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experience
First off you should know I love eating out. That's my favorite thing to do. I haven't eaten at a Fast-Food restaurant since my kids moved out of the house. Even when not cruising, I normally eat out 4 or more times a week. I'm always in search of great 'Regional Favorites' with a reputation for serving up the best local foods everywhere I go. Aside from Saltgrass, Texas Roadhouse, McCormick & Schmick's, Legal Seafood, I almost never eat out at chain restaurants of any king, although I've tried most of them. Most of my eating out favorites are in the $25 to $50 range including a mixed drink, sometimes two. While I've had more than my fair share of $100 dinners, those are reserved for special friends on very special occasions. This might help explain my "More Fun than Fuel" Looping philosophy. I love cruising the Loop and I am always on the lookout for new exciting 'Regional Restaurants' that the locals rave about.
We spent $17,000 last year eating out and being a tourist on shore, the majority of that was spent eating out. While that may seem very high to some, fact is, most Looping couples report spending $12,000 or more for food on their boat and $4,000 or less eating out - We spend less than $4,000 for food on the boat and more than $12,000 eating out. My "More Fun than Fuel" philosophy is a lot more about "How you want to spend your money" than it is "How much money you have to spend". No one should attempt this voyage if their most important question is if they have "enough money". Over the years, we've met several Loopers that had to abandon this voyage because they ran out of money. In addition, it's not wise to go long distance cruising with Captain Boat Payments at the helm.
Boat cards
Get some! You will want some! And they will come in extremely handy. They are NOT business cards, they are 'Boat Cards'. They should have your name, your boat's name, your Home Port location, and an email address. I have a line on the back, where I can enter my phone number when necessary. Over the past 20 years or so, the popularity of America's Great Loop has led to the popularity of "Boat Cards". Now days, it is almost an expected thing. Loopers meet and collect other Loopers' Boat Cards. You will want some and you will need to get them made before shoving off on this adventure. We often exchange Boat cards with 50 or more Loopers and they are handy when checking in at Marinas.
boat tools & spare parts
I'm no mechanic. If it can't be fixed with Duct tape, WD40, pliers or a screwdriver, I'm out of luck. I'm no 'handy man' either. I get all stressed out and hate going to Home Depot. So, what you see above contains more tools than I've ever used on any of my journeys around the Loop, but my favorite Certified Marine Mechanic refused to work on my boat if I didn't have tools he needed. So, I bought the tools. 'Good Common Sense' goes a long way on this voyage. However, there is no sense in having a boat load of tools and spare parts, if you can't fix whatever is broken. Some suggest everyone carry spare propellers in case you run aground. Problem is, if you don't know how to replace it, or if not willing to jump in alligator infested waters to replace it, ' What good is a spare?'
anhchor & anchoring system
When it comes to safety, aside from your Life Vest, your anchor and anchoring system will prove to be the very most important safety feature on your boat! Don't overlook it! Don't skimp on not getting the best and get at least one grade up from the USCG recommended level for your size boat. We highly recommend a hoist - manual will do, bu
When it comes to safety, aside from your Life Vest, your anchor and anchoring system will prove to be the very most important safety feature on your boat! Don't overlook it! Don't skimp on not getting the best and get at least one grade up from the USCG recommended level for your size boat. We highly recommend a hoist - manual will do, but electric is best. A deck washdown hose will come in real handy. In some locations, raising your anchor you will also raise a huge pile of stinky, slimy, sticky, nasty, mud. Believe me, It's not a pleasant task.
running aground
It happens. It also happens to the best of us. If your fully loaded boat's draft (depth) exceeds 4'6" beneath the water, it will likely happen to you.
About 75% of this entire voyage is thru very shallow waters. For the most part, you will be cruising in water that is 7' to 10' deep in the marked channel. Often, at the edge of the channel,
It happens. It also happens to the best of us. If your fully loaded boat's draft (depth) exceeds 4'6" beneath the water, it will likely happen to you.
About 75% of this entire voyage is thru very shallow waters. For the most part, you will be cruising in water that is 7' to 10' deep in the marked channel. Often, at the edge of the channel, the water is no more than 4'. In addition, some areas are known for sand bars and shoaling. If you want to remain 'inland' as much as possible, we suggest draft of 4'6" or less and less is better.
TIDE CHANGES
If you have never cruised in tidal waters, you're in for an entirely new boating experience,
The first rule is, 'NEVER CRUISE ON A FALLING TIDE' unless you know 'low tide' is deeper than your vessel's draft. If you run aground at mid tide when the tide keeps falling, it could tip your boat over on its side. However, if you run aground on
If you have never cruised in tidal waters, you're in for an entirely new boating experience,
The first rule is, 'NEVER CRUISE ON A FALLING TIDE' unless you know 'low tide' is deeper than your vessel's draft. If you run aground at mid tide when the tide keeps falling, it could tip your boat over on its side. However, if you run aground on a rising tide, with a little patience, the incoming tide will lift your boat off the bottom, and you will be good to go again. Same goes when anchoring out. Make sure you will still be floating at low tide. There are free 'Tide charts' online for each area you will be cruising in.
ANCHORS AWAY
The tide change doesn't just take water out from beneath your boat, it also 'swings' your boat around an entire 180-degree circle that spans the length from your anchor to the stern of your boat and completely reverses your vessel's direction.
So, if shallow water, land, boats or other obstacles are within that radius, you will hit it. Giv
The tide change doesn't just take water out from beneath your boat, it also 'swings' your boat around an entire 180-degree circle that spans the length from your anchor to the stern of your boat and completely reverses your vessel's direction.
So, if shallow water, land, boats or other obstacles are within that radius, you will hit it. Give you anchor a wide birth, at least the distance between your anchor and the stern of your boat.
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