My Solo Great Loop Journey. Ep#1

[@papa.mike01]

I admire you willingness to do the Great Loop single handed. Thanks for brining us along.😊

[@Figment078]

I have deep appreciation for the honesty and vulnerability you're bringing to this video. That kind of integrity is uncommon in this world.

[@chrisa4767]

If you can get out of that marina the loop should be no problem! Well done.

[@MrSaltyV-]

Thank you for sharing your journey!!!

[@roberthoffman5391]

I have a 46 foot carver fly bridge and you did a great job. That drawbridge is insane and would also be a no go for me so if you can handle that, you can handle anything. Great video.

[@73BDM]

Bit late to the party, but any voyage without an insurance clime is a success. Cant wait to follow your journey.

[@stevecameronbennett5821]

People tend to edit out all the challenges and only show the good times. I'm glad to see that you're going to show what it's really like on the loop.

[@lenvalcourt1816]

Don’t get discouraged. You can do this and I’ll be watching. I have the same plan as you but a few years to go before I start. I need to see your success which will happen. You just had a lot of challenges to face on your first day. All that wind. That tiny bridge to squeeze through. Couple of deviations from dead center is not the end of the world. You achieved the goal of the day. Please keep the videos coming and don’t give up. You’ve got this!

[@craneville5446]

You did a great job under all of that pressure. Don't blame yourself when stuff goes wrong.. It is part of the boating life. Trial run or not sh*! happens and it will happen again. Safe travels and look forward to seeing more of your 6000 mile trip of a life time .

[@RogueBohemian]

Bullshit. At the rate he's going, he'll sink it inside of the first 500 miles.

[@kevinyoung5575]

Every day is a good day. Some are just better than others. Look at the bright side, you were still in a good situation to get it fixed. I'm here with you for the whole trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattgreven7615]

that marina bridge would be a no-go for me! That's crazy!

[@rjtassie]

Thanks for an honest video. Best of luck on your trip. I'll be watching.

[@AdventuresonTour]

Love the fact you showed the excitement of leaving the marina. Shows you just a regular captain like the rest of us 😎.. Man that's one hell of a marina to get in and out of..

[@lpettet1]

That departure was painful to watch. I am definitely subscribing to see the future… you have challenges ahead being the only crewmember, but you’re going to have a great exploration. If you decide to take a few travelers along the way, let us know. I’m sure you’ll get lots of people who would want to join for a week or more.

[@jamesbradford8574]

Great video. The drama of getting out of the marina and then the part failure, plus the rocket launch -- it was all fairly gripping.

[@yippiecahier9253]

Thank you for that honest account of your first official Loop day. I'm sure I will learn a lot by watching your journey as you go... as I prepare for my own journey next year. What not to do is just as important as what to do, and sometimes we only learn those lessons by doing. Kudos to you for sharing this good info with us.

[@mccluremetalworks4214]

Have confidence in yourself,enjoy the adventure,ive been watching the great loop videos,has me wanting to do it also,subscribed, cant wait to ride along,keep us updated

[@chrisco2004]

Well I subscribed. I hope you post often! Also, what about a boat tour video? That'd be cool!

[@chrishackett554]

With the fly bridge the entire sides of the boat are sail area that will significantly affect the vessel’s maneuvering. Will watch out for you on the Erie Canal! I’m retired in upstate NY and hold a Masters License. I’ve traversed the Erie Canal many times as a tour boat operator. If you need a line monkey to assist your canal transit I’ll volunteer free of charge. Can meet you at the flight of five. Good luck.

[@topshelf321]

Good luck to you. At least from your starting point you will have plenty of time to get familiar with the boat and more confident in your maneuvers before you reach the tighter water and locks. Safe travels...

[@prestigeworldwide7990]

Best of luck captain, will be watching as I aim to do the same someday!

[@mattgreven7615]

good luck on your adventure! I admire your fortitude going solo on a vessel that size.

[@guylindsay181]

Sir, If that is the worst thing that happens to you, you're in good shape. Will be following your adventure. By the way it isn't an adventure till something goes wrong.

[@mattwilliams3101]

Kudos too you for going after it solo. No wonder your takin a 40’ solo you need the capacity to carry your balls! Over a journey like that I’d honestly pack spares. I’ve got 2 alternators, water pump, hyd pump and a starter not to mention the belts and required fluids and tools. Just a thought take it or leave it. Looking forward to your next trip out of the marina.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I laughed my a$$ off with your comment about balls. That made my day. Thanks.

[@ew1421]

If you can get out of that marina single handed the other 6000 miles will be a piece of cake. Enjoyed the video thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@empresswillis1971]

Congratulations on your retirement. Hope you really enjoy your trip. Wish I could do it. I will one day. Be safe and I will be following you on your voyage.

[@jrumlow]

Great video! I can’t wait to watch your adventure.

[@cliffcohen6517]

You will get there! Keep the faith and always remember, rudders straight and measured power over wind EVERY time! Good luck and will be following your journey!

[@lcarlson7725]

Shoot for the stars! Well done. "Experience and success often wait on the other side of adversity. I've subscribed to see where you go and how you grow

[@rjbones62]

Wow. Tight Marina!! I’ll be watching. If you pass by Longport NJ or close by. Hit me up!! Good Luck!!! Fair winds!!!

[@dianesilas4243]

You will get better with maneuvering as you go. Keep strong, and pay attention to your learning curve.

[@glennt1683]

Am looking for a Meridian so one of your latest videos caught my eye. I went back and watch episode 1. What a start! Great recovery!

[@524frank]

Congrats for having the balls to do it and take us along for the ride ... remember the fastest way to make god laugh is to say "i have a plan" ... as Mohamad Ali said plans last until the first punch in the face and you got that on your shake down. Can't wait to see more, couple of things to consider viewing your first drop - consider re-fitting for separate throttle and trans stations - going from 4 sticks to 2 would help as a single hander. From a content provider perspective your outside sound needs a "dead cat" or some way to cut down the wind noise and have a fixed camera looking forward and augment with the "captains view" body cam. When you get time talk about your boat, make model etc, and why you chose that one for your adventure. Thanks for taking us along for the ride ...

[@jerrygonsoulin2844]

Thank you for sharing your intended journey with us. It's, indeed a bold one. Watching you, though painful, at the start, made me smile. You did the right things, like stopping, backing down and starting over, even the decision to return to the dock, and starting from the beginning. I will watch you throughout this journey. You had some pretty good comments from several folks. My only suggestion would to bring a experienced friend along for a couple days just to help out. Then sail on,,, and practice, practice, practice. Best of luck to you.. and remember, the minute you're not certain of anything, STOP, figure it out, then go on. Jerry

[@patfitzgerald4161]

Hi Michael....I have watched all your Loop videos, and just wanted to say thanks for helping me understand more about what I will be up against when I do my own Loop journey in 2026. You're doing a very nice job on the video quality overall, and the editing for sure. Going it alone looks kinda difficult. Also, watching you and the struggles you have encountered, have made me scale back the size of the boat I will purchase. Keep up the journey.....I am really enjoying the loop through you! Take care.

[@fizzybillylah3816]

What an ominous start! Thanks for showing/sharing the hardships…you are not alone. I’m wishing you all the best!!!

[@AdventuresCG]

I started the loop single handed on March 12, 2024. My boat is only 31 foot, single engine with a bow thruster. I am sure things will get better as you get used to you boat and the thought of sailing single handed gets a little more settling. Far winds and hope to see you one the loop. My vessel name is TIKA, I will keep an eye out for you on the water.

[@poles38]

Wow! I couldn’t imagine having to go in and out of that Marina! Sub your channel, looking forward to your adventures.

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Very glad I stumbled across your new You Tube channel. Will very much enjoy sharing the highs and lows of your adventure. Would love to know more details about the boat -- make, engines, layout etc. -- and why you chose a fairly big boat with multiple staterooms for a single-handed trip. I did the entire length of the Erie Canal with my wife in a single-engine 35-footer and some of the locks were not easy even for the two of us. I hope your side decks are wide and easy to pass through -- there will be quite a bit of racing from bow to stern to handle locks and docking during the trip. Good luck!

[@jetlag4754]

I just recently found your channel and love watching people doing the loop. I have a 34' Sea Ray Sundancer on Lake Erie and I also just recently retired. Safe travels and I look forward to catching up on all of your loop videos.

[@AlwxEdwards]

I plan to watch this series.... looking forward to it. Good luck!

[@russellpaci2562]

This will be a great video to watch. I myself will be doing the Great Loop ( in a couple of years after the boat refit ) by myself. See how you handle yourself, going through locks, anchoring, ect. Keep the videos goming. This is going to be interesting.

[@glenngray1201]

Russell I hope it’s in something of the smaller size 25 -30 he’s going to have his hands full , I for see gel coat repairs coming Lol

[@russellpaci2562]

@@glenngray1201 My boat is 40'. When I brought it down from Road Island to North Carolina, I was very surprised how gentle it handled. Right now it's on the hard for a massive refite. Maybe in a year I'll be doing the great loop.

[@madagon1]

Future looper here. 2 years to go for me. Sometimes the biggest lessons we learn are from our own mistakes (eg. no shakedown cruise). You'll be all the better for it later on. Best of luck. I will be following.

[@Trabyerf]

Awesome Stuff! I would love to do an the Great Loop like you're doing. Probably never will so keep up the good work. I'll be watching and living through you. Thanks for the hard work and enjoy your adventure.

[@bersca]

I'm in the early planning stages of doing the Great Loop. No boat yet, but a Meridian is high on my list of candidates. I'll have a co-captain, but I've got tremendous respect for you for chasing this dream solo. Looking forward to seeing more. I hope the next time you cross your wake it will be in the counter clockwise direction!

[@ritvenerus2195]

Great job single handing in some challenging conditions! Look forward to seeing your adventure, you got this cap!

[@motorv8N]

Good for you - that departure was a sticky situation that would challenge a lot of pilots and kudos for showing the warts and all of your trip kickoff. Subbed for the ride in the hopes of doing it one day and your honest assessment of Day 1 adventure is a good omen I think.

[@peterdolamore7808]

Really looking forward to following your solo journey! 😀

[@marxtr6]

Had me hitting the subscribe button after 1 minute. I didn’t get you name but am so looking forward to your channel. Congratulations and best of luck. I’m 63 and so want to do this.

[@glenngray1201]

Marx go do it man ! But please do it in something a lot smaller .Lol

[@jimfrack]

You can do this! You are living a dream of mine. Excited for you. Enjoy friend

[@randomlifeadventures9124]

Just saw your video great work I would have crapped my pants when you were leaving the Marina the wind was blowing your bow and having to go thru that narrow exit with the bridge. Keep up the good work can't wait to see your journey. Subscribed to keep up with the journey.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

After watching this video I'm glad I settled on 22 feet. Thanks for sharing. What a process driving that beast is. I'm gonna follow along on your trip. Be good or be good at it Captain. God bless ya. 🙏

[@johnmetro1000]

You handled exiting the boat yard very well!!!

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

Good job getting out of there. Safe travels. Looking forward to following your adventure.

[@mycompasslawp.a.4328]

Greetings from Florida, we'll be following you along. God Speed, good luck, and may you have fair winds and following seas, most of the time, LoL.

[@briangately8104]

Your honesty, and showing the good, and the bad, will make this channel a success. Looking forward to more of your adventure!

[@KaptainKevin]

Just watched your video and I’m very excited for your adventure. We have the same boat. I operate by myself quite a bit and it’s not easy. Going through that Draw Bridge was crazy and a ass puckerer, even for me, watching it on TV. I heard that wind blowing when you were putting the water in 😳 If it helps, I’m a third generation commercial captain and can’t remember a trip that went smoothly. “A SMOOTH SEA NEVER MADE A SKILLED SAILOR” I’ll be following you on your journey. Good Luck, i’m rooting for you.

[@jackc8515]

Kudos for doing this trip. You have the most valuable commodity, time. What a great way to use your time.🇨🇦🤙

[@vernoneasterday9838]

Great job for a start you will get better.

[@promacpic]

Go for it! Believe in yourself - self doubt will get you into trouble. Identify your weaknesses, if any & strengthen those areas eg professional training single-handed boating skills. You’re a great pilot, threading the needle out of the Harbour.

[@stevenschove3449]

Good luck, hold fast, a few problems are going to happen. Can't wait to see more!

[@ncwomanparker1708]

Oh my goodness, I really truly was praying for you to get out of your marina. I was so scared for you. Now the 2nd time is the charm. You got this!

[@garyjones6914]

Well Captain, you're alive, no damage to boat, and you are going to get her fixed in a safe harbor. Hopefully start off with more sleep this time and no wind day. Cheers!

[@michaelmiller2599]

Enjoy watching your video and your Great Loop start - I have a 2024 Ranger Tug 29CB which just happens to be named CHECKMATE / wishing you success on your journey 👍🏼👊🏻

[@savoryourjourney]

I am a Harbor Hosr with AGLCA for Beaufort & Port Royal up in South Carolina - Gimme a Hollar when you are passing through this way. I live 0.8 mi from the ICW in Pigeon Point 🚢 Happy Cruising

[@jimiandersen6962]

What an adventure! What a boat!

[@projecttrawler]

Omg we've been to the restaurant on the port side as you were leaving your marina. I could never attempt that passage under that bridge. You also went right by Harbortown marina where we live. We will be following you on KZbin for sure. Excited to see this loop thru your channel.

[@karaDee2363]

I just recently subscribed., and look forward to following your journey. I would I would have liked to have seen as a better introduction of yourself, since I don't see any of your info on this channel. And I would have loved to have seen you give a complete tour of your boat. I have no idea what year, make model it is other than its 40 ft from what you said .. your Marina looks pretty hairy too get in and out of with a large boat, although you managed, I see you're not thoroughly experienced with that boats twin propulsion yet, but you'll have lots of miles to learn that along the way.. I wish I knew about you and your trip sooner because I would have volunteered to take the trip to give you company and a hand😊

[@Mrfubarr6]

That was tough to watch! I have a fly bridge so I feel your pain!

[@pcoysterland5494]

Congratulations. It’s plenty of work for a crew of two, take your time and enjoy. Safe travels See you along the way.

[@biggsy1628]

I’m keen to see how you get on, sir, a brave soul you are

[@SUPER-BOB-2.0]

i just found your channel.. im going to buy me a boat after i sell my house, ( im disabled from Pancreatic Cancer.. and your doing my bucket list 👍😁) sorry if i get bothersome 🤣🤣😁

[@sandiegowildcat]

I am a long time boater with time on both coasts. Your marina exit would challenge anyone. A few hopefully positive suggestions: If you are not able to do basic work (like installing an alternator) you are going to face a lot of challenges. Maybe too late now but try to learn to do these things and you will not be stuck waiting for an unknown mechanic as you continue on. Plus next time you can handle it. In 6,000 miles you are highly likely to see systems fail, maybe multiple times. The average boaterputs 50-75 hours per year on their engines. Your trip trip will equal many years of average use. I know you still would have needed to source the part but it beats 6+ hours round trip, fuel cost and another passage under that bridge. Swapping an alternator (most likely just the regulator if external) would be 1-2 hours. Also be careful as it seemed like you were rapidly shifting transmission. If you can pause in neutral between it will be less strain on the transmission. I will subscribe, best of luck to you!

[@seadog6351]

Thanks for sharing the truth about solo cruising. It's obviously doable but we should all know the reality of what it means.

[@csranch2000]

Heck of a job coming out of that marina. Look to start our loop in two years. Wish we had thrusters on our 40.

[@hectorrios5402]

Sometimes in order to move forward you must take a few steps back. Your about to head out on a journey of a life time enjoy every minute the good ones and the bad. 🥳🍾👏🏽👌🏽💪🏾🥂🤘🏾👊🏽

[@dreed7312]

Nice save! It wasn't looking too good there but you didn't panic and pulled the right levers lol.

[@wlarrry]

Looking forward to your travels

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

You had me at Meridian. Meridians are the easiest boats to single hand with the bow and stern thrusters. Call ahead at marinas for help to grab lines at the dock. Anchor out as much as possible as it’s easiest to single hand dropping anchor. 😅

[@Jon-j5k]

Good luck Michael. This is Jon and Kristi. Met you this weekend in St. Ignace on the ride to Mackinac Island

[@lukeandglenda]

I wish you all the best going off watching you leave the marina.

[@timothytrespas]

🎉where are the rest more video I want to see your journey and everything I like you and the way you tell it. God bless you

[@ParkPassTV]

This is awesome!!!! Good luck I’ll be following along closely!!!

[@joebuck49]

just bought my loop boat good luck. Don't be discouraged you'll get the hang of it soon enough.

[@dougnashz]

What kind of boat, how big? You going solo ?

[@joebuck49]

@@dougnashz 26' tritoon I'm working on a cabin. Looks like I'll be solo.

[@jasonmunger8409]

In the future video, can you give a little more background on your experience. I know you said you’ve been boating your whole life and you already moved the boat 700+ miles to get to your loop start point. It would just help put that departure into perspective. Still new at operating a boat this size? Wind really that bad? Regardless, it’s good to finally see someone post a video that shows the good with the bad. Can’t wait for video #2!

[@itsanansworld]

thanks for sharing! You’ll do great, hang in there.

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Good on you to also show the not so great parts (touching the bridge). Difficult conditions for sure.

[@martymcdaniel-ts1oc]

Good luck on the restart.

[@franrico4176]

Not fun…but you did it and as you said…you didnt hit anything!! Thanks for being real! Hubby and I just bought a 40ft SeaRay Sedan and plan to do the loop in 3 years. Looking forward to watching your journey!

[@richardkale6822]

Dude, you are my hero!

[@RF-ci7ng]

Stick in there, looking forward to joining you on the journey. 👍🏻🛥

[@HelpatHomeJim]

Wow! Leaving that leaving the dock bit and then the being pushed to the left trying to leave the marina, whew! That's the kind of thing that would probably happen to me. Best of luck and new subscriber. I didn't realize till later in the video that you are doing the loop alone. I don't think they recommend it, but I'm sure you can.

[@djjr1770]

Good luck and Godspeed

[@aliceclayton9377]

You did it that's the main thing. I am jealous it is what my husband d and I wanted to do but sadly life had different plans I will live it through you egg......

[@zaftlife]

Hey you handled that marina great, and even had that bridge cleared!

[@johnchance1959]

Par for the course. Each time I have purchased a good-sized boat I encountered a major problem on Day one of bringing it home. After that, no issues. So don't be discouraged. Wind is a big problem and the best way to deal with it is to not push yourself into leaving a location when wind is going to push you really hard out of the channel. I will tell you my tale of woe. I was taking my 46 Chris Craft Roamer from Tarpon Springs, where I had purchased it, to Carrabelle. Stopped overnight at Steinhatchee at a very small marina. Had a reservation and when I arrived I was told by the so-called dockmaster to put the boat along the concrete seawall between two other boats. He said he would help me get "tied up". There was about fifty feet of seawall available between the two boats already docked along the seawall. There was a hundred open feet just a ninety degree turn away, but he said he had to "save" it for a bigger boat coming in. I had twin diesels but no bow thruster. After twenty minutes of maneuvering I was unable to get between the other two boats. No damage at this point to my boat or the others. The dockmaster was screaming instructions to me throughout this time. Finally I looked down at him and said if you think you can do it, feel free. So he jumped aboard and took over the controls. He pushed the lever forward then back then forward then back over and over again, each time pushing with more force. After five minutes of total frustration he gave up, turned the controls back over to me and said "just put over there on the open wall". Next day I made a trip across the top of the gulf to Carrabelle. It is a somewhat tight fit going in with a ninety degree turn about two hundred feet in, Boats are docked on both sides of the canal and at the ninety degree turn. Wind was pushing me off the west side dock where he wanted me to dock. So I carefully proceeded to the ninety degree turn and changed direction so I would have a quick and easy departure in the morning. All went like a charm. I put the boat into the space he had indicated, but he couldn't reach my cleats to secure the boat. I left the bridge but immediately the wind blew me sideways a short distance off the dock, so I returned to the bridge and again brought the boat up against the dock. The wind again blew me off before I could get a line to the dock. He suggested I back out of the slip, drop a line off the side, then go forward before again backing into the spot. I said no problem. I backed out of the slip, being very careful to move at a snail's pace, because directly behind me was a million dollar vessel parked along the seawall at the end of the straight canal before the ninety degree turn. All went well, I was perfectly in ;position to return to the dock and the line was now within reach of the dockhelper as I eased the lever into forward. Then the lever came off in my hand! It had a clean break in the shaft. I'm now backing directly at the million dollar vessel. Instantly I killed the engine with the broken control lever. I was able to use the opposite lever, along with changing the rpm's on the engine, to turn the stern and make the ninety degree turn. I continued to back straight down the canal after the ninety degree turn where the small boats were kept. The pilings in that section were half the diameter of those on the main canal coming in. Since the boat was tracking staright down the middle I took the engine out of gear (I had killed the other engine when the shaft came off into my hand) and hoped I could make it down the ladder from the flybridge to the lower level where I had a second set of controls. I was two feet from those controls when I felt the boat stop and heard a "crunch". My forty eight thousand pound aluminum roamer had blown to the right and stopped after touching a piling. The piling snapped in half upon contact. The next morning the water cops arrived and I thought I was in deep trouble. Fortunately the entire event had been recorded on the marina cameras and as I began to apologize and to explain. Both officers began laughing and said they had only one question for me, i.e. how in the devil was I able to make that ninety degree turn with one engine and the snapped off lever for the other engine free in my hand. The marina dockmaster was equally forgiving, said he was thrilled the only damage was to one small piling, gave me the overnight slip for free and charged me less than a hundred dollars to replace and reset the damaged piling. Never had another problem with that boat. Took it to Alabama and back and never an issue after that second day out. So take heart.

[@ScottFidler]

I’m sorry that happened. Or happy for you. 🤷‍♂️ TLDR

[@johnchance1959]

@@ScottFidler CCL

[@scubapilot2193]

You are a legend young man!

[@Harrybollox]

As a 40ft fly solo often skipper I’ve been there. It takes quite a while to understand how your own boat reacts in the wind, my stern catches the wind like having a mizzen sail almost. Try be more gentle on the shifters, those transmissions are expensive. Remember forward prop will always have more push than reverse . Thrusters bow or stern on their own will cause the boat to twist. The bow or stern does not stay static I watch wind really carefully when solo, for instance I try to avoid mooring on a jetty with wind blowing me off as it can be too hard to run down the bridge steps and get to the lines before I’m blown off if the wind is strong enough. I never have her pulled out on a windy day. Many thanks for the video, am now subscribed

[@charliewynn3210]

Enjoying seeing your growing pains!

[@610boating5]

Looking forward to following your journey.