65F (I think you said in July) sort of like makes you wonder about our "experts" moaning about climate change and Net Zero worries. Luckily us normal people go about our daily lives and enjoy every day.
@nerdgarage2 сағат бұрын
Ok so what is the largest boat to have completed the loop. All I can find from the web is the largest height/depth/length/etc that __can__ do the loop, but nothing whatever on what __has__ done the loop.
@chips81010 сағат бұрын
@16:00 95 ft sunseeker, currently for sale for $6,695,000 if your interested.
@leegardner46922 күн бұрын
Crossed the Lake to Charlevoix from Wis in a 23' sailboat in 1967 with my teenage buddy & his dad. Had roughest water going south to Leland & Frankfort. But I'd been sailing since age 10. Now 79...
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoopКүн бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experience on Lake Michigan. In my 20’s I crossed from Milwaukee to Muskegon in 260 Sea Ray Sundancer - the waves were so large we couldn’t see over them. 🛥
@robpowell4612 күн бұрын
3 to 5 ft are you kidding me
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoopКүн бұрын
Very hard to capture the wave size on camera. When traveling with the wind and waves Freebird easily handles waves that size. Thanks for watching.
@wilzboyz3 күн бұрын
Yeah. Been in a 325 conquest in much bigger seas on Michigan. Door cty to Beaver.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoopКүн бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experience. Safe boating!
@omegalamda31454 күн бұрын
Nothing like Superior.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoopКүн бұрын
We haven’t been to Lake Superior yet. May go next summer after exploring the North Channel in Canada. Thanks for watching. 🛥
@grimmvoorhees31604 күн бұрын
to those of you saying 'i've been through worse" Good for you, don't be that person. This is still scary and dangerous. I'm happy you guys faired the waves without incident. keep up the great videos !
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop4 күн бұрын
Thank you so much. We love to hear other peoples experiences and we do try to learn from ours. Some people are just angry for some reason. That's ok. Glad to let them get some of that out.😃
@calvincareen76094 күн бұрын
Dear God!! Newfoundland here, if only we had it so smooth.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop4 күн бұрын
That would be an awesome place to explore by boat!
@kenb.99764 күн бұрын
I’ve told my wife many times, things don’t fall off the floor.
@RAV19534 күн бұрын
I've seen a lot rougher conditions, (very glad you're safe!)....hope all will have a very high respect for all the Great Lakes & their fury!!!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop4 күн бұрын
The Great Lakes are beautiful but can be dangerous! We try to avoid cruising in bad conditions but this time the last 10 miles was exposed to large swells that were not forecasted. Thanks for watching.🛥
@mikeboyd85784 күн бұрын
Vest up, sit down , hang on and shut up.
@Morassabe4 күн бұрын
As a sailboat sailor, we would appreciate it if you would stay on plane and pass astern if possible. This makes for a smoother ride for both of us. Your wake isn't as large, and if you pass astern, any wave will push us forward and not knock our momentum down. This is just my personal request to all power boaters. On a Lake as large as Michigan (having grown up on that lake) it probably matters less as to whether you are on plane or not. The other thing I would suggest, is what I was taught while serving in the Navy, stow for sea, even if you don't anticipate rough weather. As you learned on that short trip, you can experience a lot of damage, and possibly get injured by flying debris. Good luck, and Happy Boating!
@paulleep6184 күн бұрын
Typical rag boat….thinks he/she owns the water
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop4 күн бұрын
Thanks for the tips! We always try to be respectful of other boaters. The sailboat in this video had it a lot worse than we did so we did slow down and did a wide pass off his stern. The sailboat was heading North up the coast while we were heading more West into Charlevoix.
@davidstrickler65705 күн бұрын
No gear adrift. Nothing out, nothing that can become a projectile. Golden shellback out.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop4 күн бұрын
What is: Golden shellback out.
@davidstrickler65704 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop I crossed the equator at the date line. Double ot's. I stood before king Neptune and his court. And was found worthy of being a sea farer. All the land lubbers be poly wogs. Old navy traditions. From before political correctness bull shit.
@craigbaker92525 күн бұрын
It’s called being Stowed For Sea. And yes those mini yachts are terrible outside of protected harbors. Best days of a boat owners life are the day they buy it…..and the day they sell it/ dump that money pit.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
This time they were just hitting us on port beam. If we were going with the waves, we would have been fine. We have had the most wonderful days travelling on Lake Michigan! We saved our whole life to have this boat. It was our dream and have enjoyed every day we are able to be cruising on it. Our happiest day was the day we bought it and our saddest will be the day we sell it. 😃
@coldspring6245 күн бұрын
Been there so many times I see it as an amusement park ride.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
Hang on! 😁
@Trevieze5 күн бұрын
I used to go salmon fishing in Lake Michigan and was out in 6 to 8 ft seas. What you 're experiencing is relatively calm for the lakes.
@heaven-is-real5 күн бұрын
Same here but in three to four foot chop. You were rockin and rollin.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
I have been out there in way worse conditions in a 260 Sundancer crossing lake MIchigan. The swells were so large you couldn't see over the top of them! This time they were just hitting us on port beam. If we were going with the waves, we would have been fine.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
@@heaven-is-real This time they were just hitting us on port beam. If we were going with the waves, we would have been fine.
@johnjcoxiii94015 күн бұрын
I follow many LOOPERS and I am amazed at how really stupid they are when it comes to readiness to go to sea. I am ex Coast Guard. I spent many years on the International Weather Patrol in the North Atlantic. Before we threw off the lines to go to sea, we secured all gear in lockers and storage spaces and tied down anything that was loose. I watch these videos and see loose appliances on galley counters, etc., etc., ad nauseum and realize that all these people have is the money to buy their toys....NO LOVE or UNDERSTANDING of or RESPECT for the Sea!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
I probably would not call them stupid. Maybe you could say inexperienced. Everyone has to learn somewhere. I'm sure you were not born with the knowledge you currently have. Maybe learned what you know serving in the Coast Guard? And how a few things falling, on one trip on a lake, equates to us not loving the sea is really hilarious! All that aside, we really respect The Coast Guard.🥰 Thank you for your service!
@BillP-kg1yp5 күн бұрын
It was a wild ride, but I am sure Northern Michigan is also one of the most pleasant places on the Great Loop journey.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
It is awesome! We love it so much we are planning another summer up there!😃
@mattmacpherson10335 күн бұрын
I’ve fished Michigan in 5 ft rollers on a 39’ sport fisher. Great time if you have chummers on board. Caught my biggest salmon in those seas. 😂😂
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
We love going down and seeing the fishing boats come in with salmon. It's amazing how huge they are!
@guygav6 күн бұрын
No stabilizers?
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
No. Not on this boat. Do you have them? If so, how well would they work on port beam waves?
@timgreen41376 күн бұрын
Last time I transited from Atlantic City to Stuart, it was in seas at least as bad as that. Not much fun.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
We would love to do that one day! What boat do you have?
@timgreen41375 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop I was delivering a GB 60. I deliver yachts part time. I own a 1967 GB 36 that I'm restoring.
@craigmrohde99896 күн бұрын
Rule of thumb...Before traveling on open water, stow the gear and all the toys!!!!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop5 күн бұрын
We do lay down the lamps and take things off of areas that will fall. This time it was way worse then we have ever been in, in this boat, so we learned a few more things that we need to stow.
@brettgerber7956 күн бұрын
It’s crazy how bad it is in actual view vs seeing the lake through the camera! We had a similar looking mess coming home from Saugatuck to St. Joe in August (5 with occasional 6’ off our stern out of the NW) and going to Chicago in July (3’ waves off our starboard out of the north). Our Chris Craft 381 handled great in both.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
I now know that along with laying down the lamps, the coffee maker and everything on the counters need to come down if it at all looks iffy. Seems like it is always worse then the wave predictions say.
@marktykwinski53446 күн бұрын
Watch the hots!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@barrywilkinson34206 күн бұрын
We went to Beaver Island on the ferry, I served on a Navy destroyer for 27 months and I was scared about the size of the roll on the shallow draft ferries. People were falling, puking and the waves were breaking over the port side, blue water hitting the cabin windows. With a deck of vehicles below made me wonder about the stability of the ferry. The return trip on the smaller ferry was worse than the ride out.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
Wow! That sounds scary. Beaver Island is a really pretty port. We want to go back there again one day.
@patrickcox13135 күн бұрын
The Great Lakes are awful, the seas are always confused and stacked up. I’d rather be in 10 footers in the New York bight than 5 on the Great Lakes.
@Gundus10006 күн бұрын
Nice boat.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
Thank you. She's pretty comfortable.
@Setsail-e8b6 күн бұрын
New sub here. Thanks for sharing your experience! The Great Lakes can change up quickly even on a beautiful day! I had a horrendous experience leaving Manistee, MI heading to Ludington, MI on a gorgeous day. Securing gear is a must. Kissed the ground after docking 😉🛥🌊
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
Welcome! Yes, I am definatley "wave shy" 😁 after our experience. We will be watching the weather closely each time we head out. What boat do you have an where is your home port?
@Setsail-e8b6 күн бұрын
@FreebirdTheGreatLoop That experience was years ago. Since then for reasons I moved from power boating to a small 22ft sailboat. My homeport is Oscoda, Mi. Although my heart is still with power boating. I respect those who do the Great Loop! Where is your homeport?
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
@@Setsail-e8b Ours is Chattanooga, TN We are right on the Tennessee River. We love cruising up and down the river. Lot's of places to go. Never had the chance to sail. We were on a commecial sailboat in Maine and it was beautiful when they put up the sails!
@douglasnorth29647 күн бұрын
Better job at securing - RIGHT. You're amateur's.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop7 күн бұрын
Thanks! Glad you are enjoying our videos!😁
@captseamus6 күн бұрын
Lake michigan is no joke. I been out there in red flags conditions. I was in a Hatteras 50C Sportfishman @ 12 knts... 10 foot waves. 30 knt winds from the NNW Saugatuck to Holland, Mi... Spray over my radar arch @ 24ft.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
@@captseamus Why were you out there in those conditions? We stayed at Eldeans in Holland almost a week in the Spring this year because of the weather. We were rocking and rolling in the marina! What time of year was this?
@douglasnorth29646 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Live and learn - fortunately for you.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop6 күн бұрын
@@douglasnorth2964 We do do a little more prep now. The coffee maker even fell on that one so it's on the floor now.
@lbuehler3258 күн бұрын
Looks like your daughter saved the day!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop7 күн бұрын
She did! She's the best!😁
@Niki10-328 күн бұрын
Been there done that... turned around. lol When I switched from inland boating (in a 27 foot Sea Ray SLX) to Lake Michigan in a Cruisers Yachts 38GLS (triple 450R) I thought I could go where I want when I wanted. Nope. Lake Michigan decides. Its funny... As I acclimated to Lake Michigan boating, when we are at various ports/marinas talking to other captains I started asking what kind of seas they cruise in. What is their "go/no go". You'll hear "Oh 5-7 I'll go" from all these guys... (yeah bullshit). When its 3-5 out there their ain't a boat to be seen! Asking a captain what he'll cruise in during docktails is like asking a fisherman how big his fish was. And I've also learned video and pictures never do justice to the size of the waves. Do you have a seakeeper? Best money I ever spent. I'll never own a boat without one again. Doesn't do a thing in heading seas, but sure saves the day with beam seas. My problem is with all the weight on my stern, my efficient cruise is 42mph+or- (top speed 66.5). I struggle to stay on plane under 26-28 depending on the swell. So some seas that would be no problem at 28 I'm blowing through so much fuel plowing H2O I'd need a mid-lake refuel... and taking them at 30+ is torture. I have to run 30+ or 10. So yeah... my go/no go is 1.5 foot or less. :) on the good side I can cross from Milwaukee to Muskegon in under and 1hr 45. One time we went from Milwaukee to Saugatuck... glassy ride over on Friday. 1hr 50 min. The ride back on Sunday during a small craft warning 2-3's with the rouge 4-5... heading seas... torture...
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop8 күн бұрын
We were definatley "wave shy" after this experience! You are right, videos never capture how bad it really is out there. We are retired so we can stay as long as needed before we head to the next port. But sometimes, all the weather apps and marina weather information is just plain wrong. We have learned that if they predict 1-2 ft they mean 3-5 feet! I hope this will be our worst day on the lake! Your speeds and fuel consumption sound crazy! But must be a lot of fun to ride that fast! Where is your home port?
@Niki10-327 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Milwaukee
@robertkelman99248 күн бұрын
What date was this?
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop8 күн бұрын
June 23, 2024
@cestmoi12628 күн бұрын
@ 4:32 Sure you have your priorities straight? LOL
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop8 күн бұрын
Sometimes I wonder!😁
@jrmiller279510 күн бұрын
May want to consider asking permission to film as these boats some whom are shoving Red Flag barges are covered under Homeland Security Act can instigate an issue with being filmed. But, the content is excellent, and AIS is vital in the operation of our vessels and could be helpful to you. In saying that knowing the Rules of the Road as an operator of a power driven vessel if the responsibility of all vessel operators. As a Towing vessel Captain we want to respect your navigation and safety of your vessel as well as ours. Happy travels, the 1 whistle is port to port, 2 stbd to stbd, and when overtaking you are the burdened vessel, the overtaken vessel is the stand on.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop9 күн бұрын
Thanks for the information. Since this video we have travelled the river from Chattanooga to Michigan again. At this point we are pretty good at navigating and communication for passing. The cost of AIS for us since we probably will not do the rivers again isn't in the cards. The costs to owning a boat and servicing it is emptying out pockets quickly!
@grimmvoorhees316013 күн бұрын
You guys make these videos so nice. The lil mrs. & i can't wait to see these places for ourselves.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop12 күн бұрын
Thank you! When do you plan to travel?
@grimmvoorhees316010 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop we have a while yet, still doing all the pre-retirement finances and Boat shopping. hopefully Christmas 2025 will be our launch
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop9 күн бұрын
@@grimmvoorhees3160 Great! Good luck!
@patw191414 күн бұрын
Love Sutton’s Bay!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop14 күн бұрын
We agree!
@troycassady209115 күн бұрын
I just found your channel, and Im loving following your journey. I used to live right up Hunter Rd (right across Hwy 58 from your marina). Small world!!!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop14 күн бұрын
We love Chattanooga and can't wait to get back to cruising the river again!
@grimmvoorhees316016 күн бұрын
The little mrs. and i are looking forward to the next leg of our journey with you guys!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop15 күн бұрын
Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the ride!
@gorrdd16 күн бұрын
Thanks Ed and Maureen... more great locations along Lake Michigan. When you settled into Suttons Bay, there was a view overlooking a smaller inlet with some boats docked along its narrow sides. I think you were having lunch at a restaurant overlooking this view. In the water beneath there was some kind of flow. At first I thought it was propwash, but then realized it was running water. Was there a spring or stream there? With the water so clear, it is usually an indication of an artesian spring that displaces the regular lake water. Also, with the bay water protected from wind, the shore waters don't get silty with bottom debris. That would also allow the shore water to be so clean looking. Very nice to see. Although, I love the sunny side up, those overcast days at these bay towns, are very iconic. I noticed you enjoyed the environment, in spite of the wet weather. Although you have a cabin cruiser yacht, it just seems that when you're out on the water or docked in an area, there is just too much you want to see and do that hanging out in the comfortable cabin of your cruiser is not what is desired. Would that be correct? Gord
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop16 күн бұрын
Hello Gord, The restaurant is The Cove. It is located above the Leland Dam at the head of Leland's Historic Fishtown. Ed's brother Bill picked us up and we all had a nice meal there and walked around the town. We like to take a walk and explore the area each day that we are in port. Our cruiser is comfortable on rainy and cold days and hot days. One of our favorite things to do is sit in out chair on the back in the evening and enjoy a good sunset. Have a good weekend!
@gorrdd16 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Thanks Ed and Maureen... that explains the source of the water. Glad you take the time to relax on your cruiser. Viewers only get to see what you show. But that's your private time and we don't see that. Have a great weekend as well...😀 Gord
@samagee116 күн бұрын
@@gorrdd It is a great little town. I love visiting there. There is also a DNR marina in Leland off Lake Michigan. That water over the dam comes from Lake Leelanau.
@gorrdd16 күн бұрын
@@samagee1 Thanks Sam... I appreciate the input. It seems like there are many really great little towns and villages along Lake Michigan that cater to the marine clientele. It's such a treasure. I wasn't aware there were so many neat places to visit. And I gather it just goes on and on into Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, through the other lakes and down the St Lawrence into the Thousand Islands... 😮😊 Gord
@lindanadaud969823 күн бұрын
Thanks for the video.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!😃
@tumbleweed823124 күн бұрын
Years back, quite a few people would tie to shore in Joliet. I don't think it's so popular anymore.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Interesting. Thanks for watching!😃
@kriegner24 күн бұрын
Nice to see Loopers stop by Traverse City ...it seems like most just pass it by, but there are so many things to do there and on the Leelanau Peninsula. Had to Google Marion Island - it's known as Power Island now. Safe travels!
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Thanks for the information. Our charts are the last update RayMarine did in 2017 so maybe the name changed after that? We love that whole area. Next is Suttons Bay and then Elk Rapids. Thanks for watching!
@kriegner21 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Sutton’s Bay is fantastic. Great little town, lots of surrounding vineyards. Mawby is a must!
@gorrdd24 күн бұрын
Thanks FB... Nice visit to another location on Lake Michigan. Very neat how you were in the huge, yet relatively protected, area of Traverse Bay... where you're not exposed to the bigger rollers of the main body of Lake Michigan. 😄👍 Gord
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Hi Gord! Thanks for writing again. You are our #1 Fan!😃 We love that area! Suttons Bay and Elk Rapids are our next stops.
@gorrdd23 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Thanks FB. I like your presentations, they are informative, relaxed, and convey your experience. I checked out images of Sutton's Bay and Elk Rapids and they are lovely. I get it completely... spending a few days at each beautiful location. What a way to spend the summer. I'm guessing that Charlevoix and Petoskey are next after that.🎉😊 Gord
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop22 күн бұрын
@@gorrdd I think I told you wrong. We😁 went to Suttons Bay, Charlevoix then Elk Rapids.
@gorrdd22 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Makes sense FB. Looks like you were already on your way back down south, before the winter set in. No doubt you are likely at your winter home base at this point. I understand your concern for not posting your itinerary or current location. It is wisdom... Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend. Gord
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop21 күн бұрын
@@gorrdd Happy Thanksgiving to you Gord!
@LeeUtke27 күн бұрын
Hope you enjoyed S Haven, our home port (SHYC)
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop27 күн бұрын
We LOVE South Haven! We went twice last year. Will be back this spring!
@timneely94629 күн бұрын
Very informative…thanks for sharing. What time of year was this?
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop28 күн бұрын
May-August 2022 Thanks for watching!
@Dave-zj1zj29 күн бұрын
Sorry, we missed you up in Muskegon.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop23 күн бұрын
Maybe we will get by Muskegon next summer. Thanks for watching our videos. 🛥️
@UnderwayDriftingNDreaming29 күн бұрын
We cruised by you on that day. Tied up just in time for the storm. ⛈️ MV Cetus
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop29 күн бұрын
We remember you coming by. Later in the week, when large swells rolled of the lake, we envyed the more protected spot you had. Where are you now?
@UnderwayDriftingNDreaming29 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop We traveled down to Michigan City leaving South Haven. So, glad you posted videos of you traveling up through Illinois. Your Channel is very helpful. We just left Biloxi heading west to Texas. Our daughter will be getting married in the spring so we decided to skip going back to Key West (what were thinking it's cold here) and stay close to home. Then we will go back up the Rivers next summer hanging out exploring the Lakes, Tennessee and the Cumberland. Wake Crossing planned for December 2025.
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop29 күн бұрын
@@UnderwayDriftingNDreaming Great! Where do you cross your wake? I'm glad the river videos were helpful. Hopefully we will run into each other again! Happy Boating!
@UnderwayDriftingNDreaming29 күн бұрын
@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop we will cross in Key West next December. Then off to the Bahamas in April 2026. Hope to see you on our travels
@gorrdd29 күн бұрын
Great subject, Ed. Things can change so suddenly on the lakes. Like you showed, one moment it is clear skies and idyllic... and then in 30-40 minutes the sky turns dark gray followed by gale conditions. I loved the way you showed the approaching storm on your onboard radar system. These storms pop up out of nowhere and you may need advanced warning to get to safe harbor. As long as you're at the helm, all is accounted for. But let's say you anchored out for the afternoon and you're not watching the radar in the area. Next thing you know, it's on top of you with little time to out run it. I watched an interesting video of a convoy of 40' yachts that got caught in a localized gale on their way back from the Bahamas. The tactic the lead pilot used to navigate the storm was great. He needed to cross through the storm with the least impact on his vessel and passengers. He changed headings so that he rode the storm at an angle, going with the swells as quickly as conditions and his vessel would permit. He did this for over an hour until he managed to push through into calmer waters and then changed his heading back toward his destination. There are some vessels that are more designed and equipped to handle these conditions. Express cruisers with a SeaKeeper that have ample power to go 60+ in good conditions, can often cut through the big swells at an angle and ride mostly the tops going 35-40. Of course, it just depends on how big the swells are. But at the right speed, with the right angle of attack, a good gyro system, and not too big swells... it's amazing what can be done that other vessels simply can't handle. They are left behind bobbling and taking on water from the constant dunking and spray... and likely suffering from sea sick symptoms after too much exposure. I grew up in Cleveland, OH and remember the warnings and reports of people and pleasure boats going down from these instant storms on Lake Erie... Which is a more shallow lake, capable of generating treacherous swells. Gord
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop29 күн бұрын
Hi Gord! We were glad that we were safely in port that day. The Great Lakes are nothing to mess with. We always have an eye on the weather and stay another day if it doesn't look promising. Take care! Ed and Maureen
@gorrdd29 күн бұрын
@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Great advice. Thanks. Gord
@ThePierce5144Ай бұрын
Don’t you call ahead to talk to the bridge/ lock tender to tell them you’re coming?