America's Great Loop, 6000 NM Around the Eastern US

Spin off from the River Map thread, since there are a few of us with this trip on the bucket list. I figured I'd start a thread.

I read an article in US Boats years ago, and completing the Loop has been on my mind since. There are about 150 people who complete the loop every year.

For those who don't know what it is- Introduction to the Great Loop

quote:

---

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland. Anyone who completes the journey is then named an official 'Looper.'

---

How long will it take?

quote:

---

The Great Loop has been done in as little as six weeks and in as much as 12 years. Traditionally, Loopers have spent about a year on the route. After all, it is a seasonal trip. You’ll want to be on the northern part of the Loop during the warm summer months, the inland rivers in the fall, spend the winter in Florida, and the spring following the warm weather up the eastern portion of the route.

We’re seeing a trend towards people doing the Great Loop in segments, cruising for a few weeks or months, and then returning home to take care of business or other responsibilities, and returning to the boat for another segment when possible.

---

My issue is our close friends want to do it too, so we've been looking for a boat that has 2 master state rooms, and they are difficult to find. Especially if you're trying to stay in a reasonable budget.

Plenty of boats that have made the loop for sale. I think I'd like a single diesel trawler w/ bow and stern thrusters, but could be convinced otherwise. Single diesel displacement hulls are the most economical, outside of a sailboat hull. Can't make the trip on a sailboat without removing the mast at some point to get thru the bridges. Seems like 42'-45' is the sweet spot for size. A vessel needs to draft less than 5' and be no more than 19'6" tall, with a 200 mile fuel range.

I think I'd definitely choose the northern triangle loop, to hit some of the scenic locks and canals. It adds about 750 miles, but you hit 99 locks, 7 rivers and 4 lakes. Some beautiful scenery too.


Other random loop pics-