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The Best Boat for the Great Loop in 2023: Your 6 Boat Options

Embarking on this nautical quest called the Great Loop demands more than wanderlust alone. Selecting the optimal vessel to navigate the Loop’s diverse waterways makes all the difference on this marathon route. Whether you covet the comforts of a spacious trawler, prefer the performance of an agile cruiser or need maximum versatility to “trailer hop” inland rivers, the choice of boat profoundly impacts the journey. In today’s post, I give my recommendations the perfect Great Loop boat.

Table of Contents

6 best boat types for the great loop, what is the great loop, what is involved with the great loop boating adventure, classic trawlers, fast trawlers and downeasts, tug style trawlers, cruisers and motor yachts, power catamarans, the boat you’ve got, great loop size limits, comfortable cabin aboard and long-term living space, engine choices: gas vs. diesel, single vs. twin, 1. draft and height limitations, 2. fuel range and efficiency, 3. living quarters, 4. navigability and handling, 5. type of boat, 6. accessibility and safety features, 8. personal preferences and experience level, 9. research and planning, boat requirements for the great loop, which is your best boat for the great loop, best boat for the great loop faqs.

• Unconventional Boats

The Great Loop stands as one of the premier long-term boating adventures in North America, and arguably, across the globe. Spanning over 6,000 miles, this journey offers boaters an experience akin to a cross-country RV road trip, but on water. It presents a unique opportunity to view the countryside through a different lens, as you navigate through a mix of seaways, canals, and rivers at a relaxed pace.

Let’s explore the ideal boats to embark on this remarkable journey.

Let’s get this out of the way – what’s the Great Loop in the first place?

The Great Loop is an adventure for recreational boaters that takes you on a giant circuit of the eastern half of the United States and Canada . It’s the joining of many smaller waterways, open water stretches, rivers, and canals to make an entire journey that’s about 6,000 nautical miles long. 

Where you begin and end your Great Loop journey usually depends on where you buy or keep your vessel.

Here’s an overview using Norfolk, Virginia, as the starting point.

• Norfolk northbound through Chesapeake Bay, through the C&D Canal, and seaward on Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey.
• Northbound along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey to New York harbor.
• North on the Hudson River to upstate New York. From here, you have several choices depending on how one wants to transit the Great Lakes and how much of the Canadian Heritage Canals one would like to cruise.
• Westbound through the Erie Canal.
• West through the Great Lakes to Chicago.
• South from Chicago through the inland rivers to the Gulf Coast.
• Eastbound along the Gulf Coast to Florida, then southbound on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
• Either through the Okeechobee Waterway in south Florida or around the tip of the state, through the Florida Keys.
• North from south Florida on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) back to Norfolk.

There are many choices to make the Great Loop your own adventure.

Loopers usually put between 5,000 and 7,000 miles under their keels while making the trip. However, it’s not a race, and there are plenty of opportunities to make side trips and adventures off the main route.

For example, the Downeast Loop is an extension that adds Maine, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edwards Island. The St. Lawrence Seaway will then take you west to the Great Lakes by way of Montreal. Another good example is extending your trip on the south end by adding an adventure in the Islands of The Bahamas.

For the most part, the Great Loop is a motorboat adventure . There are many open water spaces where you might sail, but it’s often constrained to a narrow navigable channel, making sailing much less appealing. In other words, even sailboats wind up motoring for most of the trip. 

Furthermore, the trip transits canals and waterways with many bridge spans, both fixed and opening. The fewer bridges you have to have open for you, the easier your trip. Many fixed bridges mean you’ll have to take the mast off for long sections of the trip.

The trip spans many rural areas, interspersed with small towns and a handful of big cities. Many nights you’ll be anchored or docked in the middle of nowhere. Other times, you’ll have a new city to explore and check out. 

Your boat should suit both styles. You will want the best family boat that is comfortable to live on, with sleeping, bathroom, and cooking facilities that you and your crew find comfortable. Yes, you can do the Loop in an open go-fast boat–but you will miss what many consider the best parts of the Loop. 

Six Best Great Loop Boat Options By Type of Boat

There are too many makes and models of boats in the world for anyone to make a specific recommendation here. Instead, here is a list of six types of boats you’ll find doing the Loop and what makes them well suited for this particular adventure. 

Remember, this is anything but an all-inclusive list. There are hundreds of boat makes out there, hundreds more that aren’t built anymore but can be bought used, and even more when you include custom and one-off designs. These lists are provided simply as a starting point for your research!

The classic trawler is basically the power version of a sailboat–slow-moving, heavy, and economical to operate. They have been around forever; tons were built in the 1970s and 1980s, many in Taiwan. That means that the design is time-tested–they are good-looking and seaworthy. Plus, you can readily find them on the used market for reasonable prices. Most have a maximum speed of about 10 knots.

The popular cruising blog Scho and Jo have set out and completed the Loop on their Albin trawler. Check out their Great Loop expenses for information on the adventure and how it’s done. For more about their boat, check out their boat tour.

Examples of Classic Trawlers:

• Monk 36 (no longer built)
• Grand Banks
• Camino Troll (no longer built)
• Nordhavn 40

The fast trawler is a classic one with a modern hull. Thanks to their improved hull design, they’re capable of faster speeds but use a lot of gas going fast. The best thing about them is probably the simple fact that they can do both comfortably–go slowly and economically or cruise faster (about 15 knots) while still giving a nice ride.

Examples of Fast Trawlers and Downeast Boats:

• Beneteau Swift Trawlers

What was once a unique niche in the boating world has caught on, and quite a few companies are now making tugboat-looking trawlers. They’re sportier than the traditional trawler and have an aesthetic that looks right at home on the rivers of the Great Loop.

Examples of Tugs Include:

• Kadey Krogen
• Lord Nelson Victory Tug (no longer made)

A cruiser is built on a planing hull to go faster. That means more miles per day, fewer nights at anchor, and more fuel consumption while doing it. 

There are many sizes and styles that are appropriate for the Loop, so the key is to find the layout that is most comfortable for you. The two most popular styles include express cruisers and aft-cabin cruisers. 

Examples of cruisers and motor yachts include:

• Sea Ray (many of the best models for the Loop are no longer made)
• Cruiser Yachts
• Bayliner Motoryachts (no longer built)
• Hatteras Cruisers (no longer built)

Power catamarans are popular for the same reason that sail cats are. Thanks to their increased interior volume, two hulls make for a more comfortable living space. Your beam should be less than 23 feet, as the Trent Severn Waterway in Canada limits this. Still, that leaves several interesting power cats that would make fantastic Loop boats. 

Examples of power cats that would be good when boating the Great Loop:

• PDQ 34 Power Catamaran (no longer built)
• Endeavour 440 TrawlerCat

Finally, it has to be mentioned that the best boat is always the boat you’ve got. Lin and Larry Pardey once famously said, “Go small, and go now.” If the Loop is on your bucket list, it’s better to find a boat you can get your hands on that will suit you well enough to travel and enjoy the ride. Don’t spend years saving up for a “maybe adventure.”

Examples of unconventional Looper boats:

• Jet skis that camp along the way
• Open runabouts, sport boats, and fishing boats
• Sailboats–just take the mast off and motor like a trawler!
• Trailerable boats that do it in sections–a trailerable boat lets you do a section and then tow the boat to the next section to cruise at your leisure

What Features Make Good Looper Boats?

So, how do you ever choose the right boat for the Loop? Here are some thoughts on what features make the best Looper boats. 

The limits for your perfect Looper boat will be based on its physical dimensions. According to the Loop Cruiser’s Association, the average looper boat is 39.5 feet long, with more than half between 35 and 45 feet. But this doesn’t tell the whole story, as you must consider each vessel’s dimension.

Air Draft (Bridge Clearance or Height Above Water)

The most limiting fixture on the Loop is a fixed railroad bridge in Chicago that will block any vessel taller than 19 feet, 6 inches. 

But, if you want to do the entire Erie Canal, two bridges offer only 15 feet, 6 inches. Another bridge in downtown Chicago is 17 feet. So, the Loop has lower limits, but most can be gone around by bigger boats. 

Four feet or less of draft is ideal and will mean the fewest problems–although caution is still warranted in many areas. Draft is how deep the hull sits in the water and dictates the minimum water depth for a boat . Any deeper than that, and you will need to be extra cautious. Boats with six-foot drafts have reportedly done it, but few recommend it.

The width of your boat is usually limited to about 16 feet due only to marina slips. 

Catamarans with 23 feet or less can make the trip but require T-heads at most marinas. As a result, finding slips on this trip will be difficult, and finding a place to haul out for boat maintenance is even harder. In addition, there are sections where you’ll need to take a slip occasionally, so anchoring isn’t always an option. 

There’s no limit to length. Some yachts up to 70 feet have made the journey, but it’s a tight fit and most boats that long won’t make it under the bridges. Most Looper boats are under 50 feet, after all, for many reasons.

Think of the Great Loop as an RV adventure where you’re taking your home with you. To that end, realize you’ll be spending a lot of time living aboard your boat. Therefore, the boat should be comfortable, with indoor and outdoor living space and all the amenities you’d want or need. 

Here’s a list of things most people want their boat equipped with when they set off on the Great Loop. Many of these are similar to the considerations people make when living on a sailboat , but some are quite different.

• A comfortable bed, usually an “island queen” (not a v-berth)
• A large galley (kitchen) with plenty of cooking space and the appliances they’re used to (fridge, microwave, coffee maker, stove, oven, etc.)
• A comfortable living room (salon) that has a good view, lots of light, and plenty of ventilation
• An outdoor patio (cockpit) area for open-air dining, socializing, and relaxing
• A descent-sized bathroom area with a separate shower
• Air conditioning and heating (which may require a generator if you plan to anchor overnight extensively)
• Inside and outside helm positions (upper deck on a trawler)

Tankage refers to your boat’s storage space for liquids–water, fuel, and sewage. The larger the tanks are, the longer you can stay away from marinas for refills or pump-outs. 

The Loop has several long stretches through the inland river system that go hundreds of miles between facilities and services. Therefore, your boat should have a fuel range of at least 450 nautical miles and hold enough water for at least a week. 

Some river stretches have fewer gasoline sellers, meaning gas-powered boats need a greater range than diesel boats. They’ll need about 450 miles of range, whereas diesel boats can get by with less.

Beyond that, gas and diesel engines will both work fine on the Loop. Generally, the most popular trawlers and boats of this size come with diesels, which are praised for their longevity and reliable, simple operation. In addition, diesel is safer on a boat because it is less explosive, which could lower your insurance premiums.

Likewise, having a single or twin screw boat is a matter of preference. Single-engine boats can make the journey without problems, but two engines give you redundancy should something go wrong with one and better maneuverability in tight spaces. But, of course, operating and maintenance costs are higher with two engines.

How to Find the Best Boat for You for Sailing the Great Loop

The ideal boat will vary based on personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements for the journey. Here are key considerations to help you find the best boat for your Great Loop adventure:

• Draft: The Great Loop has areas with shallow waters, especially in places like the western rivers and parts of the Intracoastal Waterway. A boat with a shallow draft (ideally less than 5 feet) will have more flexibility and fewer navigation concerns.
• Air Draft: Bridges with fixed heights are a consideration along the Great Loop. To avoid detours, your boat’s air draft (the height from the waterline to the highest fixed point on the boat) should be less than 19 feet, though lower is often better to accommodate all routes.
• Opt for a fuel-efficient boat that has a range of at least 300 miles to comfortably reach fueling stations along the Loop without anxiety, considering both the boat’s fuel capacity and its consumption rate.
• Comfort is key for the long journey. Look for boats that offer adequate living space, a functional galley, comfortable sleeping quarters, and sufficient storage. The size and amenities should match your tolerance for space constraints and your lifestyle needs.
• Choose a boat that handles well in various water conditions. Both inland rivers and lakes, as well as coastal sections of the Loop, can present challenges like currents, tides, and weather changes.
• Trawlers, Sailboats (with a retractable mast for bridges), and Motor Yachts are popular choices because they balance living space, fuel efficiency, and navigability.
• Sailboats can offer the advantage of wind power but consider the need to lower the mast for certain sections of the Loop.
• Catamarans are another option, offering stability, shallow draft, and spacious living areas, but be mindful of their beam (width) and how it may limit access to certain marinas or slips.
• Look for boats with easy access to the bow and stern, strong handholds, and a cockpit or helm that offers good visibility and protection from the elements.
• Safety features should include reliable navigation and communication systems, life-saving equipment, and possibly a dinghy for exploring shallow or narrow areas.
• Consider both the purchase price and the ongoing costs, including maintenance, fuel, marina fees, and potential upgrades. Buying a used boat can be a cost-effective option, but ensure a thorough inspection to assess its condition and suitability for the Loop.
• Your comfort with the boat’s operation, maintenance requirements, and overall feel is crucial. Choose a boat that fits your level of boating experience or one that you’re willing and able to learn to handle confidently.
• Join forums and groups, such as America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), to gain insights from experienced Loopers.
• Consider renting or chartering different types of boats for short trips to gain firsthand experience before making a decision.
• Size/Draft: Boats should generally be less than 60 feet with a draft of 6 feet or under to navigate the various locks, rivers, and waterways along the route.
• Propulsion: Twin engines or a single engine with a bow or stern thruster provides the best maneuverability and redundancy for covering long distances.
• Fuel Capacity: A range of 350-400 miles between refueling is recommended to have a buffer given the distances between marinas in some regions.
• Accommodations: Comfortable sleeping quarters, a functional galley, and enclosed head are needed for multi-day and multi-week trips.
• Hull Type: Displacement hull trawlers, cruisers, and motor yachts are well-suited for the journey. Planing hulls can complete it but will take a fuel efficiency hit at slower canal speeds.
• Navigation: GPS chartplotters, radar, depth finders, and other instruments and marine electronics for navigating varying conditions.
• Operation: Vessel and systems should be completely reliable and redundant where possible given the several thousand mile journey.
• Insurance/Documentation: Vessel documentation and insurance is required for coastal, Great Lakes portions.

Hopefully, this article has provided some ideas and examples of what your best Great Loop boat might be. Beyond a few hard limitations, it’s a matter of taste and style. There’s no right or wrong answer–you’ll often see many unexpected vessels doing the Loop. 

If you’re considering the Loop, check out the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association for more details.

What size boat is best for the Great Loop?

There’s no set size limit for length, but all boats looking to complete the Loop must pass under a low fixed bridge in the Chicago area. If your boat is more than 19 feet, 6 inches above the water, thou shall not pass.

What is the largest boat to complete the Great Loop?

Some people have reported that boats as long as 70 feet have completed the Loop. But taking a vessel of this size is not recommended, as you must navigate numerous tight locks and low bridges along the route. Most Loopers choose boats less than 50 feet long.

What is the smallest recommended boat for the Great Loop?

The smallest boat is the one that you’re comfortable on. Jet skis have completed the Loop, but they’re limited to staying in hotels or camping. It’s best to have a boat that will be comfortable to live on for the better part of a year. Most people want a boat at least 35 feet long to do that.

What is the average time to complete the Great Loop?

Most cruisers take about a year to do the Loop. Several factors affect this plan, and it’s always an individual choice. Generally, you’ll be northbound in the spring to be westbound through the Great Lakes in the summer. Then you “fall down” the rivers in the autumn so that you can over-winter in Florida. But many people take breaks, leave their boats in storage, and complete the Loop in sections. Furthermore, many folks want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. It’s not a race, after all.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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What Is The Great Loop? (And How To Sail It For Free)

Last Updated by

Capt Chris German

June 15, 2022

‍ If you are just getting into sailing like so many of our readers at lifeofsailing.com , you may have never heard of “The Great Loop.”

But if you spend any time with cruisers, the term is bound to come up at some point. It is to the cruising world, (power and sail alike) what Sturgis and Route 66 rolled into one would be for the motorcycle world.

It’s the highwater mark for the liveaboard boaters of all stripes and if you have done it, you can say with pride that you sailed “The Great Loop.”

Moreover, The Great Loop is more than just a badge of honor for those who have had the fortune to do it. It is also a piece of Americana that runs through the hometown of more than 75% of Americans and is by and large the aorta of the American Shipping economy.

Table of contents

What Is The Great Loop?

The Great Loop is a hodgepodge of canals and rivers, lakes and oceans, gulfs, and sounds, all sewing one giant connected 6,000 plus mile channel around the Eastern half of the US and Canada.

Inception of The Great Loop

The Great Loop had a very inauspicious inception. There were no golden spikes driven into the ground to commemorate it’s creation and no brass bands playing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

It was really a youthful notion that envisioned its existence in the first place. It was conceived by a small town American boy by the name of Ken Ransom, who in 1897 wanted to set sail on the Ocean in a sailboat he would build himself in Michigan.

But since then, it has blossomed into an entire subculture that centers around an American public works project that has been evolving since the first days of the Nation.

The first pieces were envisioned by the founding fathers themselves before the ink on the Constitution was even set. They sought a way to secure shipping interests by creating a series of canals which would allow ships to travel between the North and South and establish an alternative route to fuel the newly minted US Economy and interconnect the several states and territories of the newly established nation.

Washington himself created many of the surveys that would be used to set out the inaugural public works projects. And thousands of slaves, immigrants and natives would give their lives in the efforts to create such a vast network that over time would save Millions of dollars in shipping and fund the American experiment to this day.

The Original “Looper”

But it was Ransom, the original “Looper '' as they are known, who surmised that if he left that very dock on which he stood in Michigan, could sail the Atlantic Ocean, the ICW, the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico and returned to that very spot, having made an entire loop in a sailboat.  

What he could not possibly know, nor foresee at that time, would be the millions of vessels who would follow in his footsteps for the next 120 years and how this loop would become the holy grail of voyages for mariners from around the world.

The Great Loop Docu-series

It is with this eye to history and this enthusiasm for the holy grail of voyages, that The Charted Life aims to create a docu-series where they will select five teams of sailors to learn to sail, obtain a vessel and then set out to have their own adventures, sailing around The Great Loop.

They will film every aspect of this voyage and share their adventures with an audience of viewers who no doubt share in the ambitions of Ransom himself, to complete a Great Loop of the Eastern Seaboard.

This project will require new techniques in storytelling and videography and will use the latest advancements in wireless and web-based programming to share the adventures of the five teams as they make their way around the Loop.

Each team will garner support for their vessel by creating a team of followers on social media who will support them through various patronage platforms and through in kind donations delivered by the online marketplace.

At the completion of all five voyages, The Charted Life will compile the footage obtained via on board cameras and microphones, as well as video footage they shoot from a chase boat on the water and a bus on land, as they follow these boats around the Loop.

With the compiled footage they will create a feature length documentary series that is broken into four seasons as inspired by Antonio Vivaldi, Winter Spring Summer and Fall.

A fifth pre-season will be included showing the selection process and sail training as well as the construction of the vessels in Tampa Bay, Florida at the Catalina Sailboat Shop and Factory where they will train, depart and finish the voyage one year from the start.

This voyage will not just be challenging from a technical perspective but also from a human and spiritual perspective.

When Ransom and his crew made the voyage, they suffered freezing temperatures, starvation and deadly situations on a regular basis.

The teams of voyagers will be made as safe as possible, but the fact that these people will live aboard a sailboat for one year will present a set of its own inherent challenges and risks.

They will be forced to endure long tiresome hours at the helm of a sailboat in some very challenging waters.

They will give up many of the creature comforts afforded to land-based dwellers.

Services like electricity on demand, limitless clean water and climate control are some of the few things these sailors will be forced to live without that will be certain to cause some hardship for these sailors.

What's more, the environmental wear they will encounter is certain to spill over into their interpersonal relationships and become a challenge in itself when teamwork and togetherness is paramount for success in a voyage like this.

The success of each team will be watched and supported by social media and so therefore, the daily interactions and personalities of these sailors will be of utmost interest to the viewers.

The team that best harnesses the support of their followers and translates that support into speed, comfort and safety will be awarded certain perks provided by their patrons as well as a cash prize at the close of the voyage and will be given the title to their vessel so that they may continue their voyage funded by their followers around the world.

The first time The Charted Life tried to plan this voyage and this project with one boat, they had great success.

They offered a 42’ endeavour for the purposes of the project and received 21 entries with over 200,000 views.

But it was this overwhelming success that convinced them to reexamine this effort and instead of selecting one team, expand the fleet to five boats and select five teams of sailors for this project with a fleet of newly constructed vessels.

By offering a brand new boat to the sailors, they can wire the boat for video and sound and can focus the story on the people and the places and history, instead of focusing on the restoration of the boat.

The viewers and social media will be key in the development of this project with the teams relying heavily on the support of their friends, family and followers just a Ransom himself did more than 120 years ago.

And it is in fact the power of social media that will begin this project as the entries will rely on their social media savvy to help them win a place on one of the five selected teams.

How Can You Enter?

Each entrant will create a one minute video answering the question, “why do you want to sail the Great Loop?” and submit it to The Charted Life .

They will then add that video to their Youtube Channel and share that video on our social media feed and website.

The top fifty videos submitted in terms of views calculated by Youtube will be submitted to the producers and of those fifty entries, twenty individuals will be selected to join one of the five teams of sailors.

Entries may elect to submit four separate one min videos as entries for each member of an affiliated group of entries and link to each other as a team.

Alternatively, individuals may elect to submit an individual video, unaffiliated with any other entrant.

Views will be calculated by dividing the total number of views of affiliated videos divided by the number of affiliates. (IE four videos are received as affiliated, all four view counts will be added together and divided by four).

By using social media to decide the top 50, they hope to involve their enthusiastic followers of this project to assist in its creation.

As this project will require a massive collaborative effort of sailors, web gurus and creative talent, they ask that anyone wishing to join in on this project send us a video resume explaining their interest in this project and how they might wish to assist.

Questions about the planning, production or rules of this project may also be sent here .

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Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

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Cruising America’s Great Loop: Advice for First-Time Cruisers

An educational Q&A with America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Director, Kimberly Russo.

Cruising the Great Loop

When you think of boating and sailing, words like “freedom,” “escape,” and “adventure” likely come to mind. Whether it’s a few hours of day boating or a weekend onboard overnight cruising, boats provide a one-way ticket to a vacation on-demand.

Here at KnowWake, our team was curious: where and how is the best way to experience an ultimate, unmatched boating trip for the ages, and put your skills to the test as a proficient boater? Well, many seasoned salts—and long-time KnowWake users—would agree that there’s only one route in the United States worthy of that description: America’s Great Loop.

To understand just exactly what America’s Great Loop is, and what it takes to successfully cruise—and complete—the Great Loop, we turned to the experts at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) .

Speaking with AGLCA Director Kimberly Russo, we were determined to come away with some expert tips and advice for new cruisers (and KnowWake users) who are interested in cruising the Great Loop for the very first time.

KnowWake: What is the Great Loop?

Kim Russo: The Great Loop is probably best described as the boating adventure of a lifetime! It’s a 6,000-mile water route that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S., and often part of Canada.

The route takes you northward on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the Chesapeake Bay, along the New Jersey coastline to New York Harbor, up the Hudson River to the New York state canals, through the Great Lakes to the Inland rivers near Chicago, down the rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, and around the tip of Florida.

How long does it take to complete the Great Loop?

KR: The amount of time it takes to complete the Great Loop can vary a lot, but it’s still common to do this in about a year. The route is seasonal because you want to be on the Great Lakes when it’s warm and Florida in the winter—so many Loopers spend the spring heading up the east coast, the summer in the Great Lakes, the fall on the inland rivers, and the winter in Florida.

More and more, we’re seeing Loopers take multiple years to complete the route so they can do lots of side trips and take their time visiting the big cities and small towns around the Loop.

What are the best types of boats to do the Great Loop?

KR: First and foremost, the boat must be able to handle some rough water since you’ll be going through the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and various sounds and inlets then can churn up some waves.

Then, you must be able to clear a 19.7’ bridge at mile marker 300 on the Illinois Waterway. There are other low bridges, but that’s the lowest one where there is no alternate route to get around it, so you have to be able to get under it.

After that, a lot is left to personal preference, comfort, and cruising style. You’ll have an easier time getting in and out of some of the marinas and traveling during low tide if you don’t draw more than five feet. And some of the historic canals like the Trent Severn in Canada can not accommodate a boat whose draft is more than 6-feet or whose beam is more than 23-feet, so you’ll need to do some research on your intended route based on your vessel.

The average boat in the AGLCA fleet is 40-feet.

Where does the Great Loop start? And end? Can you begin anywhere?

KR: You can start anywhere, and you “cross your wake” when you arrive back at your starting point.

What are the top 3 pieces of advice or tips that AGLCA would recommend for newcomers interested in cruising the Great Loop?

KR: 1. Be sure to start planning well in advance. There are lots of great resources available before you drop the dock lines and it’s good to ask questions and gather information, so you know what to expect.

2. Be sure you are capable and comfortable handling your boat in a variety of sea conditions. You don’t have to be a lifelong boater to safely do the Great Loop, but you do have to understand the basic rules of the road and be able confidently run your boat to keep yourself, your crew, and the boats and boaters around you safe.

3. When you start the Loop, don’t have a schedule! It can cause you to miss things along the way if you’re in a hurry. And, some of the bad decisions we see, like leaving a safe harbor on a questionable weather day, are often the result of someone insisting on being at a certain place at a certain time.

Ready to begin your own adventure of a lifetime cruising America’s Great Loop? Download the KnowWake app today to map your journey.

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Complete Guide to Sailing the Great Loop

The dream of sailing the Great Loop has quickly gained in popularity in recent years. Also known as the Great American Loop or the Great Circle, the voyage entails circumnavigating the entire eastern U.S. and parts of Canada, putting anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 miles under your hull depending on your chosen route.

Many factors play into the Great Loop’s appeal for boaters. Despite the great distance to be covered, much of the route is in sheltered, inland waters for safe and comfortable cruising. It also allows for exploration of some of the continent’s most beautiful rivers and coastlines, which can include the Atlantic Intracoastal, New York State Canals, the Great Lakes, various heartland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and even Lake Okeechobee.

Another draw for some is simply the challenge, excitement and bragging rights of crossing off a bucket-list item that few others have – fewer than 150 cruisers according to the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.

How long does it take to sail the Great Loop?

A voyage around the entire loop can take several months – or even more than a year – depending on your speed, number of stops and cruising style. some choose to make it a lifestyle and liveaboard their boat full time for years, stopping for extended stays at various ports. while others have a strict, schedule, with a primary goal of completing the entire loop within a given timeframe. .

Regardless of your cruising speed, plan for a minimum of 120 actual cruising days to complete the loop. There are a multitude of no wake zones, speed limits, bridges, locks and weather conditions that will affect your timing. To more fully experience all that the loop can offer, taking a full year is highly recommended.

Top five stop-offs when sailing the Great American Loop

The sights and adventures to be found while sailing the Great Loop are of course too numerous to mention. We’ve compiled a just a few can’t-miss stops for consideration.  

• Put-In-Bay, Lake Erie If your route takes you the entire length of the Erie Canal, you’ll want to visit the Lake Erie Islands. Here, on South Bass Island, you’ll find Put-In-Bay – and the closest thing to a Caribbean vibe that you’ll find this far north. Moor at the municipal marina, go ashore and rent a golf cart to explore this charming island.
• Half Moon Bay – Croton-on-Hudson, New York After a visit to the Statue of Liberty by water, head up the Hudson River for a breathtaking cruise past Manhattan. Half Moon Bay Marina is about twenty-five miles upriver and provides safe harbor while visiting Croton-on-Hudson, an idyllic retreat for history, fun, good eats, and the 297-foot Croton Dam.
• Green Turtle Bay Resort – Grand Rivers, Kentucky Located along the stretch between the Great Lakes and Florida, this resort stop is loved by cruiser in need of a little pampering and R&R. This is the place to splurge on dock fees, and take advantage of the resort’s pool, spa treatments, dining at the Commonwealth Yacht Club, and a well-deserved cocktail at the casual “Thirsty Turtle” bar.
• Beaufort, North Carolina Voted “#1 Small Town in the South”, you can hardly plan a Loop journey without building in some time to explore and enjoy this lovely waterside delight. Dock at Beaufort Yacht Basin and gather up some unmatched provisioning opportunities at the local Farmer’s Market, just two blocks north of main street. Clawson’s Beaufort Grocery will not disappoint, and Blackbeard’s is a great find for fresh-caught seafood.
•   St. Johns River, Florida This Great Loop “secret” side trip is well worth the extra time and effort. Navigate as much or as little of the 310-mile St. Johns River as you’d like, starting from Jacksonville, Florida. The river flows through stunning national forests, state parks and wildlife preserves, with unique small towns along the way for provisioning and dining. 

Tips for sailing the Great Loop

When you’ve decided to take the plunge and sail the great american loop , you’ll want to begin with some research and careful planning. here are just a few top tips to keep in mind:.

• Choose your vessel wisely A few of the most basic considerations when choosing a vessel for this extraordinary adventure are fuel range, boat clearance, and boat draft. A single one of these items could foil your entire trip! Your boat must have a minimum fuel range of 250 miles, but some routes will require a range closer to 450 miles. Your vessel will need to be able to clear a fixed bridge with an above water height of 19’-1” – and there is no alternative route. Finally, your boat should have a draft of no more than 5 feet. A draft of more than 5 feet will limit your route choices. The choice of either the sail or power Bali 4.3 is ideal with its shallow draft and ability to clear the fixed bridges.
• Study in advance, but expect the unexpected Do your homework, plan your route, and use caution when choosing your reference material. Printed materials and paper charts can become dated quite quickly. Fuel stops, safe anchorages and even water depths can change over time. A GPS is best for accuracy, and updates should be downloaded regularly. And even with the most careful planning, a bit of creativity is sometimes needed to overcome unexpected situations!
• Stock up on supplies and equipment Again, careful planning is in order to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Food, beverages and toiletries are available on most route segments, but ensure you’re well supplied for the loop’s more remote northern areas. Other items that Loopers frequently mention include a GPS, VHF radio, heavy anchors and chain, an onboard fresh water filtration system, and a large bimini top for sun protection during long hours outdoors or at the helm. 
• Plan your funds Aside from day-to-day personal expenses such as food, toiletries, laundry and sightseeing, a Great Loop voyager will encounter boat related expenses that can be difficult, if not impossible to plan for. Some of those include fuel, maintenance, lock toll fees and marina fees. If you have a dinghy, you can save considerably by anchoring out, rather than docking. Ideally, make a budget – but once again, expect the unexpected and have funds available for unplanned situations like boat repair.
• Connect with other “Loopers” As the Loop gains popularity, it’s becoming easier to connect with others that aspire to, or are already living the dream. Informational websites, organizations and social media are a great way to get in touch with others that are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences. Many have dreamed of a Great Loop adventure filled with stunning scenery, seaside cafes, rolling hillsides, and charming coastal towns. And the first step to a perfect Looper voyage is making sure you have the right vessel for your journey of a lifetime. 

Read more about exciting yacht offerings on the Dream Yacht Sales Blog .

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Best Boats For The Great Loop

December 22, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Great Loop offers a unique boating adventure winding through diverse waterways.
• Selecting a loop boat involves considering air draft, fuel efficiency, and living comfort.
• Journey length and boat features are critical for a successful trip.

‍ Exploring the Great Loop? Discover the ideal boats for this unique journey, ensuring a memorable and comfortable adventure.

The Best Boats For The Great Loop are the Aspen C108, Tiara Sport 43 LE, Sabre 38 SE, Back Cove 41, and Nordic Tug 44. Each offers unique features ideal for this epic journey, balancing comfort, size, and navigability while on the waters.

As a seasoned mariner with years of firsthand experience on the waterways, I've explored various routes and faced diverse challenges at sea. My insights stem from real-life encounters, blending expertise with a passion for sailing. Let me guide you through your boating journey, offering tips and advice tailored to your unique needs.

Table of contents

‍ best boats for the great loop.

Embarking on the Great Loop is a nautical adventure that encapsulates a variety of waterways across the Eastern United States and parts of Canada. This voyage, which can span about 6,000 nautical miles, takes mariners through an interconnected system, including the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of the American Midwest.

Choosing the best boat for such an adventure requires careful consideration of various factors like comfort, engine reliability, air draft, and fuel efficiency. As loopers, you understand that your boat is your home for the duration of your trip, which for most will take about a year.

The boat selection process can be exhilarating, with styles ranging from trawlers and motor yachts to trailerable boats, all equipped to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.

Here is a table comparing key features of the best boats for the Great Loop:

1. Aspen C108

When considering the best boat for the Great Loop, the Aspen C108 is a noteworthy contender. It stands out for its fuel efficiency and the accommodating living space within its catamaran hull design. Let's explore what makes the Aspen C108 an excellent choice for your great loop adventure.

Fuel Efficiency

The Aspen C108 is engineered with a unique patented Power Proa hull design that significantly boosts its fuel economy. It sports a single diesel engine setup, which is an unusual but effective choice.

This design choice leads to an asymmetric power distribution, resulting in fuel savings without sacrificing performance.

• Diesel Consumption : Approximately 20-30% more efficient than traditional twin-engine cats.
• Fuel Capacity: Designed for long-range cruising, offering a large fuel tank to reduce frequent stops.

Maneuverability

Despite its size, the Aspen C108 performs exceptionally well when it comes to handling and maneuverability. Its well-engineered hull and single-engine configuration provide a balanced and responsive steering experience.

This makes it easier for you to navigate through tight spots – typical in the intricate waterways of the great loop.

• Hull Design: The proa hull reduces drag, increasing maneuverability.
• Cockpit: Spacious and thoughtfully designed for ease of control.

Living Space

The Aspen C108 optimizes living space efficiently, which is paramount for those looking to live aboard during their year-long great loop trip. The interior is ingeniously designed to provide the comforts of home while on the water.

• Salon: A comfortably sized salon area that includes a dining space and entertainment area.
• Cabins and Storage : Multiple cabins and ample storage space ensure you can carry all the essentials for your journey.

Here’s a table showing the i interior details of this boat:

Draft Depth

The draft depth is a critical specification for a great loop boat, given the varying depths along the route. The Aspen C108 boasts a shallow draft, allowing you to explore more locations where deeper-hulled boats might not venture.

• Draft: One of the shallowest in its class, adding a level of safety and accessibility.

The Aspen C108 is a great loop boat that effectively combines fuel efficiency, maneuverability, living comfort, and shallow draft depth to deliver a balanced and satisfying cruising experience for your adventure.

2. Tiara Sport 43 LE

When considering the best boat for the Great Loop, the Tiara Sport 43 LE emerges as an exceptional candidate. Its design marries advanced fuel efficiency with maneuverability, an opulent living space, and a draft depth suitable for both deepwater adventures and shallower inland passages.

Regarding fuel efficiency, the Tiara Sport 43 LE stands out. The integration of advanced engines tailored for optimal gasoline consumption means you can cruise the Great Loop without frequent stops to refuel. This vessel’s range is commendable, allowing for extensive cruising intervals that are both economical and convenient.

Fuel Specifications:

• Type of Fuel: Gasoline
• Estimated Range: Column for specific range value

Maneuvering around the busy marinas or narrow passages of the Erie Canal calls for a boat that handles like a dream. The Tiara Sport 43 LE, with its responsive helm and twin-engine configuration, offers remarkable agility. Whether you’re docking or navigating tricky sections of the Great Loop, this boat gives you full control with less effort.

Handling Characteristics:

• Engine Configuration : Two Engines
• Hull Design: Optimized for agility

Imagine your floating home equipped with all the amenities you need. The 43 LE offers a comfortable cabin complete with a microwave, fridge, oven, and elegantly appointed galley. The salon area is designed for relaxation and socializing, making life aboard a luxurious experience during your great loop adventure.

• Galley: Fully furnished
• Salon: Spacious and comfortable

The 43 LE's draft depth supports a versatile Great Loop experience. With a hull designed to navigate both the shallows and open sea, you can cruise with confidence from the Atlantic Coast through to inland waters without concern. The Tiara Sport ensures that depth is one less thing to worry about on your trip.

Shallow and deep waters. Opt for the Tiara Sport 43 LE as your loop boat promises a blend of efficiency, control, and home comforts. Whether you're on a long-distance cruise or enjoying a rest in a serene marina, this vessel is equipped to provide an unforgettable journey.

3. Sabre 38 SE (Salon Express)

Embarking on a great loop adventure? The Sabre 38 SE (Salon Express) has become a distinctive choice for this long-distance journey. Boasting fuel efficiency, easy maneuverability, and a spacious interior, it's designed to meet the various challenges and requirements of the great loop.

The Sabre 38 SE prides itself on a balance between power and fuel efficiency. This model comes with two diesel engines that provide a cruise speed that won't break the bank when it comes to fuel costs. Spanning the great loop means calculating your fuel capacity and range, which is vital, and this boat lets you save money while still enjoying the journey.

• Diesel Engines : Twin
• Fuel Capacity: Listed in Specifications

With its efficient hull design and twin engines, handling the Sabre 38 SE is a dream. The boat's performance in close quarters, like the busy marinas along the Intracoastal waterway or navigating through the Erie Canal, underscores its maneuverability. Dual engines also mean redundancy, so in the rare event one engine fails, you still can proceed to the nearest marina.

• Length Overall: Listed in Specifications
• Engine Make and Model: Listed in Specifications

On the inside, the Sabre 38 SE doesn't disappoint. The spacious salon, well-equipped galley, and cabins deliver comfort for the long haul. Whether you're taking a break from cruising or entertaining new friends, there's more than enough space to eat, relax, and sleep. Plus, the separate shower in the head area means that you can freshen up after a day of adventure without cramping your style.

• Cabins: Two
• Separate Shower : Yes

The Sabre 38 SE's draft depth is key for a great loop boat, given the varied depths along the route. Its hull is designed to provide a stable ride without limiting your cruising options due to depth restrictions in certain areas of the loop. From the shallow waters of the Gulf Coast to deeper waters found elsewhere, this boat has you covered.

4. Nordic Tug 44

The Nordic Tug 44 is renowned for its robust construction and seafaring capabilities, specifically designed to handle the diverse conditions of the Great Loop. As you consider this boat for your long-distance cruising needs, we'll explore its fuel efficiency, ease of maneuvering, comfortable living space, and suitable draft depth to help you understand why it's a top contender for the journey.

This trawler's fuel-efficient diesel engines make it a practical choice for your great loop adventure. With the ability to cruise for extended miles without frequent refueling stops, you maintain both freedom and efficiency at sea.

• Range: Capable of covering significant distances with a single fuel stop
• Diesel Efficiency: Lower consumption compared to petrol engines, saving you money

Crafted with precision and control in mind, the Nordic Tug 44 offers excellent maneuverability. The boat's dual engines and proportional thrusters allow you to navigate the Intracoastal waterway and busy marinas with ease.

• Engines: Twin engines provide balanced power for better handling
• Hull Design: The well-crafted hull allows for smooth turning and docking

Comfort is key on a great loop trip, and the Nordic Tug 44's cabin and galley are designed to offer the luxuries of home. The salon area provides a cozy retreat after a day of cruising, while the ample amenities ensure that living abroad is a delight rather than a sacrifice.

• Cabin: Well-appointed with plush furnishings for a good night's rest
• Galley: Fully equipped for home-cooked meals, adding to the sense of comfort

Adept at navigating both deep waters and shallower stretches of the loop, the Nordic Tug 44 has a draft that aligns with the varied conditions encountered along this epic route. This attribute is especially critical in areas like the Erie Canal, where depth can dictate progress.

• Draft : Balanced to manage deeper sections of the Great Lakes and the shallow parts of the waterway
• Hull: Designed to minimize draft without compromising on seaworthiness

5. Back Cove 41

The Back Cove 41 stands out among the best boats for the Great Loop, combining fuel efficiency and liveaboard comfort in a design that navigates the diverse waters from the Gulf to the Great Lakes with ease.

This craft boasts notable fuel efficiency, a key factor in long-distance cruising. With its single diesel engine, the Back Cove 41 optimizes fuel consumption, making it cost-effective for the Great Loop, where management of resources is crucial.

• Engine: Single diesel for better fuel economy
• Run Time: Longer distances covered with fewer fill-ups

Handling and course maintenance is a breeze in varied conditions, thanks to the boat's design for stability and responsiveness. This means less strain when navigating tight turns or congested marinas.

• Hull Design: Designed for effortless steering and control
• Bow & Stern Thrusters: Offer precision docking and maneuvering

For live-aboard comfort, the Back Cove 41 offers a generous living space. A well-appointed galley and spacious salon are complemented by cozy sleeping quarters that make restful nights second nature on your journey.

• Cabin: Luxurious and well-equipped for family or guests
• Amenities: Modern conveniences from microwave to fridge

A draft is a key consideration for the Great Loop's shallow sections. With a moderate draft depth, the Back Cove 41 maintains a balance between seaworthy capabilities and the ability to navigate shallower parts of the Loop.

• Depth: Sufficient for most areas without compromising on sea handling
• Hull: Semi-displacement form to mitigate concerns about draft restrictions

Seasonal Considerations for the Great Loop Adventure

Timing is everything. Kick off your journey in late spring or early fall to dodge the heavy summer boat traffic and extreme weather. Imagine serene waters and milder temperatures, making your adventure more enjoyable.

Weather Whirls Along the Way

As you navigate the Loop, expect diverse climates. Picture sunny skies in the south during spring, but brace for occasional storms. Up north, summers are blissful, but beware of early frosts as fall approaches. It's a weather kaleidoscope, each turn offering something new.

Nature's Showtime

Wildlife enthusiasts, rejoice! Spring brings a burst of life - ducklings paddling in the north and manatees cruising in the south. Autumn? It's a leaf-peeping season, with forests ablaze in color. Each season paints a unique backdrop for your journey.

Dodging the Crowds

Summer on the Loop can be bustling. Prefer tranquility? Aim for spring or fall. Less traffic means more intimate encounters with quaint towns and peaceful anchorages. It's your chance for a more authentic, relaxed experience.

Festivals and Fun

Sync your journey with local festivals for an extra splash of culture. Summer fairs, autumn harvest festivals, and springtime celebrations - each stop on the Loop has its own local flavor. It's more than a journey; it's a cultural immersion.

Ready for the Seasonal Shifts

Be boat-ready for seasonal quirks. Summer means extra sun protection and hydration, while fall calls for warmer gear and storm readiness. Tailoring your prep to the season ensures a smooth, safe voyage on this epic loop.

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About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

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Sailing America’s Great Loop

• 24 April 2020
• 3 minute read

Share the post "Sailing America’s Great Loop"

Looking for a new bucket list worthy sailing trip or just some nautical inspiration? Here’s an idea! Every passionate sailor should try to sail the famous  Great Loop at least once in their lifetime. So, here is Click&Boat ‘s breakdown of everything you may want to know about sailing North America’s Great Loop. 

Are you ready for this adventure? 

(Image Courtesy of the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association)

What is the Great Loop? 

The Great Loop is a sailing route that circumnavigates the entire east coast of North America. Those who choose to sail it will be able to explore at least 15 US states and some Canadian provinces. Crusiers generally end up sailing between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. The mileage depends on the route sailors take. Some choose to make an extra stop in the Bahamas, some might choose to cut through Central Florida instead sailing around the Florida Keys- it is all up to the sailors! 

According to the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association , about 150 people set sail on this route every year. Sailing the Great Loop is much more than just an achievemnet, it is also an eye-opening experience that allows sailors to discover the rivers, waterways, and coastlines through a unique experience.

Where do you start? 

You can start anywhere! However, remember that where you start influences the time of year that you will endure the winter season. Ideally, most cruisers tend to spend the winter season in the South by Florida in order to avoid the brutal winters of the Northeast and instead enjoy the warmer temperatures of the South.  

Just like how you can start from anywhere, you can also sail in any direction. It is your choice. But most people tend to sail counter-clockwise so that that they are sailing with the currents on the inland rivers. 

How long does it take to complete ?

Sailing the Great Loop can take as long as you want it to take. It has been completed in as little as two months and as long as twelve years. Some have decided to turn this sailing trip into a lifestyle! On average though, most people complete this route in about one year. Cruisers make their own decisions about how long they want to stay in certain places. Sometimes, cruisers choose to stop at a certain destination for weeks at a time!

Choosing the right boat

Here are some things to consider when finding the right boat to sail the Great Loop: 

• Ideal length of the boat should be between 28 and 36 feet. Meaning there is enough space and comfort for two people, but it is not excessive and can be manage by one person. 
• In terms of height, the boat must be able to clear a 19′ 6″bridge. 
• The boat should have a draft under 6′, but the best would be a draft under 5′.
• Your boat should have a fuel range of +200 miles between fuel stops.  

Most people choose to sail the Great Loop via motorboat however you can complete the route with a sailboat! The sailboat has to have a draft less than 5′ and mast that is less than 65′ above water. At certain points like before entering Chicago or the Erie Canal, sailors must remove their masts. But don’t let this discourage you from traveling with a sailboat! Sailboats are much more cost efficient for those trying to complete the Great Loop on a budget. 

Stops to make along the way 

Spending days out on the water and exploring new destinations is what the Great Loop is all about. It is a chance to discover North America from a different point of view. Along the way, cruisers have the opportunity to visit some of the biggest cities in the United States. 

• New York City
• Miami 

But also the chance to visit other areas that are known for great boating! 

• Annapolis, Maryland , the sailing capital of the United States. Discover the Chesapeake Bay and all of its historic waterfront towns. 
• Or the Florida Keys, home to miles of islands stretching from Key West to Key Largo ! Find Caribbean like waters and stunning landscapes in Florida. 

Find the perfect boat to sail the Great Loop!

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The Great Loop is the epic U.S. adventure you’ve never heard of

This nautical journey charts a 6,000-mile course from the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys (and back).

The great American road trip has experienced a resurgence during the pandemic. But there’s a downside: This summer is projected to feature crowded campsites, expensive gas , and no end to long lines and traffic jams.

Luckily, there is another epic U.S. adventure that few know about—and even fewer undertake each year.

The Great Loop —a year-long, nearly 6,000-mile journey through the eastern United States and Canada ’s interconnected water passages—takes boaters counterclockwise from the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways to the Erie Canal, Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers.

It’s hardly as nerve-wracking as most celebrated nautical excursions . “You can cruise to Tahiti, but you’re spending weeks in the middle of the open ocean,” says Kim Russo, director of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), a group created in 1999 that prepares boaters for the voyage. “For a lot of people, it’s daunting to be out of sight of land and without resources for that long.”

In contrast, the Great Loop is easier to visualize—and for many, easier to navigate. Most travel by powerboat. Others journey by sailboat, fishing boat, kayak, and even standup paddleboard. The experience itself is most similar to “European canal boats,” Russo says.

Much like the canals, land flanks most of the Great Loop—acting as a guardrail and guidepost. Several open-water stints, including a Gulf of Mexico crossing and portions of the Great Lakes, where shores are but a speck on the horizon, add adrenaline to the route.

( See these stunning sailing adventures around the world .)

Despite its geographical range, the Great Loop remains under the radar. Fewer than 200 “loopers” complete the trip annually, with retirees making up the majority—but things are changing thanks to a growing coterie of family loopers .

“[Families] are realizing that if they can work and learn from home, why not do so aboard a boat?” Russo says. This development harkens back to the loop’s earliest full voyage in 1906, when boat-builder Scott Matthews took his family on the epic journey. His grandson later co-produced a documentary about the voyage.

With thousands of miles of ocean, rivers, and lakes, the Great Loop is a bit more adrenaline-pumping than the typical family trip to the beach. Swells, currents, and storms can make the journey tricky. But as any looper will tell you, that’s all part of the fun.

Great Loop pioneers

The Great Loop was never officially forged or constructed. It follows existing waterways mostly maintained by federal and state governments. In the late 19th century, Ken Ransom , an 18-year-old sailor raised on the shores of Lake Michigan, was the first to see the potential for adventure in America’s nautical maze.

Despite his mother’s pleading, Ransom successfully rallied three high-school friends to join his lofty quest: a full circumnavigation of eastern U.S. In 1898 Ransom and his crew departed on their homemade vessel, a 30-foot white-oak sailboat named Gazelle . The teens faced hair-raising escapades, from navigating the Great Arctic Outbreak of 1899 that brought ice to the Mississippi River, to getting lost in Sanibel Island ’s mangrove forest, and later hiring horses to pull their boat up the Erie Canal.

Despite setbacks, Ransom succeeded; his victory opened the door to subsequent expeditions, including the first family to attempt the loop, in 1906. Unlike Ransom’s crew, Ohio boat-builder Matthews and his wife and three young children journeyed in a 70-foot yacht built by Matthews himself. Engine-powered boats like Matthews’ yacht fare on better for the Great Loop expedition. Sailboats, with deep drafts and high masts, can prove challenging with the trail’s amalgam of conditions.

( These tales of high-seas adventures will inspire you .)

From enhanced boats to upgraded marinas, much has changed on the Great Loop since the early 1900s, including the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway , a 234-mile passage erected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1984 to connect the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers. With this shortcut, loopers shave off the lower Mississippi River, making the trip significantly faster, and more pleasurable, since the lower Mississippi can get bogged down with barges and commercial shipping, Russo says.

Learning on the water  

With easier access to technology and the pandemic redefining the traditional workspace , many aspiring loopers took their work and education to the water—a feat families such as the Bowlins , now 5,000 miles into their trip, have mastered.

Sarah and Brent Bowlin, parents of Mary Grace, 13, and Miller, 9, live aboard their yatch, Light and Salty, with their puppy, Captain. The Bowlins spent five years planning the journey, moving Mary Grace and Miller into a hybrid mix of in-school and at-home for preparation. They sold their house and bought their new home right before the pandemic hit in early 2020. Determined, they decided to move forward with their Great Loop plans in May 2020.  

( Forget homeschooling during the pandemic. Teach life skills instead .)

As expected, family life on the loop is eventful—and a chance for Sarah and Brent to build memories with their rapidly-growing children. But their routine is not much different from life back in their former home, North Carolina. The Bowlins dock during the week for remote work and school, then cruise for fun and hands-on education each weekend.

Much of the family’s hands-on learning extends to environmental concerns. Over the past several decades, freshwater ecosystems have become the most degraded in the world, from the rampant microplastic pollution in the Tennessee River to the destructive blend of urban and agricultural pollutants affecting the Mississippi River watershed.  

“The entire [Mississippi] watershed is one of the largest and most serious challenges facing our rivers today,” says John Rumpler, clean water program director for environmental advocacy group Environment America . Each year, excess, nutrient-dense debris travels down the river into the Gulf of Mexico, where it creates an annual hypoxic “dead zone” strong enough to kill fish and marine life each summer. In 2020, Gulf of Mexico’s dead zone measured 2,116 square miles.

Rumpler notes many of the river system’s worst pollutants, such as microplastics , aren’t visible to the naked eye. Others, such as algal blooms on the Great Lakes and invasive species in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, are more obvious and present vital firsthand conservation lessons for loopers.

( Rivers and lakes are the most degraded ecosystems in the world. Can we save them? )  

“Reading about environmental threats in a textbook is one thing, seeing them firsthand is another,” says science writer Cynthia Berger, who explored the loop with her husband, Bill Carlsen, professor emeritus of science education at Penn State University. The duo, both trained as aquatic ecologists, tackled the loop in a solar-powered canal boat in 2010 as part of Carlsen’s sabbatical studying environmental sustainability, community development, natural history, and engineering.

Berger and Carlsen witnessed the deterioration of the waterways firsthand. Some perils, such as the invasive Asian carp species threatening the Great Lakes , left a tangible mark. “If Asian carp are startled, the whole school will jump out of the water,” Berger says, recalling when a nearly 20-pound carp leaped “like [a] bowling ball” into the air breaking a boat window. “Here’s this problem we’d heard about in the news, and it was right there in our faces on the river.”  

Try a “mini loop”

A year on the water isn’t the only way to appreciate the Great Loop. Aspiring loopers and boating enthusiasts can hit one of the AGLCA’s recommended mini loops to test the waters.

The Triangle Loop: One month

Hit two countries in one trip with the famed Triangle Loop, a 700-mile jaunt from the northeast U.S. into Canada . Embark from the Hudson River, heading up the mountain-fringed Lake Champlain and the Richelieu Canal before landing in Montreal to explore the city’s rich French history.  

Meander past the unspoiled Thousand Islands along the southwestward coast, before hitting the Oswego and Erie Canals, which spills back into the Hudson after nearly 350 culture-packed miles. (Note: The U.S.–Canada border is still closed, but loopers can enter by hiring a Canadian captain .)

The Florida Loop: Two weeks  

Explore the lower third of Florida on a voyage bursting with flora and fauna. Set sail from the Intracoastal Waterway near Stuart, Florida, gliding through the biodiverse Lake Okeechobee, before reaching Fort Myers. Wind down the gulf toward one of the loop’s main attractions: a cruise along the lush Florida Keys archipelago, where dolphins and sea turtles await. Inch up the Atlantic, from Miami to West Palm Beach, to close this scenic loop. Aspiring sailors can receive hands-on loop guidance from Capable Cruising , a Fort Myers-based outfitter that provides on-boat preparedness lessons.

The Carolina Loop: Three days

A shorter, but no less impressive, trip is the Carolina Loop, a 110-mile trip around eastern North Carolina   and Virginia . Snake through wetland forests and cottage-dotted shores on this weekend-long journey. The route flows from Norfolk down to Currituck, along the Albemarle Sound, then up through Elizabeth City. The final leg—the white-cypress-spotted Dismal Swamp Canal, home to river otters and black bears—gives an alluring taste of the full Great Loop adventure.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted travel. When planning a trip, be sure to research your destination and take safety precautions before, during, and after your journey. Click here for National Geographic reporting on the pandemic.

Stephanie Vermillion is a travel and outdoors journalist, filmmaker, and photographer. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram .

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• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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      Welcome to America’s Great Loop Cruisers' Association

We are your one-stop shop for all things related to the Great Loop. There is much to discover! Explore our site and let the Home Port Crew know how we may assist you with planning your adventure.

America’s great loop is

The boating adventure of a lifetime.

Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.

Great Loop Route

Explore the Great Loop via our interactive map or our segments area where many details about what you need to know to successfully cruise the Great Loop waterways are listed.

Member Benefits

From discounts to events to connections with follow Loopers, membership in AGLCA has many benefits. Join us!

Great Loop FAQs

The majority of the questions we receive are answered here. There are FAQs about the Great Loop route and about what the requirements are for a Great Loop-capable boat.

Searching for your Great Loop boat?

Start Here! Resources include details on popular boats for the Loop, finding insurance, working with a broker, and more!

Latest updates News & Happenings

Bill Banning Anchoring Approved in Committee Hearing

Great Loop Link March 2024

Great Loop Radio: Skills to Know Before You Loop

Fleet of 2024 T-Shirts

Lock Closures

Join us at an upcoming aglca events.

Annapolis Looper Lifestyle

The AGLCA Great Loop Cruising: A Guide to the Looper Lifestyle is coming to Annapolis, MD!

New Member Webinar

Consider this our new member orientation! We'll walk you through the membership benefits and wrap up with an open Q&A.

Spring Rendezvous 2024

Join AGLCA for the 2024 Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk, VA!

The Route Planning Your Great Loop Adventure?

It all starts here! The AGLCA website has tons of resources and it can be daunting to know where to start so we've made it easy for you. We've organized a collection of the resources that will most benefit you as you plan your Great Loop adventure.

Our Forum The place for accurate, in-depth, Great Loop info

AGLCA's members-only discussion forum is the place for a deep-dive into all things Great Loop. Cut through the noise on other sites and social media. Ask questions and get detailed answers from veteran Loopers.

Visit our Forum

The Route Explore the Great Loop route

Check out the Great Loop Route more detail via our Segments pages that tell more about what you need to know to safely cruise each area, legs for each segment that offer one of many possible Great Loop itineraries, fly-over videos, and .gpx files you can download to further explore the route. You can also follow the route in detail on our Great Loop map.

Go to Route Segments

Commander and Lieutenant Plus

Kentucky Dam Marina

At The Helm

Port Charles Marina

Inside Passage new

Rock Harbor new

Drummond Island Yacht Haven

York River Yacht Haven

Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht

Morningstar Marinas, Golden Isles

Deltaville Yachting Center

Marlin Bay Yacht Club, Inc.

Captain Craig's Boating Services

Columbus Marina

Burlington Harbor Marina

Knot 10 Yacht Sales

Capital Yacht Club

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc.

Northwest Creek

Two Georges Marina

Irish Boat Shop

Great Loop Charter resized

Erie Canalway

Point South Marina Bay Point

Clifton RV Park and Marina

Trent Port Marina

The Moorings of Carrabelle LLC

Wye Heritage Marine Resort

Joe Wheeler State Park

Wright's Marina Inc.

Longboat Key Club Moorings

Brunswick Landing Marina

EastPort Marina

Grafton Harbor Marina

Port St Joe PS

Saunders Yachtworks

Delaware City Marina

PTG Xtreme 1

Royal marsh harbour yacht club.

Rogers City Marina

Great Loop Navigation Notes

Turner Marine Supply, Inc.

Flag Harbor

Canyon Club Resort Marina

Adelaide Pointe

Ask Captain Chris

Windmill Harbour Marina

Melbourne Marine Diesel

Bridgeport Harbor Marina

Half Moon Bay Marina

Discover Schenectady

Grand Harbor Resort and Marina

East Coast Vessel Relocation

CSA Graphics

Jack Martin & Associates Insurance

Killbear Marina

Battery Park Marina

All Yacht Documentation

Easystow Fenders 1

Blue Tortuga Fitness

Bluewater Bay Marina

MY Yacht Sales

Jerry Hawk 2

Killarney mountain lodge.

Little Yacht Sales

Gat Group/Hull Shield

Nebo Tracker

The Wharf 2024

South Bay Cove Marina

Homeport Marina

Illinois Valley Yacht Club

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Birdsong Resort Marina

Cortlandt Yacht Club

Seattle Yachts

Jones Marine Service

Grand Manor Marina

Henry Harbor Marina Inc.

Reefpoint Marina

Captain's Yacht Services, LLC

Cooper River Marina

Midway Marina

Waterford Harbor

Pleasure Cove Marina, MD

World Class Yacht Sales

Alcona Brew Haus

The Captain's Coach

Loyalist Cove Marina

Alton Marina new logo

Segers Marine at Palm Harbor Marina

Urbanna Boat Yard & Marina

Loop Life Academy

Intracoastal Yacht Sales

On the Mark Yacht Services, LLC

Liberty Landing Marina

Leland Trawlers

Admiralty Yacht Sales

Manistee Municipal Marina

Alred Marina

Marine Weather Center

Port Washington Marina

C-Quarters Marina

Waterside Marina

Marks Marine Insurance Agency

Hoffman's Marina

Three Forks Harbor

Wacca Wache Marina

HarborView Yacht Sales

Ferry Dock Marina

Lamb's Yacht Center

Prop Protector USA

Ess-Kay Yards, Inc.

Shady Harbor resized

Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina

Utsch's Marina

New Bern Grand Marina Yacht Club

Bay Port Yachting Centre

Tidewater resized

Regatta Point Yachting Center

Riverfront Marina

Freedom Lift

St. Johns Yacht Harbor

Hawks cay marina.

Orange Beach Marina

Dog River Marina

North Point Marina

Paducah Transient Boat Dock

new Bishop Marina

Shearwater Marine FL

Gulfport Municipal Marina

Isle of Hope Marina

Traversing the Great Loop, a system of waterways that encompasses the eastern portion of the United States and part of Canada, is a bucket list item for many boat owners. The trip demands navigating dozens of locks and passing under scores of bridges. Most, but not all, “Loopers” make the passage aboard powerboats, thereby avoiding the height challenges faced by vessels with masts. But Chesapeake catamaran sailor Jim Donnelly and his family circumnavigated the “The Loop” on their catamaran .

In 2016, tired of our stressful jobs and long hours, my wife Jan and I quit our jobs, sold our house, pulled our son AJ out of seventh grade, and moved aboard our PDQ36 sailing catamaran Serenity, with Sid, our ancient cat, and Lucky the dog. In May of 2017, we pushed off our dock at Herrington Harbour North in Deale, MD, for a 13-month, 6500-plus mile journey. We decided to use our sailboat because it provided us plenty of living space, had a shallow draft, and, best of all, would allow us to sail in the Bahamas during the winter.

At two places (the Erie Canal/Canadian waterways and Chicago), we had to unstep the mast and transport it, turning our sailboat into an underpowered trawler until the mast was re-stepped. In the Catskills, NY, and Chicago, unstepping was done quickly and professionally. We removed our sails, marked the locations of our turnbuckles on the shrouds, disconnected electronics, and made a temporary (and shorter) mast for our anchor light and VHF antenna.

Transport was done differently at each place. In New York, we had the mast placed in cradles on our deck. You can bring one, or have the marina pull some from their yard (for a nominal fee). Through the liberal use of ratchet straps, our mast was secured to the boat, where it rode in the cradles for a month, as we went through the Erie Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Read the full story.

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Everything you need to know about Great Loop boats

Many factors make a boat feasible for the Great Loop. Like most things in life, there is “no perfect boat.” Boats are a series of compromises, and Great Loop boats are no exception. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about Great Loop boats, including the minimum requirements, the top current Great Loop boats, how to determine the best one for you, and more!

Table of Contents

Great Loop Boat Requirements

There are two hard requirements for a boat to complete the Great Loop. The first is height . To complete the Great Loop, you must be able to fit under a bridge south of Chicago that is 19 feet 6 in high and located at mile 300.6 on the Illinois River. If you’re considering traveling the entire length of the Erie Canal, the lowest clearance for the Westward part is  15 feet 6 inches . Not all boats need to meet this height requirement, as there are other routes boats can take.

The second requirement for Great Loop boats is the travel distance under one tank of fuel . This is less of a hard requirement because you can use fuel canisters to extend your range, but from Hoppies, Missouri, to Paducah, Kentucky (over 200 miles), there are no places to refuel.

The other important requirement for Great Loop boats that you will want to consider is draft . The colloquial idea is that you will not want a boat with a draft more than 6 ft. You will go through many waterways with varying depths. The more shallow boats are capable of going through waterways with less concern compared to boats with a deep keel. The counter to this argument is that boats with a deeper draft or larger keel make for a more seaworthy boat.

Width isn’t a challenge for most boats as you will first run into height or draft restrictions when you get larger. The one exception to this statement is for de-masted catamarans. If boaters are interested in taking their boat through the Trent-Severn Waterway in Canada, the narrowest lock is 23 feet wide.

The Best Boats for the Great Loop

Fundamentally, the best boats for the Great Loop are the boats completing the Loop! Here are the statistics for the last two years.

We can see that trawlers are the most popular, followed by cruisers, with catamarans and trailerable trawlers also making the list! The largest boat to complete the Loop in recent years is 59’, the smallest was 12’ (a PWC), and the average size is 40-41 feet.

Can you do the great loop in a sailboat?

You may notice that no sailboats are on the list above, and they are much rarer, but it is possible. Firstly, boaters must remove their mast for both the Erie Canal and Mid-West waterways (some companies can help ship your mast). Secondly, sailboats frequently come with higher than recommended drafts, depending on the boat. All this said, many people do the loop in a sailboat.

The Best Great Loop Boats

Every boat is a series of compromises, so to determine your best Great Loop boat, you should get acquainted with other popular Great Loop boats. Here are some of the best Great Loop boats, as we saw during our 2021-2022 Great Loop.

Kicking off at number 1, our boat Pivot! Pivot is a 34’ Marine Trader DC with two cabins, two heads, a single engine, and a bow thruster! You can read all about her here .

During our time living aboard our boat for two and a half years, we saw a lot of boats on America’s Great Loop. Great Loop boats come in various shapes, sizes, configurations, engine types, and styles. Here are some of the many boats we saw during our Great Loop journey:

Trawlers on the Loop

It is obvious why trawlers are the most common boats on the Loop. They are spacious, fuel-efficient, and can be found on a budget. They typically cruise around 6-8 knots, have large fuel tanks, and have great visibility due to a flybridge.

Cruisers on the Loop

Cruisers are fantastic Great Loop Boats because they are spacious like trawlers and can go slow to conserve fuel. However, they also have the capability to travel fast and sometimes by plane. This does come with the tradeoff of a very high fuel burn.

Trailerable Boats on the Loop

Trailerable vessels are fantastic boats for the Great Loop because you can complete the Loop in sections. You can trailer your boat and complete whichever section you want next. The idea of taking your time and not feeling pressured to keep up with the seasons allows you to travel at your own pace.

Catamarans on the Loop

Catamarans are a popular choice on the Loop because you get the increased space from having a wider vessel, typically have shallow drafts, allowing you to travel any waterway on the Loop, and can have a stable cruise from the two hulls, depending upon the weather conditions .

Best Great Loop Boat For You

To determine the best great loop boat for you, you must answer a few questions to narrow the search.

Like most things, your budget will be the first determining factor. You don’t need that much money to complete the Loop; check out our expense report to see how much it costed us!

There are 3 main factors that your boat will impact with respect to how much your Loop will Cost.

• You can buy a Loop-ready boat for as little as 30k, or the sky is the limit, and you can spend millions.
• If you plan to spend time at marinas, nights are billed by LOA. Typically, as a ratio per foot, $2 per foot is average.
• One of the constants of America’s Great Loop is the distance. Your boat will need to traverse around 6,000 miles and will burn fuel to do that.

Don’t let the budget be too overwhelming. Check out our budget calculator to give you a head start!

Depending on your goal route, you’re vessel needs certain characteristics. Here are the main qualifiers:

The Trent-Severn Canal

The Trent-Severn Canal in Canada has a maximum draft of 5 ft and a maximum width of 20ft. Larger vessels and wide power catamarans will not be able to transit what many consider to be not only a historic waterway but also the gateway to some of the most beautiful waters of the Loop.

The Chicago River

Cruising downtown, the Chicago River was one of our favorite moments of the entire Loop. The constraining factor here is a bridge height of 17 feet. If your boat meets the 19’6″ foot clearance for the overall Great Loop but doesn’t meet the 17-foot clearance, you’ll have to skip cruising down the Chicago River and go down the Cal-Sag instead.

Crystal River from Florida’s Big Bend

Crystal River, a haven when transiting the Big Bend on Florida’s Panhandle , is a unique spot to see Manatees. The entry canal to this harbor is pretty shallow, and you will not want a draft of more than 4.5 ft to visit this section.

Finally, to narrow down the best great loop boat for you, you must consider your goals and requirements for the Loop. Here are some questions to prompt your analysis:

• How many people will be living aboard? Will you complete it solo, with a partner, or with family and friends?
• How long do you have to complete the Loop? Are you doing it in sections or all at once?
• What are your plans with the boat after the Loop?
• Will you stay at marinas more often, or do you prefer to anchor out?
• Do you want more safety features built in, like railings?
• Do you want to spend more time in destinations (which a “go fast boat” will allow for) or enjoy the moments in between (which a “go slow boat” will allow you to enjoy more of the journey between the destinations)?

Thoughts from two Gold Loopers

As we just completed the Loop, there are a few must-haves for us on our next boat!

• As the saying goes, a fast boat is a safe boat. We prefer to travel slowly but would have liked the option to go fast. If we don’t get a boat that has the option to go fast, we’ll definitely get stabilizers.
• Also, we had a bow thruster that really helped maneuverability on the Loop, and we wouldn’t do the Loop without one (or twin engines, at least).
• The conventional wisdom is to get the smallest boat that fits your criteria. While we have two bedrooms and two heads, making Pivot great for a family or guests, we only had guests a handful of times. We could have had a smaller boat and been a bit cramped a few times over the years instead of moving a lot of empty space for 6k miles.
• When planning for retirement, many people try and pick one boat to handle all scenarios. Unfortunately, boats are a series of tradeoffs, and great loop restrictions may not be restrictions you want after becoming Gold Loopers. For example, many cruisers enjoy spending time in the Bahamas. In this case, with ocean hops, the most seaworthy boats have a deeper draft or stabilizers, something you might not have on your Loop Boat.

How to Find a Great Loop Boat

It’s never been easier to find a great loop boat than it is today. Our first suggestion to find a great loop boat is to try some out! You can rent boats for a week and try different ones, and if you go to an AGLCA Rendezvous, you can tour current Loopers boats! The benefit here is that you will learn what other people currently doing the Great Loop like and don’t like about their own boats, answering questions you didn’t even know you had!

If you live on the East Coast, you can visit practically any boatyard and see many boats for sale. This can be a great introductory way to see different boat types or possibly find a boat for sale.

Great Loop Boats for Sale

We bought and sold our boat by owner, without a broker, and we found Pivot by searching our local boat yard! You can often find boats from Loopers that just completed, so we recommend keeping an eye on the AGLCA forum, and if you find the type of boat you like, message the owners!

If you want to buy through a broker, there are two main brokers in the Great Loop niche, and those are Curtis Stokes and America’s Great Yacht Sales .

All in all, there are a variety of Great Loop Boats, and we hope you have used the information in this post to help determine which is best for you. Leave us a comment below if you have any other quesetions.

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We’re Jen and Elliot , aka Scho & Jo, and we are happy to help plan your next Pivot! Sometimes, we’re forced to make decisions, and sometimes, we have time to plan them out; in all cases, Pivots are part of our lives, and we’re better off embracing them rather than avoiding them!

Mar 29, 2020

The truth about the great loop.

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What is the Great Loop?

The great loop is a continuous waterway that allows boaters to explore eastern north america..

Boating along the Erie Canal, part of the Great Loop (image courtesy of Gladys L. Buzzell).

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland. Anyone who completes the journey is then named an official ' Looper .'

For a safe and enjoyable trip, there are a few things to consider when traveling the Great Loop—a great amount of time, a boat with less than a five foot draft (recommended) to travel inland waterways, NOAA nautical charts , and a NOAA radio . Along the way, it is possible to visit a number of national marine sanctuaries and estuarine research reserves .

Map showing the Great Loop (image courtesy of Raven Cove Publishing).

How does a boater embark on the Great Loop? If you start in Chicago, continue south in a counter-clockwise direction to take advantage of the river currents that run into the Mississippi River. While a few people stay on the Mississippi all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, most 'Loopers' choose to exit at the Tennessee River to avoid heavy barge traffic on the larger waterway. This path leads to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which also flows to the Gulf.

Regardless of the Southern route selected, boaters can float downstream to the warm waters of the Gulf and explore the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary . From there, cruise east on the Gulf's Intracoastal Waterway. While soaking up some Florida sun, visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary .

Then travel north up the Intracoastal Waterway and discover the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary . Continue north on the Intracoastal to New York City. From the Big Apple, it's a straight shot up the Hudson to the Erie Canal. Then head west across to the Great Lakes. Boaters may visit Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary when sailing up Lake Huron and then finally returning back to Chicago.

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More information.

• Resources for Recreational Boaters
• NOAA Nautical Charts
• Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
• National Estuarine Research Reserves

Last updated: 04/25/23 Author: NOAA How to cite this article

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Sailing America’s Great Loop on a Small Boat

• By Bianca Dumas
• June 13, 2023

We were cruising down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, the canal that links Pickwick Lake in Mississippi with Mobile Bay in Alabama. It was November. The sky was gray, and some of the raindrops were starting to resemble snow flurries. The captain was dressed head to heel in gray wool. I was in pink, equally bundled. We stood in the open cockpit of our Nor’Sea 27, insulated mugs of coffee in hand, and sang sea shanties while the captain steered by tiller.

We’d taught our kids these songs on a weekend trip through the desert when they were little. We had sung “Farewell Nova Scotia” as we pulled away from Hovenweep National Monument, chanted “Cape Cod Girls” as we passed through Monument Valley, and learned every line to “All for Me Grog” as we gazed at the red rocks of Moab, Utah. At that time, my husband was a newly obsessed sailor, and we kept our first sailboat on the Great Salt Lake.

Thirteen boats passed us that day on the Tenn-Tom, but we were the only sailboat. The rest were trawlers and motoryachts, all of their captains steering from enclosed and heated flybridges. We were all flying the swallow-tailed burgee of the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, and we were all going to spend the next year or so on the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile route around the eastern United States. 

That is where the similarities ended. Ours was not the kind of boat—an open-cockpit sailboat with its mast up—that most people expected to see on the route. Most Loopers didn’t know what to think of us, and most other sailors were headed to the Bahamas, not to Chicago the long way around via the Intracoastal Waterway and the Erie Canal.

But Sonny got it. He waved and honked from the enclosed flybridge of his Mainship 40 trawler as he passed. Later, when we met on the docks in Columbus, Mississippi, he told us how happy he had been to see us. 

“My wife was worried about you two,” he said. “She told me, ‘Sonny, don’t you think they’re cold?’ I said, ‘Phyllis, they don’t even know they’re cold. They’re having the time of their lives.’”

Everyone who travels the Great Loop has the time of their lives, but most Loopers choose trawlers and motoryachts in the 40- to 50-foot range. These boats make sense for the route. They provide all the comforts of home for those who cruise on mostly flat water. They’re air-conditioned and heated, with multiple staterooms, large galleys, washers and dryers, multiple heads with showers, and sprawling decks full of furniture. As one Looper said, “It’s like boating in a luxury condominium.” 

Our decision to cruise the Loop on a sailboat was a compromise of sorts; not just a compromise between captain and first mate, but also a compromise with life itself.

Guy, the captain, wanted to do a big sailing trip, but he has a small business. He needed a route that would offer predictable Wi-Fi and cell service, and allow him to be in US time zones, give him quick access to airports, and make no requirement for a work visa. I was plenty willing to live aboard and sail, but I needed to ease into the idea of big water and passages. I had sailed only on inland lakes.

Also, we wanted to travel cheap. A small diesel engine would beat any motorboat’s 1-nautical-mile-per-gallon rate, and we’d travel for free under sail. That was a real necessity for people saving for retirement. 

Our boat would need a draft less than 4 feet to anchor out along the shores of the Florida Keys, get through the shallows of the Southern tidal flats, and make countless skinny marina entrances along the route. And we’d have to be able to step the mast for low bridges on the Erie Canal.

All these factors led us to purchase the Nor’Sea 27 we found parked in a gravel driveway in southern Utah, another place where you might be surprised to find yourself humming sea shanties. The boat was designed by Lyle Hess, who created Seraffyn and Taleisin for Lin and Larry Pardey, a little bit of pocket-cruiser royalty. And the boat is trailerable, which was a necessity considering where we found it. The Nor’Sea 27 is also bluewater-capable, a quality that would let us choose big water anytime we had the chance. The 8 hp Yanmar diesel would push us along at 4 knots on motoring days, and would get us 33 miles to the gallon. The sailboat has an on-deck tabernacle that would let us step the 40-foot mast ourselves. 

The sailboat had not been modernized, and we weren’t going to spend our time trying to change that fact. We stowed our cold food in the ice chest, spent our nights in sleeping bags in the V-berth, and scrounged onshore for luxuries such as showers and cold drinks. Cruising on a Nor’Sea 27 would be camping, plain and simple. And we didn’t mind. We christened the boat Jackalope and hired a truck to drive her to a marina on the Tennessee River to start our trip. 

In late fall, we emerged from the ­Tenn-Tom ready to cross Mobile Bay and skirt along the Florida Panhandle to Carrabelle. From there, we would make our first open-water passage. 

The conversation on the Looper chat groups was all about the weather. When would it be calm (preferably glassy) with wind under 5 knots? Tall boats don’t do well in the waves, and most Loopers wanted to make the smoothest and shortest possible crossing across Apalachee Bay from Carrabelle to Steinhatchee.

In contrast, the crew of Jackalope was well-practiced and ready for some wind and a long Gulf passage. We left Carrabelle at sunset and crossed 150 miles to Clearwater—and it was perfect. Nothing but dolphins leaping in the moonlight. We stayed a few weeks in Clearwater Beach so that our kids could meet us for Christmas, then motored down the Intracoastal Waterway to our next jumping-off point.

Rather than follow the ICW from Fort Myers Beach to Marco Island, and then motor the yacht channel along the Everglades to Key Largo, we cut out on the Gulf again. This time, we sailed 90 miles from Fort Myers Beach to Key West. After waiting out a storm on anchor in the “bowling alley” between Fleming Key and Wisteria Island, we sailed out of the Gulf and into the Straits of Florida to take a swim at Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

The captain always felt like sailing, so we sailed—on the outside of the Keys, on the inside, in Florida Bay. Sometimes, when the wind was right, we sailed a mile or so on the Florida ICW. Even when we got to Georgia’s Lowcountry, down in the muddy water between parallel banks of salt-grass marsh, we sailed. A lot of times, that narrow and skinny sailing was done just with the jib, to give the one-lung Yanmar a little oomph, but sometimes the wind was steady and the course was straight enough to put up the main and take a bit of a ride.

After the mud of the Deep South ICW, it was a pleasure to see the blue shores of North Carolina. In Albemarle Sound, we put up the main and jib, and sailed in the wake of the pirate Blackbeard all the way from Oriental to Elizabeth City. 

From Elizabeth City, we motored through the Great Dismal Swamp to Norfolk, Virginia, gateway to the Chesapeake Bay. We’d been looking forward to this since the Tenn-Tom. Back then, in that chilly fall air, we had encouraged each other by talking about it: “We’ll get through this, go all around Florida, through the Carolinas, and then we’re going to sail on the Chesapeake Bay!”

Our first day out of foggy Norfolk cleared into the sunniest skies and the glassiest water imaginable. It was ideal weather for the motor Loopers, but our sails went limp, so we pulled them down, bundled them and sighed. That sigh was not enough breeze to propel us forward, and we had to motor all day. But the wind always comes back, and we ended up with seven days’ worth of sailing on the bay. We zigged and zagged, south to north, past Victorian lighthouses and alongside local crabbing boats. We even nosed into the bakery dock at Smith Island for some of its famous 10-layer cake. 

And then, there was Annapolis, Maryland. It was a thrill, and a little bit intimidating, to arrive in American sailing’s home port. But once we docked, Jackalope got her due. One sailor told us that ours was the prettiest boat on the docks. Another leaned close and said, “That’s a cult boat.” Jackalope blushed at the rare but deserved compliments.

Beyond the Lens

If we were excited to sail on the Chesapeake Bay, the thought of sailing ­into New York Harbor was surreal. And yet, we did it, slightly loopy after an overnight Atlantic passage from Cape May, New Jersey. We were planning to anchor out at Sandy Hook and sleep the afternoon away, but the wind was just right, so I made cups of strong coffee, and we headed toward the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and up the Hudson River.

We tacked east toward Coney Island, west toward Staten Island, east again toward Red Hook, west toward the old Bayonne marsh. Dodging a Norwegian cruise ship, we tacked east toward Brooklyn, and then, in the culminating moment, the captain brought us right up next to the Statue of Liberty—our sails up, her torch held high. He had to manage tour boats, personal watercraft and more, but he did it without the engine or bow thrusters. Just the magic of being hove-to.

We snapped a few pictures of ourselves looking relaxed while we were ­actually keeping an intense watch in every direction, and then sailed off toward Manhattan so we could tack into the marina on the Jersey City side of the Hudson. 

After spending two days in New York City, we aimed ourselves north. By the time we got to Yonkers, New York, the cityscape had mellowed into ­countryside. We anchored out under the Bear Mountain Bridge and, the next day, gave West Point a salute as we floated past. Then it was time to unstep our mast at the town dock in Athens, New York, in preparation for cruising the Erie Canal. When the work was done, we went ashore for beers at the brewery.

The narrow, ­skinny sailing was done with just the jib, but ­sometimes the wind was steady enough to put up the main and take a bit of a ride. 

We put our mast back up after the Erie Canal so we could sail the Great Lakes. Our long journey had prepared us for the challenge. We crossed Lake Erie, skirted up Lake Huron, and rounded the top of the mitten state under Mackinac Bridge. At that point, we were concerned about the changing seasons. Weather windows on Lake Michigan are short, and a lock on the Illinois River was scheduled to close for maintenance soon. We made our way, businesslike, down Michigan’s west coast. From Frankfort, we made an overnight passage to Milwaukee, cutting many miles off the route, then sailed south to Chicago. 

Cruising through downtown Chicago, every building gleaming gold in the sunrise, was the highlight of the trip. We kept saying it: “This is incredible. This is the best part.” Then we headed down the grimy Illinois River, squeezing through the Brandon Road lock just in time. We made our way down the Mississippi with the current, up the Ohio, and finished where we started, on the Tennessee.

The Loop was 10 trips in one. We cruised canals, mastering locks and tying up to town walls. We had access to bars, restaurants and beaches along the ICW. We cruised past a big bunch of American cities and right through the center of Miami and Chicago. And in just one incredible 6,000-mile, 12-month cruising season, we sailed on the Gulf of Mexico, the sound side of the Outer Banks, up the Chesapeake Bay, on the Atlantic, and in three of the Great Lakes—all of it without worry of hurricanes, encroaching winter weather and customs officials. 

A jackalope is an improbable little creature: a mythical combination of jackrabbit and antelope. Sailing the Great Loop was an improbable adventure for an improbable boat. And we had the time of our lives. 

Bianca Dumas and her family spent eight years traveling the US by sailboat, canoe, kayak, bicycle and on foot. She plans to settle down and write about all of it.

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Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.19 mi) Elektrostal Hotel
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• (0.25 mi) Pechka
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Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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Strange Glow Over Moscow Skies Triggers Panic as Explosions Reported

B right flashes lit up the night sky in southern Moscow in the early hours of Thursday morning, new footage appears to show, following reports of an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of the city.

Video snippets circulating on Russian-language Telegram channels show a series of flashes on the horizon of a cloudy night sky, momentarily turning the sky a number of different colors. In a clip shared by Russian outlet MSK1.ru, smoke can be seen rising from a building during the flashes lighting up the scene.

Newsweek was unable to independently verify the details of the video clips, including when and where it was filmed. The Russian Ministry of Emergency situations has been contacted via email.

Several Russian Telegram accounts said early on Thursday that residents of southern Moscow reported an explosion and a fire breaking out at an electrical substation in the Leninsky district, southeast of central Moscow.

Local authorities in the Leninsky district told Russian outlet RBC that the explosion had happened in the village of Molokovo. "All vital facilities are operating as normal," Leninsky district officials told the outlet.

The incident at the substation in Molokovo took place just before 2 a.m. local time, MSK1.ru reported.

Messages published by the ASTRA Telegram account, run by independent Russian journalists, appear to show residents close to the substation panicking as they question the bright flashes in the sky. One local resident describes seeing the bright light before losing access to electricity, with another calling the incident a "nightmare."

More than 10 villages and towns in the southeast of Moscow lost access to electricity, the ASTRA Telegram account also reported. The town of Lytkarino to the southeast of Moscow, lost electricity, wrote the eastern European-based independent outlet, Meduza.

Outages were reported in the southern Domodedovo area of the city, according to another Russian outlet, as well as power failures in western Moscow. Electricity was then restored to the areas, the Strana.ua outlet reported.

The cause of the reported explosion is not known. A Telegram account aggregating news for the Lytkarino area described the incident as "an ordinary accident at a substation."

The MSK1.ru outlet quoted a local resident who speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but no other Russian source reported this as a possible cause.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Moscow with long-range aerial drones in recent months, including a dramatic wave of strikes in late May.

On Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the region's air defense systems had intercepted an aerial drone over the city of Elektrostal, to the east of Moscow. No damage or casualties were reported, he said.

The previous day, Russian air defenses detected and shot down another drone flying over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow, Sobyanin said.

There is currently no evidence that an aerial drone was responsible for the reported overnight explosion at the electrical substation in southern Moscow.

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