Man I'm so glad I came across your videos. I'm in the market for a boat for the loop. I'm 60 years old and it's time for a change in my life. I like to hear the way you speak and you're obviously very knowledgeable. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos, this came at just the right time. thank you for doing this.

@cruising5to1

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Shortly I will post more videos about what to consider when buying a boat. I hope you will follow and comment as these videos hit the web. Thanks again.

Thank you for the video! I randomly stumbled across the Great Loop via youtube videos a few weeks ago. I'm in a very landlocked midwest state and had never heard of it, but I knew as soon as I watched the first few videos about it that I want to do it someday. Other than owning a skiboat for a few years and some kayaks, I have zero boating experience. I don't know what I don't know yet, and this video was great at explaining the different types of boats, what to look for, and pros/cons for each. My goal is to be able to start looking to buy a boat in 5 years (paying off debt and getting last kid through college comes first).

@cruising5to1

6 ай бұрын

Fantastic! Good luck in your plans and your search. Thank you for watching.

Loved this. I love hearing other peoples' process as they shop for boats. I hope you find your boat man!

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We are working on it, but I think I may just keep my Hatteras. I know the boat and we do love it.

I just learned more from you than anything so far theses last 2 months. I am a total newbie here and, want to do the great loop in the near future ( at least 2 years from now). I can't wait to follow along your journey. Maybe I'll pick up some more knowledge here with you. Thank you so much.

@cruising5to1

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I will have more videos out soon for new yachties to consider before buying their dream boat. Stay tuned and I hope there is more I can share with everyone.

You just totally cleared up and educated me on some vital basics among the clear-as-mud and confusing boat market for the loop. Thank you. ‘Just subscribed.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you very informative... My wife and I are on a 5-year plan to do the Great loop when I retire. I've watched several dozen videos about the proper boat to get for the Great loop and yours has been the most informative.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I gotta tell ya, as that date gets closer and closer, our excitement becomes greater and greater. With six months until we officially leave, I can barely concentrate on my work. Five years may seem like a long time...it's not. Good luck to you and your wife!

I feel for you! I, too, I have been waiting for over a year to get an engine fixed so I can cruise! Very nice explanation of hull designs. Good luck with your loop boat search. I’m a couple of years behind you.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We did have the boat in the water for Memorial Day and new shafts are on order. I'm hoping we are operational in a couple weeks. Stay tuned!!

1:21 Hey there, its fun to see someone from our neck of the woods. Our boat was moored at Willow Berm in the delta from 2004 to 2014. We are now in Florida doing research for the loop.

really great commentary. It is clear that you understand boats, which is really refreshing! Keep at this.

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment and coming along for the ride. Please let us know what you like and what you don't like. We're here to share our adventure in boating.

Very informative about the various hulls.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Good job with the family and the boat video. I’m at 45 or 48 ft. Hybrid and you helped ,my planning.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I'm glad it was helpful

Well done Matt!

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Pam. Hope to see you guys soon!

That was very interesting. Thank you!

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video and informative. I'm inspired to get one now. 6:36 And don't underestimate yourself, you are smart!

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

That bridge is on a river where the water may rise, 18 feet is much better. Size matters to hull speed but also in rough weather, actually weight. Hull speed depends on hull shape, the ratio you gave is for non-plaining hull, you don't want a plaining hull for the loop unless you want a huge fuel bill. Everyone justifies their boat, I'd agree a semi displacement is more than acceptable, but if someone wants a decent loop or cruising boat, most economical overall, it's a 32/34' catamaran, look for a Gemini, great for 2 can do 4, throw two 25 horse outboards on the tail, lower the mast and go where ever you want to.

Wow incredible

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

You're incredible!!!!

That's too bad about your current boat but I look forward to see what the next boat is!!! Dual engine? Best of luck!!

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We've been looking at dual engines so far. The shopping process is so frustrating right now. The market is hot and most people haven't been caring for their boats, so we've been looking a lot of crap. We're beginning to think it'll be better to just wait and get our boat done. At least I know it's been cared for AND I know what I got and what needs attention. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Indecision makes me nervous.

Would you consider the Hunter 50cc, with its wing keel at 5.50 draft, a reasonable boat for the Great Loop. I admire the Hunter design and the 50 cc, is perfect to the Mrs., and myself for long term cruising. We'd like to do the Great Lopp aboud the Hunter 50 cc.

@cruising5to1

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for your question and interaction! It makes me feel like I’m exposing a lifestyle to people unware that something so incredible actually exists. Would I consider a 50’ Center Cockpit Hunter a good boat to complete America’s Great Loop? First, let me admit that I am a powerboater; however, we were about to purchase a similar boat in 2006 to sail in the San Francisco Bay on weekends and holidays. But just before pulling the trigger, we found out we would be having yet another child. Children are more expensive than boats. Plus, I am of the opinion that sailboats are more dangerous than powerboats (they heel, have lines to catch little feet, safety lines that children can fall through, and so on); not to say that powerboat aren’t dangerous. It’s all relative. So we postponed our decision until Morgan was old enough to hold lines and not just my beer. While we were waiting for Morgan to grow up and learned to sail with us we realized we were getting old. Sailing is for the young or athletic people, not old fat people who like to drink and eat. We wanted to get out on the water and a powerboat was the ticket for our circumstances. We have fallen in love with this lifestyle and made the big jump to sell everything and move onto our 48’ Hatteras LRC; a fully displaced hull with large fuel, water and waste tanks for long range cruising. So, with that introduction tempering my opinion below, which is only an opinion, here would be my post important considerations: the Hunter 50CC is a beautiful center cockpit sailboat very much ideal for off-shore passages due to the safe and secure cockpit, especially with the lines running aft for safe operation in rough seas. It is the ideal boat for open seas and the only style of boat I would consider for these types of passages. This style of boat would also be good for costal cruising. I believe this style of boat less than ideal for intra-coastal cruising, yet very much capable with some limitations that you can avoid without great difficulty. Boating is a compromise! A couple/family must manage these compromises with an accurate scale. What is important? Is off-shore cruising in safety important or will you only sail from Florida to the Bahamas or Long Beach to Catalina? Will you be buying a boat specifically to cruise the American Loop or is this just one of your planned cruises? Is this your first boat or is this a boat you already own? What is your lifestyle and what makes you and your family comfortable? These flavors to consider are simply the tip of the iceberg. You must get right down into the grass, dirt and weeds to find your best boat. These considerations will be different for everyone contemplating the fairly large investment to enjoy this way of life. Can the Hunter 50CC complete America’s Great Loop; especially with the Wing Keel? NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! But is it as capable as other boats designed for coastal cruising? Not a chance (that said, I have learned that sailors are a different breed than powerboaters, so let me explain statement more fully). Sailboats complete the Loop all the time. They have fully displaced hulls and small efficient engines; however, sailboats have small tanks for water, fuel and waste. This isn’t exactly a deterrent from using a sailboat, just something you’ll need to think about. For example, most sailboat often carry jerrycans for long passages (you’ll probably need some of these for the passage either down the Mississippi or the Tim-Tom as you’ll need a 200 mile range between fuel stops). You’ll also need to step the mast; again, not a deterrent but something to prepare for. There is actually a transportation service that will pick up your mast from the marina stepping the mast and deliver it on the other side (you’ll need to research this). Then there is the obvious consideration; the depth of the keel will affect the available route you can take. For example, if you’re thinking of cruising the Dismal Swamp, one of our buck-list cruises, forget about it. Your keel will be bouncing off the bottom the whole way and likely pick up crap on the wing. But there is a way around it, just like other portions of the Loop that a deep keel must consider. On the other hand, no problem cruising Chicago or the entire Erie Canal with bridge clearances above 17 feet. What are some other considerations? For us, we wanted long range carefree cruising (we have 1400 gal. of fuel, 450 gal. of water and 85 gal. of waste). We can run both our engines and generator for nearly 2000 miles in complete comfort, a concession for the ladies onboard. This boat is highly maneuverable with twin screws and a bow thruster; a flying bridge with outstanding visibility; a comfortable saloon with views out our huge side windows; a nicely sized galley for my wife’s need to make me fatter with unbelievable cuisines; and a fully displaced powerboat hull designed to easily mate with other powerboats when rafting with other powerboats on anchor or a sea wall. So, yes! The Hunter 50CC can complete America’s Great Loop. Is it the ideal boat? Not for my family, but this is a personal question that you will have to explore with your family. It could very well be the ideal for you! Make a list of the things that are important, the places you want to explore, the lifestyle you wish to live and your budget, which I didn’t even attempt to explore in this quick post, but it may limit or expand the available boats for you to investigate. Sorry for the long post. I love talking about boats, so sometimes I get a bit long winded. Take care and good cruising! Matt

We learned a lot from your video. Looking forward to more. Thank you.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! I'm really hoping to get one out soon.

I'd love to know more about stabilizers. What size boat would have stabilizers. I know for sure a full displacement hull for me is out. Maybe a semi, and maybe a planing, but I think I want stabilizers.

@cruising5to1

Жыл бұрын

So I know it's been a while since I should have answered this post, but better late than never. There are several types of stabilizing methods; (1) active fin stabilization is what we have on our boat; however, they only work when the boat is underway. The nice thing about them is that the fast you go the better the active fin stabilization will work. But if you're going to go fact and perhaps stop in the ocean, (2) you'll need to look at SeaKeeper's Gyro System, which is incredible At the boat show SeaKeeper demonstrates the gyro in a 30 foot boat. Another method to stabilize a boat is the (3) Paravane System, but these will only work for slow boats as the fish may pop out of the water if you go too fast. The last stabilization, and the least expensive all round, is the counter-weight water tank. This method has water in a tank at the highest point of the boat. When the water sloshes from one side to the other, the water's movement will slow down the pitch of the boat. You only need to keep the tank full of water. Thank you for watching and good luck with your boating experience.

You It sounds like owning a boat is fabulous and somewhat easy. It appeals to me. I’m kicking around the idea of buying a boat like an older trawler as one of part of my seasonal retirement options to enjoy. I live in San Diego. Curious to hear your opinion.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Owning a boat IS absolutely fabulous! BUT, it is NOT easy. The boat is the vehicle to a lifestyle and adventure like nothing else on this planet and I would invite anyone to get involved, but jump in with both eyes open and with help. I posted a video about joining a Yacht Club a couple of months ago. This should be your first step to beginning your adventure. It does not have to be an expensive yacht club; so stay away from the San Diego Yacht Club (which is great, but expensive). These people will be more than happy to show you the ropes before you jump into owning a boat. If you're looking at an older trawler, find people who already own one who can provide you guidance. Boating people are the nicest people you will ever come into contact with (unless they are simply showing off wealth, then they're usually A-holes) Good luck!!! And live the dream!!!!

Have you considered a catamaran? I have followed a cruising frailly on the ONE EYED DOG for some time. (find them on F/B) I'm not a skipper myself but the Aquila 44 seems to have all the creature comforts you could want.

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

I love catamarans, but they are pricey and not very easy to find moorages for due to their huge beam, which is a characteristic that makes them so comfortable. Plus, I'm too cheap to afford one.

@namssugr

2 жыл бұрын

@@cruising5to1 LOL..... I have heard that from several people. I'm old, fat and I like my Creature Comforts. Should I ever make it back to sea I'm afraid it'll be on a cat. Fair Winds and following Seas...

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

One is never too fat to boat! TRUST ME

I wonder how much it would cost to be a passenger for this trip. Sharing in fuel costs and food etc... this sounds amazing.

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

There are more people than you think looking for passengers to share this incredible adventure. I would suggest joining America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association and keeping an eye on their Classified section. It often has cruiser looking for passengers to help; usually singlehanded cruiser. It is very doable.

The bigger the boat, the more expensive, and harder to find, your slip will be. Just sayin. Slip fees being most people's biggest expense, worth thinking about.

@cruising5to1

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the late response. You are absolutely right! But I think there is a sweet spot for everyone; where comfort, maneuverability for captain and crew, availability and costs of slips fit the lifestyle and needs of every cruiser. I believe you go as big as you can to avoid that "2-foot" envy that inevitably has one shopping for another boat before the ink is dry on your new boat. But there's nothing wrong with dipping your toe in the water to see if this lifestyle is something to pursue.

@scottmcburney8938

Жыл бұрын

@@cruising5to1 48 LRC, living the dream. If I could I would. If I did the loop, if I could pull it off, it would be going fast on a small boat. Wife ain't going, at least not more than a week or so. We ain't selling the house, I don't want to do that myself.

So,, When looking at specs of a boat, the cruising speed is the hull plaining, and it is the most efficient this way. IE: fuel economy and less work for the motor's? Thanks

@cruising5to1

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the later response. When looking at marine engine efficiency, we use terms such as gallons per hour (GPH), which of course is lower at lower speeds and much higher at high speeds. But, if you run at planing speeds, you will arrive at your destination much sooner than if running at hull speed. There is a point in every planing hull that the line of GPH meets time burning fuel meet and this is the most efficient speed at which to run. This does not mean you will burn less fuel than if running at hull speed, which will always burn less fuel, but it is the point at which time and fuel burn will be at highest and most efficient point. An interesting side point is the last part of your question; speed for less work on the engines. Big boats have big diesel engines, so I'm not considering gas. Diesel engines like (actually love!) to be run hard. One can do more damage to their diesel by not running it hard at least 1 hour for 24 hours of run time. On my 48' Hatteras CPMY, it had 6v92's with 430 horses on each engine (these engine could be spun up to nearly 600 horses each, so mine were tame compared to some sport fishers with the same motors). I ran the engine at about 1500 to 1800 RPM when cruising and this game me a burn rate of about 4 gallons per house. But before I put her away, I always opened her up to full throttle for 15 minutes of more to lube everything up and she really liked it. The boat could speak to you and thank you for the exercise. The moral to the story is diesels like to work hard and the harder they work the better they run.

I'm looking at a PC. Either the Aquila 44 or the Fountaine Pajot MY37

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

There are not many Power Cats on the West Coast. I'll will do my best to get on one after we make the move east. Lots of people are going in that directions. I really want to find one of the new Cats with the outboard configuration. I suspect the room and one level living would make that boat unbelievably comfortable and economical.

Lots of boats in Florida

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@MyTube4Utoo

2 жыл бұрын

+Britt Pereira Might be all that water. *lol*

LMAO don't let her change her mind 😆

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Doing my best!!! Really no turning back now; the house is sold and we are homeless.

Is 9 kn equivalent to 9 mph?

@cruising5to1

2 жыл бұрын

No, 9 knots is 10.357 mph. It close enough for government work unless you're going a long distance though.

I have totally rehabilitated a few boats in a year . I would be very upset if I was u

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. It is saga that seems to continue. Covid!!!!

I dont remember what was wrong with your boat

@cruising5to1

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, we hit a submerged object during our Memorial Day cruise last year and damaged the propeller, rudder and what we now think is the shaft. We took the boat to the yard June 1, 2020. The propeller was replaced in short order (about a three weeks), but the rudder was a pain. The rudder was measured and order, but did not come until late October...yes, 5 months later. (This is where things get interesting). The rudder was completely WRONG!!!! Too short, too thick, too thin and too expensive for such a screw up. Not wanting to wait another 5 months (and not to mention the foundry refused to return calls), I had two new stainless rudders made. We took delivery on the boat in December, but before we got too far, turned around and returned to boat due to a vibration. So, now it is April and thrills and disappointments continue. Stay tuned for the latest as I am trying to calm down from the latest. Thank you for reaching out.