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 10/15/25 Alison Major 10/15/25

Budgeting for the Great Loop: What It Really Costs to Cruise

Forget the “how much does it cost?” debate. Let’s talk about what your Loop might look like. Here’s how to break down the real expenses (fuel, marinas, maintenance, and more) based on your personal cruising style.

Alison Major 10/13/25 Alison Major 10/13/25

Packing for the Great Loop: What You Really Need (and What You Don’t)

Looping isn’t about having everything… it’s about having the right things. From space-saving gear to the comforts that make long-term cruising feel like home, here’s how to strike the balance between preparedness and simplicity.

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 10/3/25 Alison Major 10/3/25

Five Times We Threw Out the Plan (and What We Learned)

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 10/1/25 Alison Major 10/1/25

Why Cruising Plans Are Made to Change

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 9/29/25 Alison Major 9/29/25

The Looper’s Guide to Flexible Itineraries

The Great Loop is full of surprises: weather delays, mechanical hiccups, and opportunities you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to plan an itinerary that keeps you on track without boxing you in.

Alison Major 9/26/25 Alison Major 9/26/25

Common Mistakes Loopers Make in Busy Harbors (and How to Avoid Them)

Busy harbors can be intimidating for Loopers, but many common mistakes are easy to avoid. From docking approaches to handling tour boat traffic, here’s how to stay calm and confident in crowded waters.

Alison Major 9/24/25 Alison Major 9/24/25

VHF Radio Etiquette: Communicating Clearly on the Water

Your VHF radio is more than background chatter; it’s your lifeline for safety, navigation, and coordination on the water. From hailing bridges and marinas to handling quick safety calls, here’s how to keep your transmissions short, clear, and effective.

Alison Major 9/22/25 Alison Major 9/22/25

Right-of-Way Scenarios Every Cruiser Should Know

Understanding who yields to whom on the water is crucial for safety. Here’s a practical guide to the most common right-of-way situations every cruiser will encounter.

Alison Major 9/19/25 Alison Major 9/19/25

Learning from a Bump: Why Groundings Don’t Have to Be a Big Deal

Every cruiser dreads hearing that telltale “thunk,” but the truth is, running aground happens to almost everyone at some point. Instead of letting fear take over, you can treat it as a learning moment and come out more confident on the water.

Alison Major 9/17/25 Alison Major 9/17/25

When to Call for a Tow: A Cruiser’s Guide

Not every grounding needs a tow. Here’s how to know when you can self-rescue and when it’s smarter (and safer) to call TowBoatUS or Sea Tow.

Alison Major 9/15/25 Alison Major 9/15/25

5 Common Causes of Groundings (and How to Avoid Them)

Running aground happens to every cruiser eventually, but most groundings are preventable. Here are five of the most common causes, plus tips to help you steer clear.

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

Staying in Touch While Cruising: Tools for Email, Messaging & More

Cruising doesn’t mean going off the grid entirely. Here’s how our family stays connected with email, messaging apps, video calls, and offline tools—whether we’re at anchor, underway, or out of cell range.

Alison Major 7/23/25 Alison Major 7/23/25

How to Use Starlink on a Boat (and When It’s Worth It)

Starlink has transformed how cruisers stay connected—but it’s not always plug-and-play. Here’s what to know about setup, usage, and whether the cost is worth it for your cruising lifestyle.