America's Great Loop

[shaun1]

Thanks Tropic Cat we are undecided as of now if we will start our journey North in April/May or keep the boat here in South florida for the early hurricane season months and move up around July.
I have friends who say stay here and friends who say go North.
When I speak to people in the industry here I get the feeling North is no safer that South.
Am I wrong or is it generally safer to go North, whats your thoughts on this.

Thanks
Shaun

[Tropic Cat]

If you can reserve a haul out for named storms,
or know of a canal you spider lines to both sides and be to windward in a storm,
or know of mangroves you can bury your bow in,

then I'd stay put. If not, look up 'Green Cove Springs', Florida.

Even where I am isn't safe, but I know of a hurricane hole which has served me well over the years.

What type of anchors are you carrying?

[twistedtree]

How much range do you have with your fuel supply? There is a stretch on either the Mississippi or the TenTom that is 200+ miles and many gas powered boats don't have enough range to make that distance. I'd suggest checking that carefully.

Check out greatloop.org for a forum dedicated to this topic. With a little searching I think you will find answers to all your questions. This exact topic has come up before. People have done the loop in all sorts of boats, so it's certainly possible, but preparation is important.

If you do it, have fun.

[shaun1]

Tropic cat I have both a 20 and 30 KG bruce anchor, thanks for the info on Green Cove Springs. Smooth sailing out there.

Twistedtree Range wise on our fuel supply we are good, about two weeks running at 5 knots so a 200 mile run distance wise is ok.
Im going to look at that website for info too, thanks guys for the feedback.

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by shaun1

....on our fuel supply we are good, about two weeks running at 5 knots so a 200 mile run distance wise is ok....

Dang that's good. With both engines running 24 hours a day, I'm only good for 4 days at 5 knots. Of course in flat water, 1 engine will do and the range doubles.

[ausaviator]

You can cross Lake Michigan on that boat, but I'd be hella careful. There are 300 foot boats on the bottom of this lake...
It's really an inland sea.

Not to mention literally dozens of aircraft too!

[Kasidah]

Some updated info for stepping and unstepping mast near Oswego NY try Fair Point Marina.

Fair Point Marina The perfect place to start your journey down the Erie Canal