Eating Well on the Great Loop: How to Balance Provisioning & Dining Out
Eating well while cruising the Great Loop doesn’t have to break the bank. Learn how to balance provisioning with dining out, find affordable restaurant options, and stock your galley with cost-effective supplies.
Fuel Efficiency: How to Choose the Right Boat for the Great Loop
Choosing the right boat for the Great Loop is crucial to managing your long-term fuel costs. In this post, we’ll dive into the most fuel-efficient boat types, from sailboats to motorboats, and help you make the best choice for your Loop adventure.
How to Plan Your Great Loop Budget: Top Tips for First-Timers
Planning your budget for the Great Loop? From choosing between marinas and anchorages to understanding fuel consumption, here are top tips for first-timers looking to set a realistic budget for their journey.
How to Continue Doing the Things You Love While Cruising the Great Loop
Discover how to continue doing the things you love while cruising the Great Loop! From paddleboarding at anchorages and finding pickleball courts at local parks to participating in music jam sessions with fellow boaters, this post shares practical tips for keeping your favorite hobbies alive. Don’t let the cruising lifestyle hold you back—embrace your passions on the water!
What Should You Bring from Home?
Planning for the Great Loop? Winter is the perfect time to prepare! Discover what to pack for your boating adventure, including weather-appropriate clothing, versatile galley tools, portable batteries, travel bikes, and more. This guide highlights the essentials every family needs to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for the journey of a lifetime. Don’t miss our tips for living aboard and exploring ashore!
Understanding Water Draft & Air Draft for the Great Loop
Navigating the Great Loop requires understanding water draft and air draft to ensure a smooth journey. In this post, we break down what these terms mean, why they matter, and share expert tips on handling low bridges and shallow waterways. Whether you’re cruising through Lake Okeechobee, canals, or areas south of Chicago, knowing your draft will help you avoid obstacles and plan your route with confidence.
Apps for Homeschooling & Staying Connected
Discover the best homeschool apps for families living and learning on the water. From planning lessons with Notion to mastering math and language arts with Khan Academy, these tools make homeschooling on a boat efficient and stress-free. Plus, apps like NoForeignLand and Messenger Kids keep your kids connected to cruising friends and family back home. Learn how we manage education and community while exploring the world!
Everyday Apps That Keep Us Connected, Organized, & Cruising Smoothly
Discover the everyday apps that make life on the water smoother and more connected. From organizing provisions with AnyList to tracking adventures with Blue Boat Log, these tools help us manage cruising life effortlessly. Stay in touch with loved ones through Messenger Kids and WhatsApp, plan meals with Paprika, and connect with fellow Loopers using Nebo. Whether you’re cruising full-time or planning your next voyage, these apps are must-haves for staying organized, prepared, and in touch with your community.
Navigating & Weather Planning on the Great Loop: Our Favorite Tools and Tips
Planning a safe and enjoyable journey on the Great Loop starts with the right tools. In this guide, we share our favorite weather and navigation apps to help you navigate with confidence. Discover the best apps for tracking tides, monitoring anchor drag, and planning routes for open water crossings. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the Loop, these tools will keep you informed and prepared for every leg of your adventure.
Activities to Enjoy While Living Afloat
Looking for fun activities to enjoy on a boat? From reading 📚 and game nights 🎲 to snorkeling 🐠 and stargazing 🌌, boat life offers endless adventures for all ages. Discover creative ideas to make your time afloat memorable and full of joy!
Staying Connected With Family While Living on a Boat
Living on a boat and traveling the Great Loop is an incredible adventure, but one of the challenges of this lifestyle is staying connected with family and friends. Whether it’s keeping in touch with loved ones or ensuring our kids have a sense of community while on the move, we’ve found creative ways to maintain our relationships. Here are some of the ways we stay socially connected while cruising.
The Joy of Virtual Games
Discover the joy of staying connected this holiday season through virtual games! From online board games to multiplayer console favorites like Mario Kart, virtual game nights bring laughter, teamwork, and quality time with loved ones—no matter the distance. Explore tips and ideas to make your next game night unforgettable!
Cruising the Great Loop with Kids: Safety, Costs, and Community
Curious about what it’s like to live on a boat with your family? In this post, we share why we chose this adventurous lifestyle, how we handle safety, meet other families, and manage costs. Discover practical tips and inspiration for making the leap into a life of adventure on the water!
Navigating the Great Loop: Tools, Tips, and Tech for Safe Travels
Navigating the Great Loop requires the right tools to keep your journey smooth and safe. We use an iPad with the Navionics Boating App as our primary navigation, paired with AIS for real-time vessel tracking. But we also keep backups like phones, tablets, and paper charts—because redundancy is key! Looking for alternatives? Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Lenovo tablets are budget-friendly options with built-in GPS.
Looper’s Gift Guide for 2024
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and questions always arise on what to get for Looper’s that won’t take up too much space and will also be helpful. These are all products that we personally use and love on our boat. I hope these recommendations relieve holiday stress and give you some great ideas!
Do You Miss Out on Celebrating Holidays and Birthdays While on the Loop?
Wondering if you’ll miss out on celebrating holidays and birthdays while cruising the Great Loop? Think again! From festive potlucks with fellow boaters to unique adventures in new locations, life on the Loop offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Learn how we adapt our traditions and make every celebration meaningful.
Planning for Safety: How to Write a Float Plan for Your Next Great Loop Adventure
While cruising the Great Loop, a journey filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences, having a comprehensive float plan can significantly enhance your peace of mind. In this post, we'll delve into all the essential components of a Float Plan, ensuring your loved ones are well-informed and prepared for any potential delays or emergencies.
Discover the Top Educational Stops for Family Adventures
Traveling with your family isn’t just about the adventure—it’s also about the incredible learning opportunities you encounter along the way! Whether cruising America’s Great Loop, exploring new towns by RV, or setting out on a family vacation, every stop offers a chance to learn something new. The world becomes your family's classroom, from wildlife encounters to rich historical landmarks.
Sharing Work & Parenting Responsibilities While Cruising the Great Loop
Whether navigating the boat, homeschooling the kids, or juggling remote work, finding the right balance between responsibilities can be challenging. We’ll explore clear communication, time management, and teamwork strategies to help you and your partner stay productive, reduce stress, and create a smoother experience for the whole family as you cruise.
Navigating the First 30 Days on the Loop: A Family’s Guide
The first 30 days on the Great Loop are crucial for setting the tone of the journey because they lay the foundation for how you and your family will adapt to life aboard. How you handle these early experiences can influence your enjoyment and success on the Loop. Let's explore what the first 30 days of life on the Great Loop are like for a family.
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![What’s your adventure story?
Start capturing yours today with our Great Loop Journals—created to keep every journey close to heart. 🌅✨
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