I was planning to do the Great Loop in a couple of years. I'm expecting to have the funds to buy a proper motor yacht for it. The problem is, I don't have a piratical friend who wants to go with me. I'd be doing it solo. That means I'd have nobody to hold lines when going through canals. Maybe I could still do it solo, I know others do. If I attempted this, are there normally others who'd be willing to let me join their flotilla?
@GreatLoop21 сағат бұрын
We have many solo Loopers. In fact, this evening we're having a breakout group during a virtual event for our solo Loopers. Most flotillas form organically. What I mean by that is with so many boats travling the same route on roughly the same time frame, it's typical to be traveling in a group. That said, Loopers on other boats won't be able to help you handle lines in locks. Choosing the right boat will help make this easier for those single-handed. For example, smaller tugs are popular for solo Loopers because smaller boats are a little easier for one person to handle, and many of the tugs have door from both sides of the helm station, making it easier to get to either side quickly to handle lines.
@ronsheppard53645 күн бұрын
Thank you so much for bringing back these step by step cruising videos. The wife and I have always looked forward to watching your videos and information about the towns. Thank you
@GreatLoop5 күн бұрын
I apologize for the lengthy delay! Thanksf or watching them and I'm so glad you enjoy them!
@CJamesGoode10 күн бұрын
Title Town Brewery is a Great Restaurant and Micro-Brewery in Green Bay.
@ickcall920810 күн бұрын
I just made this trip and it was beautiful, it took me 4 days, i stopped and swam each day, winds were light, was a little over 100nm
@GreatLoop9 күн бұрын
Sounds like a wonderful trip, and great that you could take multiple days for this run!
@rontaylor249312 күн бұрын
I was watching a KZbin video about a couple taking a side trip to Oklahoma. I didn’t even know that was possible but it got me thinking, can you do a podcast sometime of the farthest inland reaches possible by waterways in the U.S.? Thanks for considering.
@GreatLoop9 күн бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into this and see what we can put together.
@davidwalker360314 күн бұрын
He actually spent very little time in Grand lagoon only as you came out of Bay point and then you pass deep water point at that time you enter Saint Andrews Bay that you stay in until you pass the DuPont bridge will you transition into East Bay period from their you follow Eastbay until you reach the intracoastal waterway that connects you all the way down to lake wimico with a side spur that runs down to Port Saint Joe
@GreatLoop13 күн бұрын
Thanks for that correction! That's what I get for waiting several months to complete the video. The memory of the specifics fades pretty quickly. I appreciate your help!
@easylisteningsl180415 күн бұрын
it's really unbelievable that we have here in 2024 issues like this bridge. They should put a tunnel under the canal for the train or put in a swing or raise bridge. The 2% grade change would run the start and end point out but it can't be any worse than digging the canal. Every bridge from Lake Michigan to the Gulf should be able to be wide open. A sailboat with a 90' mast should be able to go from LM to the gulf without taking the mast down.
@GreatLoop14 күн бұрын
Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching!
@johnmacco162115 күн бұрын
fantastic! thank you
@GreatLoop15 күн бұрын
Thank you for watching!
@JKevinWilson16 күн бұрын
Marina du Port de Quebec - I was there at the end of June. Absolutely the best marina. Always cleaning something. 2 girls were cleaning the power pedestals one morning. Location excellent, right in the old town. When you go back to Quebec City, you must go to Tadoussac few a few nights. Breakfast buffet at the Hotel Tadoussac and a day trip up the Saguenay River.
@pcoysterland549421 күн бұрын
Ohh. I so want a tshirt that says fudgie/fudgy
@Maddie-Girl25 күн бұрын
I just finished 6 yrs of sailing in South Pacific came back to Ont bought a 34 ft trawler now working on it prepping it for the great loop we absolutely love living on a boat no better way
@GreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Agree! Living aboard it an amazing lifestyle!
@superbug197725 күн бұрын
This interview--with the insight and the knowledge and the stories--is a treasure. I'm 62 and inclined to believe that I can become a Looper, though my life experience is limited to sailing a racing-class dinghy, a Thistle built in 1948, all wood and restored. This Looper stuff is fascinating.
@GreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Sound like the 1948 Thistle is a beautiful boat!
@boaterlive561426 күн бұрын
Fantastic interview, interesting, full of usefull info especially for me in a small boat and solo! Thanks to Kim and Michael.
@GreatLoop26 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@LawrenceBroussard26 күн бұрын
I wish more detail information would have been discussed about the C-Dory! I enjoy the interview.
@GreatLoop26 күн бұрын
Thanks for the feedback. We'll try to include more information on the boat next time!
@pamelagrusz813726 күн бұрын
Amazing story Michael. Love following your story. My husband and I are at your homeport in Fort Myers. Our boat is in slip D-19
@GreatLoop26 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@pamelagrusz813726 күн бұрын
Also wish he would have explained why he went clockwise in 2023 (Chicago lock closure) and how he went against strong spring currents up to Chicago
@MatthewASersion27 күн бұрын
This is such a great video. New bucket list line item. Thank you very much.
@GreatLoop26 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Please let us know if we can assist in making this bucklet list item happen for you!
@drengmikeАй бұрын
We love it too! And we live in Colorado 😀
@AAW129Ай бұрын
I’m so hooked on this I downloaded the app. I don’t even have a boat. And I live in Colorado. lol.
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Thanks for watching! We actually have several members from Colorado who have done, or are planning to do, the Great Loop!
@drengmikeАй бұрын
@@GreatLoop my wife and I are planning on attending the Rogersville rendezvous. We are very excited to learn more and possibly do the loop. We spent a month on a sailboat, with friends, last winter and loved it. Loopers that we met at one of the marinas were awesome and shared their story about the loop!
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
@@drengmike Hope to see you in Rogersville! It's always a great time!
@user-rx2rd5us7tАй бұрын
What’s the air draft for the Mac bridge?😅
@rontaylor2493Ай бұрын
Being originally from Michigan I learned a couple of new things about the island. Great stuff! Thank you.
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Thakns for watching!
@ArtoconnellАй бұрын
Thought we were visiting an island, Must have misunderstood the title.
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Mackinac Island is an island in Lake Huron.
@jimprouty6793Ай бұрын
We have watched this episode twice, the information is incredible helpful. I do have question,that is do you have any statistics on gas vs diesel boats that completed the loop?
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
We don't track statistics on gas vs. diesel, but the majority of boats on the Loop are diesel due to the larger number of engine hours you can put on the engines before rebuild is needed, the range between fuel stops, and for some, they feel safer living aboard with a fuel that is less flammable.
@theabsolutetruth2024Ай бұрын
If you do a "typical loop" and head into Canada, what is the typical way for loopers to clear Canadian customs?
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Most Loopers will tie up at a telephone reporting center and then call from their boat to clear customs. If you're entering via the Lake Champlain route, that CBSA station requires you to stop and physically check in.
@theabsolutetruth2024Ай бұрын
@@GreatLoop Thank you for replying. Also, are U.S. passports required to loop in Canada?
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
@@theabsolutetruth2024 I believe there is some gray area as there may be other documents that can prove citizenship. The official details are here: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html#:~:text=A%20valid%20U.S.%20passport%2C%20passport,need%20proof%20of%20U.S.%20citizenship.
@williamthawley9251Ай бұрын
it is accesible by small plane.
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Great point! Yes, there is a small runway there. Thanks for the correction.
@jamesmonahan1870Ай бұрын
Wonderful video. 😊
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Thank you! 😃
@jamesmonahan1870Ай бұрын
Wonderful video. 😊
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@theabsolutetruth2024Ай бұрын
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@juliaparks06Ай бұрын
Thanks everyone for doing this !!!!😊
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
@bobbyjones138Ай бұрын
Thank you so much for keeping this podcast up and thanks to everyone participating. Can't wait to start my looping adventures
@GreatLoopАй бұрын
Our pleasure!
@declinox2 ай бұрын
My wife and I attended the 2023 AGLCA Fall Rendezvous. I think having a vessel safety check done is super useful! I would want to ask the examiner though, "what _extra_ things should we do beyond the minimum?" As I see it, the point isn't to pass some future boarding check, but to make the boat as safe as possible. Stuff like Fireboy, EPIRBs/PLBs, etc.
@robertrice81212 ай бұрын
I think you will find that most USCG Aux vessel examiners want to have that kind of conversation. The minimum requirements are so minimal, that we typically DO have a longer conversation, especially with anyone who is planning extended cruising.
@pamelagrusz81372 ай бұрын
I have a question about the number of occupants allow on my boat. It’s a 33 foot True North. Is this required?
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
Sorry, but I don't know the answer to that. I believe it will vary by boat specs (not just the length). Hopefully the manufacturer can help you with that.
@pamelagrusz81372 ай бұрын
@@GreatLoop yep so far it’s been hard to locate. It’s a 2005 and no longer manufactured. I passed USCG inspection already but they ask this question.
@robertrice81212 ай бұрын
US boats under 20 feet are required to have a capacity plate installed by the manufacturer. That lists max number of people, max weight of all the people, max weight of motors, fuel, gear, people. Only required by law for boats under 20 feet. Not required over 20 feet. There is a voluntary marine manufactures industry standard that requires a capacity plate for boats up to 26 feet.
@robertrice81212 ай бұрын
The usual rule of thumb formula for max capacity is (boat length x boat beam)/15 = number of people. 33 foot boat with 13 foot beam, would have max carrying capacity of about 28 people.
@pamelagrusz81372 ай бұрын
@@robertrice8121 thank you
@TheBeeman4102 ай бұрын
I never knew this loop existed until I ran into a couple doing the loop a few days ago… Now I gotta do it one day… Finding time to do it will be the only challenge..
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
Happy to help if you have any questions about doing the Loop in segments or while working. It all just depends on why finding the time is the challenge. Feel free to reach out! [email protected]
@jonathenbishop11192 ай бұрын
Thank y'all very much. This is a conversation that scars people
@Commentleaver-c6x2 ай бұрын
Nice little tourist trap town.
@n4837z2 ай бұрын
Thanks Jeremy and Kim, Perhaps , most important, engage that Safety Device that resides between your ears. Keep it straight and level.
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
Great point. Thanks for watching!
@jamesbaldwin76762 ай бұрын
Ask all the questions you can think of, and the answer will always be the same..."that depends." Thanks so much. That was a big help.
@GreatLoop21 сағат бұрын
Some of the answers are "that depends" because they are no right or wrong answers to many of these questions. We encourage everyone to do the Great Loop in a way that works for them, so there is no best boat, no right budget, etc. I'd be happy to chat with you directly to answer the specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a time on my calendar here: calendly.com/greatloop/15-minute-call?back=1&month=2024-08
@williamwebberjr80452 ай бұрын
Always great info
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
Thanks! Glad you enjour our podcast!
@luclheureux24162 ай бұрын
Great discussion, well done!
@kimberlyrusso38522 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
@jimrossman2 ай бұрын
I just watched your pod cast. I also would like to think you for talking with a potential buyer of our dingy Davits. We make them almost as a hobby but have received nothing but raving reviews and kindness when someone calls you. As you know we did our loop years ago and continued to live on our vessels, which were Mainships, after doing the loop until finding a winter place in Port St Lucie.
@vitiz76022 ай бұрын
You two are amazing! Thanks for sharing the fun trip!
@garymichaelwilson26872 ай бұрын
Like to see the what your talking about. You get minus 1
@genoropesa98962 ай бұрын
Is there gas stations along the way? Where to find the guide gps?
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
The longest distance between fuel stops is about 200 miles. Most marinas offer gas and diesel. Guidebooks and websites like Waterway Guide list fuel stops.
@tomjeffersonwasright22883 ай бұрын
I did deliveries from Apalachicola to Tarpon Springs, and worked as Captain for some boats with owners aboard. I took a lot of sailboats, which have more weather constraints than power vessels. With a seaworthy vessel, I preferred the direct route. In the case of bad weather, I prefer open water and plenty of sea room. In calm weather, it is quicker. Following around the coast, the shore is shallows, mostly mud. If you get blown in there on high water, the prospects of getting out are poor. There are. some ports, but they are not easy to enter under very adverse conditions. Another consideration is the "safety" of companion vessels. What in reality can they do, particularly in high seas? Basically, they can take you aboard. But they will not abandon ship to save your vessel. In rough weather, it can be dangerous to get from one vessel to another. Also, it is surprising the number of vessels on the route between Apalach and Anclote. Altering course to avoid collision was a common experience. Time of year is a major consideration. In October and early November, a 3 day window of wind at your back, downhill run is common. The window shortens across the winter, until the frontal cycles disappear about April. This year, they persisted later. If you are short handed, and one member is extremely nervous about the passage, a hired crew member can do much to prevent another reenactment of the "Choose between me and that damned boat" dilemma.. Regardless, a boat shrinks considerably when it comes off the transport into the water. Another greater shrinkage occurs when the last bit of land disappears from sight. Expect it. Remember that it is still the same boat that looked so huge at the boat show. LOL
@GreatLoop2 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your insight. And thanks for watching!
@SavorTheJourneyDave3 ай бұрын
🌞 🛥️
@williamwebberjr80453 ай бұрын
Awesome info
@vanrichardson62633 ай бұрын
Who's gonna pay for the bridge to get lifted or moved or whatever?
@GreatLoop3 ай бұрын
There is no current effort to remove or raise the bridge. If one ever arises, I suppose who pays for it would be one of the largest issues.
@robertlaird67463 ай бұрын
What is the maximum width of a sailing catamaran with it's mast down to do the loop through the Canadian portion of the loop? Sailing Life on Jupiter did it with a 48 ft. catamaran that was I think 25 ft. wide but they didn't do the Canadian section of the loop and I'm not exactly sure what route they did but the entire trip is on KZbin. I'm interested in getting a boat like that and doing the entire loop.
@GreatLoop3 ай бұрын
The narrowest lock on the Canadian part of the route is the Port Severn lock (lock 45) on the Trent-Severn. it is 23’ wide.
@robertlaird67463 ай бұрын
@@GreatLoop Thank you! I guess I'll have to get a different boat to do the loop and then sell it once I'm done.
@dannyoneill18923 ай бұрын
Best interview ever. Super helpful. Thanks Tom. Never have felt the need to weigh in and tell anyone how slow, or fast, that they should go.
@brianklawitter87103 ай бұрын
“Always 3 things wrong with your boat and the captain knows 2 of them”. So true! I’m bound and determined to not make our first loop a bunch of goals. I’m finding out that this is a mind set. I have 16 months to set my mind!!