Introduction to the Great Loop

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  • Опубликовано: 22 май 2024
  • This recorded webinar gives an introduction to the Great Loop including answers to frequently asked questions, statistics on the Great Loop, and a tour of the route using photos taken by Loopers.
    *Please note: I misspoke while recording this. Cairo is at the intersection of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet at Grafton.
    For more information on the Great Loop, please visit www.greatloop.org
    #GreatLoop #GreatLoopers #Boatlife #boatingadventure #bucketlist

Комментарии • 379

  • @DG121480
    @DG121480 3 года назад +279

    Before today, I never knew this existed, and now this is all I want to do with my life.

    • @petetinkham3303
      @petetinkham3303 3 года назад +8

      ditto!!

    • @Phatgolfr
      @Phatgolfr 3 года назад +9

      I've known about this for 10 years but i have to wait 10-15 more years before I can consider doing it. Start saving money..🙄

    • @chrisrourke8404
      @chrisrourke8404 3 года назад +8

      I’m now obsessed!

    • @mrmotocross6819
      @mrmotocross6819 3 года назад +4

      Hahahah me to bro i live in florida already so know im working on getting a better boat

    • @mrmotocross6819
      @mrmotocross6819 3 года назад +2

      @@chrisrourke8404 me to bro

  • @barbaraambrose4558
    @barbaraambrose4558 Год назад +22

    Did this great loop trip 4 times in a 42 carver. Wonderful trip

    • @ccrankitup
      @ccrankitup 7 месяцев назад

      Is it possible to operate a boat that size by yourself? I am considering this trip with my wife and 3 kids and I'm not sure what size boat might be appropriate

  • @majorsynthqed7374
    @majorsynthqed7374 2 года назад +54

    As a long-time New Jersey resident, I recommend running outside. The inside waters are not always accurately marked, and there is a lot of shallow water throughout the state. The best, safest inlet is Absecon Inlet at Atlantic City (Cape May and Manasquan are also good). One can dock at the state marina next to the Golden Nugget casino. Repair facilities in Gardner's Basin. If you have no local knowledge I strongly suggest NOT going into Barnegat/Great Bay area. Even old timers get shoaled. I have seen water as shallow as two feet inside the markers! Outside New Jersey is easy; inshore New Jersey is the most challenging part of the ICW IMO. I've done Florida to New Jersey. Stay away from Little Egg, Corsons, and Herefords inlets! If you decide to run inside and it is warm, bring insect repellent...trust me.

  • @hmortensen1
    @hmortensen1 3 года назад +62

    The best part of the loop for us was the community of loopers. Because everyone does the loop at about the same time, you meet other loopers along the way. The rivers were the best for this. Every night ended up with looper cocktails and great friends.

    • @michaelkirchberg221
      @michaelkirchberg221 3 года назад +1

      ahh there is a light at the end of the river...smile.

    • @johnw3458
      @johnw3458 2 года назад +4

      We are 51 currently and plan on trying to start this adventure in another 3 years. What would you say the average age of other loopers are making this trip? Are we looking at a mostly over 65 crowd or a more under 50 group? Just wondering the the mingling age groups are.

    • @johnw3458
      @johnw3458 2 года назад +1

      @Roblando33 we are currently living in southwest Indiana but will likely be selling all land possessions and moving towards the south as well, at least occupying a Alabama or Florida postal address. Not certain if we will own actual land anywhere yet. We still are in the arguing, I mean discussion phase of that aspect 😂. Perhaps we will meet up on the 3 year mark and have a newbie boat to banter back and forth with. Good luck to us both in 3 years 🤞

  • @brucehatch8742
    @brucehatch8742 2 года назад +8

    As a fulltime RVer since 1999 I’m up for a new adventure at 68yrs old! I need a good boat🙃

    • @captnhuffy
      @captnhuffy 2 месяца назад

      I’m in the same situation, position, and am considering the same. How’s it going shifting your lifestyle? Are you still considering pursuing this new course and pattern?

  • @eatwelladventureoften
    @eatwelladventureoften 7 месяцев назад +5

    Fantastic webinar! Definitely a great intro for those of us in the dreaming/planning stage.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  7 месяцев назад +1

      Go glad you found it useful!

  • @brucehatch8742
    @brucehatch8742 2 года назад +25

    As a disabled American Seabee vet , I met my wife in the Navy(she’s an 81/2 year vet) we just came across this webinar looking for affordable houseboats to spend the summer on . As we’re fulltimers and I m a burn victim we have to spend the winters in mild climates. Learning about this loop may be the best dam thing to come along in years for us! Please tell us more!!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +3

      Hi Barbara, there is a ton of information at www.greatloop.org. Be cautious with a houseboat, though. Most wouldn't be safe for the Great Loop as they are primarily designed for lakes and you'll be going through some "big water" on the Loop. Let me know if you have any questions. -Kim

    • @brucehatch8742
      @brucehatch8742 2 года назад

      @@GreatLoop could you define big water….?

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +2

      @@brucehatch8742 There can be large waves in some of the bigger bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and some of the inlets and sounds along the coast. The boat needs to be able to handle those and some houseboat designs aren't made for those conditions. We encountered 3-4' waves a few days ago in a sound in North Carolina when the forecast called for less than 1'. Hope that helps!

    • @brucehatch8742
      @brucehatch8742 2 года назад +1

      @@GreatLoop h

    • @brucehatch8742
      @brucehatch8742 2 года назад +1

      @@GreatLoop how do I know what boat is adaquate? Does each boat come with a rating? We live in a 30ft class “c” motorhome and your excellent presentation made it seem like we could transition to a live-a-board and still travel without the danger’s of blue water no? Refresher boating and navigation

  • @cathrynm
    @cathrynm 8 месяцев назад +5

    Woah, I'm not a boater, but this is fascinating. No idea it was possible to go such a distance.

  • @chrisambrose8838
    @chrisambrose8838 Год назад +2

    This would be so cool!!! Thanks for the insight!👍🙋‍♂️🖖🏻

  • @sonofaredshirt8329
    @sonofaredshirt8329 Год назад +7

    That was an excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to do this, the most informative package I've heard on the Great Loop yet. A wonderful job!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад

      I'm so glad you found it helpful!

  • @johnbiggar4361
    @johnbiggar4361 2 года назад +17

    The Big Chute Marine Railway was built not on a cost basis (it is way more expensive to operate). The lift was designed to keep the Sea Lamprey from swimming upstream through locks and decimate fishing throughout the river/lake system.

    • @lindamaurice9923
      @lindamaurice9923 2 года назад +1

      I was just going to say the same thing. We live on Georgian Bay and do the Chute many times a summer.

  • @nickmalone3599
    @nickmalone3599 3 года назад +12

    The Great Loop, on America’s Mariner Bucket List. 👍

  • @joea3235
    @joea3235 Год назад +6

    Thank you so much for all your hard work and information. Much appreciated!!!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад

      You are very welcome! I'm glad you are finding it helpful.

  • @yourmomsdildo3938
    @yourmomsdildo3938 Год назад +1

    Just found out about this. We were "tiny house" people who just sold our camper (a tear drop) and bought our first boat together. Its an 1984 22' cuddy cabin but plan to upgrade to a 30' boat in the next year after getting more time behind the helm. Cant wait to knock this thing out in the next 5 years or so.

  • @normbond8888
    @normbond8888 Год назад +3

    Thank you for this webinar from a person who will never own a boat but interested in travel & history. The RUclips channel ‘ Nautistyle’ was where I 1st heard of this fantastic boat trip. Being Canadian & familiar with the Trent/Severn Waterway I was pleased with your wonderful review. Great job of very informative video, thanks.🙏👍👌🇨🇦

  • @adventureseeker9800
    @adventureseeker9800 2 года назад +8

    This was absolutely fascinating!
    Nicely put together presentation.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +1

      I'm glad you enjoyed it! Please let us know if you have any questions.

  • @NoxiD-20
    @NoxiD-20 2 года назад +6

    I’ve known of the loop for a while now and I’ve always wanted to get into boating and eventually do the loop. I didn’t grow up around boats so it’s all been a learning experience for me. I’m currently 35 years old with a 16’ deck boat, within the next five years or so I plan on having a 23ish’ cruiser and eventually work my way up to the boat I plan on doing the loop in.

  • @BreakneckTrent
    @BreakneckTrent 3 года назад +4

    Planning a trip with my Dad.. Thanks for the info 👍

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +2

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @patriciagriffin3142
    @patriciagriffin3142 11 месяцев назад +2

    Hello fellow NJ boater.
    Great recommendations! At half tide today we were in 2’7” inside the markers behind Stone Harbor. It is rare these days to see even a local to cut through Herefords Inlet as a shortcut to the Ocean. Go around, please, the water runs fast through there…

  • @_Tommmmmm_
    @_Tommmmmm_ 2 месяца назад +1

    I met a couple in door county who did this and it took them I think 7 or 8 months but sounded like a blast.

  • @robertadner6840
    @robertadner6840 Год назад +1

    We call thousand islands home and the great loop is on our bucket list

  • @Ironboots123
    @Ironboots123 3 года назад +3

    Thank you for the overview.

  • @aaronsalvesen4553
    @aaronsalvesen4553 3 года назад +13

    Been wanting to do this since I found out about this as a kid! Thank you for all the tips! Exceptionally informative!!! 🙌💯🙌

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +3

      You're so welcome!

  • @chorn74
    @chorn74 Год назад +3

    for months i have been looking at cottages in ontario and have been sort of stuck between various muskoka lakes and something on the trent/severn waterway. i got sidetracked and started to look at cruising the trent/severn next summer and it just kept getting longer until i found out about the loop tonight. lol. i had no idea that a route like this is possible. thanks so much for sharing this - definitely on the bucket list.

  • @NoRegretsLifestyle
    @NoRegretsLifestyle 3 года назад +4

    Can't wait to get started

  • @amyt6254
    @amyt6254 6 месяцев назад +1

    This is great information! Thank you!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  6 месяцев назад

      Glad you found it helpful!

  • @sethbarnes7608
    @sethbarnes7608 3 года назад +3

    You can boat your whole life and still get excited about dolphins and porpoises on the bow!!😁😁😁

  • @seagirl1100
    @seagirl1100 3 года назад +4

    Thanks for this information. This would be a dream cruise!

  • @96TTViper
    @96TTViper 2 года назад +1

    Very nice work, thanks!

  • @hideawaysailing9078
    @hideawaysailing9078 3 года назад +1

    Awesome video 👍

  • @WanderingWeekends
    @WanderingWeekends 3 года назад +2

    Life goals here... love it!

  • @glutenfreegam3r177
    @glutenfreegam3r177 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for posting this info...so much information, will def be revisiting when finally underway. Cheers!

  • @steveng6269
    @steveng6269 3 года назад +2

    Terrific presentation - perfect for first timer interest!!

  • @josephtaylor3857
    @josephtaylor3857 Год назад +3

    Excellent webinar; I learned a lot (I had never even heard of the Great Loop until recently). As a Canadian, may I say thank you for the coverage of the Canadian portion of the Great Loop. Loved this video, and now I have something to add to my "bucket" list. :)

  • @DrJayLLB
    @DrJayLLB Месяц назад +2

    id be sailing from the uk to do the great loop

  • @captnhuffy
    @captnhuffy 2 месяца назад +1

    Interesting! Thanks.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 месяца назад

      Thanks for watching!

  • @jamesgarner3663
    @jamesgarner3663 2 года назад +5

    Very well done! My wife and I are nearing retirement age, and just found out about the Great Loop last week! We are starting to plan a year to do this trip. We live outside of Chicago and have relatives or a family history in many of these areas. We think it will be a great couples way to transition into the next phase of our lives, which involves adventure, not work.

  • @sleepy314
    @sleepy314 3 года назад +4

    On the Hudson River, Kingston is a good place to stop. Kingston was the first NY State capital, then an active river commercial center. Maritime museum, city docks...

  • @helenelliott2375
    @helenelliott2375 Год назад +3

    by watching this i feel like i already did the loop 😊

  • @MrEveready299
    @MrEveready299 2 года назад +6

    I just found out about this trip and what a shame I didn't plan on this before retirement. I have been around the water all my life and would love the opportunity to make this trip. I don't think living on my 21' Bayliner Trophy Hardtop is the right answer but would like to try hahaha.Great info webinar Thanks.

    • @adventuresofwillandshelby6013
      @adventuresofwillandshelby6013 2 года назад +1

      I'm not retired, but I just bought a 1989 23' Pro-Line cuddy cabin. I'm definitely taking Time off to do this next summer!
      Going to use this year to get it seaworthy.

  • @paulchaney7762
    @paulchaney7762 3 года назад

    Awesome video

  • @TheProtocol48
    @TheProtocol48 2 года назад +2

    I have a friend in North Carolina whom this is his life goal. And he’s going to pick me up in the Great Lakes region which I will do a short trip with but this is amazing

  • @ppgwhereeverett4412
    @ppgwhereeverett4412 Год назад +1

    Just (3/21/23) Stumbled on this page ! I'm sitting in Sacramento on the California Delta and have Never been on the east coast ! So I will do it through your channel (no pun intended😅) if you don't mind.

  • @stoatsngroatsuk5012
    @stoatsngroatsuk5012 2 года назад +5

    Hi, I’ve just watched this in the UK, with a very early stage of planning a first entry into boating. Our first plan is the European inland waterways and the Mediterranean, but this Great Loop, could well become the 2nd 5 year plan, so thanks for your efforts 🙏🙏

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it! It sounds like you have some wonderful adventures planned. Safe cruising!

  • @bloodyeyeful
    @bloodyeyeful 2 года назад +1

    Very informative. Thanks and Blessings.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +1

      You're so welcome! l'm glad it was helpful.

  • @goldenacres3269
    @goldenacres3269 3 года назад +1

    Hi Kim, Last time I talked to you the loop was still on your bucket list. I hope you do it soon.

  • @donnieculver7709
    @donnieculver7709 2 года назад +1

    Well done video. You just picked up a new subscriber. Can’t wait to see the others!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @williammoree168
    @williammoree168 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the info going to do it.

  • @josephrobichaud5198
    @josephrobichaud5198 5 месяцев назад +1

    Taking navigation training is key !
    Can's nuns, range markers, markers changing color all day subject to direction can get confusing.

  • @MsZAGUDAI
    @MsZAGUDAI 3 года назад +2

    Great video introduction. Thank you.
    Please have a collection of videos of travels in the different towns and cities around the loop and especially on the BEST THINGS to visit and see along the loop.

    • @mcouture8169
      @mcouture8169 Год назад

      See youtube page of Scho and Jo - ruclips.net/user/SchoandJovideos. Currently looping with great commentary/vids of each town they visit (from FL to NY so far)

  • @johnmango3347
    @johnmango3347 Год назад +1

    Fantastic video and information. Thank you

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад

      You're very welcome! I'm glad it was helpful.

  • @johnwootton836
    @johnwootton836 3 года назад +5

    Thank you Kim!

  • @dannysingletary9648
    @dannysingletary9648 3 года назад +1

    This was very informative. Thank you

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @marcbloch1963
    @marcbloch1963 3 года назад +3

    That was very informative...thank you

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +1

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @opreese
    @opreese 2 года назад +1

    Thanks very informative

  • @josephrobichaud5198
    @josephrobichaud5198 5 месяцев назад

    Fantastic video!
    There's a reason they call the Atlantic coast in NC and SC the graveyard of the Atlantic.
    Trying to make this trip on any boat drawing anything over 4' would be a challenge.
    Really want to do it on a sailboat, try finding one with a double keel, or at least a retractable keel like a McGregor.

  • @robcordts1976
    @robcordts1976 2 года назад +1

    Great info Thank you so much!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @robertkristof3701
    @robertkristof3701 9 месяцев назад +1

    Great video tour and introduction. I hope to do this some day.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  9 месяцев назад

      We're glad you enjoyed the introduction. Please let us know if you have any questions as you start planning your own Great Loop!

  • @cornersc
    @cornersc 3 года назад

    How great was that!

  • @tammydemis7851
    @tammydemis7851 3 года назад +8

    This is my dream! We have the right boat, on Lake Erie. If I could just convince my husband to be on the same page! 🥺

    • @hopatease1
      @hopatease1 3 года назад +2

      Most of the time its the wife that won't do it : (

    • @mikemckeon8976
      @mikemckeon8976 2 года назад +4

      What a lucky man, to have a wife wanting to convince him too do this trip.

    • @dr.floridaman4805
      @dr.floridaman4805 2 года назад

      Leave him on the docks

    • @sundancer3700
      @sundancer3700 11 дней назад

      Try a mini loop around Michigan over to Chicago and back to Erie, would be a great trip.

  • @michaelsullivan4624
    @michaelsullivan4624 3 года назад +3

    thanks for this

  • @RBLVentures
    @RBLVentures 2 года назад +2

    Very well done Thank you for doing this Very informative

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @Foxtucky
    @Foxtucky 2 года назад +2

    Thank you so much for this

  • @michaelkirchberg221
    @michaelkirchberg221 3 года назад +1

    outstanding,, thank you for the great insight. now to find the right size vessel to maximize travel options...

  • @lynngatlin4469
    @lynngatlin4469 Год назад +1

    I am so interested in this now very interesting an exciting trip to make. Living on the Tennessee river it's a goal now to do. Thank you very informative video

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад

      Glad you're excited about the Great Loop!

  • @turboz8708
    @turboz8708 2 года назад +3

    FYI Jacksonville FL (17:00min) has demolished "The Jacksonville Landing" and also the Marina close to the stadium is being closed for a new Housing development.

  • @diannesimms1684
    @diannesimms1684 3 года назад +1

    I wanna go!!!!

  • @donaldheitger6731
    @donaldheitger6731 3 года назад +1

    Nice job !

  • @WanderingWeekends
    @WanderingWeekends 3 года назад +7

    I have to imagine Lyft and Uber have added a great deal of convenience to this trip!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +4

      Yes, as have other modern conveniences like grocery deliveries.

    • @hawkdsl
      @hawkdsl 2 года назад

      General Aviation has had the same problem as boaters.. how to get around once you get there. Airports are usually remote (the cool ones).. With the advent of electric scooters/bikes with the ability to go 70 miles @ 25/30 mph has also been a God send. Very expensive (top brand are 3k range[!]).. but boy are they worth it.

    • @colormedubious4747
      @colormedubious4747 2 года назад

      @@hawkdsl As at many FBOs, some marinas will loan their customers a courtesy car for a few hours. Call ahead to find out.

    • @hawkdsl
      @hawkdsl 2 года назад

      @@colormedubious4747 Yes indeed. Even the "mom and pop" airports have loaner cars.. some that are quite comical.

    • @colormedubious4747
      @colormedubious4747 2 года назад +1

      @@hawkdsl I've driven some real beaters at decent-sized regional and international airports, too. My favorite was a battered pickup truck I was loaned by Signature at KCRP in the mid 90s. It would backfire, lurch, and emit smoke signals at random intervals just to keep you on your toes. 10/10 would borrow again!

  • @FINfinFINfinFINfin
    @FINfinFINfinFINfin 3 года назад +4

    Cumberland Island is beautiful. I addition to the wild horses, there are also bobcat, whitetail deer, feral hogs, ect. I have been on a hog/deer hunt there and took a nice boar hog.

    • @cheddar2648
      @cheddar2648 2 года назад

      I have flown over it a couple of times, and it is beautiful countryside. The whole coast north of Jacksonville is a beautiful coastal wilderness area. Florida is eat up with feral hogs... I once saw them grazing on the side of the I-95 within municipal Jacksonville, if you can believe it.

    • @billyburton3252
      @billyburton3252 7 месяцев назад

      And rattlesnakes

  • @BlackHawk-yl5gu
    @BlackHawk-yl5gu Месяц назад +2

    The gulf isnt a joke ive worked out there in 20 foot seas. You need to be careful and in my experience avoid fall time .

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Месяц назад

      Yes, the Loopers must pay close attention to forecasts for the Gulf to avoid those conditions. Thankfully, we're crossing a small section of the Gulf and the option to take the "Big Bend" route for shorter hops is available, but still requires a close eye on the weather.

  • @iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79
    @iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79 2 года назад

    Glad Chicago is apart of this dope journey. I can’t swim so this entire trip would have me freaking out.

    • @colormedubious4747
      @colormedubious4747 2 года назад +1

      Learn to swim whether you ever do this trip or not!

  • @BigOleWhatchamacallit
    @BigOleWhatchamacallit Год назад +1

    Based on my route, these were SouthWest Airlines Coastal Locations (generally within 10-20 miles of the loop) Brownsville/Corpus/New Orleans (N.O. Marina-Lake Ponch)/Orange Beach (Orange Beach Marina)/Pensacola/Shalimar/Destin-Fort Walton/Panama City/Appalachicola/Tampa/Fort Meyers/Sarasota/Havana Cuba/Bimini/Nassau Bahamas/Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm/Orlando/Jacksonville/Savanna Ga/Charleston SC/Myrtle Beach/Greenville SC/Norfolk Va/Philadelphia Pa/Washington DullesWashington Reagan/Long Island NY/Syracuse NY/Albany NY/Providence RI/Boston Logan/Portland Maine/Buffalo NY/Cleveland/Detroit Mi/Chicago Mi/Milwaukee/St Luis Mo/Memphis…🤓

  • @dwartfarquart9590
    @dwartfarquart9590 Год назад +1

    I am planning to leave Pittsburgh on May 1st/23 on my 32ft quadtoon shantyboat and reach the St John's about Dec 1st and cruise for the winter with many excursions along the way.
    I live on The Grand River near Grand Rapids and have built my boat to draft only 18 inches. My experience and mechanical abilities are pretty good and I have a good plotter/sonar unit and radio.
    I only know one pontoon houseboat that has crossed Mobile Bay and the video footage is pretty scary to watch. Any local tips will be greatly appreciated.

  • @OswaldCampbell
    @OswaldCampbell 8 месяцев назад +1

    Wish they would include rounding Nova Scotia on the route, Pictou, Canso, Halifax, Lunenbourg, Yarmouth, Boston... great ports of call

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  8 месяцев назад +1

      Yes, those are great ports of call and are part of the Down East Loop, which is typically a separate journey. Adding those to the Great Loop typically would make it impossible to do the northern portion of the route in a single summer season.

    • @OswaldCampbell
      @OswaldCampbell 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@GreatLoop ooh very good point. Ill be departing pictou and heading down the St Lawrence in the spring.

  • @joerosselli4473
    @joerosselli4473 2 года назад +1

    Stay off of lower Mississippi River its life threatening . Use Tombigbee River Route through Mississippi and Alabama . Beautiful and Safe with marinas and coves to anchor. There is considerable barge tracific, however , and other Cruisers.. Corps of Engineers may provide charts which are published .

  • @josephvo772
    @josephvo772 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot from your video. I wish I have the opportunity to make this journey in the future.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      I'm glad the video was useful for you!

  • @DougAlesUSA
    @DougAlesUSA 3 года назад +3

    As a recreational boater in the Green Bay Wisconsin area, I’m looking at this presentation then asking myself if I should loop the red part of this chart, specifically, most of the Great Lakes with some diversions into Canada and New York State. Seems like thats the best part.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +3

      It's all about personal preferences. Some would certainly agree with you that the Great Lakes are a highlight. Other prefer the inland rivers, the GICW, or the AICW. Pick a spot and you'll find someone who thought it was a highlight of the Loop.

    • @hmortensen1
      @hmortensen1 2 года назад +1

      @@GreatLoop Yep, ours was definitely the inland rivers, this was where the looper cocktails were most regular, and where the best friendships were formed.

  • @fredricktaylor555
    @fredricktaylor555 8 месяцев назад

    Wow!!! What an amazing trip. Excellent video and super informative. Thank you.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  8 месяцев назад

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @ptwelch6892
    @ptwelch6892 2 месяца назад +1

    Private vessels are not permitted to dock at Fort Sumter. Only access is via the ferry from Charleston.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 месяца назад

      That is correct. This video is a few years old. In the past, private boats could dock at Fort Sumter but they changed that.

  • @floridapatriot9776
    @floridapatriot9776 11 месяцев назад

    A couple drivers i spoke with yesterday at my company are using this device in their trucks. I'll be getting one when i get home. They are both gaming on console and laptop as well as streaming. Both say they have had 0 issues with connection or speed. $50/unlimited. Can't be beat.

  • @elmiguel6725
    @elmiguel6725 3 года назад

    Thank you Kim, you answered 90% of my questions. Especially about a boars draft.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад

      Glad you found it helpful!

  • @markdiephouse
    @markdiephouse 2 года назад +9

    One warning I would say. Be ready for long periods of seeing nothing. Having no services close by.
    Be prepared in some areas to go a week or better with no places to reprovision. Bring extra motor parts, impellers, spare hose, clamps. Do your homework ahead of you. The Mississippi can be treacherous at the wrong time.
    Know where your next stop is. Nothing like looking for a place to hide after dark.
    Be parked after dark.
    Don't cruise unknown waters in the dark.
    Your eyes do play tricks on you at night.
    Especially after happy hour. Things can get deadly quickly. Don't take chances.
    5 knot currents, 9 foot tides up east coast savanna area. Higher again in higher latitudes. Do your homework, be prepared, don't take chances. Even at 5 knots, shit can go horribly wrong very fast. See guy that took wrong turn on Mississippi, band of rocks. 36 foot sailboat on rocks. Chain of Rocks.
    Not good . Lucky they got air lifted off.
    Boat broke up and was swept down river in the following week.
    It's a great trip if you have the time, money and propper boat and gear.
    Must have proper dinghy, motor and multiple ground tackle.
    Anchors, lotsa chain and rope. The right stuff. Not the wrong stuff. Chain is your friend, road is your shock absorber. Used in combination. Learn a Bahama Moore.
    Happy cruising.
    Stay safe.

  • @checkyoursix5623
    @checkyoursix5623 3 года назад +1

    People living in or around Cayuga Lake or Seneca Lake, in Central New York, can travel from there all the way to Florida on their boat.

  • @222dyan
    @222dyan Месяц назад +1

    Thank you so much for this. I've had it in my mind to do this solo for a while.Didn't know the details. Can you recommend a detailed map of the route? Also, I'm in Western North Carolina.Are there any waterways from here that would take me to the river system that would lead to the gulf? If so what are the restrictions on Vessel? Knowing there's a group of folks out there, makes it feel more attainable.😊

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Месяц назад

      You can view a map of the route on the www.GreatLoop.org website or purchase a paper copy from there. The closest waterway from Western North Carolina that connects to the Great Loop Route is likely the Tennessee River near Knoxville. There are no vessel restrictions in that area for a boat that can do the rest of the Great Loop. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. You can always email info@greatloop.org with questions.

  • @John-tx1wk
    @John-tx1wk 3 года назад +8

    Cool video, nicely done. I'm trying to talk my wife into doing this one day. One correction though, you turn onto the Ohio from the Upper Mississippi at Cairo, IL, not Grafton, IL. Grafton is where the Illinois river joins the Upper. Not a big deal, I'm sure you just confused the towns you enter and leave the Upper on while doing the loop.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +5

      Definitely a mis-speak! Sorry about the error.

    • @royreynolds108
      @royreynolds108 Год назад

      Yes, and the first lock between St. Louis and Chicago is at Chain-of-Rocks Canal or Lock 27 at Granite City before Alton and Grafton. Below St. Louis, there are no locks on the Mississippi R. just tow boats with barges which can be 6 or 7 barges wide and over 1000ft long + towboat. Ocean-going ships are present on the Mississippi R below Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico. Going through the Industrial Canal from the Mississippi R to Lake Pontchartrain will need to be coordinated at N. O. unless you can transit with a towboat.

  • @rphilpotjr
    @rphilpotjr 2 года назад +1

    Wow! This is a great presentation. Can the Trent Severn locks accommodate a catamaran?

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it! The narrowest lock on the Trent Severn is 23'. So, it depends on your cat's beam.

  • @hydewhyte4364
    @hydewhyte4364 3 года назад +3

    I'd think you'd want to keep heading up the east coast around Nova Scotia and come right up the mouth of the St-Lawrence. You'd get Cape Breton, PEI, Quebec City added to the tour.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +4

      Everyone has to make their own route choices, but many Loopers prefer the inland waterways rather than the open water you described. Also, you'd miss the beautiful cruising of the Hudson River and the New York State canals. Some Loopers cruise the area you described as part of the "Down East Loop" that many do separately from the Great Loop.

    • @colormedubious4747
      @colormedubious4747 2 года назад

      I'm no expert mariner but suspect that many Loopers would avoid going up-river due to the excessive fuel burn. Also, that's a LOT of exposure to chunky seas, dramatic tides, and late- or early-season ice floes. I'd save a downriver version of that route for a later trip when I'd be a bit more seasoned and also toss Portland, Providence, and Boston into the plan.

  • @sebastiansaxon
    @sebastiansaxon 2 года назад +2

    I absolutely love how the narration sounds like its a flight attendant speaking over the intercom. It gets me excited for travel hahaha.

    • @Smokeyham
      @Smokeyham 2 года назад

      Kim and her team at AGLCA are very friendly and do a great job supporting Loopers and providing information for those who are preparing for the Loop.

  • @rodneyjaynes2485
    @rodneyjaynes2485 Год назад +1

    I notice that no routes include Lake Superior. I would have to include that so that I could say that I have sailed all the great lakes. Some beautiful scenery up there.

    • @kimberlyrusso3852
      @kimberlyrusso3852 Год назад

      Lake Superior would be considered a side trip on the Great Loop which is why it is not shown on the route options.

    • @royreynolds108
      @royreynolds108 Год назад

      Lake Superior can be accessed from Lake Huron completely within the US, I believe, through the Soo Locks which are on the border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Lake Huron to Lake Erie is in the US if you stay on the west bank of the St. Clair R. or do not tie up on the east bank which is Ontario, Canada without a passport. Talk with Customs. The big problem with the St. Clair River is the "lake boats" and ships using it just like the Soo Locks, they are big.

  • @josephrobichaud5198
    @josephrobichaud5198 5 месяцев назад

    Get out of the vacation mode!
    If your committing to this type trip, make the time to stop and explore !

  • @ChrisHolman
    @ChrisHolman Год назад +1

    Offering a Great Loop charter would be awesome!

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад +2

      The biggest challenge for that is generally insurance (if a charter was offered for the entire Loop). I've had others check into it before and they found that insurers will not cover a charter for that wide of a geographic area.

    • @ChrisHolman
      @ChrisHolman Год назад

      @@GreatLoop sad face....

  • @ajborne
    @ajborne 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the video, very interesting. Probably the longest video I've watched on you-tube so that shows how interesting I found it. I'd love to do this. Do you get many Non-Americans doing this or would it be a problem remaining in the US and Canada for so long? I'm in England.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +1

      Hi James, thanks for your comments. We do have several boaters who come from overseas to the do the Great Loop. It requires an extended visa, but I don't know of any members who have had trouble getting one. I have, in the past, provided a letter for members to take to their visa interview that explains the Great Loop and why an extended visa is needed. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at krusso@greatloop.

  • @Chris-zp6eh
    @Chris-zp6eh Год назад +1

    Great walk through. Are there any guide books that have locations of fuel stops. Good/bad marinas? Things to avoid? Travel from state to state?

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  Год назад +2

      Waterway Guide (the books and the website) offer details on fuels stops and marinas, and they include reviews so you can gather feedback on marinas. Active Captain, which is built into Garmin products, also has this data.

    • @Chris-zp6eh
      @Chris-zp6eh Год назад

      @@GreatLoop Great! Thanks for the info.

  • @TheMarpalm
    @TheMarpalm 3 года назад +3

    Kim, great video. Very informative and interesting. Just getting started but this trip us now on my bucket list. My wife is “getting on board”.
    Couple of quick questions:
    1. Diesel or gas boat? Is there a big difference in terms of advantages of one vs. the other?
    2. I would think many loopers are “between homes” during the trip. Is this a fair statement?
    3. Any books written about doing the loop?
    4. I see flags that identify loopers- are these used by people first starting their trip?

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +7

      Diesel or gas is a constant debate. There are more Looper boats that are diesel than gasoline. There is a long stretch on the inland rivers where getting gas can be more of a challenge for diesel. Gasoline is reat more of a fire risk than diesel. There's a lot on our forum about this topic.
      Some Loopers are between homes. Some rent out their home. Others leave it vacant or have family for friends house sit.
      There are several books about the Great Loop. Visit www.greatloop.org and check out the Shop menu.
      The white AGLCA flag signifies membership. The Gold is flown by those who have completed the route. The Platinum is for those who have completed it more than once.

    • @TheMarpalm
      @TheMarpalm 3 года назад +1

      Great Loop thanks! Joining today

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +1

      @@TheMarpalm Thanks! We appreciate your membership! I call new members a week or two after they join to answer any questions, so I'll look forward to checking in with you later this month. -Kim

  • @willie714
    @willie714 2 года назад

    After watching many looper videos I was wondering why more/some/any really don't go down the Mississippi. Thanks.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +1

      The Lower Mississippi is not as friendly for pleasure craft as the Tenn-Tom route. There are not as many marinas and anchorages, there is a lot of commercial traffic to deal with, and it increases the maximum distance between fuel stops to 350 miles for diesel and 450 for gasoline. Some Loopers have done it, but most take the Tenn-Tom.

  • @walterdouglas2931
    @walterdouglas2931 3 года назад +1

    Great Video... IS there a Problem when your boat is a fresh water boat and you go thru Salt water.. Blessings

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  3 года назад +3

      We did a podcast on how to prepare your fresh water boat for salt water: www.blogtalkradio.com/aglca/2017/08/25/great-loop-radio-preparing-a-fresh-water-boat-for-salt-water

  • @morewi
    @morewi 8 месяцев назад +1

    Hate to nitpick but Grafton is where the Illinois meets the Mississippi river. Cairo Illinois is where the Ohio meets meets the Mississippi.

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  8 месяцев назад

      You are 100% correct. It was a misspeak when we recorded this. It's been covered in comments previously but I'll add it to the video description as well.

  • @Dachamp2001
    @Dachamp2001 2 года назад +1

    A buddy of mine takes his 78ft yacht from the Allegheny River here in Pittsburgh to Erie pa from spring to mid fall give or take. Then brings it back down for winter storage. He gos down the ohio to the Mississippi then to the Chicago River through lake Michigan around to Erie. He says it's hard getting diesel on some parts of the ohio and Mississippi manly cause he has to order a tanker for 1400 gal from empty to full . Cause most marinas cant supplie him that much fuel at once plus some parts the tanker has no River access. He has a rang about 300-350. 375 if he keeps his hand out the throttle lol

    • @GreatLoop
      @GreatLoop  2 года назад +1

      Although much of that trip is not part of the Great Loop, the part that is on the route does have the longest distance on the Loop between fuel stops. That would be between Hoppies in Kimmswick, MO on the Mississippi and Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio. The distance is about 200 miles. Hoppies had been closed for a while, making it more challenging, but they are now back on line and pumping fuel.

    • @Dachamp2001
      @Dachamp2001 2 года назад

      @@GreatLoop Never been down that way with him. Once we hit the Mississippi we go North. He always runs the full tank. But the marinas can supply him some full but not the whole 1400 gal. That and he prefer tankers it's cheaper in bulk and pumping it from a marinas takes forever plus that most I seen him get was 500gal and they were crying about that

  • @carpspudpicker3031
    @carpspudpicker3031 3 года назад +1

    The Big chute was left to prevent invasive species from entering Georgian Bay.