Best Boats For The Great Loop Explored

The Great Loop is a 5,000-7,000-mile route that takes recreational boaters on a giant circuit of the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. It involves a mix of seaways, canals, rivers and coastal stretches, and typically takes about a year to complete.

There is no single best boat for the Great Loop, but there are several factors to consider when choosing a vessel. These include height and draft restrictions along the route, fuel range, living space and amenities, engine type, safety and accessibility features, and personal preferences.

Trawlers, cruisers, motor yachts, and catamarans are among the most popular choices for the Great Loop, offering a balance of living space, fuel efficiency, and navigability. Sailboats are also an option, but they typically require removing the mast for certain sections of the route.

The ideal boat should be small enough to be economical, but large enough to live on for extended periods

The ideal boat for the Great Loop should be small enough to be economical but large enough to live on for extended periods. This sweet spot will depend on your personal preferences and budget.

The Great Loop is a 5,000-7,000-mile route that circumnavigates the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. It takes boaters on a giant circuit through a mix of waterways, open water stretches, canals, and rivers. The journey typically lasts a year, but some complete it in a few months, while others take several years.

The average Looper boat is 39.5 feet long, with more than half between 35 and 45 feet. However, the ideal boat size depends on your specific needs and goals for the trip. If you plan to entertain guests, you'll need more space. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, a smaller boat might be more comfortable and economical.

When considering boat size, keep in mind the following:

• Air draft (bridge clearance): The most restrictive bridge on the route is in Chicago, with a height limit of 19 feet, 6 inches. If you want to include downtown Chicago or the full Erie Canal, the air draft limit is 17 feet and 15 feet, 6 inches, respectively.
• Draft (depth of the hull): A shallower draft is preferable as parts of the Loop have shallow waters. A draft of 4 feet or less is ideal, while a draft of 5 feet or more will be challenging in certain areas.
• Beam (width): Most marinas can accommodate boats with a beam of up to 16 feet. If you plan to take your boat through the Trent Severn Waterway in Canada, the maximum beam is 23 feet.
• Tankage: Ensure your boat has sufficient fuel capacity to cover long stretches without refuelling options. A range of at least 300-450 miles is recommended.
• Amenities: Consider what amenities you need for comfort during extended periods on the water. These may include a comfortable bed, a large galley, a living room, outdoor patio area, bathroom with a separate shower, air conditioning, heating, and so on.

Remember, the ideal boat is one that suits your specific needs and budget, and allows you to enjoy the unique experience of the Great Loop.

It should be slow enough to conserve fuel, but fast enough to meet your timelines

The Great Loop is a 5,000-7,000-mile route that takes recreational boaters on a giant circuit of the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. It is a unique opportunity to view the countryside through a different lens, as boaters navigate a mix of seaways, canals, and rivers at a relaxed pace.

The ideal boat for the Great Loop will be slow enough to conserve fuel but fast enough to meet your timelines. This means opting for a fuel-efficient boat with a range of at least 300 miles to comfortably reach fuelling stations. While trawlers typically cruise at around 6-9 knots, cruisers are capable of travelling at higher speeds, giving them the advantage of covering more miles per day.

Cruisers, however, consume more fuel, which means more nights at anchor and higher fuel costs. Trawlers, on the other hand, are slower, heavy, and more economical to operate, with maximum speeds of about 10 knots. They are also spacious, fuel-efficient, and can often be found at a bargain.

The choice between a trawler and a cruiser depends on your timeline and budget. If you are looking to complete the Great Loop in a shorter amount of time, a cruiser might be a better option. Cruisers are built on planing hulls, allowing for higher speeds and greater daily distances. However, this comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption.

If you are looking to take your time and enjoy the journey, a trawler might be a better choice. Trawlers are ideal for slow-distance cruising and can provide a more relaxed and fuel-efficient experience. They also tend to have more comfortable accommodations, making them well-suited for longer trips.

Ultimately, the decision between a trawler and a cruiser depends on your desired speed and timeline. If you want to take your time and conserve fuel, a trawler is a good option. If you need to meet specific timelines, a cruiser's higher speed might be more suitable.

The boat should be able to navigate out of the way of dangerous vessel traffic or inclement weather

The Great Loop is a 5,000-7,000-mile route that takes boaters on a giant circuit of the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. It involves traversing a mix of seaways, canals, rivers, and other waterways. The journey usually takes about a year to complete, but there is no "best" boat for the Great Loop—it depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements for the journey.

One of the key considerations when choosing a boat for the Great Loop is its ability to navigate out of the way of dangerous vessel traffic or inclement weather. Here are some factors to consider:

• Size and manoeuvrability: A smaller boat will generally be easier to manoeuvre and can access narrower waterways and passages. It can also be more cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption and marina fees. However, a larger boat may offer more comfortable living space and amenities.
• Engine type and number: Boats with two engines provide better manoeuvrability and redundancy in case of engine failure. They also allow for better control in tight spaces. However, they come with higher operating and maintenance costs.
• Fuel range and efficiency: The Great Loop has long stretches without fuel docks, so a boat with a fuel-efficient engine and a range of at least 300-450 miles is essential. This will ensure you can comfortably reach fuelling stations without worrying about running out of fuel.
• Draft and height limitations: The Great Loop has areas with shallow waters and low bridges, especially in places like the Chicago River and the Erie Canal. To avoid restrictions and detours, choose a boat with a draft of less than 5 feet and a height of less than 19 feet, 6 inches.
• Navigability and handling: Select a boat that handles well in various water conditions, including inland rivers, lakes, and coastal sections. It should be stable and have good visibility from the cockpit or helm.
• Safety features: Look for boats with reliable navigation and communication systems, strong handholds, and easy access to the bow and stern. Consider adding a dinghy for exploring shallow or narrow areas.
• Experience level: Choose a boat that matches your level of boating experience and one that you feel comfortable operating and maintaining. If you're a less experienced boater, consider taking boat classes to familiarise yourself with the vessel and improve your skills.

A good chart plotter and GPS are invaluable for this adventure

Chart plotters are especially useful for commercial traffic, as they are more up-to-date than paper charts about mudbanks or thin water. They are also beneficial for identifying your location in relation to other vessels and can help you stay on course, even in poor visibility conditions. GPS technology can provide precise location information and help you navigate to specific destinations or waypoints along your route.

Additionally, chart plotters and GPS can provide valuable information about your surroundings, such as nearby landmarks, marinas, fuel docks, and other points of interest. This information can be crucial for planning stops, refuelling, and navigating through unfamiliar territories.

It is also worth noting that while paper charts are essential, they should not be solely relied on. Having a backup in the form of digital navigation tools can provide peace of mind and ensure a safer journey. By utilising both paper charts and electronic navigation tools, you can maximise your navigational capabilities and minimise the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected obstacles.

Furthermore, modern chart plotters often come with additional features that can enhance your boating experience. For example, some chart plotters can provide real-time data on water depth, weather conditions, and even marine traffic. This information can be invaluable for making informed decisions and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

In conclusion, investing in a good chart plotter and GPS can significantly improve your Great Loop adventure. They provide invaluable navigation assistance, ensure safety, and allow you to make the most of your journey by helping you stay on course and providing valuable information about your surroundings.

A flybridge is great for visibility and protection from the elements

A flybridge is a great feature for boats navigating the Great Loop, a 5,000-7,000-mile route through the waterways of Eastern North America. The Great Loop is an adventure for recreational boaters, taking them on a giant circuit of the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada.

A flybridge offers excellent visibility and protection from the elements, enhancing the overall experience of this long and varied journey. Here's why:

Visibility

The Great Loop takes boaters through a mix of seaways, canals, rivers, and open waters. A flybridge provides a higher vantage point, improving visibility and making navigation easier. This is especially beneficial when navigating through busy waterways, locks, and bridges, or when keeping an eye out for floating debris, other vessels, or natural obstacles. With a flybridge, you can spot potential hazards sooner and make necessary course corrections, improving safety and peace of mind.

Protection from the Elements

The Great Loop spans diverse climates and weather conditions, from the sunny coasts of Florida to the chilly waters of the Great Lakes and Canada. A flybridge with a full enclosure offers protection from rain, wind, and sun exposure. Isinglass can be installed for colder climates, providing a clear view while shielding you from the cold. A Bimini top or canvas cover can also be added to the flybridge to provide shade and shelter from rain, ensuring comfort during long cruising days.

Versatility

A flybridge offers the option of an upper helm for clear views and improved visibility, as well as a lower helm for protection during inclement weather. This versatility allows boaters to adapt to changing conditions and choose the most comfortable option.

Social Space

In addition to functionality, a flybridge can also serve as a social space. It provides an elevated area to relax, enjoy the scenery, and socialize with fellow boaters. This can be especially enjoyable when cruising through picturesque locations or when docked at marinas along the route.

Suitability for Different Boat Types

Flybridges are commonly found on various boat types suitable for the Great Loop, including trawlers, cruisers, and motor yachts. Trawlers, with their spacious flybridges, are a popular choice for the Great Loop due to their fuel efficiency, comfort, and stability. Cruisers with flybridges offer the added benefit of faster speeds when desired, while still being able to cruise at slower, more economical speeds.

In conclusion, a flybridge is a valuable feature for boats embarking on the Great Loop, providing improved visibility, protection from the elements, and a versatile and enjoyable space for boaters to navigate and experience this unique journey.

Frequently asked questions