What We've Learned Cruising the Great Loop for One Month | Lessons from Two New Boaters

[@SchoandJo]

Want to keep up with us in real time? Sign up for our weekly email to be filled in our current cruising plans and adventures. schoandjo.com/sunday-summary Do you have recommendations for future stops along America’s Great Loop? Please share them with us here! forms.gle/WsnG16jUfMRYtCyp9

[@burlingtonmoose]

Ok well somehow I got hooked onto your journey by accident I guess but but I got hooked up. I’ve been watching it basically right from the beginning of your journey from the Canadian border. I guess myself being a Canadian oh, you’re trips through the trent system brings back very many memories of my own. My father when I was a teenager, but this houseboat kit, and between him and myself, we built this houseboat, and we took it up to our cottage of his cottage or whatever and from the journey started, we went up the big shoot with the houseboat and down again amazing treat that was Also as a teenager I had a 12 foot aluminum boat with a 12 hp motor so I would from our cottage. I would go all up and down Georgian Bay and Bosley Island through the channels eventually going up to McCray Lake and camping. I love my country. It’s the most beautiful country in the world I think And because of the fact that I spent a lot of my youth and Georgian Bay when I retired from work in 2017 I moved up here. I live in Midland now I can look out on the Bay from my balcony. I really enjoy your trip your journeys I especially enjoy ollie! Lol, Unfortunately, I’m near the end of your journeys visiting and watching him on my phone and also on my TV green entertainment

[@timothyjones6601]

You guys are the most beautiful couple. The calm water.sunset with Dolphins playing makes me so jealous and i'am never jealous.We cant wait to experience it ourselves 2024.

[@ToddPatty]

My wife and have spent the last 8 years traveling Mexico. 1 year traveling the US on a Honda Goodwin and trailer. Currently in the Rockies in a Toyota motorhome. We know little of what you do but have had thoughts of doing it for years. Actually we had never even heard of the great loop. Didn't know that you could even travel by interconnected rivers for sure. Now we know so thanks for all the hard work. We are giving ourselves 1 year to purchase a boat and start this new voyage. Hope we can get a few pointers from you two. Thanks again

[@SchoandJo]

That's awesome, way to give yourselves a deadline and going for it!

[@timroberts3139]

You both are a great Team; great story and courage for adventure. ⚓

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Tim!

[@BillHines-i5q]

Just finished watching 161, my first of your posts. I’m considering building a Glen-L boat, not sure which one yet. I think the Loop would be a great adventure to undertake. I look forward to more of your adventures.

[@SchoandJo]

I just looked at Glen-L, pretty cool designs! Good luck!

[@abbyself]

First video I’ve watched on The Great Loop! Can’t wait to watch more!

[@SchoandJo]

Cool, thanks for checking it out, Abby 😁

[@davidallen9526]

This is my first time viewing your channel. You had me when she flashed the well known international hand signal for VTOL aircraft 😍😍🤣 I enjoy watching many boat/yachting channels. Your freshmen attitude and willingness to share what you've learned thus far is a little intoxicating. You definitely get a thumbs up from me. Now Im off to check out another one of your videos. Oh and a big hello from St. Louis Missouri.

[@SchoandJo]

Right on David! Thanks so much for watching!

[@robnee3313]

Very informative, thank you. I lie to myself and say I'll need this info when I'm going to do the loop!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Rob! We'll see you out on the Loop 😁

[@Seawizz203]

Great video and looking forward to following you along “The Loop”. As a life long boater, maintenance and mechanical issues are another important part of boating. Make sure you keep up on routine maintenance. It will help prevent problems along the way. Also, learn how to do your own repairs. It will get you out of many a jamb because many repairs are simple. If you can fix them yourself you can get back on your way. Additionally, it will save you a lot of money. Fair winds and following seas friends! Good luck upon your journey.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for the advice! I wish I could give you a glimpse into the future to where we are now, because our current boat project is one that I would never have thought I’d do… It’ll be on KZbin in a couple months though… As an engineer, I enjoy figuring it out some of the issues and I feel a lot better when I can understand the system and honestly how to do the very important “preventative” maintenance. The saving money is a huge part because right now we have much more time than money - thanks so much for the suggestion, keep ‘em coming!

[@Nathansbalis]

My grandparents did the loop in their carver yacht, I met up with them in Michigan and we had a lot of fun. Glad to see people still doing it

[@SchoandJo]

Only getting bigger and bigger!

[@Daniel-cl6no]

Amazing! While I was not looking to do the loop, I found you because I will be doing the Trent Severn to bring my new boat from Georgian Bay to Montreal this spring. Since then, can't stop watching your whole trip of the loop and what amazes me is how good you are handling it with the fact you were relatively new boaters. It shows how much you have a strong relationship and are willing to adapt and learn. Well done, now if I can find a partner that shares that same passion, I will probably be tempted to do the loop as well. You guys just remind me why I have this passion. Keep the posting! (I still have a lot to watch!)

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for the kind words Daniel! We appreciate it a lot... we call come from different levels of experience but we all were beginners once! Good luck finding a partner that shares the same passion!

[@carlosdesgroux2627]

Hours in your boat will be the experience, I enjoy your video ,keep having fun.

[@SchoandJo]

Right on, thanks Carlos!

[@frankrice5364]

Sometimes learning is hard but it is still learning

[@paulharmina7480]

I love your look with your hair down. It really shows your beauty.

[@Smokeyham]

I started on the Loop and wished that I had spent more time get to know my boat and getting it ready for the Loop before I started. Definitely worth doing that before you leave rather learning/upgrading as you go.

[@SchoandJo]

That's a great point... If you don't know how your boat operates and all the little tips and tricks / nuances, it can interfere with your Loop. The Loop is already a test of endurance and getting a lot of miles in, doing boat projects can be a hinderance!

[@HopeOfJoe]

OMG 😱 WOW ‼️ Jen got a haircut. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice 👍

[@KnoxWill]

I have been following you since you started. I know you are about to cross your wake. Looking forward to your video on what you learned over the whole length of the loop. I hope to be in the fleet of 2025.

[@SchoandJo]

Right on Will! We'll definitely be filming a recap and reflection series now that we are 🥇

[@arthurcutten4705]

1st time and enjoyed!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Arthur! Hopefully you stick around and check out our vlogs for our Great Loop this year - cheers!

[@wayneoosterhoff2459]

Just watched this video as we are in the dreaming stage of our Loop. I'm so impressed by the courage you both took to complete the loop with no boating experience and sharing all this with us. Especially with your dog and still working. It appears that you are close to completing the loop and congratulations for that. We plan on watching as much as we can of this channel to learn from your experiences. Good luck to the both of you and thanks again for sharing your journey.

[@SchoandJo]

Thank you so much, Wayne! We hope you have a fun time watching and have an even more fantastic time when you let loose your lines and start your Great Loop adventure. Don't hesitate to ask any questions, we'd be happy to answer!

[@okieboy121]

My first of your videos. Thanks for making this channel.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@dennisknudsen3063]

Hey guys! My wife and I just started watching last week. Love the story so far! We’re both life long boaters and I can promise you one thing; the more you dock, the better you get. It’s all about practice. Then more practice, and then a little bit more. Once you have a feel for what your boat is going to do under different situations (wind, tide, etc) you’ll be able to land that boat anywhere. The biggest piece of advice I can offer - do NOT throw lines to the dock. I have seen people get pulled into the water because the captain hit the throttle. I’ve seen so many lines get caught in propellers. The best way to get a line to the dock, is to hand it off. Love the vlog and keep up the great work!!

[@SchoandJo]

Great advice Dennis! Thanks for stopping along! We have heard that about docking and will have to aim for that in the future, handing off instead of tossing. We do have a system and call out when there's a line in the water to hopefully prevent the line from wrapping around the propeller... the safer way would be to just hand it off for sure!

[@SwampCityRadio1974]

Interesting point. As a brand solo house boater, I received an offer from a bystander to help tie up, but I politely declined and stuck with my own routine. My house boat is small which makes docking easy for one person. I regularly dock to pump out my black water at a pump out dock. I come in at a forty degree angle travelling upstream, bump the nose gently into the dock a'starboard, jump off and tie up at the bow, then stern. I know there are tricks to it where you can pull the stern in with the outboard, either by swinging the wheel away from the dock and keeping it in forward drive or using reverse to pull the stern in etc but the boat is small enough that it's superfluous, I don't really need to bother with that. So far it's worked very well for me. Mooring at the river bank I nose in to the shore, keep it in forward drive to achieve a positive forward pressure against the river bank to prevent it floating back out and tie off the upstream stern rope first to prevent the stern swinging around in the current, then follow with the bow ropes and stern on the downstream side. So far it has worked very well. If the wind is doing something crazy I might alter the routine a bit. Well, this is a work in progress but so far so good.

[@reeo1139]

I will also be a solo houseboater soon. Doing final touches on home before selling and finding my liveaboard. Like this couple, a newbie but taking that plunge. Also looking at smaller boats due to solo. Excited to begin this chapter.

[@foggybottombbq1916]

Great insights. We are just starting our planning for the trip, boat shopping, etc.

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, best of luck to you! What boats are you looking into?

[@foggybottombbq1916]

@@SchoandJo We are looking at the Bayliner 3888 but just starting. We definitely want a trawler style boat

[@COPPER71]

I've been watching your series and I'm very proud of you guys for taking on such a quest as new boaters. If I had found your KZbin earlier and saw you headed through my area which is Kent narrows in Maryland I would have brought you a better motor for your dingy.. it requires mixed gasoline but it runs flawlessly and starts with one pull👍

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for the offer even if it’s in the past!! 🙏🙏

[@MrEveready299]

Hi guys. Been watching a tons of your videos. You mentioned in this vlog about the different sources of information and navigation. Just a idea for a rainy day video is show the different sources and show how you use them. Thanks for all the information and we will be watching the 2022 version of the Great Loop and your adventure. I'm retired and my wife has 5 years to go and we are thinking about taking the plunge and doing the loop also.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Interesting summary.

[@hallowedmeadow4636]

Today, we are at mountain verinoone.. Apparently, it was known for many wigs and some country.

[@joedirt9600]

I am a new powerboat owner also, I have found that boating people in general are good people. If someone is available they will usually offer help docking, which is the most stressful thing about boating. I purchased a 1988 30' Sea Ray Sundancer learning to maneuver in tight spots can be a challenge . I am currently watching as many videos on the Great Loop as I can. Planning on the adventure in the next couple years.

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, you'll have a blast doing the Loop! Hope you enjoy our recount!

[@SwampCityRadio1974]

The first time I took my new houseboat out it ran over a submerged log at the mooring and busted the propeller off. Luckily I had just joined a facebook houseboat group of local boaters half an hour before and put out a distress call on facebook messenger and was rescued within ten minutes. I've since been able to return the favour and help move a boat stuck in the mud.

[@lukebyrne4405]

Great level of information especially the not so famous cities that look like great fun!

[@SchoandJo]

Hidden gems like y’all found out west!

[@iamgriff]

yeah, docking a boat will either make or break you. It sounds like you two have a good system. Teamwork will get you a long way. One thing I didn’t hear you two mention was hand signals. I know it sounds mundane, but having a hand signal communication plan will GO ALONG WAY if there is a problem in poor weather. Just my two cents. One day I hope to do this trip from Lake St. Clair start to finish

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, we have hand signals we use while anchoring but while docking we don't. Mainly because it's hard to see each other from different areas of the boat. Thanks for checking watching!

[@frankrice5364]

Thank you guys

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Frank!

[@cinfulrn]

Cheers! Keep learning, adventuring and reporting!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Cindy!

[@glawtonmoore]

You should trademark that line! "We have evolved out anchoring game"! Growing-up is a beautiful thing.

[@SchoandJo]

Haha thanks so much Geoffrey - growing is all we can hope for!

[@gageestescalicojack2400]

Awesome

[@amercurio20]

Where exactly did you start from, if you don’t mind sharing that info? We bring our RV to St Johns Marina and Resort, on the St Johns. It’s near a little town called Deland Florida. Would love to know and we love your channel and content.

[@SchoandJo]

We bought our boat in Palatka Florida, and headed North from there!

[@stevensmith743]

Great stuff. Look forward to more.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Steven!

[@donaldslider8650]

Great videos I enjoy watching them

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, thanks for watching Donald!

[@johnsonbar5022]

Would you consider the Hunter 50cc, with its wing keel at 5.50 draft, a reasonable boat for the Great Loop. I admire the Hunter design and the 50 cc, is perfect to the Mrs., and myself for long term cruising. We'd like to do the Great Lopp aboud the Hunter 50 cc.

[@SchoandJo]

Hmm, I think that draft is too much to do the Loop well. For one, you'd miss the Georgian Bay and North Channel, which most feel is the most beautiful section of Loop. Secondly, the South East (NE Florida -> North Carolina) will be challenging. Although being a coastal cruiser you could do some of this outside. Since on the Loop you are cruising new waters every day, the most reasonable loop boats are the most flexible. I.e. not too long, not too tall, and not too deep. I think you could do the loop with a 5.5 foot draft, although I would not suggest it. Check out the AGLCA forum to see if anyone has done it with that high draft and you can get some other feedback though! Best of luck!

[@motor2of7]

Just learning about the loop……how do you decide where you’re going to anchor or dock each night? Are there just so many places, it doesn’t matter or do you have to plan weeks/months in advance.

[@SchoandJo]

Exactly! It doesn't quite matter, there are many places. Essentially you plan 1, 3, and 5 days out, each with different specificity. 5 days you have a few areas you are traveling to depending on the weather and 1 day out you have 3 specific anchorages as back up options.

[@basilreardon5783]

If your toy/home is a single screw learn to drive backwards as well as going forward . If you can drive the vessel backward against the current slowly you'll have a safe and convenient docking everytime . If its twin screw learn how to walk the vessel left to right and vise versa to save your paint job undocking and docking . Safe travels 👍

[@SchoandJo]

Good tips! Thanks Basil 😁

[@haroldconnell2973]

Good information

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching!

[@larrydicenzo3826]

Great insights to your travels thus far.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Larry!

[@raysboatingandadventure1277]

Doing a great job, keep it up. Big undertaking, understatement. New spark plug in dinghy motor will help. Get 2-3, foul out.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching!

[@staticman4414]

This is the first video of yours I have watched, but I liked it and I will try to go back to the beginning and try to catch up on your adventure.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching Joe!

[@jdp0359]

I just discovered your videos and love to watch. The loop seems to be such a fascinating trip. I'm a complete boat novice so it refreshing to watch your videos.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks John! We are very happy to have you on board! We are definitely still novices and will be for quite some time… if you have any specific questions let us know!

[@jdp0359]

Well I want to watch your journey. I have been interested in the loop for a couple of years now but have no boat experience and based on that, wondering if it is even possible. I admire both of you for taking on this challenge!

[@lukebyrne4405]

What a journey!!!!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Luke!

[@carolwestermann5309]

You guys have experienced and learned so much during this short time on your boat. Keep up the good work.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Carol!

[@jeffreyyoung702]

Great "fireside" chat. Good observation on like minded people being so friendly and nice. Not sure what weather app you are using myself I like Windy. Be safe

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Jeffrey! Will need to check out Windy - we use two, mainly the weather section of Navionics and secondly Predict Wind.

[@jeffreyyoung702]

@@SchoandJo here is the Paul Harvey on me. Have two of the most wortless degrees to me anyway, meteorology and naval architecture. Never used either in my 28 yrs in the Navy, nor in retirement. I enjoy Windy pretty decent stuff on the free side. If either of you become weather "noids" and I bet one of you will the pay side is worth the price of admission. Stay Safe.

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I can’t say I’ve ever heard of Naval Architecture but it sounds interesting!

[@cortrightwetherill4081]

Try also putting the spring line on first.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!

[@jimmymac63]

I got a laugh with her description of Camp Lejeune. Just to correct her...The VTOL's are Harriers and those assets are at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Cherry Point, which is about 50 miles north west of Lejeune. MCAS New River has rotor wing assets (Helicopters and V22 Ospreys. The V22 is a verticle take off and landing aircraft, but the rotors pivot to a horizontal position in flight to give it more of a airplane characteristic. Camp Lejeune is the home of the 2nd Marine Corps Division (infantry), with all of the support elements, like logistics, recon units and such!

[@GUNNYclaus]

I kind of did too, I have worked on the harrier for 15 years and forget how small we are sometimes and how most people still don’t know we even have airplanes

[@hothsurvivor]

It actually annoys the Piss out of me... I hate when people try to talk about shit they know nothing about...

[@ericdorsey620]

What are the best apps to use? Love the videos

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Eric! For Navigation we suggest both Navionics and Aquamaps. AQ for mile markers, USACE surveys through the South East, and night cruising. Navionics for all other types. For weather we just wrote a blog post about it so if you are interested you can check that out here! schoandjo.com/best-marine-weather-apps-for-boating/

[@Godofthemoon1]

Good video thanks for the information

[@SchoandJo]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@phillipmatthews8341]

Great video, I agree with you on the docking, go slow and know your equipment.

[@SchoandJo]

Getting to know Pivot and it handles in all types of different conditions has been huge!

[@johnmichael8139]

good morning and Happy New year 2024 My name is John Michael and I wanted you to know that I've watch all of your video and I'm watch a few again I've sailed all of the ICW as a military personal I'm really interested in sailing but at 66 years' old i don't if i'm too old to take this on I know that my wife would not like living on a boat but I love the water thank you for your video

[@SchoandJo]

Happy New Year John! 66 is definitely not too old, but either way, it’s pretty cool that you still get to be out on the water and can be a part of our journey! Cheers!

[@reeo1139]

64 yo woman. Selling home buying houseboat and cruising solo. Refuse for my story to end without this adventure. Plan on loop after I learn my boat.

[@michigan96]

Docking Anxiety is real. It's the thing that scares me most about boating.

[@SchoandJo]

That's for sure Heath... That's why we keep a tally of Good vs Bad experiences, and I think here we might be 10 good and 1 bad? The bad was only mentally rough, Pivot was (mostly) in one piece and no worse for wear. We will be attempting reversing in, in the future so it'll be like starting from scratch, always more time to learn 👍

[@Letsgotojail]

@@SchoandJo just a thought, you may have it down pretty good by now, but i was taught using a mostly empty marina and barrels floating to use as imaginary boats and parallel parking my boat between them

[@boosuedon]

I'm sure you are aware by now, but if not, "rule of thumb", use 8 feet of line for every one foot of your depth. 10 feet depth requires 80 feet of anchor line to set the anchor. Nice vids!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks! We’ve been going anywhere from 5:1 to 7:1, 7:1 whenever there’s enough room and 5:1 if its super protected, and no weather forecasted. BUT we were forgetting to add in the heigh of our bow - so that made our calculations off. Maybe 8:1 would be better? We’ll see!

[@teachingrounds]

Thanks for sharing

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching!

[@billzimmermann2712]

You're living my dream....just too old anymore..will watch till you get back to Florida

[@waynefortexas]

That is an interesting comment as my wife and I are wondering how old IS too old???

[@carpediemwithLesli]

I love your 1st mate mug! Where did you get it?

[@SchoandJo]

They came second hand from another boat! They are very old - if you find them somewhere let us know haha 😁

[@cmiketaylor]

What town on the St John’s did you start the loop,

[@SchoandJo]

Palatka, Florida!

[@robertpeterson6331]

Nice presentation

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Robert

[@captbosco]

What was the small town on the St Johns river?

[@SchoandJo]

We kicked off from Palakta, FL 😁

[@dahveed284]

Any updates to this? Researching a loop for myself.

[@SchoandJo]

What would you like to know? We have many more Loop videos 😁

[@dahveed284]

@@SchoandJo Happy Thanksgiving. I'm planning a GP myself, so everything from how to pass other vessels, communicating with bridges and locks. The How to sort of stuff. I'll look at your video collection when I get the chance (family in).

[@allanstraughan1393]

New subscriber here. I look forward to hearing more from you. My wife and I are about to start the loop too.

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome Allan thanks for joining! Where are you starting the loop? Exciting!

[@allanstraughan1393]

We are Atlantic ICW veterans. We are looking for our next boat. The one we have is an express fisher/cruiser that is too small for us at 34’. We are looking for something in the 50’ range. We will start the loop in earnest sometime in a year or two. We might do the Bahamas first. We are in Morehead City/Atlantic Beach presently Reel Agenda broke down on us a few days ago as we were headed south to Florida

[@SchoandJo]

@@allanstraughan1393 Very cool! We may head to the Bahamas after the loop as well!

[@shawnmacneil8869]

Will you guys be coming into Canada 🇨🇦…. Will you be doing the Trent Severn waterway? Or at least the thousand islands on Lake Ontario? I hope so I just don’t know how tall and how big the Pivot is! If you do welcome to Canada 🇨🇦

[@SchoandJo]

Hey Shawn - yes that’s the plan! Pivot has a clearance of 18ft, but we can drop it to around 13 if we disassemble the biminy. Right now our plan is to go up the Trent-Severn into the Georgian Bay. We are looking forward to it!

[@shawnmacneil8869]

@@SchoandJo oh man you guys are going to love it!!! I know I’m a little bias But it is incredibly beautiful water up here!!! Georgian Bay is by far the best fresh water you will ever see! Make sure you get into the area of the 30 thousand islands near Parry sound! And go for lunch or dinner at Henry’s…. You can even stay the night for a small fee! The fish and chips at Henry’s is the best!!!! Freshly Caught in the bay! The fish is “Pickerel” best fresh water (white) fish ever!!! I’m very excited to continue watching your journey! And best of luck be safe and you guys will do well I know it! I hope you get up here around early June/July because then you have 3 good months of great weather…. That’s our summer time! I know it’s short but trust me you will love it up here! And again welcome to our beautiful country with open arms ❤️ 🇨🇦

[@frankrice5364]

Awesome vedio

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Frank!

[@waltsailing2009]

Nice video… I’m going to suggest that you go backwards for the winter and turn around north when the weather breaks next April ish. Go spend the winter where it’s is warm in Florida…(assuming end of September now) Yes docking takes practice and go slow works best. No need to hurt the boat or people or people’s egos and if the winds aren’t right wait….if it’s too crowded or two tight try later.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for the suggestion! While this video is a few months behind, we are catching up soon! It’s starting to get colder now-a-days and we will most definitely go south for the winter. As far as how far south we haven’t decided… Very accurate about docking! Thanks for the advice!

[@haroldconnell2973]

Thanks

[@JB-rt4mx]

What about docking in big waves and the jets flying...you arnt wearing any pfds

[@SchoandJo]

Anytime we are underway we definitely wear PFDs (they are the red, blue, yellow smaller vests always on and Ollie has one too).. but at anchor or in the mornings we don’t - As for docking in big waves we just try to not do that haha…. Most of the time, we don’t have a specific schedule or need to dock for particular day. It’s much better to simply wait for good weather and small waves for our sanity and the safety of Pivot 😄

[@SwampCityRadio1974]

Who would dock in big waves? That sounds crazy. Where I am (in a certain part of Australia) if your boat is over a certain size (4.8 metres) and your helm location doesn't put you at risk you aren't mandated to wear a PFD while at the helm. You also don't need a boat licence to operate a houseboat if you have a current driver's licence but I do have a boat licence anyway.@@SchoandJo

[@barrypurves4524]

I do believe that you have learned the source for the expression......"There is nothing half so worthwhile doing as diddling about with boats"

[@SchoandJo]

💯

[@MrTwig1227]

We have a 50 lb lab. How many times a day are you going ashore for “business” stops? What’s your solution for when you can not go ashore?

[@SchoandJo]

We try at minimum twice a day. Sometimes its less and sometimes more. We have a pee pad on our decks which we was down in cases where we are out for multiple days. We have an entire blog about it on our website, schoandjo.com so feel free to read there for more info!

[@Themarriedbachelor]

I think it’s great, I too want to do the loop. My advice to you is take a good look at the weather on the Great Lakes this time of year. You both look young so you probably don’t know the song, “ The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald “ by Gordon Lightfoot. If you have never heard the song it is amazing!! It’s a true story about a iron ore ship that goes down in a storm on Lake Superior in November. Listen to the words and do some research about the fall conditions on the lakes. Be safe and have fun.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Rob! We have actually heard that song, but from other loopers 😁 Yes… it is too late for us to go to the Great Lakes, especially to enjoy it like we would like! This video was filmed back around the first week of May, but we are finally getting to edit and release it!

[@larryjones5232]

Is this where you’ll be wintering out?

[@SchoandJo]

Nope! This was filmed back in May so a lot has happened since then 😁 we are heading south for the winter and then going to head back north in mid-Feb

[@Pepin555]

So what was it that you learned that would help with anchoring?

[@SchoandJo]

Basically the generic strategy. Drop the hook, mark where it lands, slowly move back as you let out scope, set the anchor (after protecting the windlass) with the engine once you've let out most, then attach the bridal with any additional scope! We will do a video about it in the future!

[@SchoandJo]

We really had no clue when we started, we would just drop the hook and slowly back down on it, keeping an eye on if we were moving or not. Now we know its set by verifying it!

[@byronandkendra4319]

Did you guys have trouble getting insurance as new boaters? So did you use?

[@SchoandJo]

No trouble at all, we use Geico

[@byronandkendra4319]

You guys are living my dream! I'm coming right behind you. Thank you so, so much for sharing your expenses!!!! It is really helping us to make real decisions on our budget. Thanks for being so brave🥰

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks y'all!! See you out on the water :)

[@robcordts1976]

You both are living life right!

[@SchoandJo]

Haha thanks Rob!

[@jamesrissler]

Just stumbled on your channel - thanks for sharing your experience and tips. We are planning to start our trip in about 14 months, so it’s invaluable!

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome! Welcome aboard James!! Best of luck starting your adventure!

[@johnbspringer]

How far can you go between fuel stops and oil changes?

[@SchoandJo]

500-600 miles normally between fuel (could push it if needed) and 200 hrs for oil so maybe that’s 1.5 months?

[@ryansantiago8570]

Hello! Thanks for the info. Seems like a good trip this far. I recently got the idea and have been obsessing over this trip. What is it like doing it with your dog? I have a dog that would be joining me!

[@SchoandJo]

Its been amazing with Ollie! We wrote a blog post detailing the ins and outs here, schoandjo.com/full-time-cruising-with-a-dog-on-americas-great-loop/. Cheers!

[@ClassXIRoads]

This has become my favorite loop blog, I watch and follow several, honest discussions of the trials and tribulations of starting out on a self education into the boating world. Yes boaters help other boaters all the time and love to visit and tell of their own catastrophes and successes, lol. I am waiting on your locking videos that will be coming along, I do wish you would mention where you are in real-time when you post the videos, like where are you today 9-24 21, should be around Chicago maybe??, How has Ollie getting along with going on the boat, we have a cat onboard pretty easy. Keep these coming along love the ride along.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks James! We feel honored - thanks for sticking along! Our goal is to always be transparent and honest, we don’t know any other way… We are currently in the Chesapeake, but should be in Chicago, yes… It’s a long story 😄 Our goals are to post these videos only a week or two out - and will be doing that going forward so we won’t have a huge backlog like this. It’s hard learning to boat and doing all this at the same time but we are working on it!! Ollie loves the boat, or maybe she just loves being around us? Only two issues 1. She still wont go business on the boat, but at least it gives us a big reason to leave Pivot and go ashore, and 2. She doesn’t like bridges…

[@earlalfaro3347]

I just found your vlog and will benefit from your experiences I'm sure. The great loop is on my radar and I would like to begin the planning and learning process.

[@SchoandJo]

Sweet, thanks for joining us on our journey! Let us know if you have any questions! Cheers

[@glawtonmoore]

A tremendous potential topic is centered around accommodating a dog. The lessons learned, likes and dislikes of dogs and boats.

[@SchoandJo]

Sweet - we'll have to make a video about that... It has definitely been a huge learning experience taking care of Ollie onboard and specifically how to find good dog landings!

[@Lolaandcassidyadventures]

I’d love to do boat life but we have 2 dogs. Potty breaks 4 times a day.:(. How do you manage that?

[@SchoandJo]

It's doable but can be challenging at time. It depends on what your boat life entails, are you spending alot of time in one anchorage where you have easy dinghy access, or are you looping moving every day, or are you living aboard in a slip. While moving we choose locations and take Ollie to shore twice a day, we wouldn't be able to do 4x a day. Or you can train them to use a pee pad on your boat and just go to shore for long walks!

[@timgreen4137]

As "very new boaters", where did you find insurance? Even though I have 10 years experience operating a 30 footer, I can seem to get insured because I haven't owned a boat before.

[@SchoandJo]

We have Geico and it wasn't an issue, although we did take a boaters safety course in Georgia and received a certification. Maybe that will help? We've heard good things about State Farm too from other Loopers so you can check that out!

[@timgreen4137]

@@SchoandJo Thank you. My cars and motorcycles are insured with Geico. Haven't tried them yet. I've only called "boat insurers". I already have my Boater Safety Certificate. Going for my Captain's license/6 PAC next.

[@SchoandJo]

@@timgreen4137 Sounds like you should pass all their "qualifications" and get solid insurance! Best of luck finding some! I will be trying for my Captain's license after the loop and I have my hours. Cheers!

[@davelawrence6777]

There is an old saying I'm sure you know by now in docking if you think your going slow enough go slower. Time and practice makes for good do king and ( everybody ) hS gone through tus so go sliw don't stress

[@aaron-davidhammond1682]

Would love to see a video about having a pet on the loop

[@SchoandJo]

Sounds great - I think that would be an awesome one too… we’ll add it to the pipeline!

[@dabandel]

That anchor isn't heavy enough. Looks like a 22 lb? I'd go 35lb minimum with the air draft (sail area) you have on your boat.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks David for the tip! I think it was a 35lb CQR but we have since upgraded to a 65lb Mantus. We checked their size chart recommendations then gave it a size up. Just this past night we had gusts over 30 kts and slept like a rock :)

[@stevebullas2348]

My wife and I have always wanted to try but might be too old

[@SchoandJo]

We know nothing about your conditions but if you can drive a boat, hop on and off at docks / into the dinghy, then you can might be able to do it! Regardless, you are welcome to experience it with us here on KZbin! Cheers Steve

[@Poppy_love59]

My wife has a cup that says "First and Last Mate" lol

[@SchoandJo]

Haha that's great

[@mickmacy6161]

Very inspired. Sub'd.

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, thanks Mick!!

[@willhoyle752]

I see the outdoors passing by in the window. Who in the heck is piloting the boat while you film?????

[@SchoandJo]

Ollie of course!! haha, not sure what you saw but in this video we were at anchor waiting out some rainy weather

[@HopeOfJoe]

Niiiiiice episode guys ‼️ 👍 ✨ 🌊💨🏝👙🛥✨

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much for watching Richard!

[@glennr9913]

Having a crappy running dingy motor seems to be your biggest problem. I'm sure you've gotten it worked out by now.

[@SchoandJo]

No doubt!

[@michaelfoster6]

Hi! So glad I bumped into you. I wish you all the best in your relationship and journey - in that order I might add :-). I find your story interesting and inspiring. I don't have much but would like to contribute. Do you have a Patreon space setup? I've watched hundreds of boat-related KZbinrs. This is the first time I've been inspired to give. Sorry, I really don't know-how.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Michael. Your comment really made our week! Your priorities, relationship then journey are so right… some times its easy to get lost but we are working together and together is how we can go far! That’s very kind that you want to contribute, and honestly you commenting and subscribing is already plenty. Sharing it with any friends would be next up and hugely appreciated and finally we do have a Patreon. The link is on our channel page and also here www.patreon.com/schoandjo . Just your inspiration is plenty though - thank you and we are happy to have you along for the ride!

[@jbirdshemp]

I wanted to do the Great Loop until I watched this video

[@SchoandJo]

Why is that?

[@jbirdshemp]

@Scho and Jo you sound miserable and your husband looks afraid for his life.

[@Liz-sc3np]

PIVOT!!

[@SchoandJo]

😂

[@Wv8675]

I thought the great loop was around the globe

[@SchoandJo]

I guess that could be considered a different type of Great Loop 😁

[@maxiegrobner9018]

Had to work real hard to get past the first few sentences of your film.

[@SchoandJo]

Congrats on pushing through

[@genesmith4019]

Maybe you should've started with a 300 footer...

[@SchoandJo]

Might have been a bit challenging to find a spot at the local marina

[@genesmith4019]

@@SchoandJo I'm referring to your boat handling skilzs.

[@SchoandJo]

@@genesmith4019 hmm, we definitely don't get the joke

[@scuffedoutdoors7085]

my question is where did you find a woman thats willing to go adventure with you.... i have descent experience running boats.. docking no problem. could pull it solo 90% of time

[@SchoandJo]

I’m a very lucky man! Sounds like you have great experience!