What's the Best boat for the Great Loop?

[@NoThanku00]

Thank you so much for talking about seasickness as someone who gets constantly seasick after the age of 21. I look forward to hearing updates from your travels as we plan on doing this in the future as well. My one concern was being seasick and no one else seems to talk about it other than in rough seas and how they got seasick once or twice.

[@WaywardTravelers]

I've talked about it here and there in videos. I have mitigations I use after a year on the boat. Nothing is foolproof, but here are my rules. 1. Minimal reading or close focus. 2. Stay up too or eyes closed lying down below. 3. ABC, always be consuming - Gatorade and ginger anything, cookies or broth. 4. Keep your BP up, so pushups or squats to increase pulse. 5. Comedy- anything that makes me laugh makes me feel better, so music, stand up on CD or funny show you can loosely follow. Best of luck!!

[@dahveed284]

Yes, there are size limitations on a loop boat. And the sailing cat is the most expensive option you have mentioned, both in purchase price, but also in maintenance and fees. Perhaps the better answer is get a power loop boat and when you complete the loop, sell it and purchase your cat to sail to the caribbean and beyond.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great input, thanks!

[@dahveed284]

@@WaywardTravelers I saw later that you already purchased a boat. So the advice was pointless.

[@WaywardTravelers]

@@dahveed284 Good advice is never pointless. And I considered pulling the mast and doing the loop all under power for quite some time. Good input and I appreciate it.

[@tengonadacluewhatsgutsprec1419]

That's some great advice! Think I'll take it.

[@Bozemanjustin]

Buddy I feel you I get seasick and beg to be shot. They say if you're out at sea long enough you get used to it, my grandfather was in world war II and they were island hopping in the Pacific. So you were never on a boat more than two or three days at a time and then you were back on land again... So he never got used to it. 78 days at sea sick the entire time

[@WaywardTravelers]

78 days might have gotten me volunteering for the front. Have found a medication you can get outside the US called Sturgeron. It really helps with just a little tiredness.

[@Bozemanjustin]

@@WaywardTravelers perhaps I explained it wrong. They would be at sea for 2 days at a time and then on ground fighting and then transferring to another island, clearing the islands in the Pacific. So don't worry, you were getting plenty of front line action, it just came after 2 days of no sleep because you were vomiting for 48 hours

[@samuelhunter9410]

I'm not a sailor or a seafarer by any means, but I am a native born N. Carolinian. I have a little academic knowledge of the Carolina Coast and have just learned of the loop. My wife and I are hoping to do the Loop some day and I've done a little research the last couple days. You can't assume that the "protected waters" of the Atlantic coast will be flat calm. You have some big, open water to navigate, ie, the Pamilco and Al bemarle Sounds, (Albemarle being potentially the rougher of the two) and the Chesapeake Bay. (probably more, but these are the ones I'm familiar with) I watched a KZbin video of a New Yorker travelling the ICW, and the Chesapeake tossed his motor yacht around pretty good. Also, the wind whips across the Chesapeake hard enough at times that it literally blows eighteen wheelers off of the Bay Bridge Tunnel. I don't intend to discourage you, I just want you to do your research and be prepared.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great comment and observation. We ended up on a Gemini sailboat, just about to pass into the Great Lakes portion. There has been some big water, though I'd say there are more shallow water issues. But it's great fun and all obstacles make for a grand adventure.

[@samuelhunter9410]

@@WaywardTravelers I didn't realize you had already departed! I guess my words were moot. Glad you are safe so far and enjoying it! I hope you continue to have safe and fun travels! Can't wait to see videos you post from the excursion!

[@karlmahlmann]

really interesting and helpful. Thanks.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks for watching

[@scottanderson3056]

I suggest you do a little more research on what your getting into before you attempt this. A couple just completed the loop and did a really good job documenting their Journey on KZbin I'm not associated with them in any way other than being a fan their channel is called "what yacht to do". It may give you an informative insight to the challenges you are about to face oh and I do have one thing that you mentioned in this video that kind of like what but the Barrier Islands are God made man did not do that as you somewhat stated in the beginning. Good luck in your journey I wish you all the success and that everybody makes it safely without any incidence or accidents

[@wanderingtexan854]

You may won’t to reconsider going all the way down the Mississippi it’s pretty dangerous with the currents, trash and big commercial boats you can turn off on the Ohio then take the Tennessee to the Tenn-Tom and end up in Mobil lit safer

[@WaywardTravelers]

Ye, I think that sounds like a great idea. Thanks for that.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Thanks!!!

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks for reaching out!!

[@SchoandJo]

Good luck with the great loop! We're currently working on a Pearson 28 and are considering the Great Loop as well. Safe travels!

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks, you too!

[@motorv8N]

Great discussion of options

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks so much for saying so

[@joerosselli4473]

I might suggest the Tombigbee River instead of the Southern Mississippi River .. Tombigbee is more Cruiser friendly..

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great suggestion

[@donnieculver7709]

Mississippi to Ohio Ohio to Tennessee Tennessee to Tenn-Tom Tom Bigby waterway to Mobile, AL You avoid all of the lower Mississippi River traffic around Baton Rouge-New Orleans

[@WaywardTravelers]

That's excellent advice. I think we'll do that.

[@MuzixMaker]

What's the biggest MY that a single sailor can handle?

[@WaywardTravelers]

That's a tough question. There's some amazing technology out there with thrusters that allow a single person to put a 150 footer in with a feather touch. I've seen people destroy 19 foot water skiing boats. It's about your skill and abilities. Also, how nice of marinas you want to stay at. Nice ones will catch your lines. Cheap ones will point and laugh

[@Sailing9LIVES]

Hey! We saw your post in the Gemini FB page and popped over here to check out your channel. What a great set of adventures you are on! Some of our plans overlap yours in a few ways. In late Autumn of this year, we are heading to the Bahamas from New York in our old Gem. In the Spring, we will be starting our Loop in Miami and will be following the seasonal quadrants of the Loop, stopping home for a few weeks on the Hudson River in the Summer, before continuing on. Perhaps we will link up at some point along the way. :)

[@WaywardTravelers]

That would be amazing. It would be great to pick up some pointers from someone in a Gem. Spoiler alert: that's where we're headed?

[@bernie9728]

You made a slight error in you description. Lake Superior is not part of the Great Loop. I think you meant to say Lake Michigan. Chicago is on Lake Michigan. You could loop around the Lake Superior Shoreline, but you are going to add more than 2700 miles to your route.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Yes, good catch. Thanks

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I can already tell you that you're gonna rip the props and shafts right out of your drawn trawler there. They're sticking down about 12 feet. *lol* Good luck on your adventure.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Good news, 7000 miles later on our sailing catamaran, we're still in possession of our prop. 😘

[@goldenacres3269]

Does your Gemini have a diesel and a Silette drive? That is what Is on most and it was also on my Catfisher 32. If yes, there is a flaw in the latch that keeps it down when reverse. Several fixes are known in the Gemini community. You should learn about them.

[@WaywardTravelers]

No, she predates the diesels. 60hp outboard

[@WolfandCatUnite]

You may consider a sailboat with a swing keel.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great suggestion. We ended up with a Gemini with not only one, but TWO swing keels!! Very exciting and plenty of increased opportunities for failure. ;-)

[@ianadkins471]

You are going to motor on much of the loop. Electric will not work with passive charging .... from what I can see you are working from an idealistic perspective. Nice to think about doing it for free but the trip is going to cost a lot. Smaller is better of course.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great point

[@papajeff5486]

Follow your feeling about “blue water sailing”. Should you insist on sailing blue water, only if you want to survive, you MUST precede your trip with some professional training and preparation. You must have a well prepared blue water boat. This IS NOT a lake or river boat. You have some work ahead. I have sailed the weather, currents and tides of Hawaii. Don’t just take my word of advice, really ask other blue water sailors.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Good advice. Since this video we completed the Great Loop, sailed the Bahamas and crewed a boat from Mexico to the Panama canal. Lots to learn out there when every day is an adventure

[@bernardnosanchuk1122]

AWESOME!!!!!

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks!!

[@BillSias-op7xw]

Pontoons ride up a wave, not sure there is enough knowledge to discuss this topic, pontoon boats have done the loop, so did a guy on a jet ski.

[@WaywardTravelers]

We were on the water with the Pontoon Loopers. Didn't see any jet skis .

[@serienmorder100]

Boats! Boats boats boats

[@WaywardTravelers]

I'll raise you a Boaty McBoatface

[@jamesbarron7512]

I’m planning on doing this trip in a Wharram Catamaran inexpensive super safe stable and easy to sail, I have a smaller one (26’) so I can step the mast on the boat myself, even with a gas outboard i am still on my first jerry can of gas I bought three years ago. It sails so well I sail on and off of the dock.

[@infinitamusic]

hello, trawler with electric engines? or pilothouse with sails?

[@WaywardTravelers]

We ended up buying a Gemini Catamaran. So kind of a pilothouse.

[@stonetoolcompany3649]

The elephant in the room is payload…… All boats have a design displacement (essentially gross weight), and an empty weight. On small catamarans, the difference between the two is often less than a ton. That has to include everything including you….EVERYTHING. Empty weight numbers seem to be a closely guarded secret, and what constitutes “empty” is not clear. Unlike a monohull, overloading has lots more negatives. Pounding under the deck can drive you crazy, and of course there are potential structural issues…… Most small cats are overloaded most of the time.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Very true and a part of my daily experience.

[@Will-tm5bj]

You get sea sick and smells bother you. A boat is absolutely the best thing you could buy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@WaywardTravelers]

No one has ever accused me of making good plans. But I will go nevertheless.

[@Will-tm5bj]

@@WaywardTravelers i can dig it!

[@Planzman1]

Catamaran power cat or sail👍 Check out LANTEEN rig Short stubby mast with large boom attached sail Arab dhow’s use them

[@WaywardTravelers]

Thanks, will take a look.

[@calartian85]

C Dory

[@WaywardTravelers]

Great boat. Thanks

[@mattgreven7615]

I'm stunned you took so much time talking about/drawing the ridiculous pontoon idea. Move on...not for the loop. "bahamas..." NOT. How about a motor yacht?

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Matt Greven Yeah, pontoons are not for ocean going. Forget pontoons and move on....

[@WaywardTravelers]

The Pontoon would have only been for the Great Loop. We would have purchased a monohull for the Carribean. There are a couple of people working the Great Loop on Shanty Boats, not sure if they've completed it or not.

[@donbrum2264]

Good Lick on Lake Erie with the 6 to 12 foot seas

[@WaywardTravelers]

Funny thing. Lake Erie was as smooth as glass for our entire crossing which we did in an overnight.

[@Russellsperry]

There’s a reason people aren’t selling electric motor boats over long distances. The technology is nowhere close to being affective, and if you want to make it work it will be insanely expensive. It definitely sounds like a great idea, and I truly wish it was practical.

[@WaywardTravelers]

Yes, as I get into the realities of it I'm coming to the same conclusion.

[@Russellsperry]

Find a really efficient Diesel powered boat, and use solar, and wind to power everything else. I’m about to buy a small trawler, and do the great loop. You can be environmentally friendly, and efficient if you just are willing to go a little slow. Best wishes on your water journey.

[@charlieodom9107]

The closest thing to an electric boat is the Greenline Hybrids. They are EXPENSIVE, but you can run them on electric only for hours and still have diesel. They also have a pretty good solar setup. I would love to have one for the great loop (39/40 Hybrid), but there is no way I could afford one.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

The Wayward Travelers lol, you “missed the boat.” It IS possible to do electric, but you have to be ready to do electric HYBRID! there is an American company where the owner buys outboards from Yamaha minus the power head, he puts in an electric power head and sells them. I believe the biggest he sells is 40 hp equivalent. And he sells them at what I thought was a very reasonable price. Next you need good batteries, Battleborn out of Nevada sells batteries for solar systems that unlike everyone else the batteries can be taken down to zero charge without damaging the batteries. Next you will need the best solar panels out there, I didn’t do the research on those as I am not yet ready and honestly wasn’t going to even start the panel research until my boat was half done as that is a field that has minor changes all the time and a couple geniuses trying to make big breakthroughs that could make something obsolete in a month’s time if one of them can make the jump they are attempting... might want to see what Tesla has up their sleeve, they’ve been advertising a new doodad. NOW, THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART! Stop trying to make an electric only and make a hybrid. You need an appropriate generator for when there isn’t enough sun to power your boat upstream, I am a fan of Honda because they make things that don’t break, there are several good brands, many are cheaper than Honda, but cheaper is never better when talking about being on the high seas.... being out in the ocean or in a river current is a terrible time for things to break.... ((imagine your longest leg of the trip; if there was zero sun and you had left the stereo and disco lights on all night and had zero charge in the batteries, how much would you need to run the generator to complete that leg and get to the next marina, assuming bad enough weather that you have to push the engines a little but not so bad that you wouldn’t sit out the storm. How big of a generator do you need for that much output? If the size that is enough is only barely enough, consider if you want the next size up because barely enough is barely surviving on the water. How much fuel do you need to run the generator that long, add 20% for safety sake, and that is how big of a fuel tank you need to run the generator. You have now created the basics to your hybrid boat system)). Let me know if you have any questions, I know you will be making the trip before me so am not bothered by pushing for you to be the first one to make the loop in an electric/electric hybrid system.... go set a record and get your name in the record book..... like Centennial Johnson.... Oh, and be ready to spend a lot more than 15k.... the two electric outboards will cost that..... but you will be in the record books so spending more is worth it (and you may be able to get a federal grant and some other backers since it will be “research” into the validity of electric/electric hybrid boating, something that can cut petroleum usage in the western world)..... 2 x 40hp electric outboards (plus wiring etc) $17k 6 x batteries $7k 1 x generator $4k Solar panels $8k (up to 20k-depends on how fast you want to travel) Haven’t even paid for the boat yet.... and already at $36k I recommend building a Spirainternational.com Key West or Tangier as the base boat... half the fun of doing the loop or going around the world in a boat is building the boat with your own hands first..... if you still want to sail parts and want a small electric backup, that won’t make the record books, but I would recommend checking Wharram.com for boat plans.

[@mikejmardis]

Why don’t you just take a cruise. Make sure you drop your man card off when checking in.