Alison Major 4/7/26 Alison Major 4/7/26

What Kind of Boat Do You Need for the Great Loop?

There's no single "right" boat for the Great Loop. But there are smart ways to think through the decision and a few things that matter a lot more than most people expect.

Alison Major 4/2/26 Alison Major 4/2/26

5 Questions to Ask Before You Commit to the Great Loop

This isn't a "should I do it?" post. You already know the answer to that. These five questions are about going in clear-eyed, with honest conversations had and real expectations set.

Alison Major 3/26/26 Alison Major 3/26/26

How to Read a Cruising Guide Without Getting Overwhelmed

Cruising guides are invaluable — and also, occasionally, a lot. Here's how to read them like an experienced Looper instead of a panicked student cramming for an exam.

Alison Major 3/19/26 Alison Major 3/19/26

What Is the Great Loop? A Simple Answer for the People Asking

Every time we mention the Great Loop, someone asks, "Wait… what is that exactly?" So here's the simple, honest answer. No jargon, no overwhelm. Just the thing that might change everything.

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

How to Choose the Right Weather App for You

Not all weather apps are created equal—and not every cruiser needs the same kind of forecast. Here’s how to choose the right marine weather app based on how you cruise and what kind of information you trust most.

Alison Major 8/6/25 Alison Major 8/6/25

3 Mistakes Boaters Make with Weather Apps

Weather apps are incredibly useful—but they’re not magic. Here are three common ways boaters misread or misuse them, and what to do instead so your next cruising leg isn’t a white-knuckle ride.

Alison Major 8/4/25 Alison Major 8/4/25

What to Look for in a Marine Forecast (Even If You’re Not a Weather Nerd)

You don’t need to be a meteorologist to cruise safely—but you do need to know how to read a marine forecast. In this post, we’ll show you the 3 key things we always check, the red flags we’ve learned to watch for, and the one clue that almost always means a front is coming.

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.

Alison Major 7/21/25 Alison Major 7/21/25

Offline Cruising: Best Apps for No-Signal Zones

Cruising off-grid? Here’s a curated list of the best offline-friendly apps for boaters, from charts and weather to books and entertainment.

Alison Major 7/11/25 Alison Major 7/11/25

Upgrading Your Boat Mid-Loop: What You Need to Know

Thinking of switching boats while Looping? Here’s how to handle the logistics—from selling and buying, to updating insurance, and transferring all your gear without losing momentum.

Alison Major 7/9/25 Alison Major 7/9/25

Do I Need Boater Certifications for the Great Loop?

If you’re planning to cruise America’s Great Loop, you might be wondering—do I need a boating license? Here’s what you actually need to know about certifications, state requirements, and how to get legal fast.

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

From Landlubber to Captain: How (and Why) to Track Your Boating Experience

Even if you’re just starting out, keeping a log of your miles, engine hours, and boating skills pays off. Here’s what to track, how to do it, and why it matters—for insurance, resale, and your own confidence.

Alison Major 7/4/25 Alison Major 7/4/25

Cruising Canada with Kids: Favorite Stops & Surprises

From splash pads to historic canals, Canada’s waterways are full of family-friendly surprises. Here are our favorite stops, snack breaks, and nature escapes while cruising north with kids.