Thank you to everyone who commented on our 24-hour video. If you have any unanswered questions, leave them here, and we'll get to them! We'll announce the giveaway winners in our Sunday Summary. Cheers!
I've watched you guys so long, I've had to put you away and come back (my tiny attention span 😮). The video editing is your top feature. So many loopers out there doing videos, none match your camera count, lighting, clip length (mercifully short!), drone work, music, and finish. Your tone is always upbeat. Your honesty on the challenges (we own a boat, we truly know), is refreshing without dwelling on them. I can only imagine other loopers doing video, looking at yours and thinking - "THAT is the goal". But the work to do what you have done is ENORMOUS. I used to fuss about your videos not being contemporaneous, but looking at the product, I'm glad they weren't. Well done! Happy Travels!
It's quite impressive what both of you have already accomplished in following your dreams. At a pretty young age, you both have done what most of us cannot ever start. I have seen your every video and I have loved every one. I look forward to following you on your next adventure.
Loved the documentary and the Q&A. Hoping having my girlfriend watch with me again will convince her to loop with me. As for the bilge pump issue and the question what you should bring with you. I’m not a looper but I am a boater. I keep a spare bilge pump on board wired to alligator clips with enough hose on it to pump out of the bilge to at least the deck so it can self bail. That way you 1. Have a spare bilge pump on board that you can install in the event yours fails. 2. Have one you can get running in a hurry by just clipping it right to the battery and 3. Can hand it off to another boat who’s in trouble to get running in a hurry if need be.
Keep this accurate! This IS ONLY about Ollie!....us old geezers, 30 years of boating, 57 years old just loved your channel. Caught on when you started looping which is in our future. We were engaged on Flowerpot Island in Georgian bay in 1992 on my 2nd, Tracy's first trailer boat trip up there from SE Michigan. Cheers and look forward to your next adventure, "The Family Paschen" Est: 1985 32 Bayliner MY with twin Hinos. Swan Boat Club, Newport MI
Living a stone's throw from the lift lock in Peterborough, Ontario, I loved your entire journey! I found your interest and respect for everything very inspiring!🇨🇦
Sorry to hear your electric dinghy motor by ePropulsion died. I have a friend that had the same thing after a year and a half, and they wouldn't repair or replace the unit, even though the warranty is two years. That's the risk with Chinese made equipment, more or less. He's since moved the German-made Torqeedo after recommendations from other friends. Great video, best of luck in your next adventures, and can't wait for the content!
Great video! Watching you travel the Great Loop was exciting, and brought back memories of my boating experience (both good & bad memories) as a teenager. Wishing you lots of luck in your new van life.
I was gonna say. Watching your video has been eye opening knowing I can do that route. It was funny watching everything you did wrong as kids buying a boat and going big with zero experience
Loved the final wrap up of your Great Loop Adventure, keep up the great work, remember to never go to bed mad at each other, and “Long Live the Land Loop Adventure!”
I am so excited to watch your van life adventures! I think selling Pivot was a great idea. Boats need to be used and kept up just like a home. It was good to see your smiling faces. Happy Trails!
Thanks for answering a bunch of interesting questions. Filled in a few gaps. I'm surprised no one seemed to ask if would you have chosen a different boat for the Loop after seeing hundreds of Loopers and their boats and after doing the Loop on Pivot? Was Pivot big enough? Was Pivot too slow? Was PIvot too old? Looking forward to Van Life videos. I looked at a few of them but am sticking with boats for now. The Mercedes Sprinter was popular but the small diesel engine seemed underpowered. I kind of preferred the Ford Transit van -- it also had more headroom than the Sprinter. But lots of van people prefer the Sprinter Van. One other question I wasn't sure was answered -- was Ollie happy to do her business on the boat on a special mat or did she have to go ashore to feel comfortable doing her business? I'm sure van life with Ollie will be much more convenient when you can stop anywhere for her.
Great questions, John! 1. We would still choose Pivot, knowing what we know now, probably mostly budget and being less afraid "scratches and dents" because its our first boat. This being said, for a future Loop we would get a different one! We'd prefer a smaller, faster boat so we can nick in and out of harbors and get to destinations faster. 2. Ollie really felt most comfortable on shore. She did use the mat on the boat, but only if we didn't take her to shore for 24 hours. Hopefully the van is much better!
Awesome.... Hope you make it up to Canada again! If you make it to Toronto, I would be honoured to show you around! Maybe even take you out on our boat.
Great information and insight. I think it's good to take in other people's experiences before embarking on an adventure. My fiance gets apprehensive about our future boat life. In spite of the fact that she delivered multi-million dollar yachts for a number of years. She says, "because this is our boat". Me, i just gather what information I can get. Then plan accordingly. After all, it's supposed to be an adventure.
It's always a balance! I get that "this is our boat" thing, we totally felt the same way. It really is an adventure too, part of the excitement and adds to the sense of accomplishment when its all over! ❤️
You both were so enjoyable to follow and I cant wait to follow you in van life. When Im not watching loopers Im watching people do van life. My husband would love to do the loop. Should we do it one day I'm borrowing your mottos of slower than slow and only traveling on good days, not okay days. Thanks for answering all the questions including mine on what spare parts to bring. I know on the loop you give up control of a lot because its dictated by weather and spare parts is an area I feel I can control a little by being as prepared as possible. I enjoyed your answer, especially the last part. Worse case scenario, throw anchor and call for a tow. I need to hear things like that.
Another great video. So I have several comments and I may mention some other looping/boating RUclips pages, but am in no way endorsing them for everyone. (You have more subscribers than all of them I believe) First: No need to buy a boat for the Pacific coast to Alaska. Just "Stay Cool" with Malcom and Rachel. They had nothing but nice things to say about the 2 of you when I mentioned watching you and seeing Pivot on one of their videos. (Right before Chattanooga excursion) They are looking at boats and I believe are thinking that's a trip they want to make. Second: Watching "Life From the Bridge 2025" and they pulled into a marina and Pivot was sitting there on the "hard" getting ready to go back in water. Third: "No Regrets Lifestyle" has a lot of engine maintenance videos on his channel. First thing he does when he buys a boat, is change all the engine/transmission coolers if they've never been changed and raw water pumps get a good going over/replaced if needed. "If it's gonna happen. it's gonna happen out there!" Last: Glad someone asked, since I suggested you do it on a lock wall on the Erie Canal. Need to invite all us subscribers that at least are commenting. Don't have to feed us at reception and we probably can't attend anyway, but I'm sure you'd receive some interesting wedding gifts!!! Look forward to seeing your van adventures. And the "Life of Ollie"
I look forward to the three of you travelling North America. I would love to do a loop driving around Newfoundland. I was surprised how beautiful it is after watching an overlander series on You Tube.
I pull a Westie in a specially designed chariot behind my e-bike. He (Charley...6 years old now) loves it. I trained him using a velcro breakaway leash. It took him a couple tries but soon became a master at riding shotgun. (It also holds a good pile of groceries)
Hi guys, gonna miss following you on the Loop! We were amazed at how sure footed Ollie was especially on the dinghy! OTOH, our poodle-terrier rescue Charlie is a lovable klutz. We'd have to watch him like a hawk. Will try & stay up with your van life too. Please forgive me if it has been asked....are you selling Pivot?
You drove 9 hours to a doctor appointment? Wow. Our plan is to do all appointments before we leave and then pick them up again when we get back. Skipping a year doesn't seem unreasonable to me (and we are way older than you)!!
We actually had one on board but never hooked it up. The only place on the Loop that it would have been nice is the Florida Keys since we were there for an extended period of time but we found a way to get water with smaller RV portable tanks. I think a watermaker is especially good for the Bahamas and extended offshore cruising, but on the loop, you are in a marina frequently enough that you always have water.
Great tip! I looked it up and it looks like I've been there before, haha. It was a long time ago, when we were in college at UF. Will have to check it out again.
I watch a few RUclips videos from open ocean catamarans, as a requirement from their insurance company they had to take a sailing course to learn the "ropes" as it were to get qualified to go out of port and secure their insurance. For you motorboat were you required to take a similar course?
I don't recall if it was required or if it just helped with premiums, but we did take an online Boater's safety course with a test at the end! That went over safety and regulations, but not so much of the "how to boat". Cheers!
This might be asked and answered somewhere, but it would be cool for you to shoot a video on just the technology/radar/charts "set up" you used daily on the loop. I know there are many different options out there but be cool to see what you found best and what you relied on each day while under way.
Thanks for the comment, Blair! We wrote an article on Navigation, let us know if that helps! If you want to know something that isn't covered, if you leave a comment on the post we'll try and update the post with the answer. Cheers - schoandjo.com/marine-navigation-apps/
Im perplexed - I live your channel and have seen every one - it seems everybody else I talk to about the Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 LOVE it, yet you had an issue that seemingly didn’t get resolved - knowing that you are pro electric, I’m curious what other electric option you would recommend?? So many have told me DO NOT purchase the Torqueedo as there has been a litany of issues - I’d like to purchase the EPropulsion, but curious why you seem to poopoo it? Thanks for your feedback 👍🏼👊🏻
We loved the motor overall, but considering it failed when it did, we expected it to last longer. Since it wasn't self-repairable and needed a new bottom shaft, we weren't too happy. Electric motor companies are always getting better and better, I've heard good and bad things for Torqueedo so I can't comment too much there. All I can mention is our experience, and if on the last day it didn't fail then we'd be saying a completely different story. thanks!
The first towns that come to mind are Troy, NY, Savannah, GA and Paducah, KY! A lot of the old towns were really cool to visit, probably too many to list here 😁
Jen has a database of all the recipes she's found over the years. We just organize them in Notion although any app will work! Notion is nice because that recipe database can easily be converted into a calendar. Cheers
Only once while living aboard, and never when on the Loop. Just not sure about the process to Canada as regulations change often. Best to do the current research, cheers!
Thank you to everyone who commented on our 24-hour video. If you have any unanswered questions, leave them here, and we'll get to them! We'll announce the giveaway winners in our Sunday Summary. Cheers!
Enjoy the van life and exploring.
Your insights should be mandatory viewing for any future loopers... your teaching skills on a scale of 1-5... a perfect 10
haha that's an amazing comment, thank you!
I've watched you guys so long, I've had to put you away and come back (my tiny attention span 😮). The video editing is your top feature. So many loopers out there doing videos, none match your camera count, lighting, clip length (mercifully short!), drone work, music, and finish. Your tone is always upbeat. Your honesty on the challenges (we own a boat, we truly know), is refreshing without dwelling on them.
I can only imagine other loopers doing video, looking at yours and thinking - "THAT is the goal". But the work to do what you have done is ENORMOUS. I used to fuss about your videos not being contemporaneous, but looking at the product, I'm glad they weren't. Well done! Happy Travels!
Thanks Ben!
It's quite impressive what both of you have already accomplished in following your dreams. At a pretty young age, you both have done what most of us cannot ever start. I have seen your every video and I have loved every one. I look forward to following you on your next adventure.
WE CAN'T WAIT FOR VAN LIFE WITH Y'ALL! 🎉🙌🏼🚐
GONNA BE EPIC!!!!
Loved the documentary and the Q&A. Hoping having my girlfriend watch with me again will convince her to loop with me.
As for the bilge pump issue and the question what you should bring with you. I’m not a looper but I am a boater. I keep a spare bilge pump on board wired to alligator clips with enough hose on it to pump out of the bilge to at least the deck so it can self bail. That way you 1. Have a spare bilge pump on board that you can install in the event yours fails. 2. Have one you can get running in a hurry by just clipping it right to the battery and 3. Can hand it off to another boat who’s in trouble to get running in a hurry if need be.
Keep this accurate! This IS ONLY about Ollie!....us old geezers, 30 years of boating, 57 years old just loved your channel. Caught on when you started looping which is in our future. We were engaged on Flowerpot Island in Georgian bay in 1992 on my 2nd, Tracy's first trailer boat trip up there from SE Michigan. Cheers and look forward to your next adventure, "The Family Paschen" Est: 1985 32 Bayliner MY with twin Hinos. Swan Boat Club, Newport MI
🐶❤️ - Best of luck getting out there on the Loop in the future!
Living a stone's throw from the lift lock in Peterborough, Ontario, I loved your entire journey! I found your interest and respect for everything very inspiring!🇨🇦
We didn't miss any of your loop video's. It really should be in the Great Loop guide book as a resource. Have fun guys
Great to see you looking so relaxed and we are looking forward to following you on your next adventure. Thanks for making it real.
Sorry to hear your electric dinghy motor by ePropulsion died. I have a friend that had the same thing after a year and a half, and they wouldn't repair or replace the unit, even though the warranty is two years. That's the risk with Chinese made equipment, more or less. He's since moved the German-made Torqeedo after recommendations from other friends.
Great video, best of luck in your next adventures, and can't wait for the content!
Great video! Watching you travel the Great Loop was exciting, and brought back memories of my boating experience (both good & bad memories) as a teenager. Wishing you lots of luck in your new van life.
Interesting and worthwhile summary. Can’t wait for the van videos!
Another great video guys. Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. We are excited to see your next adventure.
I was gonna say. Watching your video has been eye opening knowing I can do that route. It was funny watching everything you did wrong as kids buying a boat and going big with zero experience
Awesome hope to see u out there
Loved the final wrap up of your Great Loop Adventure, keep up the great work, remember to never go to bed mad at each other, and
“Long Live the Land Loop Adventure!”
Great advice!
I am so excited to watch your van life adventures! I think selling Pivot was a great idea. Boats need to be used and kept up just like a home. It was good to see your smiling faces. Happy Trails!
Thanks so much Lynn!
We were so curious about where the Scho and Jo name came from! Great Q&A thanks for sharing
Thanks for the informative q&a! 😊
Great video. Really looking forward to the van life videos. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks for answering a bunch of interesting questions. Filled in a few gaps. I'm surprised no one seemed to ask if would you have chosen a different boat for the Loop after seeing hundreds of Loopers and their boats and after doing the Loop on Pivot? Was Pivot big enough? Was Pivot too slow? Was PIvot too old?
Looking forward to Van Life videos. I looked at a few of them but am sticking with boats for now. The Mercedes Sprinter was popular but the small diesel engine seemed underpowered. I kind of preferred the Ford Transit van -- it also had more headroom than the Sprinter. But lots of van people prefer the Sprinter Van. One other question I wasn't sure was answered -- was Ollie happy to do her business on the boat on a special mat or did she have to go ashore to feel comfortable doing her business? I'm sure van life with Ollie will be much more convenient when you can stop anywhere for her.
Great questions, John!
1. We would still choose Pivot, knowing what we know now, probably mostly budget and being less afraid "scratches and dents" because its our first boat. This being said, for a future Loop we would get a different one! We'd prefer a smaller, faster boat so we can nick in and out of harbors and get to destinations faster.
2. Ollie really felt most comfortable on shore. She did use the mat on the boat, but only if we didn't take her to shore for 24 hours. Hopefully the van is much better!
Ollie is so cute 🥰. Fun adventures
Awesome.... Hope you make it up to Canada again! If you make it to Toronto, I would be honoured to show you around! Maybe even take you out on our boat.
Great information and insight. I think it's good to take in other people's experiences before embarking on an adventure.
My fiance gets apprehensive about our future boat life. In spite of the fact that she delivered multi-million dollar yachts for a number of years. She says, "because this is our boat". Me, i just gather what information I can get. Then plan accordingly. After all, it's supposed to be an adventure.
It's always a balance! I get that "this is our boat" thing, we totally felt the same way. It really is an adventure too, part of the excitement and adds to the sense of accomplishment when its all over! ❤️
I was about your no. 570 subscriber and I love your videos so far.
"Saludos" from Switzerland! 😘
Wow, you've been here for a long time, thank you!! Saludos ❤️
Thank you both for all the great information, our clock is ticking. 2376 days and counting.
It'll be here before we know it!
You both were so enjoyable to follow and I cant wait to follow you in van life. When Im not watching loopers Im watching people do van life.
My husband would love to do the loop. Should we do it one day I'm borrowing your mottos of slower than slow and only traveling on good days, not okay days. Thanks for answering all the questions including mine on what spare parts to bring. I know on the loop you give up control of a lot because its dictated by weather and spare parts is an area I feel I can control a little by being as prepared as possible. I enjoyed your answer, especially the last part. Worse case scenario, throw anchor and call for a tow. I need to hear things like that.
That's awesome, Tracey! It sounds like you both are getting prepared to Loop one day, it was a great question. We hope you like our van series! ❤️
Missed you .
Great Q&A. ♥️
Loved this Q & A … good luck with your next adventure…..
Thanks Jim - good luck with y'alls loop!
How did Elliott kept his hair short?? Did Jen become a barber as well???
I just love you all!!❤❤❤
haha yes Jen is my barber 🥰 a woman of many talents!
Nicely done Q&A
Bourbon Moth is a master woodworker. Might want to look at his videos redoing the inside of an old airstream
Another great video. So I have several comments and I may mention some other looping/boating RUclips pages, but am in no way endorsing them for everyone. (You have more subscribers than all of them I believe)
First: No need to buy a boat for the Pacific coast to Alaska. Just "Stay Cool" with Malcom and Rachel. They had nothing but nice things to say about the 2 of you when I mentioned watching you and seeing Pivot on one of their videos. (Right before Chattanooga excursion) They are looking at boats and I believe are thinking that's a trip they want to make.
Second: Watching "Life From the Bridge 2025" and they pulled into a marina and Pivot was sitting there on the "hard" getting ready to go back in water.
Third: "No Regrets Lifestyle" has a lot of engine maintenance videos on his channel. First thing he does when he buys a boat, is change all the engine/transmission coolers if they've never been changed and raw water pumps get a good going over/replaced if needed. "If it's gonna happen. it's gonna happen out there!"
Last: Glad someone asked, since I suggested you do it on a lock wall on the Erie Canal. Need to invite all us subscribers that at least are commenting. Don't have to feed us at reception and we probably can't attend anyway, but I'm sure you'd receive some interesting wedding gifts!!!
Look forward to seeing your van adventures. And the "Life of Ollie"
Thanks, John!
We are hoping to see Malcom and Rachel when we drive through in the Van next year!
I look forward to the three of you travelling North America. I would love to do a loop driving around Newfoundland. I was surprised how beautiful it is after watching an overlander series on You Tube.
I pull a Westie in a specially designed chariot behind my e-bike. He (Charley...6 years old now) loves it. I trained him using a velcro breakaway leash. It took him a couple tries but soon became a master at riding shotgun. (It also holds a good pile of groceries)
Sounds awesome!
We'd love to van around Newfoundland some day. Our friends A+K just did it last fall and it looked epic!
Hi guys, gonna miss following you on the Loop! We were amazed at how sure footed Ollie was especially on the dinghy! OTOH, our poodle-terrier rescue Charlie is a lovable klutz. We'd have to watch him like a hawk. Will try & stay up with your van life too. Please forgive me if it has been asked....are you selling Pivot?
Yes! We answered it in this video (you can check the captions). but long story short, Pivot was sold last fall.
@@SchoandJo Wow, musta had a senior moment...it was clear as day! Fair winds Pivot!
You drove 9 hours to a doctor appointment? Wow. Our plan is to do all appointments before we leave and then pick them up again when we get back. Skipping a year doesn't seem unreasonable to me (and we are way older than you)!!
Yea! sometimes, duty calls. your plan sounds great!
One item I was watching for is Watermakers. Whatdya think? Worth it for the Loop?
We actually had one on board but never hooked it up. The only place on the Loop that it would have been nice is the Florida Keys since we were there for an extended period of time but we found a way to get water with smaller RV portable tanks.
I think a watermaker is especially good for the Bahamas and extended offshore cruising, but on the loop, you are in a marina frequently enough that you always have water.
40:39 @ if you happen to be near central Florida, visit Wekiva Springs State Park and its neighbor Wekiva Island. Its worth a day or two.
Great tip! I looked it up and it looks like I've been there before, haha. It was a long time ago, when we were in college at UF. Will have to check it out again.
I watch a few RUclips videos from open ocean catamarans, as a requirement from their insurance company they had to take a sailing course to learn the "ropes" as it were to get qualified to go out of port and secure their insurance. For you motorboat were you required to take a similar course?
I don't recall if it was required or if it just helped with premiums, but we did take an online Boater's safety course with a test at the end! That went over safety and regulations, but not so much of the "how to boat". Cheers!
This might be asked and answered somewhere, but it would be cool for you to shoot a video on just the technology/radar/charts "set up" you used daily on the loop. I know there are many different options out there but be cool to see what you found best and what you relied on each day while under way.
Thanks for the comment, Blair! We wrote an article on Navigation, let us know if that helps! If you want to know something that isn't covered, if you leave a comment on the post we'll try and update the post with the answer. Cheers - schoandjo.com/marine-navigation-apps/
Im perplexed - I live your channel and have seen every one - it seems everybody else I talk to about the Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 LOVE it, yet you had an issue that seemingly didn’t get resolved - knowing that you are pro electric, I’m curious what other electric option you would recommend?? So many have told me DO NOT purchase the Torqueedo as there has been a litany of issues - I’d like to purchase the EPropulsion, but curious why you seem to poopoo it? Thanks for your feedback 👍🏼👊🏻
We loved the motor overall, but considering it failed when it did, we expected it to last longer. Since it wasn't self-repairable and needed a new bottom shaft, we weren't too happy.
Electric motor companies are always getting better and better, I've heard good and bad things for Torqueedo so I can't comment too much there. All I can mention is our experience, and if on the last day it didn't fail then we'd be saying a completely different story. thanks!
You guys should do a loop challenge to see how quickly you could finish it...
haha I think the Jet Ski Loopers would lap us 😂
Since you are in City Planning what town along the way appealed most to you.
The first towns that come to mind are Troy, NY, Savannah, GA and Paducah, KY! A lot of the old towns were really cool to visit, probably too many to list here 😁
Hello!! Missing your videos!!!😢
Good thing they’re back! This kicks off release schedule again 🏃
Hotdiggidy!!!!! So happy!!! I started to miss Ollie!!❤
Great video... what software/App does Jen use for meal planning?
Jen has a database of all the recipes she's found over the years. We just organize them in Notion although any app will work! Notion is nice because that recipe database can easily be converted into a calendar. Cheers
How many times did you get boarded by coast guard? Why not sure the process of going into Canada
Only once while living aboard, and never when on the Loop. Just not sure about the process to Canada as regulations change often. Best to do the current research, cheers!
Loved the boating/great loop adventure! I’ll miss you as the van shenanigans will not be in my subscribed feed.
👍
what make of engine did pivot have
We had a Ford Lehman Super 135
Hi
👋
Buy a sailboat and do a crossing. Ya killed the loop and not each other. I bet ya can do it.
You could have purchased bicycles along the way...
Electric bikes
From RUclips boating to RUclips van life.......Like that hasn't been done enough,,,,,,,
🆗