Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-10-2019, 12:36 PM   #61
Veteran Member
 
City: Rockford
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 33
Thank you everybody -

I have some experience sailing (sailboats) but not a lot.
I have a good amount of RV experience (motorhomes). I was going to retire in a motorhome, but the confluence of retiring baby boomers and "houseless people" has made that choice a bit too crowded and popular. Thus more and more laws are being written to limit them, and only in the desert can you be free.
I discovered the Great Loop and bells went off in my head. Mostly flat water and mostly slow. I can plan for half the time in a slip and half on anchor. I can still have a movable house that can stay or go as I wish. And a boat doesn't need tires!

BTW - I researched Barracuda house boats. Very roomy but how do you anchor? I don't see any with windlasses. So if you're going to anchor for a windy night (even in a protected waterway), what are they doing? And how do they pull up a heavy anchor/chain?

Mark
mpkoontz48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 12:44 PM   #62
Guru
 
fgarriso's Avatar
 
City: .
Vessel Name: GOTCHA
Vessel Model: Hatteras 58 LRC
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,103
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
Thank you everybody -

I have some experience sailing (sailboats) but not a lot.
I have a good amount of RV experience (motorhomes). I was going to retire in a motorhome, but the confluence of retiring baby boomers and "houseless people" has made that choice a bit too crowded and popular. Thus more and more laws are being written to limit them, and only in the desert can you be free.
I discovered the Great Loop and bells went off in my head. Mostly flat water and mostly slow. I can plan for half the time in a slip and half on anchor. I can still have a movable house that can stay or go as I wish. And a boat doesn't need tires!

BTW - I researched Barracuda house boats. Very roomy but how do you anchor? I don't see any with windlasses. So if you're going to anchor for a windy night (even in a protected waterway), what are they doing? And how do they pull up a heavy anchor/chain?

Mark

They pull the anchor chain by hand. If you have 200' out your a better man than I am.
__________________
Captain F. Lee - R.P.E.
USCG 200 GT Master
fgarriso is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 09:56 PM   #63
Veteran Member
 
Sparks5501's Avatar
 
City: Portland, TN
Vessel Name: Roundabout
Vessel Model: 2000 Donzi Z275
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
I've been curious about the I/O drives -

Do they reduce thru-hull holes? Meaning, do they intake engine water?

Mark
Our engine takes in water thru the inlet in the skag. It circulates thru the engine and goes back out thru the bottom of the outdrive. The outdrive is the only thru hull opening on our boat. Everything else is above the waterline.
__________________
Heather & Mack McIntosh
2000 Donzi Z275 Cruiser
"Dreaming of the Great Loop"
Sparks5501 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 11:17 PM   #64
Guru
 
BandB's Avatar
 
City: Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,449
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
Out boards -

I know outboards can do the loop, but do they every make the jump to the Bahamas?

I've always considered outboards as flat-water engines, so I have no knowledge of how they could be used in larger (32+) boats. Any examples?

Mark
All the time.
BandB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2019, 11:18 PM   #65
Guru
 
BandB's Avatar
 
City: Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,449
Quote:
Originally Posted by fgarriso View Post


And yes they will do rough water. This is 900 HP!
Wifey B: We have triple 300 Yamahas on our Contender which we have for employee use.
BandB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 08:03 AM   #66
Guru
 
ben2go's Avatar
 
City: Upstate,SC
Vessel Name: Shipoopi
Vessel Model: derilic sailboat
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,884
Quote:
Originally Posted by BandB View Post
Wifey B: We have triple 300 Yamahas on our Contender which we have for employee use.
Too much is just enough.
__________________
This is my signature line. There are many like it but this one is mine.

What a pain in the transom.

ben2go is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 08:17 AM   #67
Guru
 
Pete Meisinger's Avatar
 
City: Oconto, WI
Vessel Name: Best Alternative
Vessel Model: 36 Albin Aft Cabin
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,145
One point everyone missed, and it can be an expensive one. Buy a boat close to home. If you are on the Great Lakes don't even look at a boat in Texas or Florida (although there are a lot of them), unless you are ready to leave the dirt home the day after you buy and load everything you are taking along and go to the boat. Bringing the boat home can cost a fortune, making several pre-cruise trips to the boat is also prohibitive.

Another "must have" for a tight budget cruiser is a generator. Especially if there is fix up stuff that needs power. (saws, sanders,120 volt lights) away from a marina. These repairs are far easier at a dock but can be done on the hook. A single guy can convert the "V" berth into a shop so you will definitely need an aft cabin.

Really nice older Albins can be had for less than $40,000, almost all with Ford Lehman diesels. Check the Albin Owners Group website. Don't be afraid of all the bad press the Taiwan Trawlers get. They are well built heavy, seaworthy trawlers. Just buy a good one. The windows often leak and the teak decks need upgrading generally but isn't that what you are looking for?

It costs about $1,000 a month to own a boat in the 35 - 40 foot range at a marina. Probably twice that for the first one or two years. Fuel will be your smallest expense.

Don't leave the dock for the loop without some savings. You really should have a minimum of $10,000. $20,00 would be better. I'm not saying you can't substitute a good credit card with a fairly high limit, but credit cards demand repayment. (they are funny that way).

Personally, I have a very marketable skill. (I am an R.N. and not above doing CNA work) I can easily hire on at almost any destination and earn enough to cover marina fees and living expenses and get the credit card paid down in a couple months. Is this an option for you?

Although, personally, I love the sound of gassers, but definitely go with diesel. The gassers nickel and dime you to death. ALSO!! don't even look at a stern drive!! Also known as I/O, There isn't one built that can handle a heavy slow boat for the long haul. They can't generally be repaired and replacement is always around $2,000.

GO FOR IT !!

pete
Pete Meisinger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 08:30 AM   #68
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,147
Anchoring any stock vessel can be easy or difficult... houseboats no different and many cruise the loop every year.


I own an Albin and wouldn't arbitrarily say they are well built or seaworthy...they are in a group of vessels that have a very "opinionated" following...good and bad...and I have plenty experience tearing one apart to basics and many other type boats as well. from hull rebuilds to major systems.


Outdrives can be a blessing or a curse..... maintained well and ther provide better maneuverability and can make draft a lesser issue...but there are several failure points on them that bear close watching, some with more water entry points than others. Like all boats and all systems...tradeoffs.


I agree the popularity of RVing is taxing existing places to prk...but don't think boating on the loop will be any better. plenty of places with marina/slip shortages and it seems to be accelerating. I hear of more boaters switching to RVs than the other way around...but heading south in a boat during the cold months can be a guessing game of anchor because I can't get into a marina?
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 11:42 AM   #69
Veteran Member
 
City: Rockford
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Meisinger View Post
One point everyone missed, and it can be an expensive one. Buy a boat close to home. If you are on the Great Lakes don't even look at a boat in Texas or Florida (although there are a lot of them), unless you are ready to leave the dirt home the day after you buy and load everything you are taking along and go to the boat. Bringing the boat home can cost a fortune, making several pre-cruise trips to the boat is also prohibitive.

Another "must have" for a tight budget cruiser is a generator. Especially if there is fix up stuff that needs power. (saws, sanders,120 volt lights) away from a marina. These repairs are far easier at a dock but can be done on the hook. A single guy can convert the "V" berth into a shop so you will definitely need an aft cabin.

Really nice older Albins can be had for less than $40,000, almost all with Ford Lehman diesels. Check the Albin Owners Group website. Don't be afraid of all the bad press the Taiwan Trawlers get. They are well built heavy, seaworthy trawlers. Just buy a good one. The windows often leak and the teak decks need upgrading generally but isn't that what you are looking for?

It costs about $1,000 a month to own a boat in the 35 - 40 foot range at a marina. Probably twice that for the first one or two years. Fuel will be your smallest expense.

Don't leave the dock for the loop without some savings. You really should have a minimum of $10,000. $20,00 would be better. I'm not saying you can't substitute a good credit card with a fairly high limit, but credit cards demand repayment. (they are funny that way).

Personally, I have a very marketable skill. (I am an R.N. and not above doing CNA work) I can easily hire on at almost any destination and earn enough to cover marina fees and living expenses and get the credit card paid down in a couple months. Is this an option for you?

Although, personally, I love the sound of gassers, but definitely go with diesel. The gassers nickel and dime you to death. ALSO!! don't even look at a stern drive!! Also known as I/O, There isn't one built that can handle a heavy slow boat for the long haul. They can't generally be repaired and replacement is always around $2,000.

GO FOR IT !!

pete
Thanks Pete - A couple of questions:

1) You said $1000 per month to own... What does that figure cover?
2) You said $10k (savings) before leaving for the loop. Is that "on top of" the $2700 a month SS payment? Note: I plan on slips only half the time.

Work: I will be 67 and retired when I go. But I work as a can "contractor" CAD jockey if I need to. But personally, I really need to find a "cash" business (if I need to work) so it won't affect my SS payment...

Mark
mpkoontz48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 11:54 AM   #70
Veteran Member
 
City: Rockford
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by psneeld View Post
Anchoring any stock vessel can be easy or difficult... houseboats no different and many cruise the loop every year.


I own an Albin and wouldn't arbitrarily say they are well built or seaworthy...they are in a group of vessels that have a very "opinionated" following...good and bad...and I have plenty experience tearing one apart to basics and many other type boats as well. from hull rebuilds to major systems.


Outdrives can be a blessing or a curse..... maintained well and ther provide better maneuverability and can make draft a lesser issue...but there are several failure points on them that bear close watching, some with more water entry points than others. Like all boats and all systems...tradeoffs.


I agree the popularity of RVing is taxing existing places to prk...but don't think boating on the loop will be any better. plenty of places with marina/slip shortages and it seems to be accelerating. I hear of more boaters switching to RVs than the other way around...but heading south in a boat during the cold months can be a guessing game of anchor because I can't get into a marina?
I think the people leaving boating may find their choice "not that good" when they get there. Again, I want the freedom to stay for 90 days, or leave the next day if I want. Overcrowded camping spots NEED reservations now. But it seems a quiet river of "spot" can most times be found if you look (on the loop).
I'm kind of looking for a boat with a bad generator because I really what to go BIG with solar to eliminate that NEED to be at a slip. [But I'd have a portable generator for power tools and emergencies.]

Mark
mpkoontz48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 12:31 PM   #71
Guru
 
Portage_Bay's Avatar
 
City: Coupeville Wa.
Vessel Name: Pacific Myst
Vessel Model: West Bay 4500
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,413
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
....

Work: I will be 67 and retired when I go. But I work as a can "contractor" CAD jockey if I need to. But personally, I really need to find a "cash" business (if I need to work) so it won't affect my SS payment...

Mark

I'm not Pete but... you can work as much as you desire once you reach full retirement age and not loose any benefits. You will pay taxes on the income. And if you earn enough part of your SS income will be taxed also.
Portage_Bay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2019, 01:54 PM   #72
Guru
 
dhays's Avatar
 
City: Gig Harbor
Vessel Name: Kinship
Vessel Model: North Pacific 43
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 9,046
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
I think the people leaving boating may find their choice "not that good" when they get there. Again, I want the freedom to stay for 90 days, or leave the next day if I want. Overcrowded camping spots NEED reservations now. But it seems a quiet river of "spot" can most times be found if you look (on the loop).
I'm kind of looking for a boat with a bad generator because I really what to go BIG with solar to eliminate that NEED to be at a slip. [But I'd have a portable generator for power tools and emergencies.]

Mark

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but each state has its own rules for how long an out-of-state vessel can stay in their state before they are subject to their own state registration. Since each state's rules are different, you will need to check carefully with each as you travel.
__________________
Regards,

Dave
SPOT page
dhays is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 01:39 PM   #73
Newbie
 
City: President-41
Vessel Name: Voyager
Vessel Model: President-41
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 4
Hi my wife and I sold our house and properties and bought a boat and prepared it to go looping. Sadly she passed away. I now live on the boat in titusville Florida. Come visit me at titusville municipal marina for a week. I'll show you the ropes and you can see for yourself then if that is what you want to do. I live on as and some retirement
Lemmeknow 407.325.8663....⚓😎
JohnnyCache is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 02:17 PM   #74
Veteran Member
 
City: Watertown
Vessel Name: Daruma One
Vessel Model: Formosa 41
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
As a sailboat owner I like sailboats. The 6' draft of my 40' boat is somewhat of a problem and I don't even consider doing the whole loop in it. Iv'e been aground numerous times and you can blame me or not, but sometimes it was just unavoidable due to currents, winds etc. A power boat/yacht can be expensive and comfortable, but I don't like the 2 - 3 miles to the gallon that some of the bigger 35 - 40 foot boats get. Even motoring I get at least 7 miles per gallon of diesel fuel. It just takes me longer to get there. The downside of diesel is the odor will never go away, but it is one of those things that after while a person gets used to, and I don't even notice it any more except when first getting on the boat after an absence. Unless you have a deep pocket just about any boat less than new is going to cost some of your budget in maintenance.
You need to accept that. You should consider also the costs of such things as safety equipment if going offshore. Doubtful at 40K the boat will have a life raft. Also doubtful that it will have all the other necessary safety equipment that insures your safety. Vhf Radio, EPERB. chart plotters, Radar Watermaker etc. Not to discourage you, but just to do your research of how it's done. My situation maybe 20 years ago. In the loop there are times you may be offshore. In the river system it is essential that you know the procedures for going through the locks. What to do when a tow is coming from the front and one is coming from the back and they are about to meet where you are.
Been there, done that at night, and it'is pretty scary. I also have a smaller sailboat that
only draws 42" inches and could probably do the great loop when conditions are right and would be a lot cheaper. If you are interested islankman@gmail .com
Oldsarge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 02:56 PM   #75
Veteran Member
 
City: Watertown
Vessel Name: Daruma One
Vessel Model: Formosa 41
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
The loop is a whole different ball game than ocean cruising. Easy in some power
boats but somewhat difficult for the rest of us. Doing it in a sailboat, bridges is problematical due to low bridges. Carrying the masts or shipping them is required for most of the rivers until you get to Pickwick lake if not doing the Mississippi all the way down. After Pickwick it might be possible to do some sailing, but is it worth it? Its sort of like having a Radar or autopilot. Not too useful on the rivers.
Oldsarge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 04:25 PM   #76
Senior Member
 
Sunset's Avatar
 
City: Sharbot Lake
Vessel Name: Manatee
Vessel Model: 1976 Albin 25 DeLuxe
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 278
The Albin 25 is well regarded as a looper, and this one has no need of a genny. It's ready to go and will leave you with a large travel budget!
http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s...ada-45434.html
__________________
1976 Albin 25 DeLuxe; 1990 Thundercraft 1750
Sunset is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 04:31 PM   #77
Imp
Senior Member
 
City: Sneads Ferry NC
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 141
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpkoontz48 View Post
How do you wash dishes if you don't have 1 sink for warm soapy water soaking dishes, and another sink for rinsing into?

You either: 1) wash the dishes & drain the sink, then rinse them all; 2) use a plastic dishpan for either washing or rinsing. A double sink takes up needed counter space, which is why many folks just cover the extra sink. I use a plastic bowl from Walmart instead of a dishpan because it takes less space & less water. Note: how you will wash your dishes is a minor question that you will solve the best way possible once you are living aboard.


Dollar values have changed since I cruised full-time in the 90's, but back then I knew couples who lived/cruised in Latin America as low as $100 monthly, though typical budgets were $500-$1000. These were folks on sailboats with auxillary diesels, & the boats ranged from very small to 40'+luxury yachts. My budget of $1,000 was considered luxury level & included dining out in port, though we most frequently anchored out, though we did rent a mooring in La Paz, Mexico one winter & a dock in Cartagena another winter. We all ate well & had a great time & drank plenty of margaritas (I made mine with Crystal Light). I think it might be more practical to consider traveling mostly via sail in more southerly latitudes, where the anchorages are plentiful & free, the booze is cheap & there are lots of other friendly cruisers (including single women). Good medical/dental care is very reasonable elsewhere in the world, too. I still go back to Costa Rica for some medical/dental, even though I have excellent insurance. Consider expanding your horizons, & if you've got 5 years before hauling anchor there's still time to play entrepreneur & grow your nest egg/income streams. My recommendation for #1 on your To Do list is to visit your local library & devour all the cruising books you can find. Even if not on the shelves, your librarian can order what you need. Before videos I used to check out a 16 mm. projector & borrow films for family viewing. My 2nd recommendation for your list is to take as many relevant classes as you can find. My late skipper & I studied not only attended every relevant lecture we could find, but took classes for several years--sailing, marlinspike, medicine at sea, weather, navigation, sailmaking/repair, ham radio, etc. You'll learn skills & make friends; you will also learn about yourself & what you really want to do the rest of your life--
Imp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 05:25 PM   #78
Kaz
Member
 
City: Riverside, NJ
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 18
To the OP

I am a frequent lurker here and an infrequent poster. I am chiming in on this post because I have in common with you that I am planning on doing the loop my first year of retirement and am just not quite ready to do it yet.

Being in dreaming mode, without having done it, I have read quite a few books and posts on the loop. It seems that you have been given some great advise here. I am surprised that two sources of information have not yet been mentioned to you. The first is Captain John ( Capt John's Cruising America's Great Loop ) . If you are looking to do the loop on a budget, you might want to read every word of his web page and blog. He has also written several books on the subject.

He is a huge advocate of not having to spend too much to be able to do the loop. He even rents boats out for the loop for those who are scared to take the plunge.

An example of his advise is to do the math on fuel usage. As soon as you choose a boat, you have also chosen how much it will cost you to do the loop. With side trips, 6,000 miles might be a safe estimate. So a 2 mpg trawler paying $4 per gallon will spend $12,000 per year on fuel. A dual engine gas planing or semi displacement boat could easily cross $20K to $30K for one year on the loop. On the other side, a sailboat with the mast down getting 6mph might only cost you $4,000 in fuel.

I personally don't look at the world the same way that he does. However, it insights are still valuable. My first divergence with him is that I am just not a sail boater, with or without the mast down. He has a huge preference in that direction and you will hear all of the arguments for that with him. The second difference is that I am currently happily married for quite a few years. So my ultimate loop experience and live aboard life will be for two. I don't think that Captain John's lifestyle quite works with an Admiral on board. That being said, you mentioned that you are divorced. So you may have more in common with his thoughts.

The second source of information is Americas Great Loop Cruisers Association. https://www.greatloop.org/ They have all kinds of info including thoughts on what boat to use.


They have fall and spring rendezvous, that include a day where you get to walk on all the volunteers boats and ask questions about their boat and how they like it with relation to the loop. I do plan on attending this.

IMO I don't know if I have ever met a boater who didn't think that their boat was the best. I also have met very few boaters who didn't openly or secretly want a different boat. It is the nature of it and why you have received so many different opinions.

My best.
Kaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 08:47 PM   #79
Guru
 
jeffnick's Avatar
 
City: Spartanburg, SC
Vessel Name: Big Duck
Vessel Model: '72 Land-N-Sea
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 535
https://72land-n-sea.blogspot.com/20...-for-loop.html
jeffnick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2019, 09:35 PM   #80
Senior Member
 
Carl Martin's Avatar
 
City: Port Richey
Vessel Name: Olive Oyl
Vessel Model: Scout 30, Caribiana 23
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 245
The 70's to 80's Mainship 34 is a decent trawler that can be bought very reasonably. Typically come with a single Perkins that is reliable & less costly to work on than many brands. As with all trawlers of that age you need to check the decks & cabin for water intrusion. Here's a couple of examples:

https://sarasota.craigslist.org/boa/...906540721.html
https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bo...933015525.html
Carl Martin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012