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.

Alison Major 7/2/25 Alison Major 7/2/25

The Triangle Loop: Is It Worth the Detour?

If your boat can clear 17 feet, you have the option to take the scenic and cultural Triangle Loop via the Champlain Canal and St. Lawrence River. Here’s what to expect and why it might be worth it.

Alison Major 6/30/25 Alison Major 6/30/25

How to Check In to Canada by Boat (and What You’ll Need)

Cruising across the border? Here’s how to check in by boat using the ROAM and ArriveCAN apps, plus what to expect from customs agents and how to find official reporting sites.

Alison Major 6/20/25 Alison Major 6/20/25

Erie Canal History: The “Folly” That Changed America

From mules on towpaths to booming Midwest towns, the Erie Canal’s history is full of surprises. Here’s how this waterway reshaped the country, and why it still matters to cruisers today.

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.

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 5/28/25 Alison Major 5/28/25

How to Remove and Transport Your Sailboat Mast for the Great Loop

Removing your sailboat’s mast for the Erie Canal or other low-clearance routes is a big job—but it’s doable with good planning. Here’s how we handled it, what we’d do differently, and what to expect.

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

Buying a Looping Boat? Here’s What Insurance Companies Look For

Thinking of buying a boat for the Great Loop? Insurance companies have specific criteria they consider before offering coverage. From boat age to hull type, understanding what underwriters look for can help you avoid surprises and secure a policy that works for your adventure.

Alison Major 4/23/25 Alison Major 4/23/25

Creating a Boating Resume That Gets You Approved for Insurance

A strong boating resume can make all the difference when applying for insurance. Learn how to document your experience, outline your cruising plans, and present yourself as a responsible boater to underwriters.

Alison Major 4/21/25 Alison Major 4/21/25

The Best Insurance Options for Great Loopers: What You Need to Know

Boat insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for Great Loopers. From cruising limits to underwriter preferences, here’s what you need to know before you buy a policy.

Alison Major 3/28/25 Alison Major 3/28/25

The Art of Slowing Down: Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

One of the greatest lessons cruising teaches you is patience. Whether it’s waiting out bad weather, dealing with mechanical delays, or simply taking the scenic route, life on the water isn’t about rushing from point A to point B—it’s about savoring the journey.