Yes, it's all free!
No Dues. No Membership Fees, just great useful information about how to plan, prepare, provision, budget, and cruise the Great Loop, includes what you need and what to expect along the way.
Our goal is to help you make a smart informed decision about whether or not this marvelous adventure is for you (or not).
WHO ARE WE?
We are a small group of past, present and future Loopers who have adopted The Looper Companion Guide's 'More Fun than Fuel' Looping philosophy. It makes good common sense to spend the bulk of our 'Cruising Kitty' on ourselves having fun vs pouring it down our fuel tank(s) and giving a lion's share of it to Marinas. We're the ones cruising the Loop having the most fun.
It's much more than a voyage; it's a wonderful experience on both land & water.
Someone once said, “You will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Your positive memories will begin the moment you head out on this epic adventure. It will produce a special kind of excitement that will awaken your spirit and intensify your enthusiasm as you as you dream and envision how your own adventure might be.
From the journeys of Columbus and Cook, Drake, Ericson and Magellan, historically maritime adventures have always been one of the most envied and impressive accomplishments of mankind. This voyage is no less an accomplishment, and you will be no less the envied explorer. Make no mistake about it, this is a truly epic voyage of amazing destinations and discovery. Long before this voyage is over, you will discover the real secret of cruising the Great Loop is not found in any book, blog, or website. It is found in the powerful life-changing effect it has on all of us. Among all the fabulous destinations, awe inspiring waterways and beautiful sunsets, you will discover some profound life-changing insights into yourself and your cruising companion(s). For many, this voyage is the first time we experience enough solitude to ponder the meaning of life, who we really are and how we want our life to be.
Cruising America's Great Loop is safe, fun & affordable
Averaging 4,000-miles longer than the navigable portion of Amazon, Nile or Mississippi rivers, America’s Great Loop is not only an epic adventure; it is the ultimate voyage of freedom, discovery, and achievement. While the average Looper cruises very near 6,000-miles, some Loopers report cruising 7,000-miles or more. In fact, depending on your route and the side trips you can make, your Great Loop voyage could easily exceed both the miles and the months, it took Columbus’ on his first voyage to the Americas. Now that’s epic!
The good news is if you are a safe boater in a safe, suitable, seaworthy boat, there is absolutely nothing to fear about cruising America’s Great Loop. With all the modern-day technology, Marine GPS and "The Loopers Companion Guide", you can't get lost at sea. In fact, 99.98% of this voyage in along inland waterways, lakes, rivers & canals.
In addition, if remaining on the safest most popular routes, this voyage is packed with well over 140 incredible destinations and three times that many Regional Restaurants, Tiki Bars & Ice Cream Parlors that 'we guarantee' will tempt you off your boat to stop, shop, stay, eat out & linger. Frugal or Flamboyant - the "More Fun than Fuel" Looping Philosophy can work for anybody and it is the very best way to go! It simply means "more fun".
EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER
Previous Loopers have a wide range of experience. Among those that have completed the Loop, many had no experience at all. In fact, several purchased their very first boat to cruise America's Great Loop. Many of us enjoyed it so much we've made this voyage more than once. All of us have at times, wished we had a bigger boat, and at other times, wished we had a smaller boat. But when you 'cross your wake' the cherished memories, new friends, and fun, will make you glad you did it, and most likely make you want to do it again. Don't forget, if cruising by the Seasons, it only requires 140 actual 'cruising' days. That leaves you with over 200 days 'not cruising' shared between each region. So, think about what you want to be doing on those days. Those are the days we spend having fun ashore?
The Truth about cruising the Loop:
There is nothing to fear! It's easy, it's safe, it's epic, it's amazing, and it's a boat load of fun!
Averaging 6,000 miles, the journey itself is as safe & easy as cruising an average of 42-miles a day for 140 cruising days at an average speed near 8-mph. This is a 'slow boat' voyage. The vast majority of this voyage has 10-mph speed limits along with Manatee Zones, No Wake Zones, Marinas, and Private Docks.
We plan our voyage to spend weekends in a Marina where there is lots of fun & interesting things we want to see & do nearby. Very seldom do we cruise more than 5-days a week, careful to get plenty of rest so we can stay alert when underway.
If you have been reading books, blogs & posts with someone telling you how much experience and expertise you need, most of it is simply no longer true. With today's technology, Marine GPS, VHF Radios, Cellphones, Laptops, 24/7 USCG weather & waterway alerts; if you are a safe boater in a safe seaworthy vessel, you are absolutely good to go!
While Loopers are exceptionally friendly and eager to help each other. Regulations in the USA and Canada require boat operators to stop and render assistance to a vessel in distress unless: doing so would endanger their own vessel/passengers, or another vessel is already assisting the vessel in distress, or the persons on board the vessel in distress say that they no longer need assistance.
- Mike Slayton
Buddy Boating - is much like a swimming buddy. Not only are friendships involved but also safety. While we don't usually 'Buddy Boat' with someone the entire voyage, because side trips, detours and favorite stops are not the same for everybody, we often find ourselves cruising along with other Loopers soon after we are back on the main route. For the most part, everyone ends up gathering in Carrabelle, FL to wait out the weather for crossing the Gulf. It is safer and comforting to cross the Gulf with a 'Buddy Boat' and other Loopers. Either route you take, (78-mile or 178-mile), this is the only place on the entire Great Loop, you will not see land.
Our group has some Loopers that have made this voyage on less than $14,000 in Fuel & Marina Fees while many Loopers have spent 3, 4 or more times that amount. We suggest you consider a smaller more fuel-efficient boat as it will use less fuel and cost less to stay in a Marina. It also pays to anchor out much more. Believe me, you want to make sure your budget includes lots of 'fun money'.
- Greg Davies
Ever since reading "The Looper's Companion Guide", my wife & I quickly accepted the "More Fun Than Fuel" Looping philosophy. It makes sense not having to pour all our 'cruising kitty' down our fuel tank(s) or giving a Lion's share of it to the Marinas. As a result, instead of the twin engine 42-footer we were about to buy, we purchased a 32' true Trawler. It provided all the comfort we needed and no doubt saved us $6,000 or more just in fuel, and $27.00 a night in Marina fees.
- Joe Johnston
Cruising the Great Loop
I was a reluctant spouse. I thought cruising the Loop was going to be one long boring boat ride. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised at all the fun cruising the Loop actually turned out to be. No matter where you start your voyage, it won't be long before you meet and make friends with other Loopers. We often stopped at the same great places with waterfront restaurants, Tiki Bars & Ice Cream Parlors sharing good food, drinks and great conversations with our new 'Looper' friends. I'm now pushing my husband to do again.
- Janet Wilson
If you've been following Capt. John's website or reading his books, (and what Looper hasn't), he warns us all about being tempted off our boats to eat out & have fun ashore. My wife & I originally planned $150 for eating out once a week, which was pretty normal for us at home. We doubled that amount after reading his book. Good thing we did. Loopers are a fun friendly social bunch and the incredible destinations along the way definitely make you want to join your new Looper friends on all the fun. Not being prepared for all the wonderful stops will be a terrible mistake. We spent almost $18,000 eating out and having fun ashore and easily saved that much by in fuel and anchoring out more. Thank you Capt. John!
- Brian & Lori Andrews
Running Aground - It happens to the best of us. Cruising at such a slow speed, it is much more embarrassing than damaging, but without a 1-year ($225 - $250) BOATUS or SEA//TOW Membership, a tow can be very costly. While there are many Great Loop sites that report the 'official published' maximums for a Great Loop boat's requirement, nothing beats actual Looping experience. While sites, blogs, articles tell you a 6-foot draft can cruise the Loop and a 5' draft or less is required if cruising the Trent Severn Canal. Capt. John strongly suggests a draft of 4' 6" and less being better for cruising in the US & Canada. We emphatically agree. As we ran aground four times in US waters with a 4'6" draft.
- Charles Freeman
Anchors Away
ATTENTION: On a 36-footer, your anchor & anchoring system is NOT for holding & hoisting your 45 lb. anchor. It is for holding your 25,000 lb. boat in place. You will be required to anchor out in strong currents and changing tides. A better than good anchor & anchoring system and knowing how to use it safely & properly, will be safest piece of equipment on your boat. Also, make sure your anchor lights burn bright all night long!
Having a totally safe and proper size ‘anchoring system, includes having enough electric to keep your anchor lights burning 'very bright' all night long. More often than one can imagine are the vessels anchored around the Loop that have inadequate anchor light(s). Far too frequently, we see Looper’s with dangerously dim anchor lights. Remember, the USCG law requires your anchor light be visible 360° for 2-miles. In many areas on the Great Loop, between 9pm - 5am, fishermen will be zooming around at 25mph or faster checking out crab traps. Obviously, those traps will be in and around the most anchorages along the ICWs. While they are very familiar with the waterway, if your boat is in their normal path, you might be in for an awakening. It is such a frightening issue, many Loopers hang additional lights off their rails. Make sure your boat can be seen 'all' night long!
Some say, "it is best to cruise the Loop in the boat you already have", but that's seldom good advice. For sure, if your boat is safe suitable & seaworthy boat, as well as fuel efficient - that's good news. Otherwise, you will be better off finding one on the used boat market. To complete your voyage around the Loop, your vessel: *Must be able to clear a charted 19' 7" fixed bridge.
*It must have a Draft of 5' or less and less will be much better.
* A beam of 23'. *It must have a fuel range of 240 miles, and it should be extremely fuel-efficient. *Length up to 99' is no problem but seriously limited to height, budget, and common sense. The average Looper boat is near 36' in length.
To cruise the Great Loop, you need a boat; but what greater requirement is there? It doesn’t need to be new, big, or terribly expensive. The bottom line is your boat must be safe, seaworthy, suitable, and affordable for cruising the Loop. If your vessel meets the basic mandatory requirements, you are in for an amazing adventure. Great Loop boats are also great equalizers. If your vessel is in ship shape, it won’t matter to anyone how new, how big, or expensive it is. This voyage is all about adventure, this is where Baby Boomers, Breadwinners & Boat Bums all gather at the same places to have the same amount of fun.
BOAT SAFETY COURSE & CARD
Most states & Canada require that boaters complete an official and certified boater education course. The Boater Education Card (sometimes called a “boater’s license”) is proof that you have successfully completed your state’s official & approved boating safety course. If you have been reading books, blogs and posts about all the experience and expertise you need to cruise the Loop. . . we've never met or known any Looper that had it all. Cruising the Loop is filled with 1st time experiences for all of us. If you are a safe boater in a safe suitable, seaworthy boat, you're good to go.
Big & Fast vs Small & Slow
BIGGER & FASTER
- 44' 'Swift' Trawler - spending 50% of nights in a marina.
- Power 2 x 300 HP
- Draft (fully loaded) 4'
- Fuel burn rate at 8-mph = 4.0gph
- 2024/25 Total fuel cost = $15,000
- Marina fees 50% or 182 nights = $21,497
- Total fuel & marina fees = $36,497
SMALLER & SLOWER
- 34' 'True' Trawler - spending 2 nights on weekends in a marina.
- Power Single 135hp
- Draft (fully loaded) 4' 2"
- Fuel burn rate at 8-mph Looper speed = 2.0gph
- 2024/25 Total fuel cost = $7,574
- Marina fees 28% or 104 nights = $8,944
- Total fuel & marina fees = $16,518
- A 'Swift' or 'Fast' Trawler has a fast-planning hull, and normally one 350 - 450hp engine or twin 250 -350hp engines. Great for taking out to your favorite beach or restaurant and running your engines for 4 to 6 hours on weekends. Technically, it is not a Trawler, it just looks like one above the water, but it is NOT designed for fuel-efficient long-distance cruising!
- A 'True' Trawler has a slow full displacement hull like a sailboat and a 7 to 9-mph 'cruising speed'. Perfect for cruising long distance on minimum fuel.
- 36' True Trawler
- Power 1 x 90 HP
- Draft (fully loaded) 4'
- Fuel burn rate at 8-mph = 1.9 to 2.1gph
- 2024/25 Total fuel cost = $6,275
- Marina fees (165 nights) = $11,036
- Total fuel & marina fees = $17,311
- 36 Mastless Sailboat (motored around)
- Power Diesel 27 HP
- Draft (fully loaded) 4' 6"
- Fuel burn rate at 7-mph Looper speed = 1.0gph
- 2024/25 Total fuel cost = $3,883
- Marina fees (165 nights) = $11,036
- Total fuel & marina fees = $14,919
Sailboats on the Loop
A novel idea. . . We first heard of a sailboat cruising the Loop in 2001 when Capt., John & son made this voyage in a sailboat for the 1st time in a 29' with the mast up. Then a 2nd time in a 36' sailboat with the mast replaced with a pole extending 15' above the water, on which they mounted their anchor lights and antennas and motored around the Great Loop burning less than $3,000 in fuel on a near 6,000-mile Loop. Capt. John explained for the amount of sailing, it was far too much work, stepping/un-steeping the mast. Docking & locking was very stressful with a cradled mast that extended 8' beyond both the stern & bow.
Good Old Boats
This is a great 1976 Grand Banks 32' with an asking price of $59,000 - it probably has $20,000 in upgrades, equipment and technology on it, and most used boats come with a small fortune of these items. Which shouldn't be overlooked when making a deal.
There are plenty of great 'good old boats' on the used market. If you search hard and long enough, you will find some great deals on great reputable old boats. Some from the 60s, 70s & 80s are more solid than the ones built today, and unlike cars, with a little paint & polish, no one will know if it's old or new, unless they have or had one just like it. * A 'true' Trawler in the 28', 30' 32' 34' & 36' range makes a great 'Couples' Loop boat.
Weapons on the Loop
Worried about personal safety? The possession and use of firearms is strictly controlled and severely dealt with. In some States and all of Canada, handguns will be confiscated, and most all other types of firearms are strictly prohibited in Canada. For those that feel the need for personal protection, we suggest you simply purchase an extra 1 or 2 USCG required safety Flare Pistols. This USCG signal device is required in both the USA & Canada. It fires 12-gauge projectile 500 feet straight up in the air. Used as personal protection, if you come near your potential assailant with the 1st shot, we guarantee they won’t stick around for a 2nd shot.
Cooking on the Boat
We don't always eat out! Some places you will stop for fuel offer nothing else. In a Marina or at Anchor, when we don't eat out, we absolutely love our propane BBQ grill mounted on the stern of our boat. From the fish we catch, to an occasional steak, burger or hotdog, most everything we cook is cooked on our grill. Cooking inside in the Galley will heat up your cabin like an oven. Most of our food on the boat is limited to fruit, cold cuts & snacks. Easy to cook & easy to clean works best for us. Leave the 3,4,5 course meals for eating out. We like no fuss and no mess on the boat. Minimum trash, water use, dish washing = maximum enjoyment while living & cruising on your boat.
While there are good ways and better ways and different ways to cruise America's Great Loop - As long as you are a safe boater in a safe suitable, seaworthy boat - there is no wrong way.
Our site caters to couples, but a lot of solo voyagers have completed this voyage in Jon-boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis. It's almost "where there's a will, there's a way", and we are strong supporters of making your dreams come true. We all have different likes, dislikes and our own lifestyles. Personally, I might have done that when I was 17, but not at 71. I enjoy my comforts and a good night's sleep to do that now. Our congratulations to Mr. Youens!
Fun Ashore
Plan on it. We strongly suggest you plan & budget for lots of fun ashore. While there are a few (very few) solo Looper's and friends that have 'raced around the Loop' or 'camped out' going around the Loop, (and that's great if that's 'your thing'). It is not the most popular way to cruise the Loop, especially for couples. For couples, 'taking your time to be a tourist, visiting more places and eating out frequently along the way' will result in the happiest cruising companion and will be everyone's most cherished & memorable aspect of this voyage. For couples, it is extremely important to make this voyage fun for everyone.
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