Alison Major 4/14/26 Alison Major 4/14/26

How to Plan Your Great Loop Route: A Practical Starting Point

Six thousand miles sounds impossible until you stop looking at the whole thing and start breaking it into something smaller. Here's how to approach Great Loop route planning like someone who's actually done it.

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 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 8/22/25 Alison Major 8/22/25

How to Provision for Remote Cruising on the Loop

Planning to cruise the remote sections of the Loop? Here’s a guide to provisioning for longer stretches, including what to stock, where to pick up fresh items, and how to prepare for fewer services.

Alison Major 8/20/25 Alison Major 8/20/25

Favorite Small-Town Stops in Georgian Bay (On Our List!)

We haven’t cruised Georgian Bay yet, but here’s a list of small-town stops that Loopers love—and that we’re excited to see someday.

Alison Major 8/18/25 Alison Major 8/18/25

Top Anchorages in the North Channel Every Looper Should Visit

The North Channel is a Looper favorite, with stunning anchorages like Baie Fine, Covered Portage, and the Benjamins. Here’s your guide to the must-visit spots.

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 8/1/25 Alison Major 8/1/25

Keeping Cruising Fun: Adjusting the Plan to Match the Energy

When the crew’s tired, the weather’s questionable, or a stop just isn’t what you hoped—it’s okay to pivot. Here’s how adjusting your plans along the Great Loop can actually make your experience better (and save your sanity).

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 7/18/25 Alison Major 7/18/25

🚤 Planning Your Cruising Route with Work in Mind: Tips for Remote Professionals

When you’re working remotely and living aboard, route planning isn’t just about weather—it’s about Wi-Fi. Here’s how we plan our cruising schedule to balance work deadlines, meetings, and connectivity.

Alison Major 6/27/25 Alison Major 6/27/25

Moving Days vs. Rest Days: Why You Need Both

Cruising the Great Loop is more than just making miles. Learn how rest days can keep your crew happier, your boat in better shape, and your Loop experience more enjoyable.

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

How to Plan a Loop Itinerary Without Burning Out

Cruising the Great Loop is an adventure, not a race. Learn how to plan your itinerary with enough flexibility, rest days, and buffer time to avoid burnout.

Alison Major 6/23/25 Alison Major 6/23/25

How Far Should You Cruise in a Day? Here’s What Most Loopers Do

Wondering how far you should travel each day on the Great Loop? Here’s what most cruisers do, with realistic distances by boat type, region, and season.

Alison Major 6/18/25 Alison Major 6/18/25

Choosing Your Route: Erie Canal, Oswego, or Triangle Loop?

Planning your Great Loop route through New York? Here’s a practical breakdown of the Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, and Triangle Loop routes: based on air draft, timing, and adventure level.

Alison Major 6/16/25 Alison Major 6/16/25

Erie Canal Locks 101: What to Expect, What to Bring, and How to Stay Calm

New to locking through? Here’s your practical guide to Erie Canal locks, with gear checklists, calm communication tips, and family-friendly advice for a smooth experience.

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.