Great Loop in a 40' catamaran?

[Bobbob911]

Putting aside the typical requirements of draft, mast height, and range. I am wondering what the experience of transiting the Great Loop would be like with 20-22' beam?

I believe the max fixed beam requirement is 23' on one of the locks through the great lakes (or maybe the Trent-Severn), but even if the boat technically fits as stock, fenders add width, and it would seem to me to be a very frantic experience if the boat is that tight?

Also, wondering if there are long stretches where that beam fits but would block two-way traffic? And if so, how is this typically accommodated?

Finally, wondering how the relative availability is of marinas and docks that can accommodate this large of beam?

I know there are smaller cats (PDQ, Gemini, etc) but the idea would be to live aboard for several years and spend lots of time in the Caribbean as well as Lake Ontario/Huron.

Note that I'm not particularly interested in transiting the Trent-Severn because I live around here and can do that in a more appropriate vessel

Thanks!

[Bobbob911]

I did find some reports of a Lagoon 40 on the AICW but would definitely appreciate other reports and experiences.

Cheers

[thruska]

I suggest you search on Captain John Wrights site.
I think its called , Once around is not enough .
I might have asked the same question about our horstman trimaran same width

[MV Wanderlust]

We know of some people that recently completed the Loop on a 44' Manta, which has a 21 foot beam. They fit. Not sure about issues with dockage. We called around both coasts on central Florida and ran into a few places that had no dockage for a boat that wide.

[Bobbob911]

Thanks Both.

thruska, I'm aware of that web site but I didn't see (and still don't see) a discussion forum on there?

John, do you suppose that there is at least good availability around the loop to pull up and refuel?

Cheers

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Bobbob911

John, do you suppose that there is at least good availability around the loop to pull up and refuel?

From the stories I've read and heard directly from Loopers, I'm fairly confident in saying you shouldn't have much of a problem with pulling up and refueling. Dockage would be the only concern so you may have to plan on anchoring out a bit more or tie up against a wall and possibly pay a larger slip fee for the extra width. Surely someone on here has done the loop in a wide cat and can comment from a more knowledgeable position.

[Scow Hound]

Sounds like a trip (of a lifetime) where you’d want a recently retired knowledgeable race crew guy like myself aboard. Especially for doing some diving on the carribean leg. Been looking into the great loop for some time now. ��

[Bobbob911]

Thanks John.

We actually plan to do it every other year for about 8-10 years (4-5 trips), starting in 3-4 years. This will be our second home for an extended amount of time. We live in Toronto so the loop allows us to spend 4-5 months at home, 3-4 months in the Caribbean and the rest in transit.

I haven't found a timing for the loop where we could be in Ontario for > 6 months of the year, so could only really do it once every other year in order to keep Ontario health coverage. And anyways, doing it every year would probably become a chore.

[thruska]

Originally Posted by Bobbob911

Thanks Both.

thruska, I'm aware of that web site but I didn't see (and still don't see) a discussion forum on there?

John, do you suppose that there is at least good availability around the loop to pull up and refuel?

Cheers

John@captainjohn.org
I’m sure he will reply.
He is amiable and knowledgeable.
Good luck!

[BareFootViking]

did you ever do this trip? I'm in Toronto and boat shopping for a cat. We'll probably keep it at Outer Harbour, but i'd love to hear other options. I'm considering coming up the Hudson to Lake O in spring and back south via the St Lawrence in fall. I'm looking at 24' beam

[Bean Counter]

An Orana 44 has done the great loop. (not Trent). Biggest logistics is dealing with the mast and if you want to sail across great Lakes or happy to motor.

It is worth joining the AGLA - helpful stuff and good guides.

https://www.greatloop.org/content.as...dule_id=230271