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Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Can A Houseboat Cruise The Great Loop?
The question, “Can A Houseboat Cruise The Great Loop?” prompts a fascinating exploration of houseboats’ capabilities and limitations in undertaking this ambitious journey.
Key Takeaway
Houseboats can theoretically complete the Great Loop, but it’s a challenging journey best suited for experienced boaters due to rough weather conditions, bridge clearances, and the limitations of houseboats. Other boat types are generally better suited for the Great Loop.
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- Houseboats have shallow drafts, which allows them to navigate through shallow waters.
- They offer ample living space for long journeys.
- However, houseboats are not ideal for handling rough waters and require careful route planning to avoid them.
- Bridge clearance is another concern, as houseboats tend to be tall.
- Careful selection of the houseboat is crucial, considering factors like size, draft, and fuel efficiency.
- Proper navigation equipment, safety gear, and licenses are required.
- Route planning is essential to avoid bad weather, be aware of waterway conditions, and plan stops for fuel, provisions, and anchoring.
- Regular maintenance checks and sufficient supplies are necessary for the long journey.
- Financial planning for fuel, docking fees, maintenance, and unexpected costs is essential.
The Great Loop is a waterway system of around 5,000-7,000 miles that can be completed by various boats in about a year. Trawlers, cabin cruisers, and express boats are generally better suited for the Great Loop than houseboats.
Can a houseboat cruise the Great Loop? Yes, theoretically, but the boat you pick will be necessary, and we don’t recommend this journey.
You’ll also need to consider the weather conditions carefully, the time of year, and how best to navigate the rougher weather you’re likely to encounter. It’s not a trip for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. There are better boat options.
Key Factors to Consider
Boat Selection
First and foremost, selecting the right boat is crucial. The boat must be of appropriate size and draft to navigate the varying depths and widths of the waterways along the Loop.
Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor, as you’ll need to manage long distances with variable fuel availability.
Additionally, consider the number of occupants and their comfort needs to ensure that the boat’s living space is adequate for extended periods.
Navigation and Equipment
Navigation and equipment are also critical aspects of your journey. Up-to-date nautical charts and maps for the entire route are essential, as are reliable GPS and electronic navigation aids.
Communication devices like VHF radios, satellite phones, and emergency beacons are necessary for safety and connectivity.
Safety and Regulations
Speaking of safety, ensure you have all the required safety gear on board, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. You must ensure that all necessary licenses, registrations, and documentation are in order.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the boating laws and regulations in different states and countries along the route.
Route Planning
Route planning is another crucial element. Studying seasonal weather patterns and planning your trip accordingly can help you avoid severe weather.
Know the waterway conditions, including currents, tides, and lock schedules. This knowledge is also essential for planning fuel stops, provisioning, and overnight stays at marinas or anchorages.
Maintenance and Supplies
Maintenance and supplies should not be overlooked. Regular maintenance checks are crucial, so carry essential spare parts and tools.
Stock up on food, water, and other supplies, keeping in mind the availability of resources along the route. Ensuring adequate fuel and water capacity for longer stretches without refueling or resupply points is vital.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is also essential. Prepare a comprehensive budget covering fuel, docking fees, maintenance, supplies, and unexpected expenses. It is also advisable to obtain comprehensive boat insurance that covers the entire route.
Better Boats For The Great Loop
The Great Loop is a waterway system that allows recreational boaters to circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States.
Depending on the path and detours taken, the journey can be between 5,000 and 7,000 miles long and take about a year to complete.
The Loop is usually completed by vessels 38-45 feet long, but it has also been achieved by personal watercraft.
Sailboats find the Loop daunting due to their deeper draught (usually over five feet) and the height of their mast, which must be unstepped and carried horizontally on deck.
Trawlers
Workboat designs (usually commercial fishing vessels) inspired recreational trawlers, which had spacious quarters for prolonged living aboard. They had plenty of deck space for tenders and decent anchoring ground tackle.
Cabin Cruisers
Cabin cruisers are vessels that have a cabin on board by definition. Pocket cruisers and motor yachts are examples of boats under this group. They generally come with liveaboard facilities such as full baths and showers.
Power Cruisers, or “Express Boats”
Express boats are powered by two engines (or more in the case of outboards) and can fly rapidly. A cabin is usually one of the most common features.
Trailerable Boats
You can tow a trailered boat to a launch ramp, go for a leg, and then plan for the trailer to meet you elsewhere. Boats that can be shipped on a trailer are typically smaller, but they can have storage compartments.
Some Related Questions
Can a houseboat cross the ocean?
Houseboats are designed to see the country or an area of the country via river systems, lakes, etc. They aren’t built to go to the ocean or withstand large waves without serious issues.
Can a lake boat go in the ocean?
Can I use a freshwater boat in saltwater and vice versa? For the most part, freshwater boats can be used in saltwater. To reduce these risks, flush the engine with fresh water following your trip.
Also, hose down the hull, as any leftover salt can lead to corrosion.
Are outboards better for saltwater?
Outboard motors have small water galleries and water jackets designed to cool the compact motors, which can clog up with salt. In most water jackets, there are anodes intended to decrease the effects of corrosion.
Are there property taxes on houseboats?
No, a houseboat has no property taxes unless you own the land where you dock your boat. However, there are yearly taxes and fees that you have to pay on your houseboat. Those costs include registration, insurance, docking, and more.
Do you pay council tax on a boat?
Boats are not considered property, so they are not eligible for council tax. However, some residential moorings are, although these moorings are rare. Council Tax is usually included in the marina costs, so boat-dwellers don’t pay Council Tax.
What is the smallest boat to complete the Great Loop?
Exploring America’s Great Loop, a continuous waterway that includes the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland, is a remarkable journey undertaken by many adventurers each year.
Among these diverse vessels, one stands out for its minimalism and daring. The record is held by a 12-foot personal watercraft (PWC), a testament to the audacity and determination of its navigator.
This feat showcases that, despite the average vessel measuring between 40 and 41 feet, with the largest recently recorded at 59 feet, the Great Loop is accessible to many boats, each bringing unique challenges and rewards to this epic journey.
Can you do the Great Loop by yourself?
Over 6,000 miles through diverse waterways and conditions demands navigational proficiency, self-sufficiency, and adaptability.
Solo mariners must be adept at managing vessels, weathering varied climates, and troubleshooting unforeseen issues.
With thorough planning, including safety measures and logistical arrangements, completing the Great Loop alone is not just possible but can be a gratifying personal achievement.
Can a houseboat handle the varying conditions of the Great Loop?
Yes, many houseboats are designed to handle various conditions, but choosing one with a suitable draft and sturdy construction is crucial. Always check weather forecasts and water conditions to ensure safety.
What are some common maintenance issues specific to houseboats on the Great Loop?
Common issues include engine wear from extended use, hull integrity from varied water conditions, and corrosion due to saltwater exposure. Regular inspections and timely maintenance are crucial to preventing significant problems.
Are there any social aspects to consider while cruising the Great Loop?
Yes, the Great Loop community is very supportive. Join forums, attend meet-ups, and participate in social events at marinas. Building relationships with fellow Loopers can provide valuable advice, camaraderie, and support.
How fast do boats go in the Great Loop?
Many adventurers who embark on this journey find boats averaging 12 mph to complete the circuit in under 600 hours. This pace allows for a balanced exploration of the scenic route.
However, some prefer a brisker journey, with a select few boats reaching 17 to 19 mph speeds, thereby reducing engine running time to approximately 300 hours.
Despite these variations, most navigators maintain a more leisurely pace of 7-8 mph.
This moderate speed is preferred for fuel efficiency and allows travelers to appreciate the diverse landscapes and communities along the Great Loop.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the question, “Can A Houseboat Cruise The Great Loop?” can be affirmatively answered, provided specific considerations are considered.
One of the primary advantages is the shallow draft, which allows houseboats to navigate the shallow waters along the Great Loop easily. Houseboats also offer ample living space, ensuring comfort and convenience for long-term cruising.
However, these vessels are best suited for calmer waters, and planning routes that avoid rough conditions is prudent. Bridge clearance is another critical factor; ensuring the houseboat fits under various bridge heights is essential for a smooth journey.
Additionally, route customization allows for calmer paths with fewer navigational challenges. Finally, joining associations related to houseboating can provide valuable resources and support, enhancing the overall cruising experience.
Therefore, while there are challenges, a well-prepared houseboat can successfully cruise the Great Loop.
