What is The Great Loop?

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The Great Loop is a circular boat trip allowing you to arrive back in the location you started from (often called “crossing your own wake”) at least 5,400+ miles later.  Although some people can take years to complete it, it typically takes 12 months and is essentially split into 4 sections based on the 4 seasons.

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• Summer: Northern east coast & Great Lakes

• Fall: Inland rivers from Chicago, IL down to Mobile, AL

• Winter: Florida (and sometimes the Bahamas)

• Spring: Southern East Coast

 

Boaters use a system of waterways that encompasses the eastern portion of the United States and part of Canada. It is made up of both natural and man-made waterways, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Rideau Canal, and the Mississippi and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. 

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Boaters will pass through at least 103 locks, lift bridges or marine railways and can potentially be lifted up to 841 feet above sea level (Balsam Lake, Ontario) while doing the loop.  Believe it or not, there is less than 100 miles of open/un-protected ocean travel (73 miles from Carrabelle, FL to Steinhatchee, FL AND 20 miles from Manasquan, NJ to Sandy Hook, NJ).  Also, your boat cannot be more than 19 feet 1 inch above the water line – if it’s taller than that, you can’t do the loop.