installments; others will do it in one journey. Some will be very fast; others will go slow. Some will marina-hop; others will anchor as much as possible. Some will eat out every night; others will stay aboard and cook. Some will travel in pairs and small groups; others will be soloists. There is no right way or wrong way; there is only your way.
Find a boat that fits your cruising style. This is no one ideal looper boat; if there were, everyone would have it. Find the boat that matches your cruising style in speed, draft and conveniences. Get the smallest boat that you are comfortable with, rather than the most boat you can afford. Do not be a penny-wise and dollar foolish. Do not short-change on key safety issues and enhance the experience with the right match of technology.
Have a realistic budget. Being safe and comfortable should not be a budget decision. For us, we spent less money living this adventure than we spend at home; it was cheaper to do this than live in our "dirt house."
Just do it. If you wait for the ideal time, you will never go. Obstacles will always be present and reasons to not do it will be easy to see. Whether you think you are capable of doing this trip or you think you are not up to it; you are right. The main problem to overcome is the one between your ears. Do not over-plan or over-think this. Planning and preparation is important but this is only a stage. Be open to learn and adapt along the way and being open to new information. Look for opportunities and serendipity - the unplanned discovery. Never, ever have a schedule or timetable as that will make you do things you should not, you will take preventable risks, and you will miss things. Being safe and staying within your capabilities means being patient and waiting for the right weather window to move.
Be a journeyman-level boater. Take the basic courses. Be comfortable at slow speed handling skills and anchoring. Most loopers are pairs of boaters and each member should have developed skills and as a team, share in the decision-making. Be able to fix the top tier of the minor things that go wrong. This adventure is safe and relatively easy if you take reasonable precautions and watch the weather; but it is an adventure; if was not, every boater would do it. Best estimates are that less than 200 boats a year do the Great Loop; doing so puts you in an elite group.
Know thyself and your cruising style. Every Looper does the loop differently. Some will do it in installments; others will do it in one journey. Some will be very fast; others will go slow. Some will marina-hop; others will anchor as much as possible. Some will eat out every night; others will stay aboard and cook. Some will travel in pairs and small groups; others will be soloists. There is no right way or wrong way; there is only your way.
Find a boat that fits your cruising style. This is no one ideal looper boat; if there were, everyone would have it. Find the boat that matches your cruising style in speed, draft and conveniences. Get the smallest boat that you are comfortable with, rather than the most boat you can afford. Do not be a penny-wise and dollar foolish. Do not short-change on key safety issues and enhance the experience with the right match of technology.
Have a realistic budget. Being safe and comfortable should not be a budget decision. For us, we spent less money living this adventure than we spend at home; it was cheaper to do this than live in our "dirt house."
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE AMERICAN GREAT LOOP CRUISERS ASSOCIATION?
Joining the community of loopers and by flying the burgee, creates instant recognition, acceptance, and an introduction that leads to friendships and an exchange of information. Also, the discounts at marinas are great!
Joining the community of loopers and by flying the burgee, creates instant recognition, acceptance, and an introduction that leads to friendships and an exchange of information. Also, the discounts at marinas are great!
LET’S DO THE NUMBERS:
Miles Traveled: 5806
Days of Travel: 291 Days (including 56 days at home)
Anchored: 26% of the time
Number of locks: 88
The Budget:
The Total Cost: $31,170
50% of the expenses were marinas and fuel
Groceries: 18% of budget
Boat Expenses: 11% of budget (Half of this was bottom paint. There were no bent props and no serious mechanical issues. In addition to normal maintenance, two float switches and the solar panel controller were replaced.)
Miscellaneous: 11% of budget (rental cars, gifts, souvenirs, etc.)
Restaurants: 7%
Entertainment: 3%
Marinas:
Used 74% of the time
Cost: 27% of the Budget
Number of marinas visited: 80
Average Moorage Cost: $1.43 per foot
The Tug’s Performance:
Engine Hours: 754
Fuel Used: 1,594 gallons
Fuel Cost: 23% of Budget
Miles Per Gallon: 3.64
Gallons used Per Hour: 2.11
Speed (Miles Per Hour): 7.7
Cost per gallon: $4.46
Miles Traveled: 5806
Days of Travel: 291 Days (including 56 days at home)
Anchored: 26% of the time
Number of locks: 88
The Budget:
The Total Cost: $31,170
50% of the expenses were marinas and fuel
Groceries: 18% of budget
Boat Expenses: 11% of budget (Half of this was bottom paint. There were no bent props and no serious mechanical issues. In addition to normal maintenance, two float switches and the solar panel controller were replaced.)
Miscellaneous: 11% of budget (rental cars, gifts, souvenirs, etc.)
Restaurants: 7%
Entertainment: 3%
Marinas:
Used 74% of the time
Cost: 27% of the Budget
Number of marinas visited: 80
Average Moorage Cost: $1.43 per foot
The Tug’s Performance:
Engine Hours: 754
Fuel Used: 1,594 gallons
Fuel Cost: 23% of Budget
Miles Per Gallon: 3.64
Gallons used Per Hour: 2.11
Speed (Miles Per Hour): 7.7
Cost per gallon: $4.46
