Alison Major 10/22/25 Alison Major 10/22/25

Winterizing on the Move: Cold-Weather Prep for Active Loopers

Cruising south late in the season? Here’s how to prepare your boat for chilly nights and freezing temps without fully winterizing… so you can keep moving safely and comfortably.

Alison Major 10/20/25 Alison Major 10/20/25

Boat Chores That Save You From Major Repairs Later

It’s the little things that keep a boat happy. Here are the regular maintenance tasks that prevent big, expensive surprises later… especially for those cruising the Great Loop full-time.

Alison Major 10/10/25 Alison Major 10/10/25

Reading the River: Navigating Bends, Currents, and Busy Waterways

Narrow bends, strong currents, and busy traffic can make rivers stressful. Learn how to read the water, anticipate challenges, and stay calm while cruising safely.

Alison Major 10/8/25 Alison Major 10/8/25

Etiquette and Unspoken Rules on the River

Rivers and narrow channels can get crowded, but a few unspoken rules keep everyone safer and happier. Learn the habits every Looper should know.

Alison Major 10/6/25 Alison Major 10/6/25

How to Make Yourself Seen and Heard on the Water

Being visible and audible on rivers and narrow channels keeps everyone safer. Learn the best ways to make sure other boats notice you before it’s too late.

Alison Major 8/15/25 Alison Major 8/15/25

The Ritual: Our “Anchor Watch” Hour and Why It Works

We don’t keep an anchor watch all night, but we do have one hour that we treat like a sacred ritual. Here’s why it works for us, how it keeps our boat (and sanity) safe, and why it might just be the most relaxing part of our cruising day.

Alison Major 8/13/25 Alison Major 8/13/25

How to Use an Anchor Alarm Without Losing Sleep

Anchor alarms can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and an all-night pacing session. Here’s how we set ours so it’s a quiet safety net — not a constant false alarm.

Alison Major 8/11/25 Alison Major 8/11/25

Anchor Etiquette: How to Share an Anchorage Without Drama

A peaceful anchorage can turn stressful fast without good manners. Learn the essential etiquette for sharing anchorages—no drama required.

Alison Major 7/30/25 Alison Major 7/30/25

Buffer Days & Bailouts: Real-Life Examples of Flexible Planning on the Loop

Cruising the Great Loop isn’t about rigid schedules—it’s about building in margin. From weather delays to surprise detours, here’s how we used buffer days and bailouts to keep our journey safe, sane, and flexible.

Alison Major 7/28/25 Alison Major 7/28/25

Weather Wisdom for Cruisers: Reading the Forecast & Staying Flexible

When the forecast looks fine but the water says otherwise, how do you know when to go or stay put? Here’s how to build confidence in your weather-watching skills and stay safe on the water — no matter where you’re cruising.

Alison Major 6/13/25 Alison Major 6/13/25

Weekend Warriors vs. Full-Time Cruisers: Sharing the Water in Summer

Summer weekends bring big crowds and fast boats. Here’s how full-time cruisers can adjust their expectations and share the water with part-timers and vacationers.

Alison Major 6/11/25 Alison Major 6/11/25

Cruiser Etiquette During Busy Season: How to Share Tight Spaces Without Losing Your Cool

Summer cruising can get crowded—anchorages, locks, marinas, and tempers! Here’s how to practice good cruiser etiquette and keep things calm during peak season.

Alison Major 6/9/25 Alison Major 6/9/25

Can You Anchor Anywhere? How to Find Good Spots in a Crowded Cruising Season

Wondering if you have to anchor in a marked anchorage? Learn how to find safe, legal spots to drop the hook, even during peak boating season.

Alison Major 6/6/25 Alison Major 6/6/25

Safety Drills for Cruising Families: How to Practice Without Scaring the Kids

Emergency drills don’t have to be scary. Learn how to prepare your cruising family with calm, age-appropriate safety practice that builds confidence and skills.

Alison Major 6/4/25 Alison Major 6/4/25

What to Do If Someone Falls Overboard: A Step-by-Step Plan for Cruisers

Shorthanded crew? Cruising with kids? Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for what to do if someone falls overboard, designed for real-world conditions and small crews.

Alison Major 6/2/25 Alison Major 6/2/25

Daily Safety Checks Aboard: 10 Things to Look For Before You Move

Before you pull anchor or cast off lines, a quick daily safety check can prevent a world of headaches underway. Here’s a simple, repeatable list of 10 things to inspect before moving your boat—customizable for your cruising style and vessel type.

Alison Major 5/23/25 Alison Major 5/23/25

Family Locking: How to Involve Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool

Locking through with kids aboard? It can be a fun and rewarding experience—if you go in with a plan. Here’s how to safely involve your kids, avoid chaos on deck, and make each lock-through a family learning moment.

Alison Major 5/21/25 Alison Major 5/21/25

Top 5 Mistakes New Loopers Make in Locks (and How to Avoid Them)

Locks are intimidating at first, and they’re a prime place for first-time mistakes. Here are five common locking errors we’ve seen on the Great Loop (and a few we’ve made ourselves) with tips to help you stay safe and calm.

Alison Major 5/19/25 Alison Major 5/19/25

First-Time Locking: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Heading into your first lock on the Great Loop? Here’s what to expect, how to prepare, and real-life tips to make it easier—including how we kept the kids involved.

Alison Major 4/18/25 Alison Major 4/18/25

Caught in a Storm: Lessons Learned from Rough Weather

Weather on the water can change in an instant, and every storm is a lesson in preparation, patience, and adaptability. From sudden squalls in the Gulf of Mexico to scrambling to close hatches before a downpour, here’s what we’ve learned about handling rough weather and staying safe when conditions turn.