- Cruising America's Great Loop - Once Around Is Not Enough - |
© 1993 - CaptainJohn.org |
You need a depth sounder: We have a depth finder on our vessel even though our GPS gives us the depth as well, and feel real comfortable with having both. In fact, we suggest you have both. This way if one goes on the blink for any reason, you should still have use of the other. Knowing the waters depth and tides on the Great Loop at all times is really - really important. You need a VHF radio: Not only is your VHF important for safety, such as contacting the USCG and getting USCG hazard reports, it also gives updated weather; you can also contact BoatUS, and/or Sea Tow. You will also need it for daily contact with Lock Masters and Bridge Tenders along the way. Additionally, it is great for getting local information from other boaters as well as approach and docking instructions from Marinas. You may want or need a dinghy: Actually, this is not a 'must have', but it is highly recommended. While a good used (hard bottom) dinghy might cost you upwards of $500, and a new one might cost a $1,600 (or more) a good dinghy will save you more then it cost over the length of your adventure. Most areas you will be boating in offer free "dinghy docks" whereas, without a dinghy, you will pay to dock your vessel. |
Getting ready for your great - Great Loop adventure |
On this page, we are going to go through a very short list of some of the more important things you will need to know. . . Then, we are going to give you suggestions on equipping and provisioning your boat. After that, and on the next few pages. . . We will give you a "leg by leg" preview of your entire journey around America's Great Loop. |
For more "Scoop on the Loop" - click NEXT |
Cruising America's Great Loop will fill your life with rainbows! |
Yes! I'm living the dream. But what you don't know is - I'm NOT living it the way I originally dreamed it. Not by a long shot.! My "Plan A" was cruising in a "dream boat". That (of course) proved to be way too costly. My "Plan B" was a smaller Trawler. Still it was a twin engine gas guzzler and I could not afford the fuel and keep cruising. Finally, I realized my dream was NOT about the boat - but rather the voyage and the adventure. My Plan C boat was a bit too small but plenty frugal. I needed a little more space & a lot more comfort. Now after 9 Loops in 7 boats - I know how Goldilocks felt . . . "This boat was just right for me!" My boating experience on the Loop has taught me much about the Loop as well as boats. I made a lot of mistakes. Still, each voyage has been better, sweeter, more economical, more carefree much more fun than each one before. So, here's hoping you discover enough on this website to make your very 'first' Loop experience every bit as wonderful, carefree and fun as my last. - Capt. John |
Cruising America's Great Loop |
- Cruising America's Great Loop - Once Around Is Not Enough - |
- Cruising America's Great Loop - Once Around Is Not Enough - |
- Once Around Is Not Enough - |
If you don't know where you are going in life. . . At least make sure you go far! - Capt. John |