RESULTSET |
query |
|
ARTICLE2TAGID |
ARTICLEAUTHOR |
ARTICLECATNAME |
ARTICLEDATE |
ARTICLEDATE2 |
ARTICLEID |
ARTICLEPLACEMENT |
ARTICLEREF |
ARTICLETEXT |
ARTICLETITLE |
ARTICLEURL |
ARTICLE_TAG |
CATREF |
ISAPPROVED |
ISARCHIVED |
KEYWORDS |
MYDESCRIPTION |
ONFRONTPAGE |
PARENTREF |
PIC1 |
POSTEDDATE |
POSTSTATUSREF |
SEOHANDCRAFTEDURL |
SEOPAGETITLE |
SEOPREVIEWTEXT |
SEOURL |
TAGEXPIRES |
TAGNAME |
TAGPRIORITY |
TAGREF |
TAGURL |
1 |
1271 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2024-01-14 00:00:00.0 |
2024-01-14 00:00:00.0 |
303 |
[empty string] |
303 |
<p><em><strong>When you want more than Captain Ron....</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>During the course of your boating life, there will be times when engaging the services of a professional captain will be desirable, prudent, or even required.</p>
<p>As mentioned in my previous article on <a href="../../../../news/insuring-your-boating-dream">insurance</a>, having a captain on your new boat brings experience and seasoned common sense. This should help as one learns to handle a new boat, especially if it is 10 feet larger than you’ve owned before.</p>
<p>When going up in size, the number and complexity of systems, engines, and gear may be more intimidating, even before leaving the dock. While technology has brought many improvements to the boating experience, in many cases automating some of the decision making, there is still the critical need to have a responsible owner in command. This is universal no matter how large or small, power or sail.</p>
<p>You need to know what you are doing out there!</p>
<p>Besides understanding where things are and how they work, there are routines and procedures for preparing the boat, getting under way, and dealing with the almost infinite variety of situations on the water that require clear thinking, knowledge, and experience. And as boats get larger, it is foolish to expect one can figure it all out alone. This is where the captain comes in.</p>
<p>Along with making you familiar with how to prepare for getting under way, there are many tricks and techniques a captain can pass on that reflect wisdom from generations of seafarers. This can come from touch-and-go practice coming up to a mooring ball or dock in varying wind and current conditions or learning how to lasso a line around a piling. And the ever-present need to get a spring line on the dock before tossing a bow line to the dock attendant isn’t always intuitive.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Are you confident enough to back into a slip?)</em></p>
<p><img title="docking a boat at a crowded marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/docking-boat-at-crowded-marina.jpg?cb=555712F4-BD8F-EF1E-F0530D4A5D3F321A" alt="docking a boat at a crowded marina" width="800" height="450" /></p>
<p>As with everything else in your boating life, building practical skills is important for your boating resume.</p>
<p>A professional captain should be viewed as an important step in becoming familiar with a new boat. While some may see it as a necessary evil and expense, I have long argued it is perhaps one of the best things one can do to become a responsible and confident mariner. Especially for people like me who tend to avoid instruction in an academic environment, the hands-on experience of working and learning from the right captain makes all the difference in the world.</p>
<p>What one can learn is more than a simple punch list of tasks, and it will usually be custom fit to the needs of the situation. In addition to a basic review of systems and what to check in the engine space, it may include considerations of current and future weather, reviewing local conditions and forecasts. Given the dynamic nature of being on the water, it is helpful to see how a captain evaluates and responds to all sorts of situations, from overtaking vessels in a crowded waterway, dealing with unexpected delays at bridges and other congestion points, or assisting other vessels either in distress or in need in some way. Even radio communications and what happens next, when they go beyond what is taught in basic seamanship school.</p>
<p>(Live fire exercises of the prototype rail gun at the Dahlgren Sea Systems Command on the Potomac come to mind, as do USCG warnings to our trawler that the inlet to Cape Hatteras is closed and to not even think about coming in to get away from a nasty overtaking storm. Or responding to a mysterious and utterly silent military helicopter that literally appeared out of nowhere as we steamed north in a new, unmarked trawler along the coast of California on our way to Cape Flattery.)</p>
<p>A captain can also help break bad habits and improve ways of doing things that are not the right way to do it on a bigger boat. Fenders, lines, and dinghy management may require a different approach. Even the additional weight and difficulty handling a big shorepower cord becomes a new experience.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Captains can help with the basics, such as the proper way to tie a dock line.)</em></p>
<p><em><img title="proper way to tie a dock line for boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tying-and-storing-a-dock-line-for-boat.jpg?cb=55A90F53-C706-C2BF-ACE5100DA737D665" alt="proper way to tie a dock line for boat" width="800" height="470" /></em></p>
<p>Many of our seasoned brokers at Seattle Yachts tell me the concept of using a captain when going up in boat size is a worthy investment. They agree the 10-foot rule imposed by insurance companies is a good idea for many reasons.</p>
<p>One is that a captain may help define—or redefine—the roles of crew. A couple running a new, larger boat may be surprised to find that the woman is a much better choice for the helm than her husband, who is more suited for deck duty. Egos aside, this is true fairly often, particularly on bigger boats where deck gear becomes heavy and unwieldy. There is a reason why shore cable reel systems are common on large boats. Compare the fenders on a <a href="../../../../new-northern-marine-yachts-for-sale/">Northern Marine</a> 80 to those on a 36-foot <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a>. Big difference.</p>
<p>Some captains are considered “teaching captains,” and they are ideal choices for less-experienced people taking ownership of a new boat. Ask any broker for the name of a teaching captain and most will offer their short list of proven personalities. Making happy owners is everyone’s goal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>No One Job Description</strong></p>
<p>I’ve worked with several professional captains over the years, and no two captains offer quite the same range of services or have the same expertise. Some captains specialize in deliveries, some can best be described as teaching captains as described above, and others typically tailor their services to the needs of a yacht and its owners.</p>
<p>For example, one couple recently upgraded from a Catalina 30 to a new <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Tartan-395-Sailboat">Tartan 395</a> sailboat they bought at the fall show. The 10-foot step up in size made using a captain advisable, but for them it only involved a couple of afternoon sessions to qualify the owners on their new boat. The difference in windage while docking, and anticipating how the heavier boat responds, took getting used to.</p>
<p>The new owners obviously wished to avoid crash-and-burn learning experiences with their shiny new hull, so taking it slow with an experienced captain assured smiles at the end of the day.</p>
<p>Yacht deliveries are a common way to move boats up and down the coast, and delivery captains make a respectable living moving boats year-round. It is possible to find a captain to deliver one’s boat, with the stipulation that you want to be onboard for the learning experience. There is always something to learn and experience for a new owner. This might even include some time offshore to get long-distance miles under their belt.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Seattle Yachts broker <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Martin-Snyder">Martin Snyder</a> and first mate Dave delivering a boat to a customer.)</em></p>
<p> <img title="yacht broker delivering boat to customer" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/seattle-yacht-broker-delivering-boat-to-customer.jpg?cb=55E5EBAA-FE1F-C138-E71B8EDD55ACDA95" alt="yacht broker delivering boat to customer" width="800" height="568" /></p>
<p>One will have to negotiate the specifics with a captain for such an adventure, but the benefits will likely far outweigh the costs. The captain will go over the boat in detail, review what safety gear is aboard and what needs to be rented sort term (EPIRB and life raft), what spares are needed and how many, and a score of other details. And the owner learns something every step of the way.</p>
<p>This is a markedly different scenario from hiring a captain to simply spend a handful of hours running the boat locally with you aboard.</p>
<p>I spoke at length with a couple of captains who have diverse backgrounds to help explore other aspects that may not be obvious.</p>
<p>Capt. Andrea Gaines is decidedly NOT what she calls a “Rolodex captain.” These captains tend to sit in the pilothouse and have contacts to call for pretty much everything that may need to be done on the boat. This is contrary to her hands-on approach. Yes, for one of the boats she manages, she has one electrician, one plumber, and one Caterpillar mechanic that she routinely uses to service and work on projects that comes up. But she is always alongside when one of them is on the boat, always hands-on during any and all tasks or projects. <em><strong>(Read: <a href="../../../../news/running-a-small-ship">Running A Small Ship</a>)</strong></em></p>
<p>As a result, she is intimately familiar with the boat and its systems and is comfortable with changing oil and gear lube in engines, generators, transmissions, and other mechanical gear. She flushes filters, changes impellers, exercises through hulls, tightens wiring, and dozens of other tasks to make the boat as trouble-free as possible. She knows a well-maintained boat is going to be far less troublesome than the alternative.</p>
<p><img title="captain andrea gaines driving a yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/captain-andrea-gaines-driving-a-yacht.jpg?cb=5619A74A-AC97-BDDA-BD1BA12A8A47FDC1" alt="captain andrea gaines driving a yacht" width="587" height="649" /></p>
<p>She currently has three or four long-term clients, and each has its unique set of needs and services. One is a large sailboat that spends its winter in the Caribbean when it is not in Maine. Her time with this client is split between managing other captains and crew who maintain the boat when the owner is absent, run the boat when the owner is aboard and she is not, and deliver the boat back to Maine (and her care) for the season. This way she never loses touch with the boat and always has a hand on its pulse and needs.</p>
<p>For a new boat owner, she might spend a week on the boat with the owners. She will go over checklists for the boat and its systems, show how best to drive the boat, get under way, use the radio, deal with all the micro issues we come across, and generally make the owners comfortable with their new boat.</p>
<p>“At first, learning a new boat is like drinking out of a firehose,” she explained. It may take six months to absorb it all, and hiring a captain proves to be very helpful.</p>
<p>“Every owner wants to enjoy their boat,” Andrea continued. It is at the heart of everything she does. Maximizing their time, enjoyment, and the experience on the boat is what it is all about.</p>
<p>And when the owners’ available window to be on their boat is short, it is vitally important to make sure everything works when they are aboard.</p>
<p>One of her clients has a large <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/">cruising motoryacht</a>, and she is very much in charge of the ongoing maintenance as she runs the boat up and down the coast. She changes the oil in the engines and generators, replaces impellers, and is often down in the engine room while the boat sits at a luxury marina. You seldom find her chilling out in the pilothouse helm chair.</p>
<p>Andrea says every owner has his or her needs, which often evolve over time. This is particularly relevant with her long-standing client relationships. They may have once been hands-on owner/operators, but over the years they have become less inclined to spend time in the engine room doing maintenance. Their interests—and abilities—changed with the years. It is the responsibility of the full or part-time captain to worry about what the owner no longer wants to do, or can no longer do with confidence.</p>
<p>And that is an important aspect of the client/captain relationship. Aging owners may not want to give up boating as they lose the ability to do what they once did…and enjoyed. The captain now keeps the ship afloat, so to speak, doing everything from provisioning to keeping a spreadsheet of the complete spares inventory. They perform all maintenance (either doing it personally or managing the work of others) in addition to running the boat for the owners. Given the commitment to overall responsibility for the yacht as the captain, operating the boat on the water may be a small percentage of the total time spent managing the yacht.</p>
<p>To emphasize her mantra of owners getting the most out of their boats, Capt. Gaines says routine maintenance is absolutely key to successful cruising. It may not be the fun part of being a captain, but getting dirty in the engine room or regularly exercising through hulls is as vital to owner satisfaction as making sure there is gin and rum aboard.</p>
<p>Capt. Jerry Taylor has been training, delivering, and providing long-term captain services to clients for decades and his knowledge is extensive. With his wife, Wendy, the couple are regular fixtures in the East Coast trawler community, as they have continued to train, deliver, maintain, and operate large yachts for over 40 years. I’ve known the couple for a long time, have used them to deliver several of my boats over the years, and have the highest regard for their perspective and opinions.</p>
<p>(Below: Capt. Taylor delivers a Grand Banks for a customer.)</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/l-7Ul7xCmeI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> </p>
<p>Getting new owners comfortable on their new boat, and confident managing the many systems, takes lots of time, and the couple finds it best breaking it up into manageable chunks. They can spend three days going over a boat’s systems, spread out over that time. To do the whole thing at once is simply too much to absorb and owners need a break between sessions. Even on learning trips, Jerry and Wendy get off the boat at the end of the day and stay at a nearby hotel. They let the owners get settled on their new boat and think about what they learned that day.</p>
<p>Jerry feels most clients see the value of what a captain brings to the table when there is a new yacht involved, but it is not always true. Some owners are forced into using a captain because of insurance. The ones who have problems are usually those who confuse their own skill set with what is required to operate a heavy and complex trawler. They don’t think new boat orientation with a captain is worth the time and money.</p>
<p>Jerry knows from experience how this attitude can create problems for the couple and expensive damage to the boat. Egos are best left at the door.</p>
<p>Looking back over the years, Jerry and Wendy see a range of needs of what people should learn or become familiar with. As they reminded me, sometimes the man has the necessary knowledge and experience, but his wife does not. In such cases getting her onboard and comfortable is especially important to the couple’s overall enjoyment of the experience and lifestyle. Wendy is often the key factor in easing the wife into comfortable boat handling.</p>
<p>Of course, not everyone needs to know how to change the oil in their engines, or any of a long list of other service items, but it certainly helps when speaking to a service yard about a maintenance program. The same is true for changing zincs, impellers, and other routine maintenance. A finicky bow thruster that has become choked with contact dust, can be cleaned and serviced by anyone who doesn’t mind either contorting like a pretzel or getting their hands dirty. But not everyone wants to do it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Word of Mouth is Best</strong></p>
<p>Most professional captains have a social media presence. Websites are also standard procedure for every professional who wants to advertise their services.</p>
<p>Yet it is common for most new business to come from referrals from past or existing clients. Nothing seems to have quite the impact as the recommendation from a friend. And that is no surprise. It is also true that if your trusted broker tells you that so-and-so is a good choice for new boat training, there is not much more that needs to be said.</p>
<p>I would like to offer some idea as to the costs of using a captain’s services. As you might imagine, it is a widely variable rate sheet, as there are so many factors that one needs to define. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 a day for a captain, which is a common daily rate for a normal 8-hour day. That does not mean being onboard 24/7.</p>
<p>But there are many flavors and levels of involvement, from part-time over a couple of weeks up to and including full-time captain duties for an entire season. For vessel orientation over several days or more, it might be a daily rate for a set number of days, or it may be weekly. It may include delivery services, project management, managing repair and/or refit work, bringing on additional crew, provisioning, or remote yacht management when the boat is located far from home.</p>
<p>Travel and expenses, even mileage, are always additional and as the plans and trips get more involved, it is common to provide the captain with a credit card to buy fuel, pay for dockage, and other expenses.</p>
<p>But don’t think a captain assumes carte blanche to spend whatever and whenever. Quite the opposite. Running a tight ship is part of the mission statement of a professional captain.</p>
<p>Capt. Andrea Gaines put it best. “I spend my owner’s money as if it was my money.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Intangible Benefits</strong></p>
<p>I want to mention some of the unforeseen benefits of using professional services that I did not at first expect and have found again and again. Depending on the background of your captain, there may be experience with military, rescue, pilot, or commercial vessels similar enough to your own boat and what she is capable of. And if you need a shot of confidence-building performance, hold onto your hat. Here are just a couple of fond memories.</p>
<p>Watching a captain run our 40-foot Downeast cruiser like a workboat around a mooring ball and then in a tight fairway was a thrilling shot of adrenaline I did not expect. The boat danced in ways I never imagined, even though I do not consider myself a timid boater.</p>
<p>On a 64-foot <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a> yacht, a thousand miles away, another captain surfed into an inlet in running seas that had my heart in my throat, under total control while playing the throttles of the twin diesels. It was marvelous to see such mastery and left me thinking that recreational boaters have no idea how strong our boats really are.</p>
<p>While I do not mean to suggest I’ve seen captains risk boat or crew in an effort to grandstand, they showed that well-built yachts are remarkably tough, and more than capable of the healthy use most of us shy away from. These captains truly enjoy running quality boats closer to their potential.</p>
<p>For me, that alone is worth the price of a captain for new boat orientation. <br />It is common wisdom that going through a storm on your new boat gives you confidence in her abilities. But you’ll get the same confidence with a talented captain without having to survive a scary storm scenario.</p>
<p>Just some food for thought as you consider your options in the future.</p>
<p><img title="captain ron steering boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/captain-ron-steering-boat.jpg?cb=5727F1B3-A6E8-437B-6DB9180229F1911B" alt="captain ron steering boat" width="800" height="475" /></p>
<p>And since I mentioned Captain Ron at the beginning, let me share my favorite line in the movie, when he explains the realities of boating to his clients:</p>
<p>“If anything is going to happen, it is going to happen out there.”</p>
<p>Not with the right captain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by Bill Parlatore:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking Of The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Hiring A Yacht Captain |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Whether or not to hire a captain for your yacht is a subject many boat owners wrestle with. Bill Parlatore discusses how to find the right captain and what to expect. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
hiring-a-yacht-captain.jpg |
2024-01-14 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
hiring-a-yacht-captain |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/hiring-a-yacht-captain |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
2 |
1266 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-10-19 00:00:00.0 |
2023-10-19 00:00:00.0 |
298 |
[empty string] |
298 |
<p>I have been writing about trawlers and powerboat cruising for many years. It is both an obsession and a fascination for me, as I witness hundreds of people, mostly couples, embrace the trawler lifestyle as a healthy alternative to routine living on land. While the last several years certainly got a lot of people and families to escape from a confined existence, choosing a freer life on the water away from so many imposed restrictions, the trawler lifestyle was already alive and well in North America.</p>
<p><em>(Below: "Growler", a Custom Zimmerman 36 Trawler once owned by Bill Parlatore, founder of Passagemaker Magazine.)</em></p>
<p><img title="trawler boat owned by bill parlatore" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/trawler-boat-owned-by-bill-parlatore.jpg?cb=D6DC7534-B843-2A13-B040270D8AE4AD18" alt="trawler boat owned by bill parlatore" width="800" height="529" /></p>
<p>What is the appeal of this lifestyle? For me, living aboard and operating <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler yachts</a> represents a quality of life that embraces the values of self-sufficiency and independence, and adventure without sacrificing comfort. One is free to move as the mood dictates, finding a balance of nature while engaging as much—or as little—in society, careers, and other activities that compensate with convenience, glittery things, nice cars and houses, and other material things. Many come to realize at some point they are but distractions from a more grounded existence.</p>
<p>Operating a trawler does not demand the skills and experience required from a similar size <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a>. And it is relatively easy to learn the nuances of engine and vessel maintenance, navigation, and proper seamanship. Depending on what kind of powerboat one chooses, they can be economical to own and operate, and offer a pleasant home experience that often rivals luxury living ashore. And a point often missed when discussing this lifestyle, the skills needed to competently run a trawler offer stimulating physical and mental challenges that are immensely valuable at the stage of life when most of us pursue this life direction.</p>
<p>It is rewarding to gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment with every new port, every new challenge. Dealing with the vagaries of life on the water makes one stronger, more resilient, and better able to deal with just about anything life throws at us. A t-shirt captured that sentiment: “Calm seas never made a skilled sailor.”</p>
<p>And a final note before I begin. While we’ll look at the cost of admission into this life, most of us are at a point in life where we have more financial worth than time, so the cost of getting into this lifestyle is more than made up by a quality of life that most agree is hard to beat.</p>
<p>This guide to <a href="../../../../buying-and-owning-trawler-yachts">buying a trawler yacht</a> serves several functions, and I hope to satisfy them in the following pages. We will discuss the choices one has in the trawler market, and hopefully explain the value of each type as it relates to selecting the right boat. At the same time, I hope to underscore this discussion with a greater appreciation for what I believe is often missed. Choosing the right boat is only the beginning. There is much more to the selection process than simply choosing a layout that seems comfortable or a boat that comes with all the bells and whistles. Walking through a boat during a boat show is only the first taste of what a boat has to offer. I trust my guide will help people avoid falling in love with the wrong boat. If I am successful, we will keep such misplaced passion to a minimum.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>TRAWLER BUYER'S GUIDE - TABLE OF CONTENTS</strong></span></p>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman;">
<li><a href="#anchor1"><strong>What Is A Trawler?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor2"><strong>What Are The Different Types Of Trawler Boats?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor3"><strong>What's The Difference Between Trawlers & Cruising Boats?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor4"><strong>What About Catamarans?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor5"><strong>Hybrid & EV Powerboats</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor6"><strong>How Many People To Take On Your Trawler?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor7"><strong>Where Should You Take Your Trawler?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor8"><strong>How Long Should You Cruise On Your Trawler?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor9"><strong>What Does A Trawler Boat Cost?</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="#anchor10"><strong>Completing The Process Of Buying A Trawler</strong></a></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor1"><strong>I. What is a Trawler Anyway?</strong></p>
<p>I looked back at some of the references and definitions I offered over the years, as well as those presented by our editors. I keep coming back to the one that still resonates best with me, even as I look over the current field of trawlers and cruising yachts out there. Some are very similar to what was sold years ago, but not all, and each supports a lifestyle that is capable, comfortable, and relatively easy.</p>
<p>I am confident that, as we get ready to start 2024, the word “trawler” is best considered a metaphor for the cruising lifestyle it so well represents. Yacht brokers may disagree with me, but I stand firm. Back in the 1960s, power cruising pioneer <a href="https://www.passagemaker.com/lifestyle/the-life-and-legacy-of-robert-beebe" target="_blank">Robert Beebe</a> suggested that boats aren’t good for “voyaging” under power if they do not strongly resemble “true” trawlers. He referred, of course, to those husky fishing vessels that remain at sea for long periods, surviving anything the weather and sea throws at them, and safely bringing the catch and crew home when the job is done.</p>
<p>Today that analogy is not even remotely fitting for many powerboats that can capably make passages at sea, complete extended coastal and inland cruises, and serve as comfortable and safe homes for their owners. There has been a continuous evolution of the cruising powerboat genre for years now, and they now come in an assortment of styles, hull shapes, and sizes. And there is no better time than now to look at the field of available trawler choices.</p>
<p>In addition to traditional yacht designs that continue to be refined, we now also have new choices that really push the envelope beyond traditional shapes and concepts. And the introduction of powerful and reliable outboard propulsion has brought along a new category of <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/">cruising boats</a> that simply did not exist before.</p>
<p>It is all very exciting. I once observed that comparing the cruising characteristics of a full displacement steel trawler to a displacement <a href="../../../../used-power-catamarans-for-sale/">power catamaran</a> or a larger <a href="../../../../used-downeast-boats-for-sale/">Downeast cruiser</a> is pure folly. Each can make a superb cruising boat for owners. Which is the better athlete: a football player, a hockey goalie, or a ballet dancer?</p>
<p>Once you understand the many kinds of boats on the market today, and the choices you have, given your budget and other considerations, it is important to match whatever boat you choose to your style of cruising. This is at the heart of this buyer’s guide. Yes, it is vital to know what is out there to choose from, but it is even more critical to understand your needs and what kind of boat will best fit those needs. While this may be a challenge for some, hasty mistakes can lead to broken plans, create unnecessary anxiety, and put an unfortunate end to one’s dream cruising plans. All of which is totally avoidable.</p>
<p>Let’s begin with a practical look at the main types of hull shapes to understand the positive and negative aspects of each as they relate to cruising. Then we’ll look into how they may fit your needs.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Trawler owners meet up during the Pacific Northwest Nordic Tug Owners Rendezvous. Also called <a href="https://panntoa.com/" target="_blank">PANNTOA</a>.) </em></p>
<p><em><img title="friends enjoying their trawler boats" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/friends-enjoying-their-trawler-boat.jpg?cb=D9501246-D8A5-8018-26112CA6D10414C6" alt="friends enjoying their trawler boats" width="800" height="449" /></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor2"><strong>II. Choices Come in All Shapes</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Full Displacement</strong></p>
<p>What was once the only real choice for those intending to cruise under power is the full displacement hull shape. It is the earliest form of powerboat and most commercial and fishing vessels are of this type. It is the most seaworthy and efficient hull shape. Many popular cruising boats are full displacement, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../new-northern-marine-yachts-for-sale/">Northern Marine</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/kadey-krogen-yachts">Krogen</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/nordhavn-yachts">Nordhavn</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/selene-yachts">Selene</a></li>
<li>DeFever</li>
<li>Hatteras LRC</li>
<li>And dozens of custom steel and fiberglass trawlers.</li>
</ul>
<p>These vessels travel efficiently through the water, with no unnecessary energy spent trying to lift the hull up onto the wave in front. They are well matched to lower horsepower engines, as they offer minimal resistance going through the water.</p>
<p>These boats are very forgiving at sea, which makes them very seaworthy. Rather than resist wave action, they give way, and roll to let the wave energy pass by rather than resist it, which keeps them safe at sea.</p>
<p>The full hull shape has the most volume for a given length, which translates into superior inside dimensions for accommodations, large tankage, and exceptional storage. They make fantastic liveaboard boats and for long distance cruising these small ships can carry all your stuff. Onboard weight is not an issue compared to any other type of hull shape.</p>
<p><em>(Below: A Northern Marine 57 is a good example of a full-displacement trawler yacht.)</em></p>
<p><img title="northern marine 57 full displacement trawler" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/northern-marine-57-full-displacement-yacht.jpg?cb=DA22EE08-E586-53F0-DAA075B5BC93EA77" alt="northern marine 57 full displacement trawler" width="800" height="468" /></p>
<p>Again, the low energy requirements to travel through the water, rather than try to get on top of it, means they are best powered by relatively small diesel engines to run at the displacement speeds within the maximum hull speed of 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length. This is Froude’s Law and is the limit of their speed potential. Combine this lower horsepower engine with huge fuel tankage and owners have the range to travel long distance. In some of these full displacement trawlers, one can make across-and-back ocean crossings, or enjoy a full year of cruising, without stopping to buy fuel.</p>
<p>For efficient and economical cruising, a full displacement trawler is the way to go, for many reasons. Rather than bother with the generally tedious sailboat mentality of electrical and battery load management, owners of full displacement trawlers just don’t worry about it. The boat is fitted with one, two, or even three generators that supply all the electrical power needed to run even a full suite of domestic galley appliances, HVAC, and pilothouse electronics.</p>
<p>Not only do these gensets make for relatively unlimited self-sufficiency whenever the trawlers remain at anchor, but the better builders take advantage of the hull volume to thoughtfully plan accommodations during construction. Generators are then strategically located to minimize noise and vibration throughout the boat. Just like being on a small ship, one is vaguely aware that a generator is running somewhere. The boat is designed and built around that concept, so there is always plenty of quiet, available electrical power. Whatever sense that one has of distant humming from running machinery, it is nothing more than evidence of shipboard activity. I have always loved the sense of independence and freedom it provides. On the right boat, it is so muted that it does not detract from the feeling of being one with nature, as when alone in a quiet anchorage tucked inside a rugged Alaskan island coastline.</p>
<p>Some high-end expedition trawlers go one step further. Northern Marine, for example, often designs the boat around a pair of identical 20kW generators to share generating duty. There might also be a small third unit for nighttime use when loads are much reduced. And much like the commercial and working vessels that are the heritage behind the company, nothing is hidden or tucked away. Serious business demands serious access.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The Northern Marine 57 has two 20kW generators for long-distance adventures.)</em></p>
<p><img title="generators on the northern marine yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/generators-in-trawler-yacht-engine-room.jpg?cb=DA8FED49-C239-91CE-B5F3BD197C97E04B" alt="generators on the northern marine yacht" width="800" height="480" /></p>
<p>There is always a downside, of course. Full displacement boats are limited in speed, and cruising at 7-10 knots is about all one can expect no matter how much horsepower one theoretically adds. It is simply a full shape traveling in its sweet spot in the water. But in conditions where lesser yachts need to slow down to handle the rough seas, these boats just continue on at their normal cruising speed, no big deal and perfectly safe.</p>
<p>The other issue is that such seaworthiness comes at the expense of rolling in a seaway. Yes, it is why these boats are so safe. But it can be uncomfortable for crew, and over time can wear down even the hardiest crew.</p>
<p>That is why most full displacement boats have some form of stabilization. They lack sails to remain steady. These trawlers instead rely on some form of stabilizing technology, either active or passive, and they are quite effective reducing rolling at sea. Active fin stabilizers, flopperstoppers, gyrostabilizers, even flume tanks, have been used with varying degrees of success to manage the roll of a full displacement yacht. And active systems keep getting better, with more sensitive electronic controls and sensors to reduce movement. The current generation of gyro systems, such as the SeaKeeper, are proving popular in the trawler community and for good reason.</p>
<p>Full displacement boats are not the best for close quarter maneuvering, especially as many have a single diesel engine. Learning to drive a big displacement trawler is a worthy skill to develop as it builds confidence. One must understand the ship’s main rudder is designed and sized for optimum performance at sea, not close quarter maneuvering. That is why these boats have bow and stern thrusters. Just like every commercial ship out there. The right tools for the job.</p>
<p>Another potential downside of this hull shape has to do with where one cruises. These boats typically have deeper draft and so would not be ideal for shallow water cruising as one is finds in the Florida Keys, the ICW, and the Bahamas and Caribbean.</p>
<p>Having gone many thousands of miles on full displacement trawlers, I have great respect and appreciation of the beauty of this hull shape. Once out of sight of land, speed becomes the speed du jour, no big deal without reference on land. And a stabilized full displacement trawler is a great ride at sea, easy running and comfortable. Even in heavy weather there is generally little cause for concern…if at all.</p>
<p>One more comment on the speed of travel. I always found the underway travel and motion quickly settles crew into a normal routine, with everyone going about their day as if they were in a marina or back on land. Laundry gets done, writing takes place, leisurely cooking in the galley, maybe a brisket in the crockpot. There is always the need for some maintenance, catching up with cruising guides, email with family and friends, and other activities. This is in sharp contrast to traveling at speed, where the motion forces one to hold on, firmly seated at the saloon table, or wedged into a corner cushion. Baking cookies was a favorite memory and one the rest of that crew surely remembers. The boat smelled fantastic, even if I could barely keep up with the disappearing cookies off the cooling rack.</p>
<p>For many reasons, life on a small ship has much to recommend it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Semi-Displacement</strong></p>
<p>The other hull shape that defines the trawler style cruising boat is the semi-displacement hull. It is perfect for those who don’t need the fuel and storage capabilities of the full displacement trawler, and do not intend to spend a great deal of time making passages, cruising remote areas, or going all season without buying fuel. The semi-displacement trawler is a fabulous compromise. Designers have come up with ways to get more performance, reduce draft, and still serve as a comfortable home while traveling or living aboard.</p>
<p>One way to improve performance is to lose weight in the form of fuel and water tankage, reducing both the size and number of tanks in the boat. They may also cut back on some of the backup redundant equipment and tighten up accommodations. Going on a diet is definitely a path to higher performance. While those granite counters and flooring seem right at home in a full displacement trawler yacht, substituting lighter weight materials will result in a higher speed potential in a semi-displacement yacht. With less weight there is less boat in the water, less draft, wetted surface, and resistance, especially without a deep keel.</p>
<p>Changes to the hull shape come from modifying the typically rounded stern into a flatter hull form aft with hard chines. The flatter hull form will reach higher speeds when adding more horsepower to drive the boat up onto the leading wave. And the flatter stern adds stability, taking out some of the inherent roll associated with a full displacement trawler.</p>
<p>While these boats are quite happy to run along at displacement speeds, the semi-displacement cruiser can also really get up and go, if there is enough horsepower. With bigger engines pushing the boat, it can break free of the water, traveling at 12-15 knots or higher, depending on how much horsepower is in the boat.</p>
<p>This is by far the most popular trawler hull shape primarily for this reason. It can be powered by a variety of engines, still has good load carrying and accommodations, has reduced draft, and provides many—if not all—of the benefits of the full displacement trawler yacht.</p>
<p>Most trawlers in our cruising community are of the semi-displacement type, and brands like:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../new-nordic-tugs-for-sale/">Nordic Tugs</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/fleming-yachts">Fleming</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/ocean-alexander-yachts">Ocean Alexander</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../new-endurance-yachts-for-sale/">Endurance</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../new-northwest-yachts-for-sale/">Northwest</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../new-alaskan-yachts-for-sale/">Alaskan</a></li>
<li>Mainship</li>
<li>Symbol</li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/american-tug">American Tug</a></li>
<li>President</li>
<li>Albin</li>
<li>And dozens more prove it is a wonderful all-around platform for cruising</li>
</ul>
<p>(Interestingly, almost all the trawlers built in Asia during the 1970s and ‘80s were semi-displacement trawlers. But they were powered by low horsepower diesels, often the venerable Lehman Ford 120hp and 135hp engines, so they were priced to sell and provide the economical trawler experience to a wide range of buyers. The fact that these boats could only run at displacement speeds gave many the impression that they were full displacement trawlers, a confusion that continues to exist today.)</p>
<p><em>(Below: The Nordic Tug 40 is a good example of a semi-displacement trawler.)</em></p>
<p><img title="40-foot nordic tug trawler boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/40-foot-nordic-tug-trawler-boat.jpg?cb=DB601A5E-C12F-775F-F42D22C0E2D6ECAC" alt="40-foot nordic tug trawler boat" width="800" height="436" /></p>
<p>The top speed of a semi-displacement trawler is limited by how much horsepower the builder reasons is sellable in the new boats. In my opinion, it was downright shameful when the management of the high-quality Grand Banks brand, the hands down bullseye of the trawler market for many years, decided at one point that all its models had to be capable of cruising speeds above 18 knots. The phenomenally successful and classic beauty of the original GB hull did not lend itself to a pair of high horsepower engines. It was painful to watch the amount of water pushed by a Grand Banks making 22 knots, made worse by the fuel burn to achieve that performance.</p>
<p>To some extent, larger semi-displacement trawlers also take advantage of generators to supply onboard electrical power, as there is not enough room for dozens of dedicated house batteries for the boat’s electrical needs. In most cases a running generator is not as quiet or unobtrusive as one comes to expect on a full displacement trawler, but a modern installation with underwater exhaust does much to reduce the impact of a running generator.</p>
<p>The benefits of the semi-displacement trawler clearly explain why it remains the most popular choice for most people. It has reasonable storage and fuel capacity, comfortable accommodations, and can run at higher speeds. All things considered, for most people it is the best package of features one looks for.</p>
<p>But it is not perfect. One of the disadvantages of the hull form is its less-than-ideal handling in rough seas. Some of these boats have small rudders to allow better control at higher speeds. The boat’s motion tends to lose its normal composure in rough water, when the boat must slow down, and the rudders are less effective.</p>
<p>(On modern boats, this is somewhat negated by stabilizers and gyrostabilizer systems. They do a remarkable job of reducing the rolling motion in these boats, and owners are more than satisfied to have motion under control on their semi-displacement trawlers.)</p>
<p>Owners of semi-displacement boats really appreciate being able to run faster to their next destination. The difference between eight knots and 11 knots is readily apparent when one can see the destination ahead and the crew is anxious to get there.</p>
<p>One of the tradeoffs of the semi-displacement trawler is that when they achieve high speed, they burn obscene amounts of fuel, and quickly. To own a large, semi-displacement trawler capable of 20+ knots is an exercise in balancing economy with distance and time. Those who don’t have the time will spend more at the fuel dock. It is just that simple.</p>
<p>Everything considered, the semi-displacement trawler is justifiably very popular for most cruising, even when that includes long distance travel. Flexibility is its best feature.</p>
<p>Big and small, fast or slow, the full displacement and semi-displacement hull shapes are what we talk about when we talk about trawlers and the trawler lifestyle. Motoryachts most often fit into the semi-displacement category, and one will find them cruising along with the trawler crowd. But the motoryacht is much better staying at a luxury marina will full shorepower and other hookups. One rarely finds motoryachts anchored out for days on end, where trawlers often spend their time. It isn’t what motoryachts are designed to do.</p>
<p>For many years, the cruising scene consisted of sailboats and trawlers, and that was it. Visit any popular cruising destination, from Marsh Harbour to Roche Harbor, and the anchorage and marinas were full of sailboats and trawlers. Both excel at life on the hook, and the constant scurrying of crew, dogs, provisions, and gear by speedy dinghies are as much a part of the cruising life as sundowners on the beach watching for the Green Flash.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor3"><strong>III. Not All Cruising Powerboats Today Are Trawlers</strong></p>
<p>There are two other kinds of powerboats that we find cruising in North America today. And they have really grown in popularity in recent years.</p>
<p>One has taken the world by storm, in my opinion. Almost every sailing couple I know who came to the Dark Side has gone in this direction, but they are certainly not the only ones who choose these boats. For many people, the lure of being on the water, even if it is only for weekends, must be satisfied in short order. People with limited time have a need for speed that full-time cruisers do not. These people want efficient, high-speed running, and it is more desirable than load-carrying ability or accommodations. Without a planing hull, they can’t go.</p>
<p>The planing hull quickly moves from hull speed up on top of the water. A burst of horsepower drives the boat up, and it doesn’t take as much power to stay there. It is an efficient speed machine. Some boats in our niche can really blast along in calm water, cruising efficiently at 25 knots…or higher. Some examples are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus Boats</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../new-legacy-yachts-for-sale/">Legacy</a></li>
<li>Eastbay</li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/sabre-yachts">Sabre</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/back-cove-yachts">Back Cove</a></li>
<li>MJM</li>
</ul>
<p>A planing hull has a shallow draft, with a sharp entry and a flat, minimal underbody. This allows a planing boat to reach its destination quickly and then slow down if owners choose to gunkhole in skinny water. But watch that running gear, as there is nothing to protect the props and rudders designed for minimal drag.</p>
<p>This boat is best suited for those in a hurry. But they are still cruising boats, and they open up possibilities for those with only so much available time. <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> becomes possible for those who can’t spare a year or more. Boaters headed to Florida for the winter and don’t have months to do the ICW. Puget Sound owners with weeks instead of months to explore the Inside Passage, or East Coast boaters who want to experience the Abacos but don’t have all winter to do so.</p>
<p>Get there quickly, then slow down and smell the flowers. Sounds like a plan to me.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Sidonia & Fred kept their 62-foot trawler, but purchased this Nimbus 405 to complete the Great Loop. <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Read their story</a>.)</em></p>
<p><img title="couple cruising the great loop on their nimbus boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/couple-cruising-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=DC04812D-F661-5265-A832204D6A3B9598" alt="couple cruising the great loop on their nimbus boat" width="800" height="498" /></p>
<p>One potential disadvantage of the planing boat is that high-speed efficiency is directly tied to weight. Given that many of these boats are built with the latest infused fiberglass construction, often using high-tech cored material, the goal is to save weight where possible. Keeping weight down is important. And limited bilge and accommodations spaces don’t offer much general storage anyway.</p>
<p>But this is not a problem for owners not planning to live aboard. They are not spending weeks on the hook, nor are they expecting guests to accompany them on their Great Loop. They are bringing along just what they need to enjoy the boat as is, and no more. (Our recent series following a couple doing the Loop on their Nimbus 405 Coupe showed this lifestyle perfectly. A great trip on the Great Loop.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when the weather turns sour, any boat designed for efficient, high-speed running will be at a decided disadvantage when it is time to slow down, where they experience less control. Some handle this transition better than others, but generally small rudders do not have enough surface area to be effective at slow speed. But these boats are still all-around great cruising boats which explains they popularity and growing numbers out cruising. If the weather is bad, they don’t go anywhere. Their speed potential allows them to pick their travel when the weather window improves.</p>
<p>A relatively recent move is to power these boats with outboard engines. Using one or two large outboards (or up to four engines on some of the more extreme machines) makes a statement about using technology to advance boat design. The area in the hull usually dedicated for machinery and propulsion is now open for tanks, storage, and a more relaxed interior for accommodations.</p>
<p>The move to outboards eliminates the need for rudders and traditional steering systems, which removes complexity from the boats. Modern outboards are quiet and smooth, and this translates into a better running experience under way. Many find it a worthy tradeoff to the longer engine life offered by diesels. The access on outboard engines makes maintenance easier, and systems integration simplifies the boats at the same time.</p>
<p>Some builders tell me how easy life becomes when one can lift the engines out of the water when they are tied up in a marina. No more worries about underwater growth on running gear, eliminating corrosion issues, and fouled surfaces that require frequent cleaning.</p>
<p>During those times where one is living on a planing boat at anchor or without shorepower, the smaller house battery bank means one must run a generator more frequently, often several times a day. That assumes there is a genset on the boat, which is usually required if the boat has air conditioning.</p>
<p>The degree of self-sufficiency on a planing boat is directly tied to the need to keep things light and only having the essential systems, tankage, and accommodations. If your cruising involves staying at nice marinas with great facilities, who needs all that storage and extra staterooms? For Loopers, it offers flexibility and travel at a different level than chugging along, mile after mile, seeing the same landscape all day long.</p>
<p>The motion on a boat doing 20+ knots does not allow much activity on the boat and crew is restricted in what they can do while making miles to the next destination. That is not to say it isn’t thrilling to blast along, threading the needle among the San Juan Islands. Heading down Chesapeake Bay at speed is satisfying in ways that eight knots just doesn’t cut it. The same is true along Hawk Channel, Biscayne Bay, or Lake Ontario.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor4"><strong>IV. Catamarans</strong></p>
<p>The second type of cruising powerboat that does not fit the description of a trawler is the power catamaran. A somewhat fringe boat within the cruising powerboat category, power cats are nevertheless a great platform for anyone looking for a cruiser that offers space, outstanding maneuverability from widely spaced engines, and excellent shallow water cruise ability.</p>
<p>Power cat builders have evolved mostly from builders of sailing cats, so it is not surprising that the early boats were nothing more than sailing cats without masts. But more companies came out with boats design as powerboats. (The compromises of creating a power cat from a boat designed for sailing went away for the most part.)</p>
<p>Companies that offer (or did offer) power cats included:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/fountaine-pajot-yachts">Fountaine Pajot</a></li>
<li>Aquila</li>
<li>Prestige</li>
<li>PDQ</li>
<li>Lagoon</li>
<li>Leopard</li>
<li><a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/endeavour-catamarans">Endeavour</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Some of these companies are no longer in business but made enough boats that they are usually available on the used market.</p>
<p>There is a lot to be said for a cruising catamaran. Economical cruising at 15-18 knots is the domain of the displacement catamaran, while planing cats, which are not suited for liveaboard cruising, can run quite well at 30+ knots.</p>
<p>The advantages of power cats include relatively shallow draft, great initial stability, and open interiors. The bridgedeck adds great living spaces, where one might find extra accommodations.</p>
<p>Many cats can be safely beached without a problem, which is a unique ability for any cruising boat.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Example of an Endeavor Power Catamaran.)</em></p>
<p><img title="example of endeavor power catamaran" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/endeavor-power-catamaran-for-cruising.jpg?cb=DC78100D-E58C-D435-957AFB3E17CF5F5E" alt="example of endeavor power catamaran" width="800" height="476" /></p>
<p>The economy of running a power catamaran is quite addicting. I owned a 41-foot power cat that would run along at 18 knots with hardly any wake, while getting exceptional fuel burn at that speed. The wide platform made for great living aboard, and the separation of the twin diesels, particularly when running at speed from the flybridge, seemed magical. It was quiet with lack of vibration, and quite relaxing as we reeled mile after mile on calm seas. It was a great cruising boat with outstanding maneuverability from widely spaced engines. I could literally walk the boat sideways using the two engines, while everyone on the dock assumed I used bow and stern thrusters to make it happen. (The boat had neither.)</p>
<p>The only issue I have with the power cat is the height of the bridgedeck between hulls. If it is too low, it can slap in head seas with an unnerving bang and motion that feels most unsettling, as if the boat is going to break. Multihull pioneer Malcom Tennant took me around several waterfront marinas in New Zealand to show me various interpretations of power catamaran bridgedeck design. When the bridgedeck nacelle stayed 36 inches or more above the water, the power cat would not slap under any conditions. The buoyancy of the hulls took over long before the bridgedeck met waves. And I reminded myself this was in New Zealand, where going to sea invariably involves rough seas and strong winds. (From my limited experience, the definition of pleasure boating in New Zealand has a decidedly different definition from anywhere else!)</p>
<p>While the displacement power catamaran has reasonable load carrying ability, it is generally prudent for a power cat owner to still keep an eye on weight and its distribution around the boat. While the larger power cats (one Tennant 20-meter cat comes to mind) can take 3,600 gallons of fuel for extremely long legs, cats under 48 feet are best kept light when possible.</p>
<p>I am quite smitten with the concept of the power cat for general cruising. I wish more builders would enter this market with well-engineered, lighter weight designs that showcase the benefits of the concept rather than simply building stable platforms that can hold a crowd. But unfortunately, heavy party barges are what one sees at the boat shows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor5"><strong>V. Hybrid and EV Powerboats</strong></p>
<p>I suppose I would be negligent to not mention the push for electric and hybrid boats to mirror the somewhat political trend in the automotive world. To be honest, we own a Prius, but I much prefer driving my older Porsche. I also happen to like the smell of a diesel engine. In automobiles, I’m just not sold on a concept that requires such major (and overwhelmingly expensive) changes to our nation’s infrastructure.</p>
<p>As it relates to recreational boating, electric and hybrid power has come and gone in a variety of prototype cruisers, from Reuben Trane’s early solar catamaran to Greenline’s models of hybrid powerboats. I know the sailing community is generally united in their campaign to ditch the diesel engine, and YouTube influencers are falling all over each other trying to get the first serious system that offers a viable solution.</p>
<p>As well articulated by experienced broker, Seattle Yachts’ Dan Bacot, we won’t see much interest in this form of power cruising until someone builds a boat that can honestly make 100 miles in a day at six knots under electric power. That will make it feasible for the Great Loop and other cruising plans.</p>
<p>Until that milestone is reached (and I’m sure they will) such alternatives are just not worth serious consideration.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Lifestyle</strong></p>
<p>Now that we have looked at the various hull shapes and categories that define the trawler and other cruising boats, let’s see how to find a match from these different platforms to fit your plans.</p>
<p>It is important to think through this process with as much honesty as possible. It is so easy to slip into the unrealistic world of the ultimate boat. But most eventually agree these are more fantasy than anything remotely close to what any of us will do. Buying a boat that is capable of crossing oceans to reach exotic places like Tahiti is just not appropriate if you really intend to do the Great Loop in the next few years. That is also true if the idea of spending winters (or summers) in the tropics or the rugged Northwest Territories isn’t ever going to happen because you can only take a couple of weeks off at a time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor6"><strong>VI. How Many People Will be Aboard?</strong></p>
<p>Is it just the two of you for most of the time? Will you have guests or family only occasionally, or do you expect to have others with you for most of the cruise? Families with growing children will have different needs than retired empty nesters who rarely have company.</p>
<p>The answer to this question will help determine the size of the boat, its layout and accommodations, and help define the boundaries of your search.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Obviously this image from the Mid-Atlantic Nordic Tug Owners Get-Together would be a little much!)</em></p>
<p><img title="too many people on this trawler boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/too-many-people-on-a-trawler.jpg?cb=DD015BAC-B7E1-F041-1847E10CEE79B394" alt="too many people on this trawler boat" width="800" height="502" /></p>
<p>A word of advice from the stories of many cruising couples: Don’t buy a boat bigger than you need and make the assumption you will always have company to share your adventure. As I’ve heard many, many times, couples go ahead and buy a boat with multiple staterooms with the above assumption. Once they leave home and begin cruising, however, they make lots of new friends, all on their own boats. After a couple of years, they realize they don’t use those extra staterooms very often. And they can accommodate occasional family members with other arrangements, such as setting up the saloon. They eventually downsize to a smaller boat because they don’t need that extra room and a smaller boat is easier to handle and less expensive to own.</p>
<p>Two people can comfortably cruise on a boat that is 36 feet or so. This is certainly true for people who are down in the islands for the winter on a Monk 36, or cruising north on a Nordic Tug 37. No problem. But they are not living full time on the boat, or cruising with friends enough to require separate cabins. Both will drive up the space needs considerably. And it is not just about space. A water and holding tank large enough for two people will seem much smaller after only so many days. And I’m not talking about rationing water or limiting showers. This is cruising, after all, not minimalist camping.</p>
<p>A boat’s layout is as important as size, at least until one reaches the greater flexibility afforded by larger boats. There is a classic separation of living spaces in some boats, such as the Grand Banks 42 and the Selene 40. They have two nice staterooms, with the master in the stern and guest stateroom in the bow. That works great, offers privacy, and people share common spaces in the saloon and galley. Other boats group all staterooms forward, with the master and one or more guest cabins located near the bow. This is what one finds on the Nordic and American Tugs, Fleming, Krogen, Northwest Yachts, and most others. And all have proven successful, especially when extra people are family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor7"><strong>VII. Where are You Going?</strong></p>
<p>I am not going to spend time with trawlers best suited for crossing oceans, as so few people really intend to do that these days. The world is a different place, the changing climate has more severe weather, and the relative ease of shipping one’s boat worldwide makes this a lot less desirable than it was decades ago. And a boat designed to cross the Atlantic to explore Europe is not the best type of boat for exploring Europe once you arrive, particularly if you want to head into the extensive canal systems.</p>
<p>Not to get off the point, and before anyone questions why I am such a fan of full displacement boats like the Northern Marine when I admit having no plan to cross oceans, let me clarify that the joy of owning such a great yacht is much more than being able to cross an ocean. All the benefits that make these great boats are just as valid for living aboard and coastal cruising, and many other adventures. One does not need to spend two weeks at sea to enjoy them.</p>
<p>The majority of people have plans that include the Great Loop, British Columbia and Alaska, the ICW on the East Coast, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Mexico, the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Canadian Maritimes, and New England. One can spend several lifetimes exploring right here in North America. Doable, affordable, and close enough to family, friends, and support.</p>
<p>The best boats for many coastal and inland adventures are more about ease of operation and maneuverability, and keeping the draft down and the height within whatever restrictions exist for the chosen cruise.</p>
<p>It is quite possible to travel from Alaska to Maine as one big extended coastal cruise, although that would be a long trip. And all of it is within sight of land with very few and short exceptions. If you consider the new SeaPiper 35, add a truck and suitable trailer and you are good to go!</p>
<p><em>(Below: The <a href="../../../../news/heading-out-for-the-summer">Triangle Loop</a> is a great trip for trawler boat owners.)</em></p>
<p><img title="map of triangle loop trip" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/one-route-of-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=DD5F0A2E-C153-0C97-F19DF86219375BD1" alt="map of triangle loop trip" width="800" height="619" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor8"><strong>VIII. For How Long?</strong></p>
<p>Which brings up how long one expects to be on the boat. Obviously, a full-time liveaboard couple will have space requirements unlike those planning a month on the boat. And the need for creature comforts is also a sliding scale, as occasional cruisers can live without comforts that would be unacceptable if the same people were to spend several months on the boat.</p>
<p>For example, if you use a dishwasher at home, you might be fine with hand washing dishes after each meal on the boat…for a time. But after a while that might seem too much like camping and not what you had in mind when you dreamed of cruising. The same goes for a separate shower versus the wet head found on smaller boats. (Definitely consult your spouse on these points!)</p>
<p>Again, I feel that 36 feet is about the minimum for full-time living aboard and cruising. Some have gone smaller, or somewhat bigger on a planing boat, but it is accepted because the duration of the planned cruise is short. The couple who did the Great Loop on their Nimbus 405 Coupe had plenty of space because they had what they needed, and nothing more. It served their needs for this trip. They take their longer cruises aboard their other boat, a 62-foot custom trawler.</p>
<p>Some couples expect to have the same creature comforts on their trawler as they enjoy ashore. But that usually means a generator, air conditioning, and/or a diesel furnace. While they may not know it, they also require large water tanks as they are not thinking about water management, and they want space for all the provisions and personal possessions. If they are liveaboards, where do they plan to store holiday decorations?</p>
<p>For most people, the length of time they expect to be aboard dictates comfort levels and determines which compromises they are willing to make.</p>
<p>These points also point to their style of cruising.</p>
<p>The diversity of cruising is its chief attraction, and each day brings something new, something different. Anchor out or stay in a marina…or even reserve a slip at a luxury marina with lots of facilities? Eat aboard or enjoy local cuisine? Wait for a perfect weather window or go no matter what? Move from one location to the next or stay in one place for a long time and take lots of small side trips?</p>
<p>As should be obvious, your style of cruising will have a huge impact on selecting the right boat. If you tend to be the sort who has a plan and follows the plan no matter what, then you will be far happier with a more seaworthy boat that can take whatever conditions come up each day. That is quite different from the fair-weather cruiser who waits for ideal weather and is content to wait.</p>
<p>If you like the idea of keeping on the move rather than staying in one place, then you will likely be more interested in the underway characteristics of the boat than one that is most livable when tied up at a marina.</p>
<p>Boat speed figures into this question as well. I know successful cruisers who swear the best plan is to get under way as early as possible and run the boat at speed for four or five hours. On a faster boat this gets them miles down the road, but then they stop early in the afternoon. They refuel, wash everything down and then play tourist for the rest of the afternoon. It is far more leisurely than nonstop travel. And they also take days off. Three days running, then two days off, staying put wherever they stopped. It keeps the cruise from becoming a blur.</p>
<p>Those who lust to spend weeks on the hook in paradise are going to be very unhappy if they must run the generator twice a day to keep the refrigerator running, and which requires them to refill their water tanks frequently. As for the holding tank, that is obvious as well.</p>
<p>On the flip side, if you love the energy and varied activities of resort marinas, you will be thrilled with the conveniences of an all-electric boat that relies on shorepower facilities, using the generator only when away from the dock.</p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor9"><strong>IX. What Does A Trawler Boat Cost?</strong></p>
<p>This is where an experienced broker can make all the difference. One can expect to pay anywhere from between several hundred thousand dollars to a couple of million to find a suitable boat. It may not be close to home, and a good broker will use the available resources to identify the right boat and then find one that fits and is in the condition one is willing to pay for.</p>
<p>New boat prices are high, and I don’t see that changing. Working with a broker is vital to success here, even after you have done your homework and know (or think you know) what you want. The broker will help locate boats that may be close enough to what you are looking for, and he or she may even steer you in a slightly different direction if they think it may serve you better for what you describe as your ideal trawler.</p>
<p>I strongly recommend buying a new or newer boat whenever possible. It just makes sense, and I would go down in size rather than get an older boat. A newer boat will be less problematic than an older boat with vintage systems, engines, wiring, plumbing, and construction. Leaks are a pain to deal with, and you are not buying a boat as a project.</p>
<p>Honestly, spending your time looking for discontinued parts and then repairing a boat when you and your spouse are supposed to be out cruising is no fun. It sucks. And it quickly wears down the excitement of the adventure, even if you like to tinker on the boat. And your spouse will get tired of reading books on the settee while you make another repair. This is not what you both planned. I’ve seen it over and over, enough to be 100-percent convinced.</p>
<p>Buy a new or newer boat and just enjoy the adventure.</p>
<p>Keep in mind there are other costs beyond the purchase price, and your broker will be very helpful, flushing them out and identifying some you may have missed. There is annual maintenance, for example, insurance, dockage, and the need for occasional repairs. Parts wear out, which will happen most often on an older boat. The mindset of “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t make it go away. That hidden cutless bearing needs replacing on occasion, as do many other moving parts on a boat.</p>
<p>There is a ballpark figure that floats around the cruising community. Some suggest 10 percent of the cost of the boat is about right for these annual expenses. I have never verified that to be accurate with my own boats, but it is worth considering.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Currently a pre-owned Nordic Tug like this can range from $250,000 - $600,000 and more.)</em></p>
<p><img title="pre-owned nordic tug trawler boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/pre-owned-nordic-tug-trawler-boat.jpg?cb=DE697208-EEF5-C37F-64BC191461133913" alt="pre-owned nordic tug trawler boat" width="800" height="453" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p id="anchor10"><strong>X. Putting It All Together</strong></p>
<p>From my experience, validated by many owners over the years, it is easy to spend too much time agonizing about what kind of boat to buy. If it allows you to enjoy your time on the water, it can be made to work. No boat is perfect. They all represent compromises in one way or another.</p>
<p>Besides your efforts to find the right boat for the kind of cruise you intend, there are two other key factors that contribute to a successful ownership experience. The first, and one that I have been making throughout this guide, is to buy a boat that is as new as possible, even if it means you might have to downsize a bit with your available budget. If it will work for you otherwise, but you must lose the hot tub on the flybridge, it is a worthy tradeoff. You will still have a genuine cruising boat.</p>
<p>The horror stories of old Asian trawlers built to low standards are now mostly irrelevant, as these examples of boats to avoid are now so old one should not even consider them. Besides, there is the reality of today’s marine insurance industry, hit by the large number of damage claims from named storms in recent years. One will find it difficult to get insurance for boats even at 20 years old, let alone 50+ years.</p>
<p>There is another factor that should figure into this buying equation, and it will make all the difference between wonderful and satisfying ownership and a money pit that needs continuous repair by outside services wherever one travels.</p>
<p>That is accessibility. If you can’t get to everything easily, things will be neglected, and system parts will wear out and break. Being able to see, touch, inspect, and take apart every major component on the boat is vital, no matter if it is a Nordic Tug, a lavish Hampton motoryacht, or an expedition trawler. It is even more important on a planing boat like the Nimbus or Back Cove, where available space is at a premium and the builder had to be creative during construction to fit it all in.</p>
<p>Owning a boat with a non-working stern thruster that can’t be inspected, serviced, or repaired without removing the genset shoehorned just above it would cause me great distress, to put it mildly.</p>
<p>If you study the differences, pros and cons, and other considerations, you will be much better equipped to step aboard boats at a boat show. All lined up with brokers standing by to answer your questions, it will feel good to examine each boat on your list to see how it feels, and whether it might fit the needs of what you hope to do. This process can take a couple of years, which is fine. In fact, I know folks now searching for their retirement trawler that is still five years away. There is nothing wrong with taking one’s time.</p>
<p>I would caution, however, not to take too long. Because life goes on, and things happen. Reality changes. Aging parents, volatile portfolios, world stability, and inevitable family medical issues are all things that command our attention at some point.</p>
<p>In addition to the above issues, it is good to remember that nothing in life remains static. When you find your plans or goals change, it is okay if that perfect boat is no longer the right choice. Edits may be needed to the original blueprint. It is very important to realize and accept this.</p>
<p>The notion that there is only one boat to satisfy every dream is totally wrong. But there is a boat for everyone looking to go cruising, that fits every plan, purpose, or budget.</p>
<p>My purpose for this guide is to help you find a boat that brings you the most fun and adventure, in comfort and safety and within your budget. Successful cruising can happen on most any boat.</p>
<p>The key to this adventure is to get started and go!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these Trawler-related articles</span>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-liveaboard-trawler">What Is The Best Liveaboard Trawler?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-makes-a-yacht-a-trawler">What Makes A Yacht A Trawler?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../trawler-yachts-faqs">Trawler Yacht Frequently Asked Questions</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../buying-and-owning-trawler-yachts">Owning A Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
If you're buying a trawler boat this year, review our guide for the best advice from the experts. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
ultimate-guide-to-buying-a-trawler-yacht.jpg |
2023-10-19 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-ultimate-trawler-boat-buying-guide |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-ultimate-trawler-boat-buying-guide |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
3 |
1249 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
2023-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
289 |
[empty string] |
289 |
<p>I am always fascinated when big, full displacement <a href="../../../../used-expedition-yachts-for-sale/">expedition yachts</a> come into an anchorage from time at sea. They typically dwarf all other yachts around them, and they exude seaworthy competence. I watch in awe as they smartly come alongside a dock or pier, with no fuss or commotion whatsoever. I’ve watched Navy destroyers and cruisers do this on both coasts, and I never tire of the practiced and relaxed expertise of the docking crew who make it look easy and oh so matter of fact.</p>
<p>All in a day’s work, I guess.</p>
<p>I recently had the chance to talk with a yacht captain in charge of operating one of these dreadnoughts. It is one of the <a href="../../../../new-northern-marine-yachts-for-sale/">Northern Marine yachts</a>, although this particular boat is less glitzy and sparkly as many of the new builds coming out of the builder these days. There is no brightwork on the exterior, and one will not find chromed and stainless-steel trim that does not serve a purpose. This boat is the real deal of an expedition yacht, although the owner prefers to think of it as a small ship.</p>
<p>In any case, <a href="http://janeofalltradesllc.com/about/" target="_blank">Capt. Andrea Gaines</a> is the captain of this vessel for its summertime vacation voyaging and has been running it for the past seven years. She also is the part-time captain of other, more traditional semi-displacement motoryachts, such as a lovely <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/marlow-yachts">Marlow</a> 65 she has been running since 2011. To say she has significant experience and sea time on a variety of cruising boats is certainly not overstating her credentials. In addition to holding a USCG Master 100 Ton license, she’s captained many top name boats: <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a>, Krogens, Marlows, Flemings, Passagemaker Yachts, Northern Marine, and others. Unlike the professional crew in front of the cameras of that Below Decks reality show, Capt. Gaines quietly takes care of business, following her motto of “Consider it Done.”</p>
<p><em>(Seen Below: Captain Andrea Gaines behind the helm.)</em></p>
<p><img title="captain andrea gaines behind the helm of yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/woman-captain-at-the-helm.jpg?cb=FADDF3A3-B270-F42D-38481DE0F04A15CC" alt="captain andrea gaines behind the helm of yacht" width="800" height="792" /></p>
<p>I was most curious about hearing her perspective and opinions on how best to run what is essentially a small ship. This type of vessel has intrigued me for a very long time, and I have been lucky to spend time on some of these boats during my time in the <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a> business. Alaska, Nova Scotia, the Pacific Northwest, East Coast, and both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been my playing fields for years, and I appreciate the genre of boat and its capabilities.</p>
<p>But these were not my boats, nor was I the captain running the ship. No matter how many days one spends aboard a vessel, no matter how seasoned one considered themselves aboard these boats, it changes drastically when one is the owner or captain, rather than guest or crew. The level of responsibility alone is more than many can fathom.</p>
<p>One reason for this is that these big, heavy boats do not act like regular boats on the water, even moto ryachts of a similar length. They have so much more mass underwater. Typically powered by a single diesel engine, they can go the distance for thousands of miles, efficiently and economically. All the while providing a luxury travel experience for anyone aboard.</p>
<p>When I asked Capt. Gaines about the similarities of these boats to motoryachts, she said that while there are many similarities, in terms of systems, maintenance, navigation, and preparations, the full displacement expedition yacht is heavier, has much deeper draft and is slower under way. The significant tonnage means one must keep their wits about them as they enter a harbor or anchorage. My friend, Capt. Mike Efford, laughed when he told me he would come up to a fuel dock and someone wanted him to toss them a line to put around a cleat.</p>
<p>“I will rip that cleat right out of the dock,” he would tell them, knowing the sheer mass of his Army T-Boat was more than a match for any but the strongest hardware on commercial docks.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: This classic 1998 Northern Marine is a perfect example of a long-range expedition yacht.)</em></p>
<p><img title="northern marine expedition yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/northern-marine-expedition-yacht-cheemaun.jpg?cb=FBEE833D-DACC-DD9B-A1944A418905CB85" alt="northern marine expedition yacht" width="800" height="448" /> </p>
<p>To be effective controlling this significant size and mass, Gaines said that maintaining these boats is critical. And to make that possible without undue stress requires outstanding access to all systems. Access is greatly simplified on such large boats because they have a lot more boat underwater, with a bulbous bow, and most usually have a single diesel engine in a standup engine room. There is plenty of interior space, so access to everything important is all but guaranteed. (Compare that to semi-displacement motoryachts where access to the twin diesel engines is limited, particularly on the outboard side of the engines. And not all of these motoryachts provide much headroom.)</p>
<p>She also mentioned that full displacement, heavy boats like the Northern Marine are surprisingly tender when running light, so it is a good practice to keep fuel and water in the tanks.</p>
<p>Given the focus on maintaining all systems, I wondered if that translates into more bulletproof systems, as each is inspected on a regular basis. She said that the systems are generally bulletproof…until they are not. She did add that in the past 10 to 15 years, she has seen a great increase in the reliability of systems and system electronics. Overall, things are better, more reliable, and can be counted on.</p>
<p>Having said that, she also said that one must be prepared when one of these systems fails for any reason, which they do on occasion no matter how much inspection and maintenance is done. That is where prudent seamanship dictates a backup plan to fix it, move a secondary system online, or continue on without it. A broken running light can be changed before they take off for the next port, and if a generator fails, and there is a second genset, they can continue on while arranging for a service tech at the next port to come aboard and resolve the issue. It is all about staying safe.</p>
<p><em>(See below: Redundancy in your crucial systems is important for cruising for an extended period of time.)</em></p>
<p><em><img title="engine room on a yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/engine-room-of-expedition-yacht.jpg?cb=FE66D4F2-E860-3560-594B3F880BE2C270" alt="engine room on a yacht" width="800" height="430" /> </em></p>
<p>A big boat like the Northern Marine thankfully comes with well designed and installed systems to ease operation. Close quarter maneuvering, for example, is much easier with a huge articulating rudder and hydraulic thrusters to assist the single engine while navigating narrow fairways and marina docks. (To be fair, semi-displacement yachts also have excellent maneuvering from twin engines and electric thrusters. And all boats can be safely operated by taking things slowly and deliberately.)</p>
<p>When we talked about this subject of systems and accessibility, I asked if they had ever needed the hydraulic get home system to turn the main shaft. It is Northern Marine’s solution offered to those wanting the insurance of a backup propulsion system.</p>
<p>“This boat has over 11,000 hours on its single diesel, and we have never once needed the get home,” Andrea said. “Of course, I turn it on from time to time to make sure it works, but we have never lost the main engine.”</p>
<p>No surprise there. The engine is well maintained.</p>
<p>To assist in managing maintenance, as well as getting ready to leave the dock, Capt. Gaines develops a checklist for each boat she is responsible for. While these checklists are unique to each yacht, all typically include checking weather, fluids, review route, tides and currents, bridge opening schedules and special instructions if there are any. She tests all controls for the engine, rudder, and both bow and stern thrusters. When she leaves the dock, there is confidence that everything works, and all preparations are in place. There should be no surprises, and that is intentional.</p>
<p>I am a big advocate of spring sea trials to make sure the boat and everything works and is ready to go, especially if it sat idle for several months. Pumps and other gear have a habit of mysteriously not working after being unused for a period of time.</p>
<p>Gaines says she begins each cruising season with a commissioning trip, where she runs the boat on what is essentially a trial run of a typical summer cruise. She has additional crew on board to help if necessary and get the kinks out of the boat if there are any. This is especially helpful if new gear has been installed over the winter.</p>
<p>It would appear Capt. Gaines agrees with <a href="../../../../news/importance-of-a-spring-sea-trial">my spring sea trial routine</a>, as she mentioned she likes to run the engine up to full throttle for five minutes or so every so often, and particularly when she is headed to a new destination where she knows there are service people available in case there are issues. She does the same thing on the semi-displacement yachts she runs, as she normally runs those boats at 40 percent of load at displacement speed much of the time. It helps to wind things up to 80 percent or more for 20 minutes every so often. The same holds true for generators, keeping a load of 80 percent on the generator is good for it.</p>
<p>Capt. Gaines prefers to do route planning in advance of leaving the dock. In addition to the onboard electronics, she carries an iPad with an external Bad Elf GPS, and has both Navionics and AquaMap navigation apps, with the latest charts. So, she is never unprepared…or surprised.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: The <a href="https://bad-elf.com/" target="_blank">Bad Elf Flex GPS</a> system gives fast and efficient information.)</em></p>
<p><img title="bad elf gps system" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bad-elf-gps.jpg?cb=00A60A7F-06DA-E0D6-8436C14E2CC22C20" alt="bad elf gps system" width="575" height="756" /></p>
<p>She almost never runs a boat alone and having at least one person as crew, who is familiar with her style and routines, and who she can count on to do things the right way. Most boats have blind spots, and it is nearly impossible for someone at the helm to see around the boat from one location. So, it is nice to have another set of eyes to see into those blind spots.</p>
<p>She told me they have a standing joke among her crew. Never say “You’re Good” when coming into a dock. She wants information, data, about where the boat is in relation to other boats or the dock.</p>
<p>The key to success with a captain and mate is having routines, from start to finish, with appropriate levels of expectation management, and a commitment to work together as a team. More than anything else, safety first.</p>
<p>I wondered what she might suggest to someone who wants to eventually move up to a bigger boat. I got my answer as she explained how she “learns” a new boat that she will operate in the future.</p>
<p>“When I am new to a vessel I generally go through the boat very carefully:”</p>
<p><br />• Visual observation of look and feel including sight lines.<br />• Has it been well maintained?<br />• Are the bilges clean?<br />• Is there a good supply of spare parts aboard?<br />• Are there tools aboard?<br />• Is there a maintenance log aboard I can review?<br />• Are all of the safety items aboard and within spec/current?<br />• When were the engines and gens last serviced?<br />• When were the stabilizers serviced?<br />• When was a diver last under the boat?<br />• How do I move about the boat safely in good/bad weather? <br />• How securely are items stowed throughout the boat?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Take care of things, on time and right away…before they becomes a big deal.”</p>
<p>As we talked, Andrea drove south from New England with her husband, Rick. He is a retired career USCG captain, so it is no surprise that safety would be a key focus.</p>
<p>And she says familiarity is important to remove the stress and concern when operating a new boat, big or small.</p>
<p>“The more you do, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more confidence you have. The more confidence you have, the more comfortable you will be.</p>
<p>“Travel three or four times to the same destination and the unknown becomes familiar.”</p>
<p>Which keeps things in balance…and safe.</p>
<p>While the above discussion relates directly to running a small ship, such as the premium Northern Marine line, I believe it also fits most other cruising boats. Great systems access, a maintenance schedule that is complete, and managing the details before leaving the dock, all contribute to safe cruising.</p>
<p>And now, I think I will appreciate watching ships come into port even more. There is something to be said for the safety of slow and deliberate. While it may not be nearly as exciting as the crash-and-burn antics of the go-fast crowd, it is eminently more satisfying.</p>
<p>Bravo Zulu.</p> |
Running A Small Ship |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
A professional boat captain explains that running a small ship requires experience and repitition. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
captain-running-a-small-ship.jpg |
2023-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
running-a-small-ship |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/running-a-small-ship |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
4 |
1240 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-07-20 00:00:00.0 |
2023-07-20 00:00:00.0 |
284 |
[empty string] |
284 |
<p>The Great Loop remains as popular as ever, one of the premier travel experiences in North America. Even those who do not consider themselves boaters are avid enthusiasts of this circumnavigation of a large portion of the U.S. and Canada. Couples and families come from Europe, Australia, and beyond to see North America in one of the best ways to travel ever devised. The history, culture, cuisine, people, and natural beauty of this country are best seen on its waterways, and countless people confirm this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.</p>
<p>Given its popularity, it is common for people to ponder what is involved in making this trip. And, of course, what does it cost to have this experience: the expenses to cover boat, fuel, marinas, maintenance, and other monies associated with extended travel.</p>
<p>I have to admit there is one thing I hate when reading marine publications and consumer magazines. I detest, more than anything else, when people want these kinds of answers—whether a boat test, equipment review, or travel story—and never get a conclusive answer. No matter what the subject or matter at hand, the writer never provides an answer at the end of the story. Which one is best among its competitors, what should one expect, what does it cost, and finally…which one should I buy? The writer always ends the piece with the same comment, and that makes me crazy. “Well, it depends…” It is downright lazy and sheds all remnants of accountability. The writer sidesteps the question, and the reader is left on his own.</p>
<p>So, when I thought about writing about the cost of doing a <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">Great Loop</a> trip, I was a bit uncomfortable taking on the subject, given the numerous factors where each has a huge impact of the cost of Trip A versus Trip B, C, or D. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, though, and I think I have come up with a path that any serious planner can use to determine the projected cost of doing a Loop adventure.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The AGLCA has some great informative events to learn about the specifics of The Great Loop.)</em></p>
<p><img title="aglca event for the great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/aglca-event.jpg?cb=92BCB8AF-9C93-B634-AD9E4F0C15A77D57" alt="aglca event for the great loop" width="800" height="432" /></p>
<p>One step that is most important to anyone even slightly considering this trip is to join an organization that has so many benefits it should be considered mandatory for all Great Loop cruisers and would-be dreamers. And that is to join the <a href="https://www.greatloop.org/" target="_blank">American Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA)</a>. For the cost of yearly membership, one has access to a lot of updated information that exists nowhere else. Anecdotal comments from Uncle Charlie from his cruise 10 years ago and now buried on the Internet can be ignored, and one can sift through information that is fresh, spot on, and changes almost daily as Loopers send in comments about waterway status and other factors that affect anyone behind them on the Loop. No matter who you are, what kind of boat you have (or want), or what part of the Loop you are most interested in, joining the AGLCA is the best investment one can make. Sign up today. Enough said.</p>
<p>So, how much does it cost to do the Great Loop?</p>
<p>Well, it depends…</p>
<p>No seriously, I won’t leave you hanging out there, I promise. There are quite a few factors that impact the costs of this trip. But they are mostly known ahead of time, and most depend entirely on you and your own situation. There are some basic questions to address. The answers you come up with will go a long way to telling you how much money your Great Loop will involve, while still providing a terrific adventure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Size Matters</strong></p>
<p>I assume you already know that the most common kind of Loop boat is a <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler yacht</a> of some kind. While the word has been grossly misused in recent years, a traditional trawler is typically a single engine powerboat with a comfortable, liveaboard interior that allows self-sufficient cruising with good fuel economy. It is a suitable home for a couple to travel at a snail’s pace (six to eight knots is pretty common) and keep going and going.</p>
<p>The larger the boat, the more expensive it will be to put in a slip in a marina along the way. This is true whether it is a trawler, a motoryacht, a center console, sailboat, or canal barge. When there are travel expenses along the Loop, calculated by the foot, they will always be more expensive for a larger boat than a small one. A pint-sized Ranger tug will be less money for its owners to travel the Loop than a <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/fleming-yachts">Fleming</a> 55 or <a href="../../../../new-endurance-yachts-for-sale/">Endurance</a> 640 motoryacht, but there will be compromises one may not wish to make on a small boat. All make outstanding cruisers, and only you can decide if one makes more sense for your needs than the other. Big is good, big is comfortable, but big is also more expensive to park for the night—or for several weeks when it comes time to get off for annual doctor visits and family commitments back home.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Hampton-Endurance-590">Endurance 590 </a>will be launched soon and would be a truly luxurious Great Loop boat.)</em></p>
<p><img title="endurance 590" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/endurance-yachts-590.jpg?cb=9313B784-02C8-51AA-FAEB668A79F76949" alt="endurance 590" width="800" height="432" /></p>
<p>For some this is a moot point, as they will do the Loop on what they already own. It may be a 48-foot sailboat that has been lovingly enjoyed for many years and which is pressed into Loop service, without mast and standing rigging, of course. They were removed and stored at the home marina for the duration of the trip. A sailboat-turned-powerboat actually makes a great cruiser for the Loop in that it is comfortable and very economical with its smaller single diesel engine. This assumes, of course, its draft is not deep. Tricked out racers like a Swan or Farr will not be good choices while most mainstream cruising sailboats work well. And sailors know they make great powerboats because we motor in them often more than we’d like to admit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Engine or Engines</strong></p>
<p>Since I’ve already said the best boat for the Loop is a powerboat, we can assume there is at least one engine that powers the boat, or two, or possibly more. These days it is common to find both gas and diesel engines in boats along the Loop, and there are advantages to either. Without going into a discussion of one engine versus two, what your boat has is what you’ll deal with for the trip. And, as we’ll see, that makes a difference—a measurable difference—in the fuel costs of the trip, everything else being equal.</p>
<p>Loop boats span the range of cruising platforms from slow-poke trawler at single-digit speed to triple-outboard speed machines than have potential for speeds well in excess of 50 mph. (Miles per hour is the recognized speed measure for this inland trip, not knots.)</p>
<p>While there are places for slow speed as well as wide open, I’m not sure they should be a deciding factor. After all, the Great Loop is a trip of discovery and experience. It is hard to create meaningful memories if one blasts through the Loop at high speed and sees little of the journey besides a blurred shoreline.</p>
<p><em>(Below: While we don't recommend it, someone even did a 7,000 mile Great Loop on a jet ski.)</em></p>
<p><img title="great loop on jet ski" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/great-loop-on-a-waverunner.jpg?cb=933E3ADD-E33B-3E1A-CC00CF3E482ED1FA" alt="great loop on jet ski" width="800" height="460" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Your Style of Boating</strong></p>
<p>This is perhaps the biggest determining factor for identifying costs of the trip. And it is entirely personal, without any associated judgement whatsoever. Some people by nature like to do it all. They arrive somewhere new, and want to take it all in. Much like the couple I followed who did the Loop on their <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus Boats</a> cruiser, <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Last Item</a>, they got off the boat for days on end, renting a car and exploring parts of a city or area that involved company tours, museums, nature side trips, and whatever else the area had to offer. If they were told to hold tight for a few days due to flooding conditions at the locks, they weren’t fazed one bit. They just parked the boat and took off sightseeing.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Fred & Sidonia completed their Great Loop on a Nimbus 405.)</em></p>
<p><img title="nimbus boats does the great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-boats-does-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=935CAADB-FE8D-8E6D-0437A2C9E297B6AB" alt="nimbus boats does the great loop" width="800" height="516" /></p>
<p>Do you and your spouse like to go out to eat meals at the local pubs and restaurants, or do you prefer to eat in? Are you likely to anchor out whenever possible or will your crew opt for a comfortable slip in a marina that makes it easy to get involved in the local community and attend music festivals, concerts, farmers markets, holiday celebrations, and interesting local events? Only you know the answers here, and it only reflects your preferences that figure into calculating the projected expenses of the trip.</p>
<p>Another reason for paying for a slip might be the convenience of services, like marina bath facilities (and showers), restaurants, historical walkabouts (good use of electric bikes), and other “immersive” activities that are a primary reason why most of us want to do the Loop in the first place. It may also make it easier for friends and family to meet up with you, even if they stay in town at a hotel. Meeting friends and family along the Loop really ties it all together for many people and is essential for the memories they create.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Your Preference for Travel</strong></p>
<p>This is different from the style of boating, as it reflects more on your daily routines. Some people like to get up early and head off as soon as possible, in some cases at daybreak. If they are on a faster boat, they make tracks right away and get the daily miles behind them while the day is young. These cruisers may enjoy getting their daily run done by lunchtime or early afternoon, and then spend the rest of the day, often in a marina, washing off the boat, taking a nap, and exploring the town.</p>
<p>This is decidedly different from others, especially those on slower boats, who find the journey is more important than the destination. Spending eight hours under way is much more to their liking than blasting to the next stop. They take more time to travel the same distance, of course, but for them it is a more relaxed way to travel, and life aboard goes on. Laundry is done under way, as is lengthy meal prep, daily chores, even some boat maintenance. These folks are the quintessential trawler cruisers, and they much prefer leisurely travel at eight knots over being strapped into the helm seat of a PT boat making an attack run against an enemy battleship at wide open throttle.</p>
<p>Another element to that question is how you envision your travel days over long term. I’ve often heard successful cruisers (which I define as not quickly burning out) tell me they prefer to travel for three consecutive days, then taking two days off wherever they happen to be. They use the down time as days off the boat, recharging one’s batteries, and generally breaking up the mindset of a go-go-go boat delivery. This is a very healthy attitude and one I heartily promote. Anything that keeps the trip from being one monotonous day after another is to be pursued, or else memories of the trip will be nothing but foggy moments.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The AGLCA YouTube Channel has some excellent informational videos about the Great Loop.)</em></p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hlv2RNE9eLk" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Life’s Other Commitments</strong></p>
<p>On a trip that can last a year or more, it is quite likely that only being on one’s boat nonstop is hardly realistic. For most people, especially those with close family, there are simply too many other activities that attract our attention if we are away beyond several weeks. Grandchildren are important, and the thought of missing key events in their young lives is not an option. There are weddings and graduations, and anniversaries and family holidays, not to mention yearly medical checkups and doctor and dentist visits that are important.</p>
<p>For all of these reasons, and there are probably many more, it is perfectly normal to need at least one break from the Loop adventure, perhaps two or three, over the course of one’s sabbatical from regular life. And there is no reason to miss any important family events, so factor them into the travel equation.</p>
<p>Scheduling a break and putting the boat safely in a secure location, a reputable marina well known for just this kind of contingency, is all part of the experience. Most Loopers I know have prepared for this ahead of time, not as a reaction to some event for which they were not expecting or prepared—although that happens all too frequently as well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Have a Game Plan</strong></p>
<p>All of the above is vital to understand well in advance of the actual trip. Each of these categories will determine how you experience the Great Loop and help you with expectations in terms of expenses, costs, and fees.</p>
<p>I already mentioned how valuable it is to join the AGLCA. In addition to the useful and continually updated resource information available to all of its members, the issue of Loop costs has been creatively incorporated into a calculator of trip expenses. That alone may be worth the cost of membership.</p>
<p>This calculator relies on self-reported data of those who complete the Loop, in whatever variation they ultimately completed. The cruisers fill in a form that identifies what their expectations were, particulars of their boat, and then the actual data from their completed Loop. The smart people who developed this program made it accessible at the level of each field on the form, which makes it incredibly useful for this exercise.</p>
<p>I spent time looking at reports from boats, from fairly small, approximately 24 feet LOA, to larger boats up to 60 feet in length. And by carefully interpreting the various data points, I think one can reasonably turn “Well, it depends…” into pretty accurate answers based on the experiences of people who completed the Loop. By not focusing on information that can routinely change, such as the cost of diesel fuel or gas, or the average cost of marina slip fees from five years ago when they did their Loop, one can easily compute what those costs will be based in current times.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Scho & Jo provide detailed information about the cost of their Great Loop experience and offer an in-depth <a href="https://schoandjo.com/product/great-loop-budget-calculator/" target="_blank">Great Loop Budget Calculator</a> to help you plan for your trip. Read more about their <a href="https://schoandjo.com/great-loop-expenses/" target="_blank">month-to-month expenses</a> along the Great Loop for more information about what this trip cost them.)</em></p>
<p><img title="great loop expense sheet" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/great-loop-expense-sheet.jpg?cb=9393816A-0F2B-D0C6-2A1E5970BA574360" alt="great loop expense sheet" width="800" height="513" /></p>
<p>I have seen a lot of boats finishing the Great Loop, and they range all over the place. One fellow did it in a Walker Bay 15-foot RIB, which offsets a couple who did their Loop in their brand-new Hampton motoryacht. And the Nimbus cruiser I followed last year was a perfect size and layout for a single couple who want to be comfortable and not much more.</p>
<p>I recall inspecting a MacGregor 26 sailboat that the owner converted into a cruising powerboat, with mast and all standing and running rigging removed, tall lifeline stanchions installed on the side decks, and an enclosure of sorts made out of blue acrylic canvas. It would never be the star of any boat show, but I’m sure this crew completed the Loop and spent (I imagine) well under $10,000. It was a budget boat for a budget Loop. And that is fine with me. Whatever loops your Loop.</p>
<p>The input form used in the calculator interestingly asks for some pre-trip expectations of how the trip will be done. How many miles do you expect to do on this trip? While the Great Loop can be loosely interpreted as anywhere between 4,500 and 7,000 miles, most people said they expect to travel 5,000 or 6,000 miles (it asks for a number, not a range). This is very consistent from the dozens of reports I reviewed, regardless of size of vessel, date, or any other criteria.</p>
<p>Based on that estimate of total miles traveled, and then looking at the post-trip data, one could see the number of engine hours for each boat during their trip, and its average speed in statute miles. Both are easily measured or calculated by most all modern navigation and engine electronics. Regardless of how many engines one has, once we know total engine hours and average speed, as well as the boat’s total fuel burned per hour (also captured by many electronics, or on older boats taken from the boat’s fuel burn curve), the cost of fuel can be accurately determined using average current fuel pricing.</p>
<p>And for those who like to play mind games with numbers, it is easy to see that slower boats take longer to make the same distance as faster boats. There are dozens and dozens of examples to use for this analysis. Boats that average 8 mph generally take 775 to 850 hours to do their Loop (the difference being how many miles their Loop was. Not everyone wants to go everywhere). Boats that average 12 mph often completed the Loop in under 600 hours, while those few boats that averaged much higher speeds (17 to 19 mph) only ran their engines around 300 hours. But the majority of boats cruised at 7-8 mph.</p>
<p>The above is not scientific analysis, but it is simple enough to see that for a given total distance traveled, knowing the average speed and engine hours confirms the total miles and provides enough information to understand how much fuel was burned. And how many oil changes were necessary and other maintenance.</p>
<p>Most important for those looking to determine projected costs, each boat owner is asked how many miles they expected to run each day, as well as how many days per week they plan to be on the move. This is very helpful to determine the necessary logistics. Most Loopers shoot for 50 miles a day, some a bit higher or lower, but mostly 50 miles per day and on the move between 3 to 5 days a week.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Fred and Sidonia stop along their Great Loop trip to fill up with fuel.)</em></p>
<p><img title="filling up with fuel along the great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fuel-costs-along-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=93AC92D4-EA6A-09D0-59ACE49015F8978A" alt="filling up with fuel along the great loop" width="800" height="450" /></p>
<p>Also very telling is the question of how many nights they plan to spend in a marina versus anchoring out. It ranged from anchoring out most of the time, only spending 1 to 3 nights in a marina, to cruisers who fully expected to spend most nights in a marina, 5 to 7 days a week. Depending on where you see your own situation on this question will also answer how many times you will eat aboard versus cruise the local scene for interesting cuisine.</p>
<p>All of the above answers go directly into the calculations of how much one should reasonably expect to spend during one’s Great Loop. Eating two meals a day at a marina or in town is going to be quite different in terms of cost when compared to living and eating wraps, soup, and sandwiches on the boat most days at anchor. But once you know this, you are more than halfway to the answer.</p>
<p>I want to point out that I was looking for general ranges of numbers for estimate purposes. If you know you’re interested in a Loop that you determine is close to 6,000 miles, you will want to pull up records for trips that fit near those miles traveled, as well as other information that you already know. Your results will no doubt be a lot closer together than my numbers. With reasonable analysis this holds true for other criteria, such as average cruising speed and fuel burn, or number of days per week in a marina.</p>
<p>I would not be surprised if you found the engine hours data among similar reports are all within 50 hours of each other, so that you can quite accurately know how much fuel you will be buying on the trip. Same for many of the other factors.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>So How Much Does It All Cost?</strong></p>
<p>Throughout all of this, one must honestly and repeatedly ask the question: What is the Great Loop experience we are looking for?</p>
<p>While I was going through the files I’ve collected from people who did this trip, as well as the numerous results found in the AGLCA calculator, I wondered if there was a sweet spot. Comparing each boat’s total cost of the trip, which ranged from $10,000 to $200,000 in the AGLCA database, there is no obvious ideal number one should aim for. It is so different in so many ways.</p>
<p>I know when working with Sidonia and Fred on their Nimbus adventure, getting off the boat and renting a car to travel to nearby places made so much sense to me, even if it added to their trip expenses. Like most others, I also know I will not likely pass this way again, so seeing something special or memorable that requires a three-hour drive away from the marina is kind of a now-or-never opportunity.</p>
<p>Knowing I’m going to spend 650 to 850 hours chugging along one of the most unique waterway routes in North America, I again remind myself it is likely only going to happen once. That gives me pause, to consider all that is out there to experience, and balance that potential with the realities of what it will cost. This is a trip of a lifetime, and the memories will last the rest of my life.</p>
<p>So, I can’t help but think that seeing the special history of a town I never knew existed, and how it shaped our country in some special way, is ultimately more important to me than how many times I made dinner on the boat, anchored in a quiet and peaceful spot just off the waterway. For me, the Great Loop is about discovery and learning the history and contributions of those who came before me.</p>
<p>I will keep that very much in mind when I figure out how much my Loop should cost.</p>
<p>I suggest you do the same. You only live once.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-buying-done-right">Boat Buying Done Right</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Guide To How Much The Great Loop Costs |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop is a boating trip of a lifetime, but how much should you expect to spend on it? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cost-of-cruising-the-great-loop.jpg |
2023-07-20 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
guide-to-how-much-the-great-loop-costs |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/guide-to-how-much-the-great-loop-costs |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
5 |
1235 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-05-24 00:00:00.0 |
2023-05-24 00:00:00.0 |
281 |
[empty string] |
281 |
<p>I enjoyed looking at photos that one of the Seattle Yachts’ brokers posted of his clients removing personal stuff from their yacht as a result of purchasing an <a href="../../../../new-endurance-yachts-for-sale/">Endurance motoryacht</a>. What a lovely moment in time, and I’m quite excited for the new owners. I wish them great success enjoying their new yacht with many years of happy memories to come.</p>
<p>Box after box, piles of pillows, enormous treasure chests of expensive furnishings, art, and trinkets collected from cruising over the years. I have no doubt that some of this loot was originally brought over from earlier boats, perhaps multiple boats.</p>
<p>That certainly was the case with me. And I imagine many of us perform this ritual when we move from one boat to a new one.</p>
<p>There is no denying it can be something of an emotional roller coaster when settling into a new boat. This is especially trying when the window to get it done is short and the boats are physically close enough that everything taken off one yacht immediately goes onto the new one. When that happens there is often very little thought given to what gets moved, or where it rightfully belongs in the new home. Everything must be off as soon as possible.</p>
<p>I’ve been through this numerous times, and each time it is accompanied by factors that I mostly have no control over. Perhaps the time factor is critical, as the buyers of one’s old boat need to leave for its new home. Maybe a quick closing was an important sale contingency, and you must work with these deadlines to just get it done without much planning. In such cases, and trust me I have been there often, everything comes out of one drawer or locker and goes in a box to be unloaded in the equivalent drawer or locker on the new boat. And there is no time to think about the contents.</p>
<p>That may explain why I found a well-aged coaster from Seattle’s Olympic Hotel along with a newer one from a Tiki bar in Key Largo. Both have moved multiple times and the Olympic memorabilia is several decades old. I keep saying I’ll go through this stuff after the move is completed. Famous last words! Despite every honest intention, rest assured it will never happen. That also goes for books of matches (remember those?) and other tchotchkes collected from a life on the water.</p>
<p>I always envision that one day I will enjoy a day on the boat with lots of quiet time. I will read cruising guides of all the exciting places I might go, dreaming and making lists of future voyages filled with excitement and wonder. Who am I kidding? Any free moment on the boat is already slotted for maintenance of some kind. How can I relax and dream of distant shores, stretched out on the settee with the sound of rain hitting the deck overhead, when I hear the water pump cycle on for a second or two every hour? How am I supposed to relax when the boat is talking to me to get up and fix or investigate some sound? I have never experienced the idle luxury of a Maytag repairman. Never been that lucky.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Bill checking over the engine before heading offshore.)</em></p>
<p><img title="checking boat engine" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/checking-the-boat-engine.jpg?cb=093690BD-915A-70D1-1E48B224911A1278" alt="checking boat engine" width="800" height="592" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At one time or another I could justify each thing or tool on the boat. Everything onboard had a purpose, even if it was from long ago…or from another boat.</p>
<p>The chart table is always the worst place to find such things. Carried over from my sailing days, some of which were also when I lived aboard as a single guy, all kinds of baubles transfer from one chart table to the next. Over several decades this creates a hodgepodge that rivals any kitchen junk drawer. The contents du jour represent over 50 years of routines, habits, and life.</p>
<p>At least two calculators, often more. One is always solar, a freebie from a fuel dock long ago. Another is an early attempt at hybrid power, with both solar and battery power sources. Of course, the battery is long dead. Rather than getting rid of either of these, for some reason I just add newer versions that work better.</p>
<p>The same is true for tape measures, note pads, pencils and pens, stamps that are no longer sufficient for even a postcard, corkscrews, lighters (some work, some don’t), rulers, rubber bands of undefined vintage, and more. If I have a multimeter, surely a second or third spare is better, right?</p>
<p>And the flashlights! What is it about flashlights that captivate me so that I have literally dozens around every boat I’ve owned? Some are long dead, every bit as corroded as invasive marine life on a sunken wreck. Others are solar powered (???), and there is one that a friend’s company was trying to market that needed to be shaken for five minutes to generate even a pathetic beam of light. And of course, I always have Surefire, Stinger, and other quality lights I’ve collected or received from my days with the magazine. If I have an addiction, it is clearly flashlights.</p>
<p>I am never surprised to see the familiar cruising guides that come off the boat, even those that sit on the shelf in company with newer and updated editions of the same guide, published by the same company. What am I, a hoarder!?! (To be fair, my cryptic notes in the margins of the old guides, as along the ICW, are invaluable.)</p>
<p>When time forces us to finish the deal as soon as possible, we simply go through the motions, filling empty boxes and containers with everything on the boat we are leaving.</p>
<p><img title="moving day on your boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/moving-day-on-your-boat.jpg?cb=099BBDF9-FB68-0087-6659F8A039F2A8FB" alt="moving day on your boat" width="800" height="525" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is staggering just how much stuff one collects after a few years of active cruising. And the list is endless: night vision goggles, cables for computers and chargers and who knows what, remotes, tackle boxes of blocks (even though we sold the sailboat years ago), pieces of twine and rope, endless pairs of reading glasses, first aid kits in every shape and size, cruising guides and other books for world travel that now have that rich patina of boat smell. Extension cords, epoxy kits and containers, galley tools that surpass what I have at home, navigation books and tools, and rules of the road. And let’s not forget the three volumes of sight reduction tables, all nicely bound for use on ships from years ago.</p>
<p>“You do know we use electronic charting these days, don’t you?”</p>
<p>There is no excuse, really, and I am guilty each time I go through this. “I promise this time will be different.” Yeah, right. Who are you kidding?</p>
<p>Well, maybe there is hope for this old salt. I recently sat aboard one of the new Ocean Sport 30-foot cruisers at the <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis office</a>. It is a shiny white boat with two big outboards, and this boat can fly. It is also a good size for folks who want to downsize from a larger boat. It has everything one needs to go cruising…and not a thing more.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The Ocean Sport 30 Roamer.)</em></p>
<p><img title="ocean sport 30 roamer" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ocean-sport-30.jpg?cb=0A30CDA7-E427-A8C9-F34780BBED35CC52" alt="ocean sport 30 roamer" width="800" height="454" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I sat at the dinette of the <a href="../../../../new-ocean-sport-boats-for-sale/">Ocean Sport</a>, I fantasized preparing the boat for some new adventures. Perhaps New England this summer, maybe a trip down the Florida Keys this winter. If I could base it out of the Pacific Northwest, it would be ideal to head out to the San Juan Islands, perhaps even SE Alaska. I met a bunch of cruisers one summer in Misty Fjords when we were cruising on a <a href="../../../../new-northern-marine-yachts-for-sale/">Northern Marine</a> 64. The small flotilla was from Bellingham, and included boats that were much smaller and perhaps not the best choice for Alaskan cruising, including a couple of gas-powered cruisers and a tiny Willard 30 with a sewing machine-sized diesel engine. If they could do it, surely an Ocean Sport would be a grand choice.</p>
<p>Another twist we’re considering for potential future cruising is the idea of heading to a resort destination and then staying at the resort, keeping the boat in the marina. That way, we can enjoy the luxury and comforts of the facility and easily trade the compact, combined head/shower to a full bath with plush white bathrobes. Instead of making meals on the boat, we will enjoy fine dining at its best. At this stage of life, I feel we deserve that. Ask my wife, it’s her idea.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Abaco Beach Resort has a great marina and is a beautiful destination to dock.)</em></p>
<p><img title="abaco beach resort" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/abaco-beach-resort.jpg?cb=0A147347-A519-5BF5-D82D6AF986CF488C" alt="abaco beach resort" width="800" height="479" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I sat quietly in the boat, looking around at the accommodations and use of space of this versatile cruiser and fishing boat, I realized that we could do it. But to be successful, I would have to make some serious changes in my new boat routines. This time I would have to pick and choose the gear I brought aboard the Ocean Sport, as it does not have a dedicated chart table, nor does it have storage for all the books and paraphernalia I have been accustomed to carrying with me…for no reason other than perhaps I do not know what else to do with it.</p>
<p>It was at that moment I had an 'Aha moment'. This old sailor, this creature of habit, may have turned the corner. If I had any illusion to go cruising on the Ocean Sport, I would have to ditch the stuff still sitting in boxes in my garage. All of it.</p>
<p>Instead of reloading the packed contents into a GMC Yukon and then into this new boat, as I have done before, I will have to get rid of stuff. Like the four extra dispensers of dental floss, the extra cushions that serve no purpose whatsoever, and the body lotion and sunscreen bottles that date back decades. All of it would have to stay off the boat and find a new home…in a dumpster.</p>
<p>I finally understand that it is time to rethink my boating needs and fit new cruising plans with the reality of what I must work with. What I can fit to use in the Ocean Sport galley will have to be minimal, which would be more than enough. I don’t plan to make Thanksgiving dinner on the boat. We go out these days, or I make pasta. Nothing wrong with that!</p>
<p>Thinking back to the pictures of boxes destined to move to the new Endurance, I stop and take a breath. Just because I can fit it all into a new boat does not make a plausible case for bringing everything along…just in case. I’ve spent a lifetime aligned with that “just in case” sentiment, and I can’t recall even once where that saved me from starvation, drowning, or the slightest hardship. Yes, I once fixed a wobbly bimini with dental floss, but we were not fighting for our lives against storms or pirates or killer whales off Gibraltar. No one was at risk, and that was intentional.</p>
<p>You see, mostly I go pleasure boating these days. And it is refreshing to consider going with less…</p>
<p>In fact, that might be a good name for my next new boat, a reminder that there is no longer any need to embrace my old attitude and the mantra that came with it…Just in Case.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other similar boating articles</span>: </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/its-always-something">It's Always Something</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/importance-of-a-spring-sea-trial">Importance Of A Spring Sea Trial</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/beyond-spring-rituals">Beyond Spring Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/whats-the-best-way-to-dock-your-boat">What's The Best Way To Dock Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/end-of-year-boat-clean-out">End Of Year Boat Clean Out</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-boating-season">Getting Ready For Boating Season</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service & Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have a Backup Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools - How Do You Keep Yours?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising">Prepare Yourself For Offshore Cruising</a></li>
</ul> |
Trading Spaces: Moving From One Boat To A New One |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Moving your belongings from one yacht to another can be quite a job when you've sold one boat and have bought another. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
moving-from-your-old-boat-to-your-new-boat.jpg |
2023-05-24 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
trading-spaces-moving-from-one-boat-to-a-new-one |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/trading-spaces-moving-from-one-boat-to-a-new-one |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
6 |
1230 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-04-26 00:00:00.0 |
2023-04-26 00:00:00.0 |
277 |
[empty string] |
277 |
<p>Experienced boat owners will spend months researching and touring possible candidates for their next boat. Ultimately, many order a new build for this yacht. It might be a long-legged trawler, like the new Northwest 55, or a classy cruising motoryacht such as those popular Hampton and Endurance yachts, also represented by Seattle Yachts. The company offers these as well as Northern Marine and Seaton-designed yachts that incorporate all that has been learned from the past 25 years of trawler cruising. These builders incorporate the latest technology and design ideas in yachts that are capable, eminently luxurious and comfortable, and showcase yacht design and build quality that once was only associated with the best European yards.</p>
<p>It is a great time to own one of today’s outstanding cruising yachts, designed to help celebrate one’s hard work in life. Those built in Asia are particularly known for incredible joiner work, the choicest hardwood and interior furnishings, and now engine rooms that are second to none.</p>
<p>In most cases, these new yachts are then loaded on ships, in Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, or a port in China to begin the ocean voyage delivery to North America. Arriving at Baltimore, Los Angeles, Tacoma, <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-british-columbia">British Columbia</a>, or South Florida, the new yachts are lowered into the water for the first time, and dealers take the new yacht back to their location to complete the build and commissioning process. It is a tried-and-true scenario that has worked well for decades.</p>
<p>When the owners finally take delivery of their new yacht, they get to enjoy and learn their new boat close to home. Plans are made for future cruising to the islands, the rugged Northwest and Alaska, or perhaps many less-exotic places closer to home.</p>
<p>But if you listen to experienced cruiser and veteran Seattle Yachts - <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-philippines">Philippines broker</a>, Brian Calvert, you are missing out on a fabulous opportunity that probably wasn’t even on your radar screen. Brian’s argument is worth a listen, as he has some inside information that could change your perception of this “normal” delivery equation and replace it with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will change you view of cruising forever.</p>
<p><img title="View from yacht in Philippines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/view-from-yacht-while-cruising-philippines.jpg?cb=6AB033B9-0E2A-559A-0922AD47E133EF0C" alt="View from yacht in Philippines" width="800" height="476" /></p>
<p>Brian makes a solid case for bypassing normal red tape of yacht delivery and pursuing a different direction that makes the traditional process pale in comparison. When you really think about it, perhaps the old way of doing things has become obsolete in world cruising.</p>
<p>In short, Brian wants you to consider taking delivery of your new <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler yacht</a> while still in Asia and to forgo stateside delivery by ship. For now, or perhaps altogether.</p>
<p>Brian’s intriguing idea offers a treasure map of its own, replacing expensive shipping, taxes, permits, and international bureaucracy with simply taking delivery of one’s new boat, launching it in the South China Sea, and then going cruising. Aboard your new yacht, in some of the choicest cruising grounds on Earth.</p>
<p>Seem too good to be true? Not at all.</p>
<p>It is a fact that a growing number of buyers today want to step outside the box, get off the beaten track, and see what is left in the world that is untouched, pristine, and still gorgeous…while there is still time. To these people, the world is their oyster, and they have more interest in seeing what’s over the horizon than impressing their neighbors on the dock with a shiny new boat.</p>
<p>Let’s look at this new adventure idea, one that is easy, safe, and offers all the excitement and world-class experience one might imagine. It really is irresistible and worth exploring.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Brian's boat "FURTHUR" which he cruises in the Philippines.)</em></p>
<p><img title="trawler yacht cruising in Philippines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/trawler-yacht-in-philippines.jpg?cb=6AE9CFC7-E0F4-FBFF-175C484C732AFD72" alt="trawler yacht cruising in Philippines" width="800" height="462" /></p>
<p>Consider the idea of ditching the yacht shipment back home. Instead, imagine arranging with a seasoned professional to take delivery of the boat in Asia, where it was built. Then, make the boat minimally operational (we’ll define that in a bit), and then make a short maiden voyage (with experienced crew if you choose) in calm and following seas to the heart of an island paradise of 7,600 islands.</p>
<p>Let’s set our sights on the Philippines, the gateway to much of the South Pacific. A place that is every bit as magical and exotic, yet where life is easy, and exceedingly friendly to Americans and other English-speaking people. The Philippines represent life that is as carefree as one could imagine. Where life is good, inexpensive, and the population is known for its relaxed lifestyle, happy outlook, and everyone smiles.</p>
<p>Brian took off from his home port in Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands on his <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/selene-yachts">Selene</a> trawler and began a multi-year adventure cruising the Pacific. Over the next several years, he visited many delightful island dreamscapes, each one prettier than the next. The pictures on his blog were full of crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains reaching to the clouds, and islanders enjoying life in the slow lane.</p>
<p><em>(Below: A beautiful evening sunset in the Philippines.)</em></p>
<p><img title="evening in the Philippines on the water" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/evening-in-the-philippines.jpg?cb=6B19432A-BCF4-9423-E2A2DCC3E9E04CAD" alt="evening in the Philippines on the water" width="800" height="452" /></p>
<p>Nine years ago, he landed in the Philippines, and never left. He found paradise, love, and all the reasons one needs to put down roots. Today, <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Brian-Calvert">Brian Calvert</a> is the Seattle Yachts dealer/broker for the Pacific, based in Subic Bay. He keeps his Selene trawler at the <a href="https://subicbayyachtclub.ph/" target="_blank">Subic Bay Yacht Club</a>, and spends his time helping clients, diving, and enjoying island hopping with his family.</p>
<p>Brian’s long history of managing boat builds in Asia gives him a unique perspective and ability. He uses his experience and knowledge to inspect clients’ new builds at key stages of construction and he meets with the buyers at the appropriate yard for periodic inspection. A full-service professional, Brian also arranges for clients’ travel plans to the Philippines, and he manages commissioning work done once the yacht arrives in Subic Bay.</p>
<p>His successful professional background makes him the perfect liaison to manage and arrange delivery crews, as required, and the necessary visas to travel to/from Hong Kong and China. Taiwan, he says, is somewhat easier for all the above.</p>
<p>Having a professional broker/agent in the Seattle Yachts network takes much of the worry out of the often-stressful activities surrounding yacht deliveries, entrance clearances, berthing, and all the commissioning and other yacht services once the yacht arrives in Subic Bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Why Cruise the Philippines</strong></p>
<p>As Brian explained, the Philippines are the most “American” of SE Asia. The people are predominantly Catholic, and everyone speaks English.</p>
<p>The Philippines are considered the gateway to the rest of SE Asia, from Borneo up to Singapore, and over to Thailand, the Land of Smiles. One can continue down to Indonesia, a land that is both remote and mystical, and home to the famed beasts, the Komodo dragons.</p>
<p>In this area of the Pacific, cultures differ from one country to the next. Malaysia, for example, is quite modern, with large and beautiful cities, high-end marinas, yet elsewhere is Indonesia it is like going back in time.</p>
<p>Bali welcomes cruisers and one can’t help but have amazing spiritual experiences within its unique culture. Brian says Thailand is yet another bend in the prism, with temples, massive Buddha statues, and elephants.</p>
<p>You will find friendly, generous, curious, and open people everywhere you go. Crime against cruisers is basically unheard of. What minor thefts that occur can easily be avoided with basic cautions, much like the rest of the world. And the reality is that the cities and towns in the Philippines are considerably safer than many American cities, from Miami to Seattle.</p>
<p>The 7,600 islands that make up the Philippines provide some of the finest cruising grounds anywhere. There are endless white sandy beaches, friendly boutique resorts in remote locations, and one finds yacht-friendly people and places everywhere you go.</p>
<p>The weather is ideal for nine months of the year, and one can enjoy the best diving in the world in 85-degree water.</p>
<p><img title="yacht anchored at sunset in the Philippines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/yacht-anchored-in-philippines.jpg?cb=6AB033B5-BD76-D0DC-615DC24293360361" alt="yacht anchored at sunset in the Philippines" width="800" height="494" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Getting There</strong></p>
<p>In Brian’s experience, a buyer can choose to take possession of a new boat in China or Taiwan, and register the boat in any number of places, including the United States, with U.S. Coast Guard documentation.</p>
<p>Taiwan boatyards are only one day away, and Hong Kong is an easy, three-day crossing. By having a boat built in Asia, one enters the Philippines as a regular cruising boat, with no limitations on how long the boat can stay. People require easily extended visas. The savings run up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, with no duty, sales tax, or shipping costs.</p>
<p>Preparing a new yacht for the short delivery, most boatyards in Asia have matured and can perform basic installations, many up to and including full commissioning of all electronics and systems. So, if one took delivery of their new boat, performed the necessary sea trials in Hong Kong, for example, one would just need some basics for the 600nm trip across to Subic Bay. At a minimum, one needs to install a depth sounder, a radar would be nice, and the rest of the navigation electronics could be performed on a laptop with external AIS and GPS. For his deliveries, Brian carries a full navigation kit in his computer case, along with a portable VHF radio.</p>
<p>He also recommends a life raft and EPIRB, easily sourced in China and Taiwan.</p>
<p>With no duty for boats from China, no sales tax or state registration, Brian says the savings in shipping costs alone can exceed $100,000. Discussing the options with your broker, you can determine the full savings of your new boat, which can indeed be a significant portion of the purchase price.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Realities of Cruising the Philippines</strong></p>
<p>In Brian’s personal and professional experience, the Philippines can easily be the least expensive place on earth to own a boat. He pays $300 USD a month for a 50-foot slip in a five-star yacht club marina. And the service is outstanding. The marina staff collects garbage once a day right at the boat, they deliver bottled drinking water to your slip, and the marina staff always carries his wife’s groceries and things to the boat.</p>
<p>In addition, he has secure covered parking for his car and motorcycle. The marina has two swimming pools, a nice private gym and a club house. There are two good restaurants on site, and it is within easy walking distance to many more. The security at the yacht club is exceptional, with armed guards, security cameras, and night-time patrols.</p>
<p>SBYC is also near a full-service boatyard and great chandlery with a service department. Skilled labor is $10-15 USD a day. One can hire "boatmen" who are inexpensive yet reliable, and who will capably care for your boat while you are absent. They will also crew with you if you want local knowledge as you begin cruising the area.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The Subic Bay Yacht Club.)</em></p>
<p><img title="subic bay yacht club in philippines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/subic-bay-yacht-club-in-philippines.jpg?cb=6BBE97D3-FC46-4C3A-2C0F62FA279166C4" alt="subic bay yacht club in philippines" width="800" height="490" /> </p>
<p>It is an ideal home base, as the yacht club is in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, on land that was once "the Base." It is quite modern and very American. As one walks down Main Street, one might think they were in San Diego. (U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay was decommissioned in 1992.)</p>
<p>When I inquired about shopping and buying groceries, Brian said there are five major stores within a kilometer of the marina. All stock plenty of western foods, as there is a large expat population in the area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Reality Check</strong></p>
<p>One of the things that has always intrigued me is how so many aspiring cruisers believe life beyond our borders is more primitive and lacks products and services we take for granted. I encountered that collective mindset every time we hosted a seminar about cruising foreign waters. The questions and conversation always drifted around vague views clearly lacking in knowledge and actual experience. The “how many guns aboard” conversation came up every time.</p>
<p>It apparently takes a while for many of these cruising newbies to realize that life outside our country isn’t all that different. People still have families, drink water, eat food, use diesel and propane, and go fishing.</p>
<p>So, when I inquired about food and the cost of living, Brian had a lot to say. The cuisine of the Philippines, much like its people, is a melting pot of cultures. Chinese, Moro, Spanish, and American influences are everywhere. Most meals are pork, chicken, or seafood based. Everywhere you go, one will always be close to a public market where fresh produce, fruit, and meat are available. And with a significant expat population, western food can be found in most populated areas. As Brian said, you can always find that “cheeseburger in paradise.”</p>
<p>I love looking at the shelves in food stores to get a sense of the diversity and cost of daily living. So, I spent some time exploring online shopping on the website of the SM SuperMarket in downtown Olongapo, close to the yacht club. Brian says the prices are even better on “the Base” but what I found was easily below any budget here in Annapolis, much less in most cases. Whether I looked at bananas, lemons, hot dogs, hamburger rolls, bread, eggs, mayonnaise, even chicken thighs and breasts, the prices were much less than what I would pay locally.</p>
<p>And Brian says the cost of eating out is cheap, with a local meal less than five dollars a person. A one-hour massage is between $5-$8. In other words, the cost of living is very reasonable in the Philippines.</p>
<p>English is spoken everywhere, as it is the second national language. Most road signs and store fronts are in English.</p>
<p>It would take too long to describe all the fabulous places in the Philippines ideal for diving of all skill levels. From intense NITROX diving to shallow, snorkel-friendly outings, there are many opportunities to swim with the marine life among the coral reefs, sunken wrecks, and other attractions all over the many islands here.</p>
<p><img title="dolphins playing near boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dolphins-playing-by-boat.jpg?cb=6AB033B1-CAF2-D659-05B296DD9C20B092" alt="dolphins playing near boat" width="800" height="495" /></p>
<p>One of the most popular and easily accessed diving sites is in Busuanga Bay, situated between Busuanga Island and Coron Bay. On September 24, 1944, aircraft from Fast Carrier Task Force 38 off the USS Lexington surprised a dozen anchored ships of the Japanese Navy. The ships arrived the previous day, seeking shelter after repeated attacks in Manila Bay.</p>
<p>Believing they were now safely out of harm's way, they were pounced upon by 96 F6F Hellcat fighters and 24 Helldiver dive bombers of Admiral Mitscher’s forces, traveling 340 miles to find the ships, which was a new distance record at the time for such attack sorties. In one hellish period that morning, the unrelenting scream of diving American aircraft overwhelmed the anti-aircraft gunfire from the Japanese combatants. Eight ships went to the bottom.</p>
<p>Today, these wrecks are popular with divers of all skill levels, with outstanding visibility in warm water and calm seas.</p>
<p>Brian has visited the area numerous times.</p>
<p>“We grab a courtesy mooring provided by Marina del Ray Resort, a small family-owned resort that pioneered the area. A quick call to our old friend Gunther at the local dive shop and we arranged for him to pick us up at the boat for a dive.</p>
<p><img title="scuba diving in the Philippines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/scuba-in-the-philippines.jpg?cb=6B6F2091-0672-D175-60644E0C18D8D3A4" alt="scuba diving in the Philippines" width="800" height="496" /></p>
<p>“The bay is also home to two of our favorite small boutique resorts, where it is customary to patronize the bar and restaurant of businesses that provide moorings. After a scrumptious lunch at Marina del Ray, we climbed the short, steep path to Alfaro Resort, perched on a cliff facing west. The lofty swimming pool is a favorite place for sunset watching. Imagine frolicking in a swimming pool, enjoying a cocktail with a tiny umbrella watching an epic sunset. Life does not get better than that.</p>
<p>“Within a short dinghy ride from Busuanga Bay one can also find two small islands with brilliant white sandy beaches and picnic areas. The snorkeling there is superb.</p>
<p>“For the next few nights and anchorages, we are usually the lone boat, which is common here in the Philippines. There are so few cruising boats and so many places to see.</p>
<p>“One can cruise and anchor almost endlessly as a solo boat if so desired.”</p>
<p>Brian’s own adventures begin and end at Subic Bay Yacht Club, which he recommends. The off season is July through December, and it is a very safe place to keep the boat.</p>
<p>Like cruising everywhere, it is the people that make such a big difference in the overall experience.</p>
<p>“Wherever one goes there are bright smiling faces of locals greeting you,” said Calvert. “Ask any visitor to the Philippines, they will rant about the beauty, the diving, and the adventures—but all will agree, it is the people that make the Philippines the wonder that it is. Westerners are often jolted by how friendly and generous people who own so little can be so happy. It is a life lesson for sure.”</p>
<p><img title="Brian playing at the beach with kids" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/brian-playing-with-kids-in-philippines.jpg?cb=6AB033AD-FF89-BB07-00ED0F3D7B6CF804" alt="Brian playing at the beach with kids" width="800" height="465" /></p>
<p>Thankfully, the storm season is during the rainy season, and usually ends by December. Most typhoons never reach land, although they dump a great deal of rain. Typhoon watching is a national pastime, with a great deal of forecasting available. The cruising season is generally calm, dry, and safe.</p>
<p>The threat of piracy is minimal today, and what dangerous areas once existed are in the far south of the country where it nearly connects with Borneo. Efforts to clean out the bad guys in recent years have been successful.</p>
<p>“Even so, when in remote areas full of curious kids that might come to your boat, we carry candy and toys for such occasions,” Brian said. “I find the ‘leader of the pack’ and pay him the equivalent of 40 cents to watch the boat. That always works.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /><strong>Getting Back to the World</strong></p>
<p>Once the cruising is done and it is time to bring the boat home, Brian said most larger boats can easily make the trip up north to Japan, then over the top of the Pacific to Alaska and down the West Coast.</p>
<p>That would be another enormous adventure!</p>
<p>Once in the U.S., one is importing a used boat with lesser value. And, of course, if that seems too much of an adventure, one can always arrange for shipping the boat on the deck of a ship.</p>
<p>I think if I considered building a new boat in Asia with Seattle Yachts, I would contact veteran broker Brian Calvert to explore the Philippines option. The lower costs, outstanding cruising, perfect weather, warm water, and wonderful people have much to recommend it. And having local knowledge in the form of a Seattle Yachts professional certainly adds a level of confidence.</p>
<p>Finding the jewel of a perfect island with its own white sandy beach, and being the only boat for miles around, sounds too good to pass up. As Brian summed it up: Paradise awaits the adventurous.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Articles Of Interest</span>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-possession-of-your-yacht-in-the-philippines-can-save-hundreds-of-thousands">Taking Possession Of Your Yacht In The Philippines Can Save Thousands</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">Notes About Cruising The South Pacific</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p> |
Cruise The Philippines! |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Before you leave Asia with your new yacht, take the time to cruise the incredible Philippines. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruise-the-philippines-in-yacht.jpg |
2023-04-26 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
cruise-the-philippines |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/cruise-the-philippines |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
7 |
1211 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2023-02-27 00:00:00.0 |
2023-02-27 00:00:00.0 |
260 |
[empty string] |
260 |
<p>The Seattle and Miami shows may be over, and Palm Beach is still on the horizon, but it is a good time to think about the many boat buyers who are shopping for their next boat. With what seems miles of docks of lovely yachts, lined up and showing their very best, it is the magic of the new year boat show season. These events are the only chance to see and compare boats and accessories all in one place. I often tell people to make the effort to attend at least one boat show in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. They are quite an experience, and great fun.</p>
<p>I doubt many people walking the docks think much about how easy or difficult it is to step on and off the boats they want to check out. Dealer staff go to great lengths to ease the boarding process, sometimes with carpeted step stools to help show attendees step down onto a boat’s swim platform. The added presence of a dealer/manufacturer booth requires they arrange boats a certain way to channel people to get aboard a boat from the booth after checking in. It is common practice for dealer staff to station themselves on the swim platform to assist unsteady or older people with getting aboard.</p>
<p>Other boats in the show are either bow in to the dock, or side tied for access from the show docks. How one gets aboard really has a lot to do with the layout of the show, and how boats fit together like a jigsaw puzzle to maximize the number of yachts put into the show space. It is always important to the show organizers to make sure the docks seem as full as possible. That explains why boats are bow in, stern in, or tied alongside available dock space. There is no universally accepted best practice for putting a boat in a boat show.</p>
<p><img title="crowded boat show" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/crowded-boat-show.jpg?cb=BCC71174-F663-F712-01B51617CE6E4407" alt="crowded boat show" width="800" height="503" /></p>
<p>Apparently this seems also the case for homeowners and their driveways. I’ve noticed something odd since we moved to a townhouse. I don’t think I ever noticed it before.</p>
<p>When people pull into their driveways, a great many of them (maybe half) take the time to back their cars into the driveway. For whatever reason, it is pretty common around here. Drive into any parking lot, and a surprising number of cars are backed into parking places.</p>
<p>I wonder what that is all about, and if there a valid reason for this?</p>
<p>It reminds me of a rendezvous we once hosted for a group of sister ships to our <a href="../../../../used-downeast-boats-for-sale/">Downeast cruiser</a>, a 36-foot lobster boat outfitted as a cruising boat by Zimmerman Marine of Mathews, Virginia. The owner of one Z36 insisted he had to back into the crowded spaces of our T-shaped dock, which I had previously determined would allow nine boats to be secured for the weekend.</p>
<p>He told me he once drove a truck, and learned a long time ago to always back into a space, whether it is a parking lot, a boat slip, or a driveway at home. He felt he could get under way quickly if needed, although I never could understand what calamity he could imagine to make a quick getaway so important as to be always ready to launch an escape by boat.</p>
<p>All this has me thinking about the variety of ways we “connect” our boats to land, whether at our home dock, in a marina, or at a boat show.</p>
<p>Walk around any marina and you’ll see boats, sail and power, docked bow into the slip, or backed in with the stern in first. There may also be some form of finger pier that stretches out some distance along the side of the boat to provide additional access.</p>
<p><em>(Below: If you're cruising <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a>, you may end up needing to dock your boat in a variety of places and ways.)</em></p>
<p><img title="side docking on the great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/side-docking.jpg?cb=BD023E65-C053-B88F-AC1AFF07CEF1AA8A" alt="side docking on the great loop" width="800" height="490" /> </p>
<p>There are any number of reasons why it might make sense to park one’s boat one way or the other. In some cases, it is simply a rule set down by the facility, mandating that all boats be bow in or stern in to each slip. For the majority of other situations, it is done for practical reasons, or habit.</p>
<p>Powerboats traditionally dock stern in. This brings all shorepower connections, normally located in the aft cockpit, closest to the shoreside power pedestal. For boats with outboard engines, being stern in also makes it easier to flush the engines from hoses on shore.</p>
<p>(Many newer motoryachts and <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawlers</a> come with the added convenience of shorepower connections at both ends of the boat, making the docking decision unrelated to proximity to shoreside power. Or, as was the case on our <a href="../../../../used-power-catamarans-for-sale/">power catamaran</a>, the boat’s shorepower connection was midships on the port side, making it an easy proposition either way.)</p>
<p>Many <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboats</a> also dock stern in, and if there is a finger pier, it probably only extends out far enough to allow crew to step over the lifelines and move bags and gear on and off the boat. Side lifeline gates make this easier.</p>
<p>Having the cockpit close to the dock or bulkhead opens up the chance for social interaction with people on the docks, either crew from another boat or people strolling along looking at boats. It is very easy to strike up a conversation with people who pass by only a few feet away.</p>
<p>Of course, anyone sitting in the cockpit can decide whether to engage people walking by, as there is no obligation to do so. On a nice afternoon, it is sometimes just so pleasant to sit in the cockpit and read a book. And on every sailboat I have ever owned, whatever work I have to do on the boat was best done in the cockpit, where I could spread out my tools to take something apart, or solder a broken connection, or whatever. I didn’t always feel the need to talk to anyone walking by if I was deep into my work. On the other hand, it can be great fun when someone walking by says something silly, just to be friendly and hoping to talk, because they are intrigued that I am here on my own boat and they just flew in on vacation for a brief break from their winter doldrums.</p>
<p>To further recommend the social aspects of this, on many trawlers and other powerboats, being stern in opens up the world to spend time with other people and enjoy a quiet evening in the best seats in the house. That is certainly true on <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/kadey-krogen-yachts">Krogen</a> trawlers that tend to have social hour each afternoon in the cozy space of the covered aft cockpit. But again it is not universal.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Docking stern in can meet making new friends as people walk along the docks.)</em></p>
<p><img title="docking with stern in" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/docking-stern-in.jpg?cb=BDBF0A0F-959F-53B3-23E2B942B888C69D" alt="docking with stern in" width="800" height="531" /></p>
<p>To offset these positive aspects, this friendly social access comes along with a lack of privacy. It is easy for others to see into the saloon through screen doors and view owners having dinner. On those designs where the layout puts all living on one level, people walking by may even see all the way forward into the master stateroom. For privacy reasons alone, I never assume a stern-in approach is the preferred way to sit in a slip.</p>
<p>Bow in also has advantages, especially in terms of the above privacy. But there is another reason. In some locations, cocktails in the aft cockpit offers the best view when your stern faces the sunset, which may be when the bow is toward the dock. Having drinks and snacks with friends can be the most fitting way to end the day, watching the sunset from the security of one’s cockpit. One Florida marina comes to mind in Marathon, where the transom faced the open water and sunset provided the best seats to witness the elusive Green Flash.</p>
<p>Powerboats and trawlers without an aft cockpit as those similar to the layout of the Grand Banks Classic, or motoryachts that move social activities up to the flybridge. Sailboats with a center cockpit also don’t have these social opportunities, as most socializing will occur elsewhere.</p>
<p>There are other concerns to think about. One Downeast cruiser was left in the Abacos bow in to the slip while the owners flew home. A storm came up and the waves came into the marina and splashed against the boat’s stern. As the storm intensified, the waves eventually overcame the cockpit drains and the boat settled into the water, sinking in the slip. (It was soon raised again and a very expensive refit followed.)</p>
<p>Another downside of boats bow in, especially when the size of the sailboat is somewhat larger than the slip space, is an anchor and bowsprit sticking out into the walkway on the dock. At night this can even be dangerous, as an anchor sticking out from the bow may be at eye level, given the state of the tide. When one finds anchors and sprits on both sides of a dock, it makes for treacherous walking along at night. In extreme cases, I’ve seen people need to walk single file as in a conga line.</p>
<p><img title="sailboat with bow first" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sailboat-docked-bow-first.jpg?cb=BDEE12B4-D354-463F-CCF4E2B2E14CABFD" alt="sailboat with bow first" width="800" height="527" /> </p>
<p>As we noticed when following <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">the Great Loop adventures of Sidonia and Fred </a>on their Nimbus 405 Coupe, being alongside a bulkhead can be an ideal way to tie up one’s boat, especially as this <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> model has an opening door from the side deck to allow one to easily step ashore and then back aboard. Sailboats also usually have side gates in their lifelines along the side decks to make for easy access on and off the boat amidships when alongside a bulkhead or finger pier. It often depends entirely on the tide or height of the fixed dock or bulkhead whether this side access is easy to use or not.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this side access is only good if the dock is near the same level as the side door. When coming back to a Fleming 55, making the step down through the side door from the dock towering above was downright unsafe. The distance between boat and dock, complicated with a big fender separating the two, and the low level of the tide, put the distance from the bulkhead to the step way too low and far away. With nothing within reach to grab for assistance to swing down to the boat, I questioned why there weren’t other options for getting aboard such an expensive yacht.</p>
<p>To add to the above situation, I recall coming back to our big trawler yacht when we visited Halifax, Nova Scotia. Much like Alaska, Nova Scotia is known for extreme tides. Just because one can easily step off the boat onto the bulkhead alongside (we were side tied inside the municipal marina), there is no guarantee it will be just as easy when you return to the boat after dinner. We had to climb onto the Portuguese bridge when we returned hours later.</p>
<p>One concern with being tied along a bulkhead is that it generally offers far less security. Depending where you are, unless the area is patrolled and well lit, you should have some provision for lighting up the exterior of the boat. Left in the dark, or the glow from a distant street light, there is nothing to stop vandals or thieves, or even a couple of drunks, from climbing aboard. Deck shoes, towels, clothing, binoculars, books, or anything of value left on the cabin top or in the cockpit may disappear during the night.</p>
<p>This is particularly an issue when tied up in an unsecured location, such as along the bulkhead of a municipal marina or along a touristy downtown “free” dock. I don’t mean to scare anyone by pointing this out, but it is part of cruising. More than one owner has found empty bottles, cups, and food wrappers thrown about his boat the next morning. Sleeping through it only makes it more creepy in my mind.</p>
<p>These security issues are an outstanding reason to cruise with a dog. I guarantee that any dog will have zero tolerance for a couple of drunks or amorous teens sneaking aboard for some private snuggle time on your boat. A dog is a fabulous cruising shipmate, well worth the extra effort.</p>
<p>Forget tradition, and classic yachts. The days of the towering Hatteras motoryacht, requiring owners to carry a large step ladder to get on and off the boat are hopefully over. Owners should expect boat builders to understand the boarding parameters of their boats and make provision so owners are not forced to lug around heavy and unwieldy ladders and ramps that are difficult to store.</p>
<p>Of course, things could get even more complicated, such as arriving in Europe after crossing the Atlantic, and needing to accommodate a Med Moor style of docking. A boat puts out a bow anchor and then backs in near a sea wall, where they are tied up, stern to. The trawlers on the <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/nordhavn-yachts">Nordhavn</a> Atlantic Rally arrived in Gibraltar and each yacht had to come up with a passerelle of some kind to allow crew to step off the stern of the boat and walk up their makeshift ramp over a rocky sea wall and onto the shore. Most American yachts are not set up for this kind of mooring, yet it is common when cruising Europe.</p>
<p><img title="nordhavn yacht with passerrelle" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nordhavn-with-passerelle.jpg?cb=BE1EAFD5-E181-7620-802E9BB3227D592E" alt="nordhavn yacht with passerrelle" width="800" height="511" /></p>
<p>Keep these points in mind when at the shows and shopping for your next boat, whether the new boat will live mostly at your local marina or you will deal with the available options when cruising. I hope you make it a priority during your boat shopping. Ensuring there are multiple ways to safely get on and off the boat should be high on your list of make-it-or-break-it requirements. This is even more important if one or both of you have physical difficulties or lack flexibility.</p>
<p>So, enjoy walking among the field of fiberglass and stainless steel at your next boat show. Unless, of course, you are one of the lucky few who only live on a mooring or at anchor, where none of this is particularly relevant.</p>
<p>Then, getting in and out of your dinghy will be way more important.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-boat-show-advice-you-need-to-hear">Boat Show Advice You Need To Hear</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-makes-a-yacht-a-trawler">When Is A Yacht Considered A Trawler</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/are-nordhavn-yachts-any-good">Are Nordhavn Yachts Any Good?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/winds-of-change">The Winds Of Change</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-lure-of-electric-boating">The Lure Of Electric Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising">Prepare Yourself For Offshore Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What's The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
What's The Best Way To Dock Your Boat? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
There are many choices to how to dock your boat including bow in, stern in, or a side tie. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
ways-to-dock-your-boat.jpg |
2023-02-27 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
whats-the-best-way-to-dock-your-boat |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/whats-the-best-way-to-dock-your-boat |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
8 |
1204 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-12-16 00:00:00.0 |
2022-12-16 00:00:00.0 |
253 |
[empty string] |
253 |
<p><em>This is update #20 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We left Sidonia and Fred as they left Alabama on their way to Florida waters. Sticking to their original plan, they were going to complete their Loop adventure when they arrived in Tarpon Springs.</p>
<p>Despite the unexpected delays of the bent prop and strut, they were still on track to complete the Great Loop in time to celebrate Christmas with family at home.</p>
<p>Most cruisers “cross their wake” after completing the Great Loop at one time. However, Sidonia and Fred had previously cruised along the U.S. East Coast on their large trawler, so did not need to come all the way back around to Annapolis to complete their Loop.</p>
<p>We pick up their story on November 16th, as they enter Florida waters. Repairs to their prop and bent strut were finally successful and the Nimbus was back in tip-top shape.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We passed into Florida with no robotic voice saying, ‘Welcome to Florida.’ Several dolphins swam and jumped beside us, playing in our bow wave. That was about it.</p>
<p>“Once out of the narrow canal, the GICW opened to a wide expanse. Because of the windy conditions, the water was also quite choppy. We had no idea that portions of the GICW were so open, unlike the East Coast ICW. We passed beautiful, white sand dunes and then lots and lots of houses packed tightly together.</p>
<p>“We were quite surprised when we approached Destin Harbor. The docks were crammed with fishing charter boats, jet skis, and motorized tiki huts for rent and more. It must be a zoo during the season. We covered 68 miles today and anchored in the harbor for the night.</p>
<p>“The next morning, we left Destin Harbor, and ran for about three hours before stopping in Panama City for fuel. The fuel dock at St. Andrews Marina was on the rustic side and self-service to boot. After Fred filled the port-side tank, he found he couldn’t get diesel to come out of the nozzle when he tried to fill the starboard tank. An attendant came out of the building to look. He determined the nozzle was broken.</p>
<p>“Thank goodness there was another diesel pump on the fuel dock where they could drag a hose over to the boat, or we would have been leaning heavily to one side until we could find another fuel stop. And there didn’t seem to be an abundance of marinas in the bay.</p>
<p>“The scenery along the GICW from Panama City to Apalachicola changed pretty dramatically. The number of houses along the banks dwindled until there weren’t any and the land took on the appearance of a swamp. There were lots of dead trees and marsh grasses as well as trees that had fallen into the water. Still no alligators, though. I’m sure they don’t like the cold any more than we do.</p>
<p>“When we arrived at Apalachicola Marina we were more than a bit surprised. There was room for only three boats our size (40 to 45 feet) but there was power available. But there was no office, dock attendant, fuel pumps, bathrooms, or anything else. Just the remains of the old city icehouse. We checked in and paid by phone, and never saw a soul.</p>
<p>“By the time we were checked in and tied up, it was too cold and windy to venture into town, so we stayed on the boat.</p>
<p>“By mid-morning the next day the sun came out. So, we hauled our bikes up onto the dock and rode into town, which was really only two or three blocks away. We found many nice shops and we wandered in and out of several of them. We then had a nice lunch at The Owl.</p>
<p>“After lunch, we went to the John Gorrie Museum State Park. Dr. Gorrie moved to Apalachicola in 1833 and, in addition to his medical practice, he served as postmaster, council member, bank president, and more.</p>
<p><img title="John Gorrie Museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/gorrie-museum.jpg?cb=1BDAAA1E-D795-AE87-CE6126BB7F4C912A" alt="John Gorrie Museum" width="800" height="424" /></p>
<p>He also researched tropical diseases, particularly yellow fever. During a yellow fever outbreak in 1841, in order to help cool feverish patients, he devised a cooling system for a room in the clinic that moved air through a bucket of ice hanging from the ceiling over the patient. The air then flowed through a hole in the floor.</p>
<p>“In those days, ice came from the frozen northern lakes and stored in ice houses. Dr. Gorrie attempted to make an artificial ice machine (below).</p>
<p><img title="ice machine" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/old-ice-machine.jpg?cb=1BDAAA1A-FF73-9970-A134E6381F531335" alt="ice machine" width="800" height="807" /></p>
<p>By 1850, his machine was able to produce blocks of ice the size of bricks. Unfortunately, he was never able to raise enough money to manufacture his ice-making machine. But Dr. Gorrie is still considered by some to be the ‘Father of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.’</p>
<p>“We next rode over to the Raney House Museum. The Greek Revival style house was built in 1836 by David Raney, a wealthy cotton broker. A charming docent gave us a guided tour of the house, which exhibits 19th century furniture and artifacts.”</p>
<p>(Below: A Fish net Christmas tree in Apalachicola.)</p>
<p><img title="fish net christmas tree" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fish-net-christmas-tree.jpg?cb=1BDAAA16-039E-CE18-9FFF5928135DB192" alt="fish net christmas tree" width="800" height="828" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>On Saturday, November 19, the couple left Apalachicola on their way south. Passing Carrabelle, they found the Gulf of Mexico was not as calm as predicted. They had to slow down as the boat charged into increasingly larger waves. After beating into it for almost an hour, they made the wise decision to turn around and retrace their steps back to Carrabelle to wait for better conditions.</p>
<p>They got a slip at the Moorings of Carrabelle, where they would stay for several days, until conditions improved. Sometimes it pays to be a prudent mariner.</p>
<p><img title="Carrabelle" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/carrabelle-florida-sign.jpg?cb=1BDAAA0E-E939-8B4A-C1C71D79DE0B0809" alt="Carrabelle" width="800" height="432" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“One feels a little wimpish having to turn back, knowing the boat could handle it. But we would have been in those nasty seas for at least three more hours, and we didn’t want to.</p>
<p>“Our friends, who live in Gainesville, were planning to meet us in Steinhatchee. I was able to text them when we turned around to let them know we weren’t going to make it. They said they would drive to Carrabelle to meet us, which was awfully nice of them since it’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive.</p>
<p>“Doug and Leslie arrived around 4:00. We had a very enjoyable visit on the boat for over an hour and then went up the street to The Fisherman’s Wife restaurant for a pretty good fried seafood dinner.</p>
<p><img title="seafood dinner" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/oysters-at-hole-in-the-wall.jpg?cb=1BDAAA12-F01A-B845-68EF4223BC2DF56A" alt="seafood dinner" width="800" height="818" /></p>
<p>Since Doug and Leslie had opted not to spend the night, they headed home to Gainesville after dinner. We were quite overwhelmed that they would make such a long drive to visit with us for such a short time.</p>
<p>“The next morning, we waited until it warmed a bit and then went back to the Fisherman’s Wife for a burger. Shortly after lunch, though, my stomach began to act up. We didn’t do anything the rest of the day and I barely slept all night.</p>
<p>“By Monday, I was still not feeling well and so I stayed in bed most of the day. Fred took a walk and tried a Korean food stand for lunch. He wasn’t thrilled but said it was okay.</p>
<p>“Where in the world is the Florida we visited previously? I was still not feeling very well and still no appetite. It’s been more than two days since I’ve had more than a nibble of food. At first, I thought it was the burger I had for lunch the other day but am more inclined to think it was a stomach bug.</p>
<p>“Fred took a walk down to the hardware store and bought a new coffee pot. Our Keurig is being very temperamental and we’re afraid it’s going to give up the ghost. We can’t do without our morning coffee.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There were other Looper couples waiting in Carrabelle, so they got together that evening for drinks at Harry’s Bar. Some had the latest information regarding conditions for the Gulf crossing. With what they knew at the time, Sidonia and Fred decided to leave the next day, while others chose to hold off for another day, and plan Thursday for their departure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Wednesday, the weather and wind forecast still looked passable, with two-foot seas or less. That was about the best we could hope for, so off we went at 7:30 in the morning.</p>
<p>“Once again, the first hour was fine but then it got a little rougher. Ozzie meowed just once and then hid under my seat. This time, however, it didn’t seem as bad, and we were able to do 22 knots. We went pretty close to straight east until we got within about five miles of the other side of the Gulf. We were about 20 miles north of Steinhatchee before we turned south. The seas calmed down to a little chop and Fred pushed the throttles up to 25 knots.</p>
<p>“Being in the boatyard for three weeks really put us behind in our plans. While we did not have a firm schedule (which we never do), we still wanted to be home around the first of December. So, although we originally planned to visit Steinhatchee, we kept going.</p>
<p>“We began to see crab trap buoys everywhere. The little buoy markers used in this area are so small they are hard to see in the chop, especially when they are black. It seemed like a slalom course as we threaded around these buoys at 25 knots. But we kept going until we reached Crystal River.</p>
<p><img title="our route crossing the gulf of mexico" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/route-across-gulf-of-mexico.jpg?cb=1BDAAA0A-B28C-C2C0-BA3708132C899951" alt="our route crossing the gulf of mexico" width="623" height="850" /></p>
<p>“The entrance to Crystal River starts a little over two miles out and we navigated between many markers before we entered the river. Then it is another five or more miles to King’s Bay where there are several anchorages, fuel dock, a town, and lots of pontoon boats for manatee tours.</p>
<p><img title="manatee in crystal river" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/manatee.jpg?cb=1BDAAA06-9791-2D77-DFF785C4412054B5" alt="manatee in crystal river" width="800" height="851" /></p>
<p>“The area is very pretty with stretches of marsh with tall palms but also many houses. There are little bays and inlets and abundant bird life with white ibis, anhingas, great egrets, brown pelicans, ospreys, fish crows, bald eagles, and great flocks of coots.</p>
<p>“In winter, some 800 manatees gather here to enjoy the warmer water of King’s Bay’s 70 natural hot springs. It is one of the few places that one can swim among them and throngs of people come to do just that.</p>
<p>‘We topped off our fuel tanks and then anchored out. It had been a long day, running 141 miles over the course of seven hours. I finally felt well enough to eat some dinner but was still a bit wobbly.</p>
<p>“On Thanksgiving morning, we spent the morning calling family and friends and wishing all a happy Thanksgiving. After lunch, we launched the dinghy and went on a manatee hunt. We first went down into the area where the Plantation Resort is located and looked around for almost an hour with no luck.</p>
<p>“We then came back out through the anchorage and entered an inlet leading to Three Sisters Spring. We went very slowly, scanning the water not only to keep from hitting one but, of course, wanting to see one. We spent some time with manatees in southwest Florida about 14 years ago. They came right up to our boat in the marina and hung around for a couple of days. I got in the water and touched them. It seems that most people that come here use wetsuits to swim where the manatees usually gather, but we just wanted to look at them from the dinghy.</p>
<p><img title="three sisters spring" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/three-sisters-spring.jpg?cb=1BDAAA01-FC66-FF76-D4CD02CE6E2D9EB2" alt="three sisters spring" width="800" height="782" /></p>
<p>“After motoring in some distance, we saw signs posted that said ‘Quiet Zone’, so we turned off our outboard and Fred rowed. We had still not seen any manatees. We eventually came to a place where lots of kayaks were tied to the bank and people were either putting on or taking off wetsuits. They were coming and going into a little channel that led to a small lagoon of beautiful, clear green water. No watercraft were allowed to enter.</p>
<p>“Through the trees on the bank, we could see a nice boardwalk that followed the edge of the basin, so we tied to the bank, scrambled up and walked over to the boardwalk.</p>
<p>“Just as we were climbing up to the walk, a female park ranger appeared and asked, “How did you get in here?” We told her and she said that we were not allowed to access this area from the water today and would have to leave. She offered no explanation but was pretty adamant that we go now.</p>
<p>“I started rowing us back and before long, Fred spotted a manatee. Actually, it was two of them but one was much closer to the surface, way larger than the other and covered in barnacles. They hovered near our dinghy a minute or so and then with a slight flap of their large, rounded mermaid-like tails, they slowly glided off toward the lagoon. We moved on in the opposite direction and saw more of them coming toward us. They appeared in pairs, threesomes, and foursomes, and we counted 13 of them before we were out of the little channel.</p>
<p>“For our Thanksgiving dinner, we had baked beans with hot dogs. We’ve missed many Thanksgivings during our travels over the years, so it wasn’t at all depressing. We’ll make up for it at Christmas.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next day the couple continued south and found dense fog would be with them most of the way down the coast to Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs had special meaning for them. First, Sidonia was keen to have one of the gyro sandwiches that are famous in the area.</p>
<p>But more important, it was their official end of their Great Loop.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We had been to Tarpon Springs on our boat several years ago, and then cruised all the way up to Maine. One does not have to do The Loop in one continuous trip.</p>
<p>“After leaving Tarpon Springs, we were back in the ICW, with all its speed zones. It was also very crowded with all the holiday vacationers taking boat rides. Even when we could speed up, we would be tossed around from the other speeding boats.</p>
<p>“Eventually, we reached an opening and went back into the Gulf where we continued to Bradenton. It was another long day of 108 miles and eight hours.</p>
<p>“It is clear Christmas is coming, with all the Christmas lights strung along the waterfront surrounding the marina. If we hadn’t been so tired when we got in, we would have enjoyed taking a walk and seeing what there was to see.</p>
<p>“The fog this morning was thicker than yesterday, so we waited until about 10:30, when visibility was much improved. We cruised for a couple of hours and then stopped at Cabbage Key for lunch. We knew it had been in the path of Hurricane Ian but that it had reopened. Except for the dock being torn up, with broken power stands and trees with missing branches, the inn looked the same as it had in 2008.</p>
<p><img title="damaged dock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/damaged-dock.jpg?cb=1BDAA9F1-0153-0B68-FCD64BE252218C52" alt="damaged dock" width="800" height="848" /></p>
<p>It was tricky docking as the long pier was destroyed and we had to squeeze into a tiny slip.</p>
<p>“Cabbage Key was first developed in 1936 by the Rinehart family who paid $2,000 for the property. The inn and several cottages opened in 1944 and has since changed hands a few more times. The inn is renowned for its ‘dollar bill’ room. Patrons tape dollar bills to the walls and there are layers of bills from floor to ceiling. Some bills are signed, and others have little notes written on them. About once a year, all the bills are taken down and the money given to charities. Last year, over $20,000 was collected.</p>
<p><img title="cabbage key dollar room" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cabbage-key-dollar-bill-room.jpg?cb=1BDAA9F5-E9F2-A65D-02F3FB807B52C6F8" alt="cabbage key dollar room" width="800" height="901" /></p>
<p>“After lunch we continued on our way and anchored for the night in a residential area near Naples. We were surrounded by multi-million-dollar houses and boats. We traveled 118 miles today.</p>
<p>“On Sunday, November 27, we hoped to stop for lunch at the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City, another spot we had enjoyed before. We were very disappointed, however, to find that even with a draft of only 3-1/2 feet, we couldn’t get in the channel at low tide. As we didn’t want to wait until high tide, we continued on our way.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The couple expected to continue down the Florida Bay side of Florida from the Everglades, approaching the Florida Keys later in the day. There are several places where one can pass under Route 1 (Overseas Highway) that connects the islands, which brings you out to the Atlantic side of the Keys. They chose to spend what would be their last night on the Great Loop on Duck Key, at the Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon.</p>
<p>If the weather looks good, from there it makes sense to stay out in the ocean and run at speed up the east side of the Keys, passing Key Largo and Coral Gables on the way to Miami and points north. Their eventual destination was Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We stopped for the night at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys.</p>
<p><img title="hawks cay resort sign" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hawks-cay-resort.jpg?cb=1BDAA9ED-96DD-2F2E-BBAD2BAEC2EC518D" alt="hawks cay resort sign" width="800" height="536" /></p>
<p>Not too much had changed since we were here last, and one can still swim with dolphins. The last big hurricane that hit here destroyed the resort’s store and a new one is now under construction. After the storm, they found a 40-foot boat in the lagoon, and no one knows where it came from. In order to get into the lagoon, the boat had to have gone over two breakwaters. We’d like to know how they got it out of there.</p>
<p>“Traveling 100 or more miles each day is tiring so we had planned to take a break and spend two nights here. But after checking the weather forecast, we reconsidered and decided one night would have to do. Tuesday’s weather did not look good at all. Winds of 20+ knots from the northeast were predicted, which would rough up the Atlantic, our preferred route rather than staying in the ICW.</p>
<p>“By Monday, November 28, we felt like a horse headed to the barn. The closer we got to the end of our trip, the faster we wanted to get there. If we hadn’t spent time here in the past, I’m sure we would be taking our time and doing some exploring. We fueled up for the last time and made our way out the long, narrow channel of Duck Key into the Atlantic. The seas were about as calm as they could be. There are still lobster trap buoys everywhere even in depths of 200 or more feet.</p>
<p>“About the time we slowed down to eat lunch, the tall, white buildings of Miami came into view. Not more than an hour later, we entered the Port of Everglades at Fort Lauderdale. We made a very slow trip up the New River as we followed a huge yacht with a towboat at either end. It gave us time to enjoy the river again and see the many mansions and yachts along the banks.</p>
<p>“We ended our 5,000-mile Great Loop at Bradford Marine Boatyard. There was no fanfare upon our arrival except for what we could muster up ourselves.”</p>
<p><img title="final leg of great loop trip" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/last-leg-of-trip.jpg?cb=1BDAA9E8-E043-502A-3341B60A14DE7903" alt="final leg of great loop trip" width="589" height="726" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Their plans were to get their truck back from storage, pack up their possessions and clean out the Nimbus Coupe, as they prepared for the trip home to the West Coast. They wanted to be home with family during the holidays and losing several weeks for repairs made their time in Florida necessarily short.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We flew back to Annapolis to get our truck and drove back to Fort Lauderdale. The next day, we were both flat in bed with Covid and stayed there for several days. Fred recovered soon enough to start packing up and moving things off the boat.</p>
<p>“While I recuperated, I had plenty of time to think about our Great Loop trip. As hard as I analyzed it, I couldn’t think of anything I would have wanted to do differently.</p>
<p>“The <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> was the perfect boat for us. Not only did it have the comfort and equipment we needed/wanted but the speed that allowed us to do our Loop in six-and-a-half months without feeling rushed.</p>
<p>“We thoroughly enjoyed every section of the route, but our favorite areas were the Hudson River/Erie Canal, Trent-Severn Canal, Georgian Bay, and the Door Peninsula/Wisconsin coastline.</p>
<p>“We had mixed feelings when we left ‘Last Item’ with a ‘For Sale’ sign hanging on her bow. We were looking forward to being home again, but sad to seeing the end of such a wonderful experience.</p>
<p>“This had been (at the time) the Last Item on my bucket list and Fred said he was determined to make it happen. And he did.”</p>
<p><img title="nimbus boat for sale" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-boat-for-sale.jpg?cb=1BDAA9E4-E38E-225D-15140A7D8097BF9A" alt="nimbus boat for sale" width="800" height="497" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We so enjoyed following Sidonia and Fred on their travels around the popular Great Loop. The speed of the boat allowed them to accomplish what others spend a year or more doing, and their lack of drama with the boat allowed them to fully enjoy the experience.</p>
<p>For so many would-be travelers, taking a boat on an adventure such as this makes for memories of a lifetime. It is not difficult yet is still a learning experience for all those who choose to explore our great country by boat.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Sidonia and Fred! Until next time…</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising Into The Tenn-Tomm</a></p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p>
<p>Update #19: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-waiting-on-parts">Waiting On Parts</a></p>
<p>Update #20: This post.</p> |
Last Item: The End Of Our Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
This is update #20 and the final entry of the Great Loop trip from Fred and Sidonia. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
end-of-great-loop-story.jpg |
2022-12-16 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
9 |
1203 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-12-14 00:00:00.0 |
2022-12-14 00:00:00.0 |
252 |
[empty string] |
252 |
<p>A broker friend shared a file with me he recently discovered. It is the journal of his parents, who did the Great Loop in 1998-1999 (it was called the Great Circle back then). They were experienced boat people who owned a boat dealership in Virginia. Dan knew I would get a kick out of his folks’ trip notes, as they traveled aboard their late ‘80s Grand Banks 49. The boat was the top of the line of the brand’s dependable diesel cruisers. One of my all-time favorites.</p>
<p>What I found most interesting is how different <a href="../../../../news/do-you-keep-a-logbook-while-cruising">their log</a> read when compared to a diary of today’s Loopers or others running the ICW down to Florida, or perhaps traveling from the Gateway to the San Juans up to SE Alaska.</p>
<p>One might argue that the boat was already 10 years old when they did the trip. While I grant you that, the more relevant point to me is that the technology of those days can’t really compare to the refined, interacting systems of today, which offer outstanding reliability. Reading this journal just proves how far we’ve come in all the ways that make for a successful and satisfying trip.</p>
<p><em>(Below: An example of a classic Grand Banks 49.)</em></p>
<p><img title="grand banks 49" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/classic-grand-banks-49.jpg?cb=B284DEAC-9ED4-4ABB-E5D6AB6BB198E973" alt="grand banks 49" width="800" height="430" /></p>
<p>From the very start, leaving the peace and serenity of Virginia’s York River, the couple had to deal with issues on their boat. They traveled in company with another couple on their <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks Yacht</a>, and they also had their share of issues. To be clear, a couple of GBs heading north together was about as good as it got back 20+ years ago, the quality of engineering, construction, and systems second to none at the time.</p>
<p>They had problems with mechanical throttle cables. We have modern electronic controls, with none of the issues surrounding loose set screws, binding cables, or things coming apart from continuous vibration. The two engines on the Grand Banks were no doubt a couple of 3208 Cats with turbos, the standard of the day. Strong, reliable, and generally easy to keep running. But even those venerable diesels are no match for today’s engines that self-diagnose and monitor performance to a high degree, not to mention produce a huge reduction in emissions.</p>
<p>Running up the coast off New Jersey, in conditions typical even today, the sediment in the boats’ fuel tanks got stirred into suspension from the boat’s motion in the seas. This is the very reason fuel polishing is considered so vital in today’s cruising<a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/"> trawlers</a> and <a href="../../../../used-motor-yachts-for-sale/">motoryachts</a>. They experienced a poor-running starboard engine on that run, apparently from clogged fuel filters. But it turned out to be a problem with the engines’ synchronizer, causing one of the engines to stumble and run rough. They did not find this out until later when they switched off the synchronizer on the approach around Sandy Hook at the top of the New Jersey coast. It would go on the list of growing mechanical and electrical issues they encountered almost each day. None were showstoppers, but were just more things to troubleshoot, repair, or replace.</p>
<p>The ship’s generator had a fuel leak, caused by a leaking lift pump. The electrical system had gremlins come and go, and even the marvelous Northstar LORAN unit and GPS plotter had trouble communicating data.</p>
<p>Their buddy boat faired about the same, with one thing after another keeping the owners working through an ongoing punch list. Again, none were terrible enough to threaten the trip, and were considered just part of what cruising was all about back then. Replacing one of the head’s macerator pumps was considered part of the day’s activities, fit in along with stepping ashore and exploring a new town along the Loop. The women went exploring for part of the day while the guys stayed aboard fixing things. That sounds pretty typical for the time, and like many of the travel stories we published back then. It was a rare day that goes by without something needing attention.</p>
<p>None of these efforts compared to the grief they experienced when they got hit with lightning, which killed the Autohelm autopilot, the sensors for the engine gauges and other instruments, and destroyed the LORAN unit. Anyone unfortunate to have suffered even an indirect lightning strike knows there is nothing one can do…except plan on the expensive and time-consuming replacement of fuses, electronics, and funky little problems that may not surface until much later in the trip.</p>
<p><em>(Below: A circuitboard in a boat's electronics is fried after being struck by lightning.)</em></p>
<p><img title="circuitboard electronics on boat struck by lightning" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/circtuit-board-damaged-by-lightning.jpg?cb=B3165F08-FA58-3B90-C669CD8336075412" alt="circuitboard electronics on boat struck by lightning" width="800" height="534" /></p>
<p>Despite all this, the two couples had a fabulous time on their <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">Great Loop</a> adventure. That was absolutely clear in the pages of the journal. There was excitement and thrills about so many things. It was just “normal” to also maintain an ongoing list of things to take care of during the trip.</p>
<p>Even getting parts was an issue. Replacement parts sent to the boat proved a lot more problematic than it is today. How they were able to eventually get these parts, totally dependent on where they were along the route, seems downright medieval compared to the One-Click experience we have today.</p>
<p>I compare these experiences with our friends currently doing the same trip, or some other extended cruise, but on contemporary boats. Everything is so much better now, more reliable, and easier to troubleshoot. Again, one might try to make the argument that the Grand Banks was an older boat and therefore more prone to issues and failures solely because of its age. But these events happened over 20 years ago, not today. Obviously, anyone cruising this same vintage trawler today will likely have lots of issues, compounded by age. But back then it had more to do with current technology of the time, not the age of the systems and parts.</p>
<p>These things were expected, so anyone who went cruising just expected to spend time as a ship’s engineer and troubleshooter. It was part of the cruising experience.</p>
<p>I compared this to how we made road trips by car back then. There was always a certain understanding that simply jumping into a car and driving cross country was not likely to be trouble-free. Such a trip meant we needed to do some level of preparation before any major road trip, from updated maintenance of the engine to checking the condition and pressures of the tires. We had national organizations dedicated to support America’s road warriors. They were there to assist along the way. Remember Triptiks and those maintenance guidelines from AAA? And every new car came with directories of dealers and service locations in the glove box.</p>
<p>Today, most cars don’t even carry spare tires. That was unthinkable a couple of decades ago.</p>
<p>I recently “delivered” a car to friends who just moved back to Michigan from <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a>. A friend and I offered to drive their car out to Chelsea from Annapolis. I drove their hybrid Ford, while my friend followed along in his older Lexus SUV. It isn’t driven much these days and has some issues. But we thought it good to drive with its AWD, as we would be driving through the Pennsylvania mountains in the early winter.</p>
<p>The trip out to Michigan went without a problem, and the drive back was equally uneventful. Which is surprising to me on some level. We encountered plenty of snowy conditions on the turnpikes through the mountains, and I found the Lexus had a dashboard full of red and orange warning lights. I have never before driven a car any distance with so many warning lights. It was unsettling. We covered 1,100 miles over those two days.</p>
<p>Yet, in contrast to travel back in the old days, our only valid worry was running out of windshield washer fluid. Think about that for a second. A car sits untouched for weeks on end, then travels over 1,000 miles without a second thought. Pretty amazing.</p>
<p>The experience of <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Sidonia and Fred on Last Item</a>, the <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nimbus-405-Coupe">Nimbus 405 Coupe</a> on their Great Loop, has been trouble-free compared to the experience with the Grand Banks 49. I don’t believe anything went wrong on the Nimbus beyond noticing a minor oil leak that was fixed during routine maintenance. The bent prop they had was not the fault of the boat or its systems.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Sidonia on their Nimbus 405 during their Great Loop Trip at "The Big Chute".)</em></p>
<p> <img title="nimbus boat on great loop trip" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-boat-on-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=B3EC8B55-BB27-595A-D067CFAD695A4D00" alt="nimbus boat on great loop trip" width="800" height="456" /></p>
<p>What is significant to me is that every element of the Nimbus cruiser is the latest and current technology. Electronic, integrated, self-diagnostic. With few mechanical linkages to work loose…if any.</p>
<p>This is noteworthy.</p>
<p>The daily routines once required of the designated ship’s engineer (usually the husband, but not always) are no longer required. Today, we should expect to simply get the boat tied up at day’s end and walk into town to check out what is going on, maybe enjoy an ice cream cone on the way back. For the most part, I’ll bet most couples are far more interested in seeing the sights than adhering to that saying that “Cruising is fixing the boat in exotic locations.”</p>
<p>When you take ownership of a yacht like a Northern Marine, an Endurance, Regency, Nimbus, or most any of the modern cruising choices out there, I think it is appropriate to raise your expectations. There will always be issues, of course, as boats traveling in open water will always operate in a somewhat uncontrolled environment. But still, it is fine to now expect a higher level of reliability from one’s boat, allowing the crew to enjoy the travel “experience” without thinking about what will break next, or how difficult it will be to receive parts.</p>
<p>If all scheduled maintenance is followed on a newer, modern yacht, and pre-trip tasks are done, such as ensuring clean fuel in clean tanks before leaving the dock, there is every reason to expect a marvelous time with minimal difficulties.</p>
<p>And not assume you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty with rags and grease, instead of trying a new aperitif in an outdoor café with your partner among the sights and sounds of somewhere new.</p> |
Look How Far We’ve Come: A Look Back At The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Today's boating advancements in technology has led to a much easier and less stressful Great Loop adventure. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
boat-quality-and-the-great-loop.jpg |
2022-12-14 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
look-how-far-weve-come-a-look-back-at-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/look-how-far-weve-come-a-look-back-at-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
10 |
1202 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-11-26 00:00:00.0 |
2022-11-26 00:00:00.0 |
250 |
[empty string] |
250 |
<p><em>This is update #19 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we left Sidonia and Fred on the Nimbus Coupe, they were at Saunders Marine Center in Orange Beach, Alabama. They arrived several days earlier, with plans to replace the damaged propeller from a grounding earlier in their trip. Unfortunately, with the boat out of the water and blocked for the repair, the mechanics found not only a bent propeller, but also a bent shaft strut.</p>
<p><img title="nimbus boat getting service" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boat-service.jpg?cb=0A732D4D-ED71-D2C5-2726912A1D2093D7" alt="nimbus boat getting service" width="800" height="445" /></p>
<p>A new strut was promptly order by Seattle Yachts from <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus Boats</a> in Sweden, to be shipped by air and trucked directly to the boatyard. It seemed a three or four-day delay would no doubt be added to their travel itinerary, an estimate that might be considered reasonable in a perfect world of global commerce.</p>
<p>But these days are not reasonable. To expect a quick turnaround is pure folly, as it does not take into account the inevitable supply chain interruptions that have become a fact-of-life. Very few transactions go the way of Amazon’s Overnight or Next Day service. And, to be fair, holdups of any kind are part of the delays associated with normal cruising, without blaming any specific reason or portion of the shipping process. It doesn’t matter if it is a starter motor, an alternator, or a propeller shaft strut.</p>
<p>This is one reason why some cruisers choose to take advantage of unexpected delays and leave the boat safely tucked away for a couple of weeks to go home to visit family and friends, or perhaps take care of some business.</p>
<p>For upbeat, positively-motivated couples like Sidonia and Fred, however, it is a great opportunity to extend and expand their local sightseeing. They know they will likely not travel this way again, so they simply take it one day at a time, while enjoying living aboard a modern cruising boat with all the comforts of home.</p>
<p>They may spend their day playing tennis or golf, taking long walks and bike rides around the area, go to see the latest movie, or visit out-of-the-way historical sites that most will pass right by. And a rental car makes all the difference when looking at new and interesting side trips.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Sunday October 30, the rain was still with us, with a couple of downpours, but nowhere near the wind of previous days. When the weather finally let up later in the morning, we put our bikes in the car and decided to drive to the Grand Hotel at Point Clear.</p>
<p><img title="grand hotel at point clear" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/grand-hotel-in-point-clear-alabama.jpg?cb=0A732D51-C791-A9BA-5FA02CE2223F24BD" alt="grand hotel at point clear" width="800" height="415" /></p>
<p>“The front of the hotel is said to have an unobstructed view of Mobile Bay, with beautiful landscaping all around the vast grounds. The most impressive of this landscaping are the wonderful old oak trees with their sprawling limbs all covered in tiny ferns and dripping with Spanish moss.</p>
<p><img title="old oak trees" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/oak-trees.jpg?cb=0A732D55-0119-D8A2-FBB09534C347B6CB" alt="old oak trees" width="800" height="507" /></p>
<p>“A modest hotel was first built on this site in 1820. The Grand Hotel opened in 1847 and later served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. Three hundred soldiers are buried in the Confederate cemetery on the hotel grounds. After the war, there was a fire which damaged the hotel, but it was rebuilt in 1875. By 1941, the structure had further deteriorated and was rebuilt yet again. During WWII, the facility served as part of the training base for the Army’s amphibious landings.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From humble beginnings as a two-story hotel with 40 rooms, today the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is part of Marriott Corporation and takes full advantage of its 550-acre real estate to offer world-class accommodations and amenities. With over 400 rooms and suites, the sprawling hotel and resort offers 37,000 square feet of meeting rooms, two 18-hole championship golf courses, 10 tennis courts, 10 pickleball courts, and a 36-slip marina.</p>
<p>It is certainly worth a visit for anyone who happens to be passing through the area and decides to get some work done on their yacht at a nearby boatyard.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We also drove into the city of Fairhope, a very popular resort community. Fairhope began as a small community in 1894 when a group of like-minded folks settled there. Their belief was that there should be no other taxes than a single land tax. According to legend, one of the group said the new colony only had a ‘fair hope’ of success.</p>
<p>“We rode our bikes around the picturesque town and through some of its pretty residential areas. Since it was Sunday, unfortunately, many of the shops were closed.</p>
<p>“As our waiting game continued, on Monday we decided to play golf again, so I called our golf buddy Vince to see if he could join us. He not only joined us, he brought along his adult son, Matt. We had another enjoyable round and Vince asked if he could take us to dinner on Friday if we were still in town. We told him we would certainly enjoy that, but rather hoped we will be out of the yard, back in the water, and on our way again by then.</p>
<p>“Thankfully, as we continued to wait for our parts, there is always something interesting to do in this part of the Alabama coast. Not too far away is the Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the famed Blue Angels. The team has regularly scheduled practices two or three times a week, so we decided to watch one of the sessions.</p>
<p><img title="blue angels" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/blue-angels.jpg?cb=0A732D59-DA35-1104-3A0FCB4FAA0F7DCE" alt="blue angels" width="800" height="488" /></p>
<p>“We drove east to Pensacola, but were turned back at the gate as we don’t have military identification. We were very disappointed. In addition to missing out on the narrated viewing of the Angels practice, there is an interactive museum that would have been fun and interesting. Instead, we parked right near the base entrance gates along with several other cars and people who were there to watch. The practice lasted for 50 minutes and was exciting as always.</p>
<p>“We then drove into the town of Pensacola and walked around town until we got hungry. We found a restaurant on the water called The Fish House. When we arrived, the street leading up to the restaurant was lined with signs for Ron DeSantis, and people were flocking toward the entrance. As we climbed the steps to the restaurant, we were asked if we were there for the rally but we said we were just there to have lunch. I started to make my way through the crowd but a security person pleasantly asked to search my purse and person. After he waved a wand over us, we made it into the restaurant and enjoyed a very good lunch.</p>
<p>“About the time we finished lunch, Ron DeSantis arrived. There were so many people in the relatively small space outside the restaurant we only got a fleeting glimpse of him. We left the crowded scene before the speeches began.</p>
<p>“The next day was Wednesday November 2, and our propellers are now ready and balanced. We hope the shaft strut arrives today from Sweden as we’ve been in the boatyard for a week now and are anxious to get back in the water.</p>
<p>“With nothing else on our schedule, we got a tee time at Gulf Shores so hustled over for a game.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The inevitable red tape of international shipping would take its toll on the couple and their schedule, forcing them to remain at Saunders Marine Center for longer than they anticipated. The physical shipping of the strut was not the only issue, but also the documentation, tracking information, and required customs paper trail.</p>
<p>As most cruisers find out, paperwork becomes almost more important than the physical part. Ask anyone who has had to not only order new parts, but also send in the old one to have it rebuilt, such as a starter or alternator.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“With no date available to us for its delivery, we decided to drive to Biloxi, Mississippi. Our two-hour drive passed through Pascagoula and then along the shore of the Gulf, which was a very pretty drive. We first went to the Jefferson Davis Memorial Library and then, nearby Beauvoir House where Davis, former President of the Confederacy, lived following the Civil War. Prior to the conflict, Jefferson Davis, a West Point graduate, was a senator from Mississippi and instrumental in the creation of the Smithsonian Institute.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The home of Jefferson Davis.)</em></p>
<p><img title="home of jefferson davis" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/home-of-jefferson-davis.jpg?cb=0A732D5D-9D0F-F69E-7C514FBDFB36BAA1" alt="home of jefferson davis" width="800" height="439" /></p>
<p>“Sara Dorsey, widow of the estate owner and friend of the Davis family, offered the guest house to Jefferson Davis as a place to live and write his memoirs. When Sara passed away, she bequeathed the estate to Davis. He lived there with his wife, Varina, and one of his daughters for 13 years until his death in 1889.</p>
<p><em>(Below: A headstone marking where Jefferson Davis' dog is buried.)</em></p>
<p><img title="Headstone of Jefferson Davis dog" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/headstone-of-jefferson-davis-dog.jpg?cb=0A732D61-F39E-A131-6BA6FFBBD2F54B3E" alt="Headstone of Jefferson Davis dog" width="800" height="458" /></p>
<p>Varina later sold much of the estate to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, to house veterans and their widows and later as a memorial to her husband.</p>
<p><em>(Below: The funeral carriage that carried Jefferson Davis.)</em></p>
<p><img title="funeral carriage" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/funeral-carriage.jpg?cb=0A732D65-FFA2-14C0-06DA4E33CE6EBB66" alt="funeral carriage" width="800" height="505" /></p>
<p>“Following our tour, we went to the Beau Rivage Casino for lunch. It is a very attractive MGM hotel/casino right on the Gulf of Mexico. We had a nice lunch and didn’t lose any money as we didn’t do any gambling.</p>
<p>“The next day we finally got word that our strut arrived in New Orleans and should be coming by truck to the boatyard by Monday.</p>
<p>“So, we celebrated with a big breakfast at the 1950-themed restaurant, Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores. Everything about it is reminiscent of the 1950s, from the music to the shapes of the glasses on the tables. Episodes of ‘I Love Lucy’ played on a screen in a back room and one of the booths began life as a Ford sedan from the 1950s. The staff serves authentic, old fashioned milkshakes and ice cream sodas, not exactly what we intended for first thing in the morning, but our breakfast and service were very good and the facility was immaculate.</p>
<p><img title="sunliner diner" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sunliner-diner.jpg?cb=0A732D69-A919-2B73-0971550C6331BEA0" alt="sunliner diner" width="800" height="430" /></p>
<p>“We also used the idle time to play golf again at Gulf Shores. When we first played here, we saw a large, multi-colored squirrel with a huge, bushy tail and very long fingers and toes. It was unlike any squirrel we’ve ever seen. Vince told us it is an eastern fox squirrel.</p>
<p><img title="eastern fox squirrel" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/eastern-fox-squirrel.jpg?cb=0A732D6E-9F11-2831-7060912A6E8DFFC9" alt="eastern fox squirrel" width="800" height="536" /></p>
<p>As golf course squirrels often do, one came right over to the golf cart. It sat on its hind legs and waved its paws at us begging for a snack. After tossing it some peanuts, we drove on. It followed us and while we were hitting our balls, it climbed in the golf cart again looking for more food.</p>
<p>“We got back before it ran off with our bag of nuts.</p>
<p>“I later called Vince to say that we were still in town and would be free to get together for dinner. We met him and his wife, Dee, at Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Orange Beach early evening. We had such a great time we didn’t leave until about 9:00. The steaks were wonderful and the service excellent. We fought over the bill but Vince had sneakily taken care of it.</p>
<p><img title="dee and vince" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dee-and-vince-with-the-last-item-crew.jpg?cb=0A732D72-FB27-1362-71B1179C8088D80C" alt="dee and vince" width="800" height="463" /></p>
<p>“Meeting and spending time with them has certainly been a highlight of our trip and definitely put a positive spin on our many days in the yard.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over the next weekend, the couple stayed close to the boat. They watched the Army/Air Force football game, played more golf, and kept busy touring the area on their electric bikes.</p>
<p>Fred then got a call on Wednesday November 9, just as they were getting ready to play golf with Vince and Matt at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope. The strut was in customs, and being held up for additional documentation. Things were getting close now, just waiting for paperwork to catch up with the physical part. Just a little more patience…</p>
<p><em>(Below: What the bent prop looked like.)</em></p>
<p><img title="bent prop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bent-prop.jpg?cb=0A732D7A-C889-6597-11D9AD76DA0E1F99" alt="bent prop" width="800" height="573" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Rock Creek Golf Course is a lovely course in a very upscale neighborhood. It is prettier than Gulf Shores Golf Course but a bit more challenging. We then drove to Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs. Jesse’s has been serving the area for 75 years and is described as casual, fine dining. They dry and wet age their beef on the premises. They do the same with their fish and are even experimenting with aging scallops. After our delicious lunch, the manager showed us the aging coolers and told us all about the process.</p>
<p>“We heard from Loral that some Loopers would be getting together for dinner that evening at a restaurant at The Wharf. We arrived first and arranged for a table for a large group and sat down.</p>
<p>When the first bunch arrived, we didn’t recognize anyone but they all seemed to know each other and asked us to change seats so they could all sit together. They didn’t seem interested in meeting us or any others. We ended up sitting at a separate table with Brian, Loral, and two other nice couples.</p>
<p>“This is the only time we have experienced Loopers being so cliquish.</p>
<p>“On November 11, we learned the proper papers had been received and our strut will be released from customs and shipped. Fred felt we would be better off picking it up ourselves. Who knows how many days it might take to get here by truck from New Orleans? We made plans to drive to New Orleans on Sunday, spend the night, pick up the part first thing and come home on Monday.</p>
<p>“We made the drive to New Orleans in under 3-1/2 hours. On the way, we stopped at Felix’s for lunch only to find they were closed on Sundays. We went to another restaurant across the street which was not nearly as good.</p>
<p>“We were in New Orleans eight years ago to meet a friend from Canada for his 70th birthday party. We stayed at the Hotel Monteleone where we stayed before. It is in the heart of Old New Orleans, about a block from Bourbon Street. We shared a delicious five-course dinner in the hotel as that was all they were serving that evening. By the time we finished, we weren’t much inclined to go out and stroll the streets.</p>
<p><em>(Below: View from the Hotel Monteleone.)</em></p>
<p><img title="view from the hotel" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/view-from-monteleone-hotel.jpg?cb=0A732D7E-946F-9649-E15863A4C7717F99" alt="view from the hotel" width="800" height="443" /></p>
<p>“Since we decided to come to New Orleans, we were very much looking forward to the wonderful beignets that the hotel serves for breakfast. We were also hoping to see the waitress we had back then as we asked about her last night and were told she still works here. Miss Kathy has worked here for 50 years now. She served our breakfasts every day when we were here before and, in addition to being a delightful person, brought us extra beignets every morning.</p>
<p>“Unfortunately, today was her day off.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The couple drove to the airport’s cargo shipping area the next morning, hoping to locate the building where their strut was supposed to be. It was close to shift change and the incoming clerk was promised to know all about this shipment and how to release it to them.</p>
<p>Within five minutes of the clerk’s arrival, they had the strut, boxed up in a wooden crate. It was brought over by a forklift and loaded in their trunk.</p>
<p>By the end of the day, they dropped it off at P&D Marine Services. Fred and the men opened the crate to make sure everything looked right. The mechanics then spent the next day installing the strut and finishing the rest of the work, while Fred made arrangements for the boatyard to launch Last Item first thing the next morning, Wednesday, November 16.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It was 43 degrees this morning and breezy. We sure miss the warm weather. As scheduled, they launched our boat at 7:00 and we headed down the GICW at speed. When we got to The Wharf Marina, about a 10-minute ride, Fred stopped to check the engine room to make sure all was okay. It wasn’t. We had a leak.</p>
<p>“We slowly went back to the yard and called the mechanics back. They happened to already be at the yard working on another boat so they came right over to where we tied up to the wall. It took about three hours working on the shaft seal before they felt they resolved whatever issue we had that caused a leak. They stayed aboard as we ran up and down the canal and no leaks appeared.</p>
<p>“Off we went again, finally able to sing a line from Willy Nelson’s ballad with a slight change in the lyrics: ‘On the Sea Again.’”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising Into The Tenn-Tomm</a></p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p>
<p>Update #19: This Post.</p>
<p>Update #20: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop">The End Of Our Loop</a></p> |
Last Item: Waiting On Parts |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
In this update, Fred and Sidonia put their Great Loop trip on pause to receive parts to repair their boat. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
waiting-on-boat-parts-to-arrive.jpg |
2022-11-26 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-waiting-on-parts |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-waiting-on-parts |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
11 |
1201 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-11-08 00:00:00.0 |
2022-11-08 00:00:00.0 |
249 |
[empty string] |
249 |
<p><em>This is update #18 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We last found Sidonia and Fred anchored in the back waters of the Tombigbee River, watching locals doing mysterious things near abandoned equipment in a small bay off the main river.</p>
<p>They remain hampered by a bent propeller which limits their progress on their Great Loop. Fred made reservations at Kingfisher Marina in Demopolis to swap the props for new ones. Thankfully, they had brought along a spare set of two propellers, which proved a good thing.</p>
<p>Since damaging one propeller in the waters of Lock B Pool, between Wilkins and Amory locks near Smithville, Mississippi, they have cruised along at true trawler speeds using only one engine. This makes for some long stretches of the less exciting portions of the waterway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“By Sunday, October 16, near mile marker 248, Last Item lists quite a bit to the starboard side now. Because of the bent prop on the starboard side, we are running on the port engine only, which burns fuel out of the port tank. By the time we get to Demopolis today, we will only have about 15 gallons left in that tank. It will be nice to be leveled up once again.</p>
<p>“We passed more white, chalk cliffs again today. We only see a few houses, though, as it is mostly uninhabited shoreline. In a couple of spots there are cypress trees near the shore as well as palmetto plants, which seem to be a sign that we are really in the South.</p>
<p>“We woke the next morning to the promise of a sunny day, and we arrived where we hoped to get work done on the boat. Kingfisher Marina sits in a large man-made basin. It is very spread out so it’s a good walk from the docks over to the office/store and gas dock. The grounds are very well kept, and they have a swimming pool and courtesy car.</p>
<p>“We used the car today to have lunch in town and go to Walmart for groceries. We didn’t find much of interest in the town itself, most of the restaurants and businesses are out on the highway.</p>
<p>“There are quite a few Loopers here, so we had a nice gathering for docktails this evening. Many of us are holding off reaching Mobile as hurricane season isn’t officially over until November 1st. Most of us do not have insurance to cover that far south until after that date. So, we are all in a bit of a holding pattern for several days.</p>
<p><img title="docktails at kingfisher marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cocktails-at-kingfisher-marina.jpg?cb=6B02D065-D5A1-F3C9-51C2C2F62B5CB0E9" alt="docktails at kingfisher marina" width="800" height="539" /></p>
<p>“The temperature when we got up was 40 degrees and breezy. I thought bringing my knitted headband was unnecessary, but I am so glad I had it today. Fred even put on long pants. It is beautiful out, but it stayed cool and breezy all day.</p>
<p>“We motored over to the travel lift at 8:00 to have our props changed. Once out of the water, we could see the bent propeller blades as well as scrapes in the gelcoat from our mishap. We also saw the small scrape in the gelcoat from touching a rock way back in Georgian Bay.</p>
<p>“The yard workers didn’t have too much trouble getting the props off but did have a difficult time getting the lock nut back on one of the new props. After slathering on lots of grease, they finally got it tight.</p>
<p>“They lowered us back into the water and we went out into the river for a test drive, only to find we still had a vibration. Rather than get hauled out again, Fred decided to schedule another haul out when we reached Mobile, where we will have our 200-hour engine service done on our twin Volvo diesels. It appears we’ll spend more time in Mobile than originally planned.</p>
<p>“As we approached Demopolis lock the following morning, which is only about three miles from the marina, Fred tried reaching the lock personnel to see if they were ready for us or if they had barges coming. He was not able to contact anyone by either VHF or cell phone, so we took a chance and left the marina. We were nearly at the lock when Fred finally spoke to the lock master, only to learn that a crew was doing maintenance on the lock, which would take about an hour and a half. Two hours later, we entered the lock.</p>
<p>“The Tombigbee River has become a winding waterway, twisting from one side to the other, and includes some wild hairpin turns.</p>
<p><img title="tombigbee on gps" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/examples-of-course-of-tombigbee-river.jpg?cb=6B02D069-BC7D-B83A-FEF5CA7103E33D29" alt="tombigbee on gps" width="800" height="538" /></p>
<p>We traveled 95 miles today but as for progress to our next destination, we only made 45 miles. It still surprises us how few houses we see along the shore. We seem to only pass miles of tree-covered shoreline.</p>
<p>“We arrived at our next stop, Bobby’s Fish Camp, in Bladon Springs, Alabama.</p>
<p><img title="bobbys fish camp alabama" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bobbys-fish-camp.jpg?cb=6B02D071-0BB3-E8C3-CC4BA1F955ED8CCC" alt="bobbys fish camp alabama" width="800" height="507" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="nimbus boat getting fuel" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/last-item-at-bobbys-fish-camp.jpg?cb=6B02D06D-AA13-C70A-E4AB37C7842C742B" alt="nimbus boat getting fuel" width="800" height="478" /></p>
<p>The camp only has a tiny dock, fuel, a few RV spaces, and a couple of cabins. There used to be a small restaurant, but food is no longer served. Though the buildings and dock are very rustic, the setting is nice and peaceful. Inside the office, a pool table is in the center of the room and the walls are hung with photos and other eclectic paraphernalia, including an alligator gar caught by Bobby, the original owner, many years ago. The nearest town is Coffeeville, which is on the east side of the river and a little south of Bobby’s.</p>
<p><img title="alligator gar" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/alligator-gar.jpg?cb=6B02D075-A8D0-C015-C9385ABF47209026" alt="alligator gar" width="800" height="501" /></p>
<p>“As we are now later in the month, October 20, it is very chilly in the mornings, but it warms up to a comfortable temperature in the afternoons. We left Bobby’s and entered the Coffeeville lock while it was still a bit cool. Since the beginning of our trip, we have transited about 100 locks so far and the Coffeeville lock is to be our final one. I can now clean our very dirty fenders and stow some of them away for the remainder of our trip.</p>
<p>“We found the river mostly uninhabited all the way to Mobile. The shoreline transitioned from trees right down to the water to where there are little beaches here and there, some muddy and some sandy. Closer to Mobile, the tree line became less visible. Like yesterday, the route of the river resembled a Grand Prix circuit with hairpin turns and numerous switchbacks. We traveled over 118 miles, but we only made 66 miles closer to Mobile Bay.</p>
<p>“Somewhere during the day, we moved from the Tombigbee River to the Mobile River and once we were a few miles outside of Mobile, we began seeing a lot of barge traffic. Then we saw tall buildings, cranes, and cargo ships being pushed by tugs. We finally entered Mobile Bay, which is huge, shallow, and today it was choppy. I wanted to turn around and head back into the peaceful, calm rivers we had enjoyed so much.</p>
<p><img title="mobile bay" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/mobile-river.jpg?cb=6B02D078-CD03-E71F-CEFE06D720BCCC6D" alt="mobile bay" width="800" height="503" /></p>
<p>“Being unfamiliar with Mobile Bay, Fred carefully followed the narrow white line on our chart showing the entrance to Dog River. We were somewhat taken aback when we got to Dog River Marina. The docks are in bad shape and there are absolutely no amenities other than power. The staff person was equally unwelcoming and there is no place to go on shore.</p>
<p>“Early the next morning, Friday, we fueled up and left Dog River Marina, though we originally planned to stay for three nights. We already had reservations at Wharf Marina in Orange Beach starting Sunday night, where the mechanic will do our 200-hour service. The Wharf Marina said we could come in today, thank goodness!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred’s experience at Dog River Marina highlights one of the issues when relying on printed guides and online resources that may not be fully updated. Dog River Marina would appear to be an over-the-top facility when reviewed on Marina Life. It is even listed as a Marina Life advertising partner, and its four-color ad shows every conceivable service and amenity. One would almost expect fresh crumb buns and the morning paper delivered to one’s boat each morning. A West Marine store was listed on the premises or very nearby.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, in the four years since the glowing reviews, quite a bit has happened in the world, and not just Covid-19. Clearly Dog River Marina fell victim to whatever calamity reduced it to its current state. One recent reviewer said the person answering the VHF radio “admitted to having zero boating experience” so was unable to provide even the simplest of directions or marina information.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On our way to Wharf Marina, there was no white line on the chart leading us to Orange Beach, but we didn’t see any depth less than 6’9” on our sounder the whole way. Unlike yesterday, Mobile Bay was practically flat calm with no tropical storm systems lurking out in the Atlantic. We soon entered the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). At Mobile Bay, this waterway extends 271 miles east to Carrabelle, Florida, and heading west it goes as far as Brownsville, Texas. The trip from Dog River to the Wharf Marina was 33 miles.</p>
<p>“The Wharf Marina sits right below a 10-story condo building and beyond are lots of restaurants and shops. We are the tiny ‘minnow’ on our dock, surrounded by large sport fishing boats. We celebrated being out of Dog River by going ashore for margaritas.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Wharf Marina is one of those resort facilities that hopes to reimagine boating in an exciting venue complete with fishing tournaments, vacation condos, hotels, resort attractions, and everything to make a family vacation a memorable experience. It is located halfway between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay, and it keeps its calendar full by hosting fishing championships, boat shows, shops, nightlife, concerts, laser and water shows, and first-class restaurants. Everything one could expect from a top-notch vacation property.</p>
<p>It's also not a bad place to spend a few days getting one’s boat repaired and serviced.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We unloaded our electric bikes and toured around the mall area shops to get an idea of what was here. We then went for lunch at a seafood restaurant with the idea of having oysters. Once we got our oysters, we were reminded that there is a huge difference between East Coast and West Coast oysters. The East Coast oysters we are served are small, the size of a nickel, and, when covered in a sauce, you can’t taste the oyster. The shrimp, however, were delicious.</p>
<p><img title="wharf marina mall" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/wharf-marina-mall.jpg?cb=6B02D07C-F81F-297D-8D4AAF0CA8CB28E8" alt="wharf marina mall" width="800" height="466" /></p>
<p>“The cold spell is pretty much over. The nights are cool but nowhere near the 30-degree temperatures we’ve had for several nights. And it gets quite warm again during the day.</p>
<p>“As we washed our laundry, we went for a cinnamon roll at a nearby coffee shop. In the early afternoon, we went back for gelato cones, not a nutritious start to the day but we were saving room for a nice dinner out. We perused several of the shops and I bought another hat, my third one of the trip. I’m always looking for the perfect hat.</p>
<p>“We had an excellent dinner at The Villaggio Grille in the Wharf Mall.</p>
<p>“The mechanic arrived at 8:30 sharp on Monday, October 24, and worked until around noon, doing whatever was needed for the 200-hour service. He also cured a minor oil leak we had.</p>
<p>“We were unable to get a rental car from Enterprise, so we took an Uber ride over to the Hertz office, which had cars available. We then went to Lulu’s for lunch which, we’d heard, everyone is supposed to do. Lulu is Jimmy Buffet’s sister. The restaurant fronts the GICW and the atmosphere is very ‘beachy.’ When we passed it on the waterway on Friday, it was packed. Today was quite windy and there were only a few people there. Though my shrimp and grits were good, we wouldn’t recommend it unless Jimmy himself was there singing.</p>
<p>“Today, dolphins came into the marina and swam right in front of ‘Last Item.’ There are also brown pelicans swimming around and diving for fish. Ozzie especially likes to watch the great blue herons that stalk around the dock looking for little fish.</p>
<p><img title="ozzie the cat on boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ozzie-the-cat.jpg?cb=6B02D084-C3C3-B775-324A9A2D8C71FB6F" alt="ozzie the cat on boat" width="800" height="454" /></p>
<p>“We were just finishing dinner on the boat when someone knocked on the hull. It was Loral and Brian on ‘Port-a-gee.’ They are in the same marina but in the facility’s other basin. They had a pretty tough time crossing Mobile Bay today to get into the GICW. We made plans about getting together while we’re both here.</p>
<p>“The weather report for the next few days is for rain, off and on with thunderstorms, possibly severe, late in the afternoon and warm and muggy.</p>
<p>“Yesterday, I found a palmetto bug (a big cockroach) on the back deck sofa. I thought it was a big beetle and called Fred to take care of it. When he tried to grab it, it scurried off so fast, he knew it wasn’t a beetle. Of course, it disappeared. I thought it probably ended up in the engine area so today we bought roach pellets to sprinkle around down there.</p>
<p>“We drove to Orange Beach and had a good Mexican lunch. We then drove along the gulf shoreline which is lined with large condos and houses. It is fun to see the different pastel-colored houses many of which have been given names. We were also pleased to see that there is a nice, long stretch of empty shoreline between the towns of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that is a Gulf State park. The huge park encompasses Shelby Lakes and even part of the GICW.</p>
<p><img title="orange beach alabama" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/orange-beach-alabama.jpg?cb=6B02D080-B7DE-DF7E-B07C13C0EA8F055C" alt="orange beach alabama" width="800" height="483" /></p>
<p>“On Wednesday morning, October 26, we left the marina and chugged up the waterway to Saunders Marine Center in Orange Beach, where we were hauled and blocked. P&D Marine, the local engine repair facility that specializes in Volvo Penta engines, started working right away on removing the propellers.</p>
<p>“We drove to Mobile, about an hour from the yard so I could get a shot that I need to get twice a year. We didn’t do any sightseeing, and just came straight back to the boat.</p>
<p>“We then picked up Loral and Brian at the marina and went back for another nice dinner at The Villaggio Grille.</p>
<p>“We were barely awake the next morning when the grinding started on the bottom of the boat. We had some scrapes there from hitting bottom but luckily, all were very superficial. Next came the guys from P&D to remove the shaft for inspection and to remove the strut which had a slight bend in it. We contacted Seattle Yachts and were told that they would have a new strut from Nimbus flown in from Sweden within about three days.</p>
<p>“We were happy to get off the boat and away from the grinding noise, and we agreed to pick up Loral and Brian and take them to the Pensacola airport. They were flying home for a few days to attend a wedding. This gave us a great opportunity to drive along the Gulf Shore and into Florida.</p>
<p>“Back in Orange Beach, we headed straight for Gulf Shores Golf Course. While signing in, I heard that the man in front of us was going to play with us, so I invited him to sit with us at lunch. Vince has an environmental contracting business. We had a very enjoyable round with him and as we said goodbye, he handed us his card and said to let him know if we needed anything. We will probably play golf again before we leave here, and Vince said he would like to join us.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For anyone not familiar with the area, this part of the coastline was successfully developed to draw attention to highlight the beauty and location of Alabama’s white sand beaches. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism has made an outstanding effort to bring every kind of water activity to visitors, from boating to dolphin cruises, offshore fishing, diving, parasailing, cruises, and more.</p>
<p>The arts and cultural activities, shopping, nightlife, hiking and nature tours, and world-class golf are major attractions to the Gulf Coast. While most associate the Gulf region as hubs for ship building and the petrochemical industry, tourism is also a big draw to the area, despite the damage and destruction from past hurricanes and other storms.</p>
<p>Tourism is now a permanent economic driver for the beautiful and fragile Gulf region.</p>
<p>One of the unique and historically valuable places in the Mobile area to visit is Battleship Memorial Park. It opened in 1969 to provide a walking museum of military history that spans land, sea, and air. In addition to tanks, field artillery, and a variety of wartime memorabilia, there is a restored P-51 aircraft honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, a Bell Army One helicopter that transported five presidents on official business, an A-12 Black Bird reconnaissance aircraft from the 1960s that flew at over 2,300mph, and an assortment of aircraft and other military gear used by all branches of our armed services. The Fallen Hero 9/11 Memorial brings these exhibits up to modern times.</p>
<p><img title="memorial park battleships" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/uss-alabama-park.jpg?cb=6B02D088-07E5-D73F-6BFAAC6AC52C745C" alt="memorial park battleships" width="800" height="443" /></p>
<p>The highlight of the park is BB-60, the decommissioned USS Alabama, a South Dakota-class battleship that carried 2,500 crew around the Pacific during WWII. The “Big A” took part in the bombardment and invasion activities of numerous campaigns against Japanese forces in Pacific islands groups as well as the Japanese mainland. Even a partial list of these campaigns shows the enormous contribution of the Big A to the ultimate success of the war in the Pacific: Marianas, Palau, Truk, Saipan, Battle of the Philippines, Guam, Carolines, Formosa, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa, industrial centers in mainland Japan, and the inevitable post-surrender occupation in Tokyo Bay.</p>
<p>Another celebrity warship in the memorial park is SS-228, the USS Drum, launched in 1941. She was a successful member of the submarine service of the U.S. Navy Pacific fleet and is the oldest sub on display in the country. Over the course of 13 war patrols, Drum earned 12 battle stars, and sank the eighth highest total of Japanese tonnage during the war, as well as saving countless downed airmen from Pacific waters.</p>
<p>The memorial park suffered over $7 million in damages from Hurricane Katrina in April 2005, but reopened in January 2006. These memorial parks provide a meaningful opportunity to acquaint younger generations with our history, the cost of our freedom, and the incredible effort and sacrifices of our citizens fighting against the evils of the world. It is imperative that such history be documented, even celebrated, and the memories maintained for future generations.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Since our Hertz rental car needed to be turned in and we will be here for several more days, Fred decided to replace the Hertz car with one from Enterprise. Making the change saved us at least $200 and we had a nicer car.</p>
<p>“We went to Battleship Memorial Park to see the battleship Alabama, which is open for tours, and spent two hours climbing over her from stem to stern.</p>
<p>The Alabama was launched in 1942 and carried 2,500 men during war time. It has 70 guns from 406mm (16”) down to 20mm and served mainly as an escort for the carriers. The ship is 680 feet long and has a 108-foot beam, but the quarters are very cramped considering its size.</p>
<p><img title="guns on battleship" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/battleship-guns.jpg?cb=6B02D08F-D3B9-33BA-53A61071E860654A" alt="guns on battleship" width="800" height="871" /></p>
<p>“It has everything a small town would have but on a very small scale. There were offices for the doctor, dentist and ear, nose, and throat exams. There were rooms for surgery, hospital beds, a tailor shop, laundry, ice cream shop, brig, bakery, vegetable prep, potato prep, blacksmith shop, machine shop and more. Every available space, however small, had a tier or tiers of three to four metal bunks with accompanying small metal lockers. Every doorway has a sill of approximately 12 inches that had to be stepped over and a height restriction you must duck under. Nothing, I’m sure, for young sailors but awkward for the rest of us.</p>
<p>“After a delicious lunch at nearby Felix’s, we went back to explore the USS Drum.</p>
<p><img title="USS Drum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/uss-drum.jpg?cb=6B02D093-E733-A716-591BAFB91C10B667" alt="USS Drum" width="800" height="462" /></p>
<p>The submarine is 311 feet long and has a 27-foot beam. The conditions on the Alabama, by comparison, were luxurious. No medical offices, bakery, or ice cream shop here. Again, bunks were squeezed into every nook and cranny, including underneath torpedos by the aft torpedo tubes. The SS Drum was credited with sinking 15 ships during her 13 patrols.</p>
<p><img title="torpeedo tubes" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/torpeedo-tubes.jpg?cb=6B02D096-9F77-F541-0A91169DD17DB698" alt="torpeedo tubes" width="800" height="470" /></p>
<p>“It rained the weekend of October 29, and the downpours started during the night. The rain sounded like hail as it came down in buckets, hammering the top of ‘Last Item.’ It would let up a little every so often and then pour again. During one of the lulls, we dashed out to the grocery store and then got a bit of lunch, arriving back at the boat just before the next deluge.</p>
<p>“We were watching football on TV in the afternoon when the picture was taken over by an emergency weather report. Meteorologists called for severe storm action with possible tornados. Fred wanted the weather screen to go away so he could watch the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators game but the continuous weather coverage continued.</p>
<p>“The radar pictures showed cell after cell of storms marching up the Gulf of Mexico toward Mississippi and Alabama and the tornado warnings became more imminent. The forecasts included real-time pictures of funnel clouds dipping down and one actually became a tornado as we watched. The camera then showed a waterspout crossing Mobile Bay. Twice our cell phones sounded loud tornado alerts.</p>
<p>“The meteorologist named specific neighborhoods and even streets where people needed to get to safety. Several tornados touched down in Mobile County, one right near downtown. Others touched in other areas of Baldwin County, one about 11 miles from us and another about 30 miles away. We had suffered a direct hit by a tornado in 2010 and did not want to have another experience like that so, needless to say, I was particularly anxious.</p>
<p>“By around 9:00pm, the tornado alerts finally lifted. The wind and the rain continued but it was a relief to know the worst threat was over. We later learned that power lines had been knocked down in several places, but other than that, very little damage was done.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising Into The Tenn-Tomm</a></p>
<p>Update #18: This post.</p>
<p>Update #19: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-waiting-on-parts">Waiting On Parts</a></p>
<p>Update #20: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop">The End Of Our Loop</a></p> |
Last Item: On To The Gulf Of Mexico |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop adventure continues with Fred and Sidonia now making their way though Alabama. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-trip-mobile-river-alabama.jpg |
2022-11-08 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
12 |
1200 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-10-24 00:00:00.0 |
2022-10-24 00:00:00.0 |
246 |
[empty string] |
246 |
<p><em>This is update #17 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We left Sidonia and Fred chilling out to country music and burgers at the Clifton RV and Marina Bar & Grill in Clifton, Tennessee. One could say they have been enjoying their travels through the interconnecting waterways, lakes, and rivers that run through the middle of the country.</p>
<p>On their way again, they continued past Savannah, Tennessee, and their travels began to zigzag as the waterways connect from river to lake to river, and so on. The couple is now in the lower half of the country from a map perspective, seen from Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile, Alabama.</p>
<p>As they continue to rent a car at strategic points, they have greatly broadened their adventure by visiting cities and historical sites that the watery route either passes too far away or would require a lengthy side trip by boat.</p>
<p>In this segment, the couple visited several popular tourist spots, saw early settlements of a young country, and walked through important Civil War locations, where Union and Confederate troops battled for supremacy in a critical moment in our nation’s history. At Shiloh, for instance, 100,000 troops fought in April 1862, and the almost 24,000 casualties mark a sad moment in American history.</p>
<p>Looper boats continue to dodge barge traffic on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, but it is generally much reduced from the commercial traffic on the Mississippi route, making the Tenn-Tom a popular choice for Loopers. But recent events where the Mississippi is at record low levels means there is an increase in barge traffic on alternate routes, so cruisers are finding more commercial traffic on the Tenn-Tom right now.</p>
<p>As the miles go by, The Great Loop continues…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“First thing on October 3, we raised our anchor in our Tennessee River anchorage and made our way to Pickwick Lock and Dam. There were three other boats heading there as well, so we kept our speed to about 6 knots to match the slower boats. Though it seems as if we should be heading down river, we are really heading upriver and would be locking up through Pickwick. The river is about five feet lower than normal which made the lift 55 feet today, about the highest we’ve had on the whole trip.</p>
<p>“Just before making the turn into Yellow Creek from the lake, we were in three states at the same time. The intersection of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi is in the middle of Pickwick Lake, the northern part of the 234-mile Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which the Army Corp of Engineers created as a navigable route to the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
<p>“Grand Harbor Marina is a large facility located in Yellow Creek. It has covered slips for its resident boats and on shore is an eight-story condominium building and a swimming pool. The marina store has a restaurant area, which was not being used, probably because of the time of year, even though the weather was beautiful. Maintenance also appeared to have transitioned to off season.</p>
<p>“We used the marina courtesy car to go into Corinth to pick up a rental car. This entire area can be very confusing to a non-local. The marina is in Mississippi but the address on their paperwork says Counce, Tennessee. You are barely out of the parking lot, and you are back in Tennessee. While driving to Corinth, which is in Mississippi, we started out in Mississippi but within a few minutes we were in Tennessee. Then we were on a narrow road which is the state line and, as we drove down the middle of the lane, Fred was in Mississippi, and I was in Tennessee.</p>
<p>“I swear that Google maps wants us to see as much of the country as possible, as on several occasions it gave us very roundabout routes when there clearly are more direct ones. Most of the time we don’t care, as it’s fun to explore the little curvy back roads.</p>
<p>“This area is loaded with Civil War history. The most significant is the battleground at Shiloh, the largest and most deadly battle of the western part of the war.</p>
<p><img title="shiloh military park sign" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/shiloh-military-park-sign.jpg?cb=6E672ADC-F723-3498-B9B2EE85DC105BC4" alt="shiloh military park sign" width="800" height="517" /></p>
<p>The next morning, we left the boat and drove to the Shiloh National Military Park which covers a huge area. We first watched a well-done reenactment movie at the Visitor Center which gives a clear explanation of the two sides and their various maneuvers. All around the grounds are interpretive signs placing the viewer where skirmishes took place and telling which regiment(s) was there. After viewing the movie, you could stand on the very spot and visualize the scene.</p>
<p><img title="canons at shiloh military park" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/canons-at-military-park.jpg?cb=6E672AE0-F9EE-8EFB-DEEFE10A1FADD62F" alt="canons at shiloh military park" width="800" height="500" /></p>
<p>“The cemetery here is not just for those killed at Shiloh, as soldiers killed in other locations of the war were later moved here with Union and Confederate soldiers placed in their own grounds. We both had very strong emotions standing on this former battlefield and knowing what had occurred.</p>
<p>“We later drove into Corinth and had a bite to eat at The Rib Shack. Really good ribs and some of the best beans I’ve ever had. We then went up and down the streets reading the historical markers. There are some very lovely old houses in town, several of which were used as headquarters for different generals during the war.</p>
<p><img title="historical marker" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/johnston-headquarters.jpg?cb=6E672AE9-DD64-AA6D-E48063836255FEFB" alt="historical marker" width="800" height="547" /></p>
<p>It was a very important location because two railway lines crossed over each other in the middle of the town. In the Battle of Corinth, the two sides fought for control of the town and the railway supply lines, but the Union Army won the fight.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Many Loopers continue on the Tennessee River from Pickwick Lake to Chattanooga, but it is a long side trip and Sidonia and Fred decided to drive there with their rental car. The Loopers that make the trip by boat enjoy a memorable cruise through Florence, Joe Wheeler State Park, Decatur, Huntsville, and Guntersville on the way to Chattanooga. While it did not fit the schedule for the crew of Last Item, they nevertheless didn’t want to miss the trip. So, they made the four-hour drive which was a better choice for them then many additional days on the river.</p>
<p>Plus, it gave them wheels to visit some other attractions over the next couple of days that would have been a stretch had they been staying on the boat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We drove to Chattanooga from the marina today, October 5, a four-hour drive through some nice countryside. On the way we passed through four states: Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia and were now back in the eastern time zone. We saw cotton fields white and fluffy with cotton bolls as well as large rolls of picked cotton.</p>
<p><img title="rolls of picked cotton" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rolled-up-in-field.jpg?cb=6E672AED-CED3-AA7C-FDB0986C892D1EF7" alt="rolls of picked cotton" width="800" height="487" /></p>
<p>We passed the Coon Dog Graveyard and the 30 Cats Cafe. We found a motel not far from Lookout Mountain as that is near where the most notable sights are located.</p>
<p>“It was a little late to do much sightseeing by the time we arrived at the motel, so we relaxed a bit before going down to a riverside restaurant for dinner.</p>
<p>“Our first tour the next morning was the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. It was engineered by Otis Elevator in 1893 and originally powered by steam, although it had since been converted to electric power. The railway claims to be the steepest funicular in the world at almost a 73-percent grade. The cars do not hang from cables, but cables pull the cars up the rails.</p>
<p><img title="The Incline Railway" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/incline-tram.jpg?cb=6E672AF9-D4CD-194F-EA6CFE54F18E30D3" alt="The Incline Railway" width="800" height="538" /></p>
<p>“We climbed into the bus-like car and went down terraced steps to our seats that were facing backward, which is to say looking down the hill, not up. It’s hard to imagine what a 73 percent grade would be, but when we got to that part, it felt so steep we could almost fall forward out of our seats. We spent some time outside the car at the top, looking at the view of Chattanooga, the Tennessee River, and miles and miles beyond.</p>
<p>“We then walked several blocks to The Lookout where The Battle of the Clouds took place. It was a high position held by the Confederates while fighting in Chattanooga. Grant’s troops climbed the steep sides of the mountain and, as they neared the summit, a thick fog rolled in. Though neither side could see much of anything, the Confederates left their positions, and the Union troops were able to take over the high ground.</p>
<p>“After lunch we went to the Towing and Recovery Museum.</p>
<p><img title="Towing museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/towing-museum.jpg?cb=6E672AF1-C6C3-2213-0F7E62603A825995" alt="Towing museum" width="800" height="495" /></p>
<p>We had passed by it and thought we should at least check it out. The museum is in Chattanooga because that is where the very first tow truck was built. The museum housed tow trucks built from before the 1920s and progressed up through more recent years. They also had an amazing display of hundreds of toy tow trucks.</p>
<p><img title="old tow trucks" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/old-tow-truck.jpg?cb=6E672AF5-0683-C861-F8A80ED3F600D597" alt="old tow trucks" width="800" height="548" /></p>
<p>“We were told that it was good that we arrived there when we did because for the next three days there would be at least 3,000 people in the towing business coming to attend a big annual event, many of them arriving with their own tow trucks.</p>
<p>“Next it was on to Rock City. The name does not do it justice as it is a spectacular area of granite boulders and slabs which create cracks and crevices, ravines, and pools. The creators of Rock City did a marvelous job of making pathways in, around, over, and through the boulders. Some cracks were so narrow we had to turn sideways, and some people had to find alternate routes. There are several stone bridges as well as a swinging bridge.</p>
<p><img title="rock city" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/between-rock-walls.jpg?cb=6E672AFE-0CFF-DF49-1088A182D907E5ED" alt="rock city" width="800" height="804" /></p>
<p>“A large outcropping formed a cliff, called ‘Lover’s Leap,’ which cantilevered out from the mountain. It is said you can see seven states from here: Tennessee, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama…but we couldn’t tell one state from another.”</p>
<p><img title="lovers leap" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lowers-leap.jpg?cb=6E672B02-B182-9EEF-EFEDF266EFCB2127" alt="lovers leap" width="800" height="469" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>With a population of over 180,000, Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee, and is a major commercial hub in numerous industries, from automotive to healthcare, manufacturing, and the food industry. It also is a large tourist draw with many attractions. Chief among them is its significant role in the Civil War, as multiple major railroads converged in the growing city.</p>
<p>One of its popular tourist attractions is Ruby Falls, a network of underground waterfalls that gained popularity over the years to qualify as a National Historic Landmark, often associated with the nearby Rock City attraction on Lookout Mountain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The weather has been perfect lately but this Friday morning we dressed in warmer clothes as we were going into the cavern at Ruby Falls which is at 60 degrees. We took an elevator ride 260 feet down to begin the half-mile walk to the falls. The pathway is narrow, and you must be careful not to bump your head on the low ceiling on the path. Most of the time we could stand up straight and we never had to bend over or crawl. In some places, however, we could see where Leo Lambert, the man who discovered the underground falls, had crawled along when he was exploring the cave. The cave has stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, bacon, beehives, straws and tobacco leaves as well as some rather unique formations like elephant’s foot and the dragon’s claw.</p>
<p>“About a half an hour along the pathway and 1,120 feet below the top of Lookout Mountain, we were rewarded by the sight of the 145-foot underground falls. It must have been an incredible feeling when Lambert happened upon the huge, domed cavern with the beautiful waterfall cascading down into the pool below. He named the falls Ruby after his wife.</p>
<p><img title="ruby falls" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cave-waterfall.jpg?cb=6E672B06-C267-32CA-E93A5E36B3E9FF06" alt="ruby falls" width="800" height="906" /></p>
<p>“At the end of our tour of the falls, we started driving back to the marina and ‘Last Item.’ We followed a different route than we took to reach Chattanooga so we could see more of the countryside.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back at Grand Harbor Marina, the couple spent the weekend cleaning the boat, doing laundry, and enjoying some downtime as they waited to return their rental car on Monday. But it was not all chores, as they found time to enjoy more local restaurants and play golf at the well-maintained, 18-hole golf course at the Pickwick State Park.</p>
<p>One highlight they wanted to make sure they visited when returning the rental car was to have lunch at Abe’s Grill in Corinth. Made famous by locals and travelers alike, the diner is reportedly the oldest diner still operating on Route 72 by its original owners. The family celebrated its 47th year in 2021.</p>
<p>The outside of the restaurant reminded Sidonia of a wrecking junk yard, with hubcaps and other stuff scattered around. The place is very small, with limited seating at the counter with only 20 stools and a few tables outside.</p>
<p><img title="abes restaurant" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/abes-grill.jpg?cb=6E672B0A-B035-E6EA-45786FD03B95942F" alt="abes restaurant" width="800" height="530" /></p>
<p>As the couple entered, they were met by Abe, who greets customers and manages the cashiers, all while talking to everyone. Every square inch of the interior is covered in license plates and funny signs. Abe’s wife, Terri, and their son, Ryan, work behind the counter. Ryan especially has finely tuned his cooking and waiting skills, as he takes three or four orders at the same time and never misses a beat.</p>
<p>Terri serves all drinks from a canning jar, sweet tea is the favorite, and does everything else. The food is served on a piece of paper with fries in a little paper basket. Sidonia and Fred report the burger was good, but it is the character of the place that made it so delightful.</p>
<p>After a quick stop at a local grocery store, the couple got back aboard and took off once again on their capable <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> cruiser and headed down Yellow Creek. They ran almost 40 miles that afternoon and anchored in a lovely bay in Bay Springs Lake just short of the Jamie L. Whitten Lock.</p>
<p><img title="bay springs lake" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fall-color-at-lake.jpg?cb=6E672B0E-9108-FD21-3026981268005BA0" alt="bay springs lake" width="800" height="620" /></p>
<p>They enjoyed yet another beautiful sunset as the fall day came to an end.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Tuesday morning, October 11, we locked through the Whitten lock at 8:30 with three other Loopers. I thought our last lock, which was a 55-foot drop, was probably the biggest lift or drop we would encounter, but the Whitten lock drop was 80 feet. About five miles farther on we came to the Sonny Montgomery lock where we had to wait for a barge and tow to finish locking through.</p>
<p>“At times we hear some very weird sounds when locking down. Some of the floating bollards make the most awful clanking and groaning and moaning sounds, like some horrible creature from Jurassic Park. Some of the sounds are caused by the wheels of the bollards scraping down the channel inset within the wall of the lock. We don’t know what causes some of the other sounds. The locks on the Tenn-Tom Waterway sound a loud siren when they start to let the water out and a long, loud horn signaling when the gates are fully open, and boats can exit.</p>
<p>“We docked at Midway Marina which, though it is a little rustic, has a very nice, helpful staff. To one side of the marina, the remains of trees stand in several feet of water, evidence of times prior to the building of the dams.</p>
<p>“Eddie on ‘Fjiaka’ joined us on the marina porch for some lively conversation at happy hour. At the top of the hill just above the marina is Guy’s Place Restaurant, where we had a delicious dinner with Brian and Loral on ‘Port-a-Gee.’</p>
<p>“Several Loopers left early the next morning, but we waited for a couple of barges to pass through before we left the marina and locked through Midway lock with ‘Port-a-Gee’ around 11:30. We matched our speed to stay with ‘Port-a-Gee’ as we followed a barge that locked through ahead of us.</p>
<p>“We were now in an area called Lock B Pool (a wide area in the river) located between the Wilkins and Amory locks. We were well within the buoy markers running only on the port engine and doing about 7 knots when we hit bottom. To move us back into deeper water, Fred used the bow and stern thrusters in order to not damage our props.</p>
<p>“It was too late, however. When Fred put the starboard engine in gear, it had a very bad vibration. We would not be able to use that engine and run at our normal 24-25 knots until we replaced the prop. Thank goodness we brought along an extra set of propellers! Fred made arrangements at Kingfisher Marina in Demopolis to have our prop changed.</p>
<p><img title="Kingfisher Bay Marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kingfisher-bay-marina.jpg?cb=A2D3B3FE-FB0F-BEE2-5F94D26A4A564A16" alt="Kingfisher Bay Marina" width="800" height="503" /></p>
<p>“The buoys, which are important navigational aids we rely on, are very unreliable around here. We have seen them up against the riverbanks many times and Brian told us he almost ran one over that was just inches beneath the surface.</p>
<p>“It took us six hours to travel 24.7 miles and transit three locks today, a very slow day. We were behind the same barge and tow all day and had to wait at each lock until it got through. There is no use passing him, though, as the lock masters know they are coming, and commercial traffic always have priority.</p>
<p>“We anchored in a nice, quiet spot on the Tennessee River where it ties back into the Tenn-Tom. ‘Port-a-Gee’ also anchored near us.</p>
<p>“Our nice quiet spot turned out to be not so quiet when, around 6:00pm, lightning started flickering in the sky and we could hear rolling thunder in the distance. The flickering was continuous, a real light show that lasted until around midnight. At one point, a lightning strike hit frighteningly close, and the resounding boom made Ozzie fly off the bed and we almost followed him. Thankfully that was the only strike near us.</p>
<p>“The next morning started out foggy but lifted enough by 9:00 for us to be on our way. We talked to Brian as we passed their boat and he said he saw the sparks from that lightning strike last night and pointed on shore to where it had hit. It was way too close for comfort.</p>
<p>“We passed through Aberdeen lock and cruised for another 27 miles along a very quiet stretch of the Tenn-Tom. We felt bumps a couple of times, most likely from small pieces of wood beneath the surface. We had planned to continue through the Stennis lock and then anchor but changed our minds and docked at Columbus Marina. To summarize the marina, the wooden docks need new boards, the staff is great, the facilities are a little far away, but bathrooms and laundry are very nice and clean. The town of Columbus is about three miles away.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Columbus is like many small towns in America, where there is always an interesting story if one only bothers to investigate its history. Today’s town of 23,000 was originally founded in 1819, referred informally as Possum Town (a name given by its Choctaw neighbors) and it was believed to be in Alabama, rather than Mississippi. No matter, it continued to grow, surviving the Civil War as a hospital town (where many of the injured from Shiloh were transported). The town’s successful defense by Confederate General Nathan Forrest meant that its many antebellum homes were spared from Union destruction. This is unique and special as so many Southern towns were destroyed. Its local homes are toured and celebrated each year during an annual pilgrimage by people from around the country.</p>
<p>A group of the town’s women decided to decorate both Union and Confederate graves with flowers on April 26, 1866, in what eventually became Memorial Day.<br />The city’s founders also established what is still operated today as Mississippi’s first public school.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Friday, October 14, we left Columbus Marina before 9:00, and entered the Stennis lock about a mile away, along with a boat named ‘Mimosa.’ We then had a 28-mile stretch before reaching the Tom Bevil lock. The river gently curved back and forth, which kept Fred busy pushing autopilot buttons. We stayed at about 8 knots, as did ‘Mimosa.’ Somewhere along the way, we entered Alabama.</p>
<p>“Twenty miles after clearing Tom Bevil lock, we carefully approached a place that appeared to be suitable for anchoring, but once again, it was way too shallow. We went on a couple of more miles and anchored near an area called Vienna, at mile marker 287 at the edge of a slough that exited into the Tennessee River. We had traveled 43 miles in 7 hours with two locks. We will be very glad to have our damaged prop replaced and get back our 25-knot cruising speed!</p>
<p>“Shortly after settling in, a dinghy came down the slough and over to our boat. We assumed it was the man on ‘Mimosa’ and we invited him aboard. He anchored at the entrance to the slough as well, a few hundred yards back. When he began talking and laughing, he sounded almost exactly like one of our sons-in-law although a few years younger. Chris is from Alberta, California, and he bought his boat in Illinois. He has been single handing most of the way as the friends he had counted on had not worked out or were unable to come. He is not a Looper and plans to go from Florida to Cuba and then on to Mexico. We really enjoyed our visit with him.</p>
<p>“Shortly before going to bed, we saw a bright light shining at us. Then we could see more lights as a tug and barge rounded a curve in the river. Our anchor light was on, and we had left our aft cockpit lights on low just to be as visible as possible, as we were anchored at the edge of the river, not quite inside the slough. The tug kept its spotlight on us, and we could see him adjust over a little closer to the opposite side of the river. There was plenty of room, so we really didn’t have to worry about the possibility of being hit.</p>
<p>“I noticed that the captain kept shining the spotlight far down the river even after they passed us. They are probably used to seeing anchored boats along here as it is a very long stretch between marinas.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For travel on any waterways shared with commercial, special, or military traffic, it is vital to maintain proper lighting to make sure all watercraft can see your location, especially if you anchor in a navigable waterway, such as the Tenn-Tom or many places on the ICW. It is pure folly to just drop the hook and turn on an anchor light when anchored anywhere near a channel that is used by commercial tugs, ships, and other working craft. In many narrow sections of rivers, it is a wrong assumption that once you are done for the day when the sun goes down that everyone else is done as well. Tugs pushing barges and other working craft run 24/7 and they continue during the night.</p>
<p>Being well positioned out of harm’s way, as well as showing bright exterior lighting, more than the basic anchor light, will prove to be the safest way to transit waterways.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Last night while visiting with Chris, we heard cows mooing somewhere on the bank above us. This morning, we saw a few of them and each one had a young one with it. They are the first critters of any kind we have seen in ages. It’s probably a bit premature but we also have now started keeping an eye out for alligators.</p>
<p>“After miles and miles of tree-covered shoreline, it was almost a shock when we came around a curve and saw the beautiful White Cliffs of Epes, chalk cliffs which started forming 145 million years ago.</p>
<p><img title="white cliffs" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rock-ledge.jpg?cb=6E672B1A-DCDC-872D-6F803C041FFA876A" alt="white cliffs" width="800" height="533" /></p>
<p>About three hundred years ago, the French had a small fort nearby named Fort Tombecbe. The University of West Alabama conducts living history programs here, archaeological volunteer opportunities and tours.</p>
<p>“We anchored at mile marker 248, not far from the cliffs, in the Tombigbee River at the entrance to a little bay and stern-tied to the shore. Inside the bay was some abandoned, very rusty equipment. It appeared to be a barge loading area at one time although now the entrance was partially blocked off. The bay itself looked like it was man-made.</p>
<p><img title="rusty barge" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/houseboat-around-trees-in-the-water.jpg?cb=6E672B16-02E9-0DA8-006AEC5B1DDED556" alt="rusty barge" width="800" height="509" /></p>
<p>“Three men in a small boat approached the bay. When Fred spoke briefly to them, he thought they said they were going in to do something with traps. My mind wandered, and I could just imagine them doing something illicit. A still maybe? What would they be trapping? Crawfish?</p>
<p>“They left after a while and we enjoyed a lovely, quiet evening in the aft cockpit, listening to the crickets. There were clouds of little gnats flying around, a few mosquitoes, and other bugs. We were so glad we have our screens.</p>
<p><img title="nimbus boat anchored" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-last-item-at-anchor.jpg?cb=6E672B1E-C0B5-4E01-781285184E581968" alt="nimbus boat anchored" width="800" height="500" /></p>
<p>“It was almost dark when two of the men we’d seen earlier returned and went into the bay again. Now I was thinking ‘Deliverance’ and Fred was laughing at me. Again, they were there quite a long time, and it was pitch dark before they left.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: This post.</p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p>
<p>Update #19: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-waiting-on-parts">Waiting On Parts</a></p>
<p>Update #20: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop">The End Of Our Loop</a></p> |
Last Item: Cruising In The Tenn-Tom |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Here is the latest Great Loop update from Fred and Sidonia who are now cruising the Tenn-Tom waterway. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-tenn-tom.jpg |
2022-10-24 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
13 |
1198 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-10-08 00:00:00.0 |
2022-10-08 00:00:00.0 |
244 |
[empty string] |
244 |
<p><em>This is update #16 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred enjoyed their extended stay in Alton, which gave them a chance to explore the interesting sights of St. Louis, such as the zoo and Anheuser-Busch. As has been their standard practice, they like to get off the boat and see what there is to see at every new destination.</p>
<p>On that note, a common question we’ve received of their travels is how they find such interesting places to visit, whether they are museums, manufacturing plants, local attractions, or simply nice-to-see spots that help define an area. Sidonia was quick to respond to my inquiry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Bill, for the most part, we ask Google ‘what is there to do in such-and-such city.’ Sometimes we hear about things from locals or other loopers. A few marinas print out information of local interesting sites. We particularly like touring places where they make things as well as historical places.</p>
<p>“I think some people are in too much of a hurry, and/or they don’t want the added expense of a rental car. A car has allowed us to venture much farther from the boat and see so much more, since it’s very doubtful we will come this way again.</p>
<p>“And our little electric bikes have been very helpful taking us away from the boat when we don’t have a rental car. Sometimes we happen upon a treasure we did not even know was there. —Sidonia”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After finishing their tour of the Anheuser-Busch stables, and visiting up close with a Budweiser Clydesdale, the couple returned to their Nimbus cruiser, fueled up for the journey ahead, did some last-minute grocery shopping, and returned the rental car.</p>
<p>It was time to continue their Loop.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Wednesday, September 21, we took off from Alton at 6:45am, cleared the Melvin Price Lock by 7:30, and passed the Chain of Rocks lock by 9:30. The name Chain of Rocks seemed rather ominous ever since we heard that last year a boater mistakenly followed the river rather than diverting into the canal to the lock. His sailboat got stuck on the Chain of Rocks dike and sank. Even though the two people aboard were rescued, we were glad to get past there.</p>
<p>“After leaving the lock, we had a long stretch of the Mississippi River in front of us. Once past the St. Louis industrial area, it became miles and miles of uninhabited riverbanks. Other than having to slow for the occasional barge or other boats, we cruised at 27–28 knots aided by a three-mph favorable current. We flew down the river, covering 128.7 miles in 8-1/4 hours.</p>
<p>“There was soon a 208-mile stretch in front of us with no place to refuel, so Fred arranged for a fuel truck with Charles at Kidd River City Fuel in Cape Girardeau, MO for what is considered an emergency fuel stop. There is a 150-gallon minimum. The company maintains a small barge to tie up to and the fuel comes to the barge from his truck. He said it was premium price, but at $4.88/gal, it was 70 cents less than the last time we filled up, so we were thrilled. He also gave us permission to spend the night here and told us where the key to the gate was hidden, in case we wanted to go to town. If it hadn’t been so awfully hot and muggy, we would have enjoyed getting off the boat, but all we wanted to do was sit in the air conditioning.”</p>
<p><img title="fueling up" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kidd-fuel-dock-at-cape-girardeau.jpg?cb=37B63FF1-F903-1E72-906624C112B7F8D9" alt="fueling up" width="800" height="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cape Girardeau is a city in Missouri originally established as a trading post around 1733. It is located about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis and 150 miles north of Memphis. Today, the city has a population of approximately 40,000 people, and is the economic hub for Southeast Missouri. Cape Girardeau is home of several universities and colleges and provides first-class medical facilities for three surrounding counties.</p>
<p><img title="mural at cape girardeau" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/mural-cape-girardeau-missouri.jpg?cb=37B63FEC-0C29-9766-F511FB5FD37DE020" alt="mural at cape girardeau" width="800" height="398" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Thursday, September 22, it was a nice relief to wake up with much cooler weather. Everyone has been complaining about the heat.</p>
<p>“After leaving Cape Girardeau, we soon said goodbye to the Mississippi River as we made a hairpin turn to the left into the Ohio River. The Ohio is every bit as wide as the Mississippi, at least where we were, but we lost our three-mph push as we were now going against the current.</p>
<p>“When we reached the Olmsted Dam & Lock, the lockmaster told us we had to wait about two hours for barge traffic to clear through. We anchored off to the side and were pleased that we only had to wait an hour and a half. We went in the small lock alongside a tow in the large lock. The large lock is 900 feet long and this barge and tow filled the entire lock. (Back in Illinois, when we saw our first tows, we were amazed that they were pushing up to nine barges at a time. Now we have seen as many as eighteen barges being pushed together.)</p>
<p><img title="large barge ship" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/barge-with-gravel.jpg?cb=37B6400B-EBF9-A0AD-4CBF3238FDF0BCFB" alt="large barge ship" width="800" height="512" /></p>
<p>“As we approached Paducah, Kentucky, we called Paducah City Marina. We were originally told they had no room for us. As we went by, however, we saw open slips, so I called again and they let us come in. The marina normally has room for about a dozen average Looper-size boats which seems small for a town the size of Paducah.</p>
<p>“Our timing was good as Paducah was hosting its Family Fun Days. There were lots of vendor tents set up all over the open area near the marina, as well as a stage where a band was setting up. We perused most of the tents and settled in one of the many bbq tents where we got a rack of ribs to take back to the boat for dinner.</p>
<p>Several of the boaters staying at the marina were local and brought their boats here to attend the Fun Days BBQ. It was a great local event.</p>
<p>“We woke to a chilly morning, the first time it really felt like fall. After breakfast on the boat, we hopped on our bikes and went to explore the town. Paducah was founded by William Clark (of Lewis & Clark) after he inherited the land grant from his brother. There is a questionable story that he named it after an Indian chief.</p>
<p><img title="marker for lewis and clark" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/marker-for-lewis-and-clark.jpg?cb=37B63FFA-E04C-FE83-A19744A43678E1FD" alt="marker for lewis and clark" width="800" height="586" /></p>
<p>“Paducah is a ‘walled city’ and the first thing we came to was a long section of the wall. Two years after a disastrous flood in 1937, work began on a wall to protect the city. Sections of the wall are removable and only put in place when a flood threatens. Much of the wall is now covered with wonderful murals depicting the history of Paducah and surrounding area. It is hard for us to imagine the Ohio River reaching the height of the walls as the steep bank leading up from the river is at least fifty feet high. The bank on the opposite shore is low and one would think all the water would run out over that side.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paducah was in fact, settled some years before William Clark, but he is responsible for surveying the area and renaming the settlement Paducah in 1827. Contrary to local lore, there is no historical connection to its name commemorating a Native American chief or tribe.</p>
<p>Given its location on the Ohio River, it was only natural for the town to evolve into a center for the developing railroad and steamship industries that supported each other and brought a thriving economy to the town.</p>
<p>The Paducah Wall to Wall project began in 1996 to put murals on the flood walls in downtown Paducah, to illustrate local history of all aspects of river life and Native American history.<br />Today, Paducah is an artist and craft center, with international recognition by UNESCO and art organizations for its impact on the world’s art. Music also has roots in Paducah, home for the Luther Carson Center for the Performing Arts. Many musicians grew up or lived for awhile in the Paducah area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“As frequently happens, we are asked about our electric bikes. After chatting about our bikes with a man setting up his booth near the wall, he suggested we have breakfast at The Gold Rush Cafe. We told him we had already eaten but he said we should at least go there for their ‘dessert’ of bread pudding waffles.</p>
<p>“Naturally, we had to try them. There was a lineup at the café, but we ordered personal-size portions of the waffles to go so we didn’t have to wait long. We continued our ride through the nice downtown area, enjoying the architecture of the old buildings. Back at the boat, we ate our bread pudding waffles, covered in sweetened butter and syrup. Mmm-mmm-good.</p>
<p>“We got under way again a little before 11:00. Very shortly, we passed the entrance to the Tennessee River. Instead of turning into the Tennessee, however, we continued a little farther up the Ohio River and then turned into the Cumberland River. We saw fishermen aiming bows and arrows into the water. We pulled over to talk to a couple of them and learned they were shooting carp. One of them reached down and lifted a good-sized carp to show us.</p>
<p>“We could have continued down the Tennessee River but there is a lock where pleasure boaters usually must wait. The Cumberland route is a little longer, but as it turned out, we also had to wait at the Barkley Lock and Dam for nearly two hours. Almost immediately after exiting the dam, we were in Barkley Lake and made the turn into Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.</p>
<p><img title="green turtle bay marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/green-turtle-bay-social-area.jpg?cb=37B6400F-DDAD-8CA4-2CE7141AA409DA42" alt="green turtle bay marina" width="800" height="524" /></p>
<p><em>(Above: Nearly all boaters have a social/party area at their slips at Green Turtle Bay.)</em></p>
<p>“The first boat we spied at one of the docks was ‘Uncle Wiggly,’ with our friends Roger and Marilyn. We had not seen them since the Trent-Severn Canal but had kept in touch. We docked right next to ‘C-Marie,’ with Kathy and James who we also met earlier.</p>
<p>“Originally, we were told we could stay here only one night but somehow, one of the marina staff worked his magic. He got us a second night though we would have to change slips, which was no problem. The marina gives a discount to Loopers and our cost for 45’ was only $136 for two nights.</p>
<p>“The weather on this Saturday, September 25, was still warm in the mid-80s. Air conditioning is definitely needed on a boat doing the Great Loop in season.</p>
<p>“All along the Loop, people tell us about the places we should visit. In Grand Rivers, that place is Patti’s 1880’s Settlement. Patti’s runs a four-seat golf cart shuttle that picked Roger, Marilyn and us up at the marina. After about a ten-minute drive along a shady road, we arrived.</p>
<p>“Patti’s started in the late ‘70s as a hamburger and ice cream parlor. Today, the restaurants of Patti’s include several very large sections of buildings, divided into different sized rooms, some small and some larger. There is a big gift shop with a great variety of items.</p>
<p><img title="Pattis restaurant" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/outside-pattis.jpg?cb=37B64006-AF5A-4AE2-427FF1A01B4DC845" alt="Pattis restaurant" width="800" height="800" /></p>
<p>“Patti’s claim to fame is their 2-inch pork chop which everyone says will feed at least four people. We did not try it, but our lunches were very good and our dessert was the ‘mile high lemon meringue pie’ with six inches of meringue on top.</p>
<p><img title="dessert at Patti's" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ralph-and-marilyn-at-pattis.jpg?cb=37B64002-A431-2D64-C6A1676B3C2F3F83" alt="dessert at Patti's" width="800" height="546" /></p>
<p>“After lunch, we strolled along the lovely, wooded pathways which connect different shops and buildings, all part of the Patti’s sprawling property. We sampled several specialty liquors in the Moonshine Shop. There is also a small petting zoo, a putt putt golf course and much more. They have nearly 250 employees, which is almost the population of the town.</p>
<p>“In the evening, Roger, Marilyn, Kathy, and James came over for happy hour. Because it was so warm outside, we sat around our saloon table in the cool cabin. Kathy invited us to later tour their 47-foot Great Harbor trawler. So, after happy hour, we strolled over to their boat. It is always fun and interesting to view other boats. Their trawler was very nicely done, comfortable and roomy, perfect for living aboard, which they do.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next stop for Last Item would be to continue in the connecting lakes and rivers and stop at the well-known Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan, Tennessee. Situated on Kentucky Lake, it is an 840-acre park on the western shore of the largest man-made lake in the U.S. east of the Mississippi. The park has been developed to be a perfect family playground, complete with all matter of watersports, a golf course, a lodge, and hiking and walking trails throughout.</p>
<p>The lake was created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority for flood control and hydroelectric generation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After a good breakfast at the marina restaurant with Roger and Marilyn, we fueled up, pumped out, and left Green Turtle Marina at 10:30. Within just a few minutes, we had turned out of Barkley Lake into Barkley Canal and popped out in Kentucky Lake, known as Ken Lake by the locals. There was no sign of habitation on the eastern shore and very little on the western shore as we traveled the 40 miles to Paris Landing State Park Marina.</p>
<p>“After arriving, we rode our bikes across the highway to the Lodge at Paris Landing for lunch. The 91-room lodge is very modern looking, has a nice restaurant, swimming pool, and is right on the lake. There is an 18-hole golf course nearby.</p>
<p>“Near the marina, the parks department also maintains a small aviary which we stopped to visit. They had three owls and a red-tailed hawk. They had all been injured. Though rehabilitated, they are not able to be released, so they are part of the education programs offered by the park.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Last Item has been running well for Sidonia and Fred, and the <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> 405 Coupe stands out as they travel along the Great Loop with so many other boats. So, it is no surprise that she attracts attention among those curious about this style of boat on a trip that is traditionally aligned with displacement <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawlers</a> and slower motoryachts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On numerous occasions, people ask us questions about our boat. Usually, the first question is ‘How do you like it?’ We can honestly answer, ‘We love it.’</p>
<p>“When I first got aboard, I mentioned to Bill Parlatore that I thought it was tender. He reminded me that I was used to a 62-footer. He was right. I now don’t notice at all what I thought was ‘tenderness.’ I think the Swedish designers of this boat did a fantastic job of incorporating comfort, great use of space, the inclusion of large overhead windows which open, and the dining table that swivels in any direction as well as folds in half. One of my favorite features is the end section of the sofa that flips over to become a forward-facing two-person-size seat.</p>
<p>“Just this morning at breakfast, Roger asked whether we would use this boat if we ever did The Loop again and if we’d had any problems with it. The following is what Fred told him of the extent of our problems since taking delivery and after 186 engine hours and over 2,200 miles:</p>
<p>“We had a very piercing alarm, the source of which we could not find. It required a call to Seattle Yachts who guided me to the propane alarm which obviously malfunctioned since we have no propane aboard. Another issue was the light indicating a 3/4 full blackwater holding tank which did not go out after the tank was pumped out. I accessed the top of the tank where there is an 8-inch screw cap and just inside was a float switch. After a sharp tap on the switch, it has not been a problem since. These are the only real problems we’ve had.</p>
<p>“We have had a couple of anomalies, however. One was the generator touch screen which is used to start the generator. One morning it was blank, and I couldn’t figure out how to start the generator without the control panel on the screen. I could do an emergency start on the generator but elected to wait until the end of the day’s run. At the end of the day, everything was back to normal and has been fine since.</p>
<p>“Another anomaly was the Volvo Penta display which indicated a low transmission pressure warning. I acknowledged the warning and proceeded to dock, fearful all night that we might be down to one engine. The next day, when we took off, I monitored the transmission’s pressure closely but there was never another issue.</p>
<p>“As far as maintenance is concerned, at 135 engine hours, I elected to have the oil and oil filters changed as well as the fuel filters, both primary and secondary. I have scheduled a 200-hour engine service when we get to Mobile, Alabama.”</p>
<p>“Roger is a very experienced boater himself. He and Marilyn have sailed the Bahamas and completed The Loop. After telling him all the above, he said if he were to do The Loop again, he would choose a boat like ours for the speed as well as functionality. We were quite surprised at this comment, because they have a comfortable <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/kadey-krogen-yachts">Krogen</a> 42, so we consider this to be the ultimate compliment.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paris Landing Marina is a large marina with almost 300 slips. And it is an ideal protected place to leave the boat for a few days and rent a car to explore the area. And that was the plan for Sidonia and Fred, to get off the boat for a bit and see what there is to see.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Monday, September 26, we arranged for a rental car. Unfortunately, Enterprise couldn’t pick us up at the marina, so we called a taxi to take us into the town of Paris which is about 20 minutes away. Our driver was a real character, and one would have thought he came right out of the hills but he was actually from Detroit. The taxi was a junker, but it got us there.</p>
<p>“After getting our car, we played nine holes at Paris Landing State Park Golf Course, which was very nice. We then took Ron and Linda (‘Gypsy Soul’) into Paris to pick up their rental car.</p>
<p><img title="golfing" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/golf-course-paris-landing-state-park.jpg?cb=37B64013-AA90-1732-EBA110847D4C8E39" alt="golfing" width="800" height="533" /></p>
<p>“We later had Brian and Loral from ‘Port-a-gee’ and Ron and Linda over for happy hour and good conversation.</p>
<p>“It has been quite windy the past couple of days and on Tuesday morning the winds continued. There are even whitecaps on Kentucky Lake. Safe and secure in its slip, we left the boat and took off in the rental car at 9:00 and drove into Nashville. We booked a motel close to downtown and then walked to a tour trolley stop for which we already had tickets. The trolley makes 13 planned stops, and you can hop on/hop off as much as you want.</p>
<p>“We hopped off on Broadway, which is Music Row, a most appropriate name. There were throngs of people on the sidewalks and music coming from every restaurant and bar along the street. The musicians who play in these places do not get paid. They do it for tips and the hope of being discovered.</p>
<p><img title="broadway street" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nashville-broadway-street.jpg?cb=37B6401B-9066-7001-89E6FEDD94845B59" alt="broadway street" width="800" height="906" /></p>
<p>“After a bite of lunch, we toured Ryman Auditorium. First known as Union Gospel Tabernacle, it was renamed for Thomas Ryman who had it built. It was where Grand Ole Opry first started performing their radio shows.</p>
<p>“We hopped back on the trolley again and got off at the Hermitage Hotel to see its beautiful lobby. Gene Autry used to stay here and would not only rent a room for himself but also rent a room for Champion, his horse. Supposedly, Champion cracked a couple of the marble floor tiles with his hooves, but we couldn’t tell as there were cracks all over the place. We finished our trolley tour and went back to have a quick rest before dinner and the Grand Ole Opry.</p>
<p><img title="grand ole opry" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/grand-ole-opry-house.jpg?cb=37B64023-A95D-F9DD-D85B1184EFC78D5D" alt="grand ole opry" width="800" height="546" /></p>
<p>“We drove to the Opry grounds and had dinner at The Aquarium right across the street. Our table was right next to a huge tank full of a great variety of tropical fish. We sat mesmerized watching them swimming around and through the nicely done fake coral. It didn’t really matter that the food was just okay, as the atmosphere more than made up for it.</p>
<p><img title="aquarium restaurant" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/aquarium-restaurant.jpg?cb=37B6401F-F04A-21F0-57CBE1B663D016C6" alt="aquarium restaurant" width="800" height="541" /></p>
<p>“The present Opry venue holds 4,400 people and even at this time of year and on a Tuesday night, it was close to capacity. There were seven performers, I was familiar with three of them. Two were from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and the third is contemporary. We enjoyed an act by a comedian who had everyone in stitches.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The next morning, Fred wanted to see the Knights in Armor exhibit at the Frist Art Museum, while I wanted to go to the Country Music Hall of Fame. So, we parked in between the two locations and went our separate ways.</p>
<p><img title="country music hall of fame" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/country-music-hall-of-fame.jpg?cb=37B64017-95B7-C8DA-6186D936F6EA1D27" alt="country music hall of fame" width="800" height="488" /></p>
<p>“The CM Hall of Fame is full of memorabilia, clothing, and musical instruments of nearly every big-name country singer there ever was. Elvis’ gold-plated Cadillac was there as well as Webb Pierce’s 1962 Pontiac Bonneville, with pistols for door handles and other custom additions. There were many videos showing singers from as far back as the 1920s.</p>
<p>“I could have spent much more time watching the various videos but, when I checked in with Fred, he said the Frist Museum was closed on Wednesdays, so he was just waiting for me. He had used some of his time to visit the beautiful lobby of the Union Station Hotel which had originally been Nashville’s train station.</p>
<p>“After leaving Nashville, we drove to Clarksville to visit the Old Glory Distillery.</p>
<p><img title="old glory distillery" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/old-glory-distillery.jpg?cb=37B64027-CE72-17F0-7179082D38269291" alt="old glory distillery" width="800" height="529" /></p>
<p>It is a very new distillery and, at present, only sells to a few local liquor stores. But the distillery intends to expand its market. We had essentially a private tour as we were the only ones there and we learned about the difference between bourbon and whiskey. After the tour, we were able to taste the difference between the two, plus a few more samples of their products. We did not come away empty handed.”</p>
<p><img title="fred at the distillery" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fred-at-the-distillery.jpg?cb=37B6402B-ADF6-81F5-777C4FB16BB54563" alt="fred at the distillery" width="800" height="572" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back in the marina, the winds continued to blow but the temperatures moderated to the mid-70s, ideal for this time of year. So, the next day, they drove the rental car an hour south along the lake to the Tennessee River Fresh Water Pearl Farm and Museum. It was a disappointment, as the operations is much smaller these days, and the farm, for the most part, only raises mussels and sends the shells to Asia. They learned that the pearly parts of the shell are cut into the desired shapes, round, potato, triangular, and these pieces are poked into oysters. The oyster then forms the pearl around the inserted shape.</p>
<p>On the drive back to Paris Landing, they enjoyed the winding, scenic route through the countryside, with very few houses and no cars. Just fields of feed corn left to dry in the fields before harvesting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We decided to stay in the Paris Landing Marina an extra day on this last day in September, as Roger and Marilyn on ‘Uncle Wiggly’ wanted us to meet them for dinner at Cypress Springs Resort. We had nothing else planned for the day, so we played golf again at the state park course which we both liked very much.</p>
<p>“Roger and Marilyn are still docked back at Green Turtle Bay and drove down with another Looper couple, Chris and Cheryl on ‘Nautic Venture.’ As always, we had a very enjoyable dinner with the two couples, though both Fred and I decided we aren’t fans of cornmeal-dipped fish, which is how it is served everywhere around here.</p>
<p>“After doing a thorough boat cleaning this morning, we returned our rental car. As it was Saturday, we timed it so that one of the Enterprise employees would drive us back to the marina just before he got off work at noon. We really did not want to take the clunker taxi again.</p>
<p>“We rode our bikes over and had a nice lunch at the lodge one last time and then took off at 1:00. The plan was to go down Kentucky Lake, about 40 miles, to an anchorage Fred had found on Navionics. The ride down the lake was lovely, although I had been hoping for a little autumn color in the trees but only a few have started to turn.</p>
<p>“We started to ease our way into the little inlet where Fred had planned to anchor but when the depth under the transducer got down to 2.5 feet, we quickly backed off, leaving a cloud of mud. We continued and tried another inlet that looked promising but found the same situation. The river is lower than normal but on our third try, we got into a nice inlet 50 miles south of Paris Landing near Bunker Hill and anchored in 6 feet of water. While we could see some houses from our peaceful vantage point, we mostly felt totally alone with only a great egret as our neighbor and a beautiful crescent moon overhead.</p>
<p>“On Sunday, we woke to another gorgeous morning. We raised anchor and left at 9:30 and leisurely cruised down toward Clifton. Along the way we saw trees growing in the river, still alive after the Kentucky Dam, built in 1944, flooded the area now known as Kentucky Lake.</p>
<p><img title="elevated houses" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/elevated-homes-along-river-in-tennessee.jpg?cb=37B6403D-049C-587F-EB8D43B2A39F375C" alt="elevated houses" width="800" height="485" /></p>
<p>“Ken Lake narrowed down and became the Tennessee River with some lovely rock formations along its banks.</p>
<p><img title="rock formations" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tennessee-rock-formation.jpg?cb=37B64039-B3E4-EB0F-D631659578CFA552" alt="rock formations" width="800" height="478" /></p>
<p>In anticipation of high water, most people along the river with vacation property build tall, sturdy open sheds where they park their RVs, while others have their homes on stilts.</p>
<p>“We stopped at the Clifton RV and Marina Bar & Grill for lunch.</p>
<p><img title="clifton marine center" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/clifton-marine-park.jpg?cb=37B6402F-FCC2-B997-B7EE5CFF60A7181E" alt="clifton marine center" width="800" height="478" /></p>
<p>The marina is tucked into a tiny inlet and has a cozy restaurant alongside. We could hear good country music coming from the bar and grill, performed by an older couple. The woman had a wonderful voice, a little like Patsy Cline, and he played the guitar. What a treat, a good burger and good music too.</p>
<p><img title="Bar at Clifton" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bar-at-clifton-marine-park.jpg?cb=37B64035-A6B8-3798-EAC11189076B6FB3" alt="Bar at Clifton" width="800" height="545" /></p>
<p>“We continued and anchored behind an island in the middle of the river. The nearest landmark was the town of Savannah, TN.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: This post.</p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising Into The Tenn-Tomm</a></p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p>
<p>Update #19: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-waiting-on-parts">Waiting On Parts</a></p>
<p>Update #20: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-the-end-of-our-great-loop">The End Of Our Loop</a></p> |
Last Item: In The Middle Of The Country |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The latest update from Fred and Sidonia on their Great Loop Trip. This update finds them cruising in Tennessee. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
tennessee-the-great-loop.jpg |
2022-10-08 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
14 |
1196 |
Rob Bowman |
News |
2022-09-29 00:00:00.0 |
2022-09-29 00:00:00.0 |
242 |
[empty string] |
242 |
<p><em>This is update #15 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred arrived on Friday, September 9 at the Heritage Harbor Marina in Ottawa, just a couple of miles beyond the Marseilles lock on the Illinois River. A nice marina but a bit far from the city of Ottawa, which sits at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers. The couple really wanted to visit the downtown.</p>
<p>The city of almost 19,000 people was the site of the first debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A Douglas in 1858. Douglas was the leader of the Democratic Party at the time and was resolute in his accusations that Lincoln was secretly involved in efforts to abolish slavery.</p>
<p>Among other attributes that define Ottawa, it is well known for its high-quality sand which contributed to its increasingly important status in the sand and glass industry for over 100 years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We wanted to check out the town of Ottawa so on Saturday we moved the two miles down river and tied to the city’s wall. The Ottawa wall is only 100 feet long and not in great condition, but it is free to visitors, has electricity, and we were comfortable there.</p>
<p>“As we rode our bikes along the wall’s pathway on our way into town, Fred spotted a furry critter run into the bushes beside us. He later explained what he saw to a local man sitting nearby, who said it could be a groundhog. After looking at a picture of Punxsutawney Phil, we confirmed that Fred had indeed seen a groundhog.</p>
<p>“We rode past Washington Square, which is a very historical spot. Abraham Lincoln debated here in 1858 with Stephen Douglas.</p>
<p><img title="abraham lincoln plaque" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lincoln-douglas-debate-plaque.jpg?cb=6390B8EE-BC02-379E-0B1C69BA26DBC08F" alt="abraham lincoln plaque" width="800" height="1020" /></p>
<p>It was the first of seven debates for the senatorial race which Lincoln ended up losing. Estimates about the number in attendance for this debate are between 10,000 and 12,000. The statues of Lincoln and Douglas are surrounded by a lovely fountain in the middle of the park.</p>
<p><img title="fountain" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lincoln-fountain.jpg?cb=6390B8F2-9DA5-2F1C-BFAFC41F944F69DC" alt="fountain" width="800" height="634" /></p>
<p>There are also historic murals painted on some of the buildings in town.</p>
<p><img title="mural" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lincoln-mural.jpg?cb=6390B8F7-EE0D-A63C-ABCEDB1C806C926F" alt="mural" width="800" height="587" /></p>
<p>“We had a very good lunch at B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House. Seemed like a very strange menu combination but the restaurant was very nice, had good food and every table was filled, inside and out.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next morning, as predicted, the rain started just before sunrise, accompanied by thunder and lightning. It rained steadily for two days, so the couple mostly stayed on the boat, only venturing out to visit a local pub for lunch and watch a football game between the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. They also stopped to enjoy Thai food at a nearby restaurant. Otherwise, they stayed cozy inside the boat, watching movies, something they rarely do.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The Ottawa wall is nearly underneath the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge. After being there for three days, Last Item was very dirty. Fred hosed the worst of it off and then we took off at 7:00. Starved Rock lock is about six miles from Ottawa, and we were about halfway there when we heard that we wouldn’t be able to get through the lock until at least 8:30.</p>
<p>“We slowed to a crawl and watched white pelicans, great egrets, and great blue herons standing in the shallows. When we got closer to the lock, we dropped our anchor at the side of the channel.</p>
<p>We passed by a huge BioUrja Renewables plant, the largest industrial facility we’ve seen on the trip. This corporate giant deals with a variety of commodities from fuel to animal feed.</p>
<p><img title="renewable energy plant" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bio-urja-renewable-plant.jpg?cb=6390B90D-E8CB-149C-525504A6F0EA8EA0" alt="renewable energy plant" width="800" height="528" /></p>
<p>“A towboat with a long load of barges sat at the entrance to the lock facing upriver. We did not understand why he was just sitting there, as it was almost 9:00, but then he started moving toward us. All the waiting Looper boats were well off to the side of the channel to stay out of its way. As we finally got under way, there were close to a dozen Loopers entering the locks, so we rafted with two other boats. Four boats immediately behind us were rafted together as were even more boats rafted behind them.</p>
<p><img title="boats rafted up together" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boats-lined-up.jpg?cb=6390B8FC-EAE4-13CD-BF32E0E045DE90A0" alt="boats rafted up together" width="800" height="446" /></p>
<p>“We passed by Starved Rock State Park and would like to have been able to visit it as it is said to be very beautiful. There is a small marina there but there is no way to get into the interior of the park without a car. Back in the 1760s, as the story goes, the Illinois and Pottawatomie tribes were attending a native council. One of the Illinois braves killed Chief Pontiac of the Pottawatomie tribe, which caused a battle between them. The Illinois took refuge on a great rock here, which was then surrounded by the Pottawatomie, where the Illinois tribe held out until they died of starvation. In 1966, the park became a National Historic Landmark.</p>
<p>“It seems we’ve also entered bald eagle country. We saw lots of them today as well as many pelicans. The wading pelicans, herons, and gulls are clear signs that it is very shallow out of the channel. We saw many missing buoys which had likely been mowed down by barge traffic. Whenever we passed a barge in this area, we hugged its side to make sure we stayed inside the channel.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Next stop for Last Item is Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River. With a population of 113,000 people, it is a major trading and shipping center for many surrounding agricultural products grown in the area, including corn, soybean, and livestock. And it is also a manufacturing center for farm, building materials, and construction equipment. In fact, until 2018, Peoria was the national headquarters for Caterpillar.</p>
<p>And Peoria is known for its culture. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra is the 14th largest in the country, and there are well-known ballet companies and community and professional theaters in the area.</p>
<p>There is a great wealthy of talent, artistic expression, and manufacturing capability in the heartland of our country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We ran 65 miles today and arrived in Peoria at 1:30. We found the municipal dock is free, has power, but is not very well maintained. There were only two spaces that would accommodate our size boat and they were both taken. We went into one of the other slips, but our boat stuck out about five feet. Gator on ‘Side Tracked,’ who we met back in Trenton, was also there and his boat hung out about five feet as well. Gator came over to help us tie up and then we found we could not get off our boat very easily. Our stern hung out well beyond the slip and the finger pier was too low to allow us to easily (and safely) step off the side of the boat.</p>
<p>“We used a folding wooden chair as a step stool to get off the boat and then walked a few blocks into town. The museum and planetarium were closed and while the Caterpillar Visitors Center looked closed and empty, the doors were open. But the only room we could visit was the merchandise shop. Fred bought a Cat T-shirt since we have Caterpillar engines in our big boat back in Anacortes.</p>
<p>“We walked a little farther and came upon a Holocaust Memorial. There were eighteen star-shaped glass cases lining a pathway and each one was filled with buttons for a total of six million buttons. Each button represents one of the six million Jews who died in the holocaust. There were also five triangular glass cases also filled with another five million buttons representing those killed who were not Jewish.</p>
<p><img title="holocaust museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/peoria-holocaust-museum.jpg?cb=6390B900-D17A-30B6-E12D72CBB0C64853" alt="holocaust museum" width="800" height="425" /></p>
<p>“The sheer number of buttons had much greater impact than all the other times we’ve seen the numbers of those killed. The buttons were collected by children and other groups around the country. It was an extremely moving memorial.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next move was to continue south to Alton, Illinois, some 178 miles south of Peoria. It would make a good home base for several days so they could explore the surrounding area, including St. Louis, Missouri, a 22-mile drive away from the marina by car.</p>
<p>Once past the Peoria lock, there are not many marine services or marinas for quite a while, so they needed to fuel up before continuing south. They would likely need to spend at least one night anchored in the Illinois River before reaching Grafton, where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers converge.</p>
<p>Grafton is best remembered as one of the sleepy little towns devastated by the Great Flood of 1993, when the riverbanks overflowed to record levels and the surrounding areas were flooded out from April to October. Grafton was above flood stage for 195 days, forcing most of the residents to leave. The waters rose an unbelievable 38.2 feet, fully 20+ feet above flood stage.</p>
<p>Alton, their planned destination, was also hit hard, as the Mississippi topped out at 42.7 feet above normal. It is hard to imagine such devastation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Sunday, September 14, we found the only place we could buy fuel was back at the Illinois Yacht Club which we passed yesterday on our way to Peoria. We backtracked the four miles to get there and filled our tanks as there would be no more fuel stops for 168 miles.</p>
<p>“We were at the Peoria lock by 9:30 but had to wait for three hours for barges to get through. A former towboat operator later explained to us that when the load of barges is too long for the lock, the towboat pushes part (or half) the load to the riverside, secures it and then takes the other half though the lock and secures it to the shore there. Then the boat turns around, goes back through the lock and picks up the other half of the load, comes through and reattaches the two loads together. No wonder it takes two to three hours!</p>
<p><img title="ferry" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ferry-on-illinois-river.jpg?cb=6390B912-A7D7-3DE1-BDF2D0EB15B18583" alt="ferry" width="800" height="465" /></p>
<p>“Once we were in the lock, several more boats radioed the lockmaster that they were only about 20 minutes away and would he please wait until they got there? We finally got out of the lock at 1:00. We made pretty good time after that, slowing only to pass four big barges, an occasional fisherman, no-wake zones, and other pleasure boats. There are no marinas along this long stretch of the Illinois River so a little after 4:00pm, we anchored about a quarter of a mile upstream from the La Grange lock along the edge where the river was a little wider.</p>
<p>“We had been on the water for 7-1/2 hours, only underway 4-1/2 hours, and covered 76 miles.</p>
<p>“As far as we could see, there was nothing on shore but tree-lined river. It was so peaceful, the only sounds were cicadas in the trees and some birds singing. Through a break in the trees, we could see a berm, which prevented us from seeing anything beyond. We saw corn fields behind the trees in other spots along the river.</p>
<p>“We spent a lovely, peaceful night alone in the river. A little before 8:00 the next morning, Thursday, September 15, six Looper boats arrived at the lock so we made ready and we all locked through together with no waiting for barges. We passed an Army Corps of Engineers work boat dredging the edge of the river, its massive pump spewing dredged mud along the banks. Other than seeing some wild turkeys and passing several barges, the river was quiet.</p>
<p>“Almost all the houses we passed were on stilts. The river levels are low right now and it’s amazing to think that it could rise nearly as high as the floors of those houses.</p>
<p><img title="houses on stilts" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/houses-above-flood-water.jpg?cb=6390B916-99BF-73C8-241E5B841B58B000" alt="houses on stilts" width="800" height="524" /></p>
<p>“Several times along the Illinois River, we saw small open boats, usually in pairs with a net strung between them. When the fishermen pulled in the net we could see them tossing fish into the boats.</p>
<p><img title="fishermen" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/buffalo-fishermen.jpg?cb=6390B91A-DFC2-9C07-7B3B76D73B0A3B96" alt="fishermen" width="800" height="533" /></p>
<p>We assumed they were Asian carp, but today we pulled up close enough to talk with a couple of the fishermen. They told us they were fishing for buffalo. Since we had never heard of buffalo fish, we thought they were joking. But they do fish for buffalo fish and supply the local fish markets. It is a mild, white fish that some think tastes even better than catfish. The fishermen do catch some carp as a by-catch.</p>
<p>“Twice we saw small ferries along very long stretches of river where there are no bridges to connect the two sides.</p>
<p>“We left the Illinois River near Grafton and arrived in the Mississippi River. Almost immediately, we noticed the east side of the riverbank lined with pretty limestone/dolomite cliffs. The cliffs continued all the way to Alton, Illinois, where we arrived at the Alton Municipal Marina a little after noon.</p>
<p><img title="sandstone cliffs" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sandstone-cliff.jpg?cb=6390B91E-EEE3-61B3-2F68D774117FA29A" alt="sandstone cliffs" width="800" height="544" /></p>
<p>Alton Marina is a good-sized marina and nearly all the slips are covered, which is great as we plan to stay here for at least six days, and the temperatures are expected to remain in the ‘90s. We will use Alton as a home base and rent a car to visit the St. Louis area. How lucky we were to choose this marina, as we found they have a ‘stay three nights and get three nights free’ deal.</p>
<p>“Even without the free nights, this is the least expensive marina we have been in. It has a swimming pool and the usual amenities, and a small cafe where you can get a burger, a BLT, or a hot dog. We went for the BLT with a side of some delicious chicken salad.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Their itinerary included a lengthy visit to St. Louis, the second largest city in Missouri, located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Today it has a population of 300,000 people, which, from 1870 to 1920, was the fourth largest city in the U.S.</p>
<p>St. Louis is home to several Fortune 500 companies, such as Anheuser-Busch and Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</p>
<p>Among its many attractions, two stand out. The famous arch, the Gateway Arch, celebrates St. Louis as the gateway to the West, a tribute to the pioneers who headed westward and settled our country. Opened in 1965, the Gateway Arch is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Over four million people visit it each year, and a million of those people take the trip up to the top of the monument.</p>
<p>The other remarkable must-see attraction is the St. Louis Zoo. The zoo is home for 14,000 animals, representing 500 species. It is a superb interpretation of the model zoo concept where the animals and people get to know each other in the most humane and sustainable way possible. It is no wonder some three million guests walk its grounds each year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“This morning, September 16, we rented a car and drove 22 miles into St. Louis. It’s all about The Arch in this city, which is called The Gateway to the West. They built the Arch as a tribute to the expansion of the west. Lewis and Clark started their journey a few miles from here at Camp Dubois in Illinois, at the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.</p>
<p><img title="st. louis arch" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/st-louis-arch.jpg?cb=6390B922-BA6E-193A-AE27330548D0BB4D" alt="st. louis arch" width="800" height="688" /></p>
<p>“We got our tickets to go to the top of the arch and just barely had time for a quick bite before our tour began. We were divided into eight groups of four people. We were #1. We stood on our #1 circle until it was time to enter tram door #1. The entry door is four feet high, so we crouched down and entered the tiny capsule which had five seats very close together. With four of us in the capsule it felt very crowded. This is not for a claustrophobic person.</p>
<p>“After everyone entered their respective numbered doors and seated, we started up the arch. For four minutes we jiggled our way to the top, ears popping all the way. Through a window in the door, we could see the inner workings of the arch, pipes, electrical cabling, and ventilation ductwork.</p>
<p>“We exited our capsule at the top of the arch, 630 feet in the air, and went to the little windows to look down on the city on one side and the Mississippi River on the other. We had about ten minutes to enjoy the view before going back down.</p>
<p><img title="top of the arch" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/view-from-arch.jpg?cb=6390B926-F738-8D32-96BDC407E15252A4" alt="top of the arch" width="800" height="867" /></p>
<p>“Back on the ground, we walked through the very nice museum. Then it was our turn to go into the theater and see the movie about building the arch. Though the arch itself was fun to go inside, the movie was even more fascinating and impressed upon us what an amazing feat it was to engineer and build. Not a single worker lost his life during its construction, even though the initial casualty estimate had been up to 13.</p>
<p>“On the boat in Alton, thunder, lightning, and pouring rain woke us the next morning. Though we probably could have used the rain to wash the dust off, we stayed completely dry under our covered slip.</p>
<p>“We had a golf game scheduled for the afternoon and by then the rain was long gone. We played at Woodlands Golf Club, which was nice.</p>
<p>“At happy hour, we met with several other Loopers for docktails. There are quite a few of us here and more on the way. Most boats only stayed a night or two, but there were always more Loopers to take their place.</p>
<p>“The next day we drove back to St. Louis to visit the St. Louis Zoo, which is supposed to be one of the better zoos in the country.</p>
<p><img title="st louis zoo" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/st-louis-zoo.jpg?cb=6390B92A-A9EF-32DF-EB1F1C66A9305E00" alt="st louis zoo" width="800" height="585" /></p>
<p>The habitats are nicely done for the animals although sometimes that makes it difficult to see them. Our favorite exhibit was the penguin area because we could get so close to them. If allowed, we could have touched them.</p>
<p><img title="emperor penguins" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/emperor-penguin.jpg?cb=6390B92E-CF67-C895-9292EC0A8A01C7F8" alt="emperor penguins" width="800" height="479" /></p>
<p>“For dinner, we went to Fast Freddie’s. We had been told that it was THE place to go. We drove by it several times in our travels, and though it didn’t look like much from the outside, the parking lot was always jammed with cars. This night was no different. The area inside was lit up with neon beer and other signs. A band played in one area and the music was piped throughout the large restaurant.</p>
<p>“There are only five items on the menu, and you eat with your fingers. The food was very good, but not what you would call a balanced diet as there wasn’t one vegetable other than a grilled green pepper on our kabob.</p>
<p>“We drove back to the city the next day to visit the Anheuser-Busch plant. Its huge buildings take up several blocks.</p>
<p><img title="anheuseur busch factory" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/anheuser-busch-clock-tower.jpg?cb=6390B932-D3DD-7ED2-80A7A0F3725C3134" alt="anheuseur busch factory" width="800" height="573" /></p>
<p>The visitor center is quite nice and incorporates a small museum. Our tour took us to the original stable and the bottling area. The history of Eberhard Anheuser and Adolphus Busch was very much like that of Frederick Pabst of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Anheuser bought a brewing company having financial problems in 1860. His son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, worked for him. As Busch took on more of the workload, Anheuser renamed the company Anheuser-Busch.</p>
<p><img title="wagon" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/anheuser-busch-wagon.jpg?cb=6390B936-CDDA-A712-19AF4DE5FB1D3939" alt="wagon" width="800" height="566" /></p>
<p>“In the bottling building, we took escalators up to the sixth floor where windows overlook the plant floor. We could see hundreds and hundreds of brown bottles slowly moving along a conveyor belt where over a thousand are bottled in one minute. Farther back in the area were hundreds of cases of beer. It takes less than two hours from bottling to completed cases. At the end of the tour, we were given a can of beer.</p>
<p>“The second tour was to the original stable. This stable is not used much anymore as the horses live offsite on farms. We had already been through it on the first tour, but this was a more in-depth tour with a big perk at the end.</p>
<p>“In 1933, six Clydesdale draft horses were given to August Busch by his sons to commemorate the end of prohibition of beer. The company arranged to have a second hitch of six sent to New York, loaded with cases of beer. A case was given to former New York governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation for his fight against prohibition.</p>
<p><img title="clydesdale horse" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/clydesdale.jpg?cb=6390B93A-0BD1-0542-5811932BA2B4ADD6" alt="clydesdale horse" width="800" height="514" /></p>
<p>“The stable is beautiful. A ring of stalls surrounds a central area with a stunning solid brass chandelier overhead. A separate room is lined with more than a dozen glass cases enclosing the tack from retired horses. Each horse is custom fitted with its own tack and it costs $100,000 to outfit a hitch of eight horses. The hitch drivers have extensive training and must be physically fit as they must endure the horses pulling the forty pounds of lines that they hold.</p>
<p><img title="stables" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/center-of-stables.jpg?cb=6390B944-0CC9-2B91-74B93B039403D201" alt="stables" width="800" height="443" /></p>
<p>“The perk of this second tour is when one of the fabulous draft horses is brought out. Everyone on the tour can have a turn admiring, stroking, and talking to this beautiful animal and, of course, having their photo op. The horses are incredibly pampered, from their wonderful living quarters, special feed, and fancy traveling vehicles, to being thoroughly bathed, brushed, and combed from top to bottom.</p>
<p>“We all thought it would be rather nice to live life as a Budweiser Clydesdale.</p>
<p><img title="stables for busch clydesdales" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/stables.jpg?cb=6390B940-008A-C119-9F2462201CE10424" alt="stables for busch clydesdales" width="800" height="487" /></p>
<p>“Back on the boat in Alton, the 90-degree weather continued along with the humidity. We did some grocery shopping and then returned our rental car. We filled up with fuel for the long run to our next stop.</p>
<p>“We spent the rest of Tuesday in the air-conditioned comfort of our Nimbus Coupe.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: This Post</p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p> |
Last Item: Exploring The Heartland |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
On their Great Loop trip, Fred and Sidonia are now heading into Peoria and Alton, Illinois. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
peoria-great-loop-trip.jpg |
2022-09-29 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-exploring-the-heartland |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
15 |
1195 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-09-23 00:00:00.0 |
2022-09-23 00:00:00.0 |
241 |
[empty string] |
241 |
<p><em>This is update #14 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is early September, and Sidonia and Fred have enjoyed their time in Wisconsin and all it has to offer the curious cruiser. But it is time to move on, and Chicago is next stop on the Loop map. As Kenosha is a suburb of Chicago, it is a quick trip down Lake Michigan’s western coast to reach the Chicago area, where they had made reservations at Belmont Harbor, the largest harbor in the Chicago Harbors system. With over 800 slips, the large facility is home to three yacht clubs, including <a href="https://www.chicagoyachtclub.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Yacht Club’s</a> own Belmont Station.</p>
<p>But before they left Kenosha ahead of the Labor Day weekend, they found the town inundated with classic cars and motorcycles. The 19th annual Classic Cruise-In was in town, attracting over 8,000 people to look at the collection of classic vehicles, which routinely exceeds 1,000 cars every year, according to the Kenosha News.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Yesterday, we learned that there was going to be a car show right near the marina. We both enjoy car shows, especially Fred. So, instead of getting under way at 9:00 as originally planned, we went to the car show. There were roughly four square blocks of cars on exhibit lining both sides of the street near the marina, all polished to perfection.</p>
<p><img title="Kenosha car show" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kenosha-car-show.jpg?cb=356B4696-00E3-DD72-B3A94F7FA924E35E" alt="Kenosha car show" width="800" height="466" /></p>
<p>“Lake Michigan was as nice as one could ask for on the way to Chicago and we were docked at Belmont Harbor by noon. We couldn’t get over the density of the population here, block after block of high-rise condos and apartments. The good thing is the amount of open space all along the lakefront. There is a highway across the harbor from us, with the noise of constant traffic sounding like water rushing down a stream. Other than that, it is quite a peaceful place to be.</p>
<p><img title="downtown chicago by the water" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sightseeing-boats.jpg?cb=356B469E-B16F-F146-198E02A146D5F742" alt="downtown chicago by the water" width="800" height="799" /></p>
<p>“The next morning was a rainy Sunday, September 4. We thought about going to the Willis Tower today. But the tops of the taller buildings were lost in the clouds. Everyone told us we needed to go to the Navy Pier instead. While we didn’t think it would be something we would enjoy, we took an Uber ride down to it.</p>
<p>“We were very glad to see that we could walk the entire length under a roof as it rained steadily. We strolled to the far end and back and then had a delicious fried chicken lunch at Art Smith’s Reunion Restaurant (former chef for Oprah and Jeb Bush).</p>
<p>“Later in the afternoon, we took a long bike ride along one of the waterfront pathways. I nearly got run down by a bicyclist going at about 30 miles an hour and then Fred took a tumble when we were crossing some grass. He hit a hole camouflaged by the grass. It took some skin off his arm but otherwise he was okay.</p>
<p>“We read articles in the <a href="https://www.greatloop.org/" target="_blank">AGLCA</a> forum about how bugs are a big problem here. Since our <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> Coupe is most always screened in, we haven’t noticed or suffered from a bug problem. But we have had lots of spiders over the past several weeks. Everyone complains about them. I don’t like spiders, but at least these are very small and seem to prefer staying on the outside of the boat, thank goodness.</p>
<p>“The problem is that they leave little smears of poop down the windows and on the outside cabin walls. They hide inside the upper window ledges where we can’t see them. The poop isn’t hard to get off, but it is a losing battle. Clean one day and there’s more the next. And when I untie a line from one of our cleats after being docked for a couple of days, two or three tiny spiders run out.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spiders aside, there is a lot to experience in Chicago, and it is a shame so many Loopers rush through the area before they have time to see the interesting and unique sights. For many, the Willis Tower is the main attraction. For 25 years, it was the world’s tallest building when completed in 1974. Originally known as the Sears Tower, it is now the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its Skydeck observation deck attracts a million visitors each year, and is the highest such deck in the U.S.</p>
<p>But there are many other noteworthy attractions in the Windy City, and visitors can spend days or even weeks exploring this business and cultural center of the Midwest.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We extended our time on Monday so we could go up the Willis Tower, but there were no tickets available. As it turned out, the top of the building was still in the clouds and we would again not had a view of the city below.</p>
<p>“Though we were disappointed about the Willis Tower, it turned out to be a good thing. We decided to go to Fields’ Natural History Museum and we were so glad we did.</p>
<p><img title="natural history museum in chicago" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fields-natural-history-museum.jpg?cb=356B46A6-0859-D818-FB3CDF24BAB20D58" alt="natural history museum in chicago" width="800" height="545" /></p>
<p>What amazing collections they have! We saw Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. It is over 40 feet long and stands 13 feet tall. Amazingly, the skeleton is over 90 percent complete.</p>
<p><img title="Hintze Hall - museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hintze-hall.jpg?cb=356B46AA-C8AB-5D1B-BCEB74672C09E8F9" alt="Hintze Hall - museum" width="800" height="545" /></p>
<p>“The bird and animal collections are also wonderful and there is so much more. We were there for five hours and didn’t take it all in, but our backs began to complain.</p>
<p>“On Tuesday morning, we were excited to leave Chicago and start down the river system. We got an early start at 8:00. The first lock is between Lake Michigan and the start of the Chicago River. We had taken the tour through downtown Chicago before we arrived but it was still fun to do it in our own boat. Once we were out of the downtown area though, the interesting scenery turned into an industrial landscape for miles.</p>
<p><img title="nimbus cruising in chicago" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/asian-carp-signs.jpg?cb=356B46B7-EFA3-0BDE-B9116162622E5132" alt="nimbus cruising in chicago" width="800" height="467" /></p>
<p>“A sign posted alongside the canal told recreational boaters that we were passing the first electric fish barrier. These barriers were placed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2010 to prevent the invasive Asian carp from getting into Lake Michigan and beyond. The expensive project is hoped to be at least 85 percent effective in stopping the fish from passing these barriers. While they do not electrocute the fish, they hopefully pose enough of a deterrent to keep the majority of these invasive carp from moving past the ship canal into Lake Michigan.</p>
<p><img title="electric fish sign" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/electric-fish-barriers.jpg?cb=356B46BB-A80B-11AD-0B1FBF9222916583" alt="electric fish sign" width="800" height="502" /></p>
<p>“We passed mountains of gravel on the land and endless lines of barges. The barges are filled with gravel, coal, and other material and they line the canal walls. Cranes work nonstop to move gravel to and from barges. The towboats (we don’t know why they are called towboats as they actually push the barges) push three or more pairs of barges at the same time up and down the waterway.</p>
<p><img title="big barge on great loop trip" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/600-foot-long-barge.jpg?cb=356B46BF-E356-54C3-B11745F411CAAE7D" alt="big barge on great loop trip" width="800" height="435" /></p>
<p>“We finally came to an empty stretch with nothing but bushes and trees lining the water’s edge. At some point, the Chicago River becomes the Des Plains River. By about 1:30, we were at Lockport, the second lock, but we were held up for over two hours while they shuffled commercial barges around. We were losing our enthusiasm for the waterway when the lockmaster called for all PCs (pleasure craft) to enter. It was a relief.</p>
<p>“The commercial locks are quite different from what we’ve been through in the Erie, Oswego, and Trent-Severn canals. They are 600 feet long and 110 feet wide. Instead of ropes or cables hanging down to grab, there are bollards the ‘float’ on the canal wall to loop your line around. Since the bollards are far apart, you can only loop around a bollard using a midship line. (Subsequent locks had lines hanging down as well as the bollards, but the lines are not secured to the bottom of the lock. You hang onto the line which slides through your hands on the way down. It makes it more difficult to stay close to the lock wall. Sometimes we had to use our own lines.)</p>
<p>“It took us 8-1/2 hours to go 38 miles. We tied to the wall in Joliet for the night with five other Loopers. The shorepower was free and there is even a small park alongside.</p>
<p>“We took off from the Joliet wall on Wednesday, September 7 at 8:00 only to learn that the Branden Road Lock was again closed between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. While in Kenosha, we heard there would be a couple of random days of closure, but we never checked what those days were. So, we turned around and retied to the wall in Joliet. Most of the other Loopers had up to date information and transited the Branden lock before 6:00 am.</p>
<p>“Since we could not continue, we rode our bikes into town and had lunch at a very nice restaurant named ‘Juliet.’ We also passed by a lovely, old Rialto theater and the local courthouse. Old Joliet prison, reminiscent of ‘The Blues Brothers,’ would have been fun to see but it was too far away for us to get to on our bikes.</p>
<p><img title="Old Rialto Theater" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rialto-theater.jpg?cb=356B46C7-AD6E-E455-3F726D3AF8136D00" alt="Old Rialto Theater" width="800" height="932" /></p>
<p>“The next morning brought another beautiful day, but we didn’t really know what to do with ourselves. There is a Harrah’s casino nearby but that is of no interest to us. We rode our bikes up to Haley House, hoping for a tour, but found they only do private wedding and special events. We kept riding through the area neighborhoods and found a very nice Mexican grocery store with great vegetables.</p>
<p><img title="Haley House" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/haley-house.jpg?cb=356B46C3-B1A0-24A7-35AA359C48C7DC21" alt="Haley House" width="800" height="563" /></p>
<p>“Back at the boat, it was about 1:30 when I noticed two of our fellow Looper boats leave the wall and head toward the Brandon lock. We quickly called the lock and were told there was an opening.</p>
<p>So, we raced around, unplugging and untying the boat and quickly took off. I also called Springbrook Marina, about 30 miles farther down the river, to make sure we had a place to stay for the night.</p>
<p>There was no way we could make it to Ottawa before dark. All went well and we locked through with ‘C-Marie’ and ‘Jolly Green.’”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Distances and perspectives are so different when viewed from the helm of a boat compared to how we normally travel in this part of the country. Springbrook Marina is only about an hour’s drive to Chicago by car yet is an entirely different experience by boat. The Lockport Lock and Dam complex is located at Mile Marker 291, for example, with the Brandon Road Lock and Dam at MM 286. Five miles is hardly noticeable when traveling by car, yet despite the high-speed capability of the Nimbus Coupe, one’s day must be planned around these locations, complicated by the travel constraints imposed by the ongoing work of the Army Corps of Engineers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We were very happy to be on our way again. Once out of the Brandon lock, the industrial landscape soon faded into lush green riversides. There were very few barges tied along the edges and we passed only a couple of moving barges on our way southwest to Springbrook. We ran for just 3-1/2 hours and covered almost 30 miles.</p>
<p><img title="illinois river" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/algae-on-the-river.jpg?cb=356B46CB-F3A7-6FC8-6FB56D1CC4F54F56" alt="illinois river" width="800" height="537" /></p>
<p>“Springbrook Marina is a small but very nice marina and can accommodate boats of our size but not much bigger. They have a restaurant where we had a very good ribeye as we celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. At dinner on the balcony, we struck up a conversation with another Looper couple who were just about at the end of their loop. There are many multiple-time Loopers and this couple planned on doing parts of it again.</p>
<p>“Before leaving the next morning, Fred went to the store at the marina to see if they had a replacement shear pin for the outboard. They didn’t have one, but they did have life jackets. All the locks from Chicago on down require you to wear a life jacket while outside your boat in the locks. I had forgotten to bring our nice inflatable ones and had to use the awful, bulky orange horse-collar kind.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While the new one he bought isn’t inflatable, it is the same kind wake boarders and waterskiers use and so is much less bulky.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“As we prepared to get under way, Kevin, the marina service director, came by to say hello and to give us some helpful advice about the downriver canal leading into the Marseilles lock. There are no buoys to mark the shallow area, and the water on the south side of the canal gets down to one foot. There are rocks in these shallow waters, not mud. Kevin said many boats have returned to the marina for repairs. While he likes people to come back to his marina, he prefers it not be for this reason.</p>
<p>“We were lucky enough to come up on a towboat headed down the canal. It had no barges and Fred followed in its wake all the way. We knew the route this working boat took would also be good for us.</p>
<p>“The captain of the towboat asked us to enter the lock first and when he came in behind us, instead of putting his side to the wall and securing to a bollard like we did, he turned crossways, putting his bow against the wall and the captain kept the boat in gear the whole time the lock was emptying.</p>
<p><img title="towboat at Marseilles lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/towboat-in-marseilles-lock.jpg?cb=356B46CF-C144-4842-50B6FC9B04E7B17C" alt="towboat at Marseilles lock" width="800" height="404" /></p>
<p>“As we entered the harbor at Heritage Harbor Marina, about two mile past the Marseilles lock, we noticed several big splashes. We were seeing the dreaded Asian carp for the first time. As boats entered the marina harbor, it seems to excite the carp and they start jumping. From a distance, their silvery bodies look like the salmon we are used to seeing in the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<p>“By 11:30 we were safely docked at Heritage Harbor Marina in Ottawa and enjoying a nice lunch at the Red Dog Grill. All in all, it took us less that two hours to cover the 8 miles between Springbrook Marina and Heritage Harbor.</p>
<p>“Late that afternoon, we noticed a huge V formation of Canadian geese flying south, way overhead, high in the sky. Then another group followed, and then four more groups. There must have been close to a thousand geese all flying together. It was quite a sight.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Check out all of the Great Loop Boats on the app NEBO staying at the Heritage Harbor Marina!)</em></p>
<p><img title="great loop boats on app nebo" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/great-loop-boats-at-heritage-harbor-marina.jpg?cb=356B46D3-D1D6-D6EA-490638F4788EB366" alt="great loop boats on app nebo" width="787" height="988" /></p>
<p>“This is a sign of the change of seasons. Cooler weather is on the way.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: This Post</p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p>
<p>Update #18: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-the-gulf-of-mexico">On To The Gulf Of Mexico</a></p> |
Last Item: Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Fred and Sidonia have moved into the Chicago, Illinois part of their Great Loop cruise. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
chicago-illinois-great-loop.jpg |
2022-09-23 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
16 |
1189 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
2022-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
235 |
[empty string] |
235 |
<p><em>This is update #12 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After enjoying the company and local knowledge of friends Walt and Tiggy, Sidonia and Fred were ready to move on from Fish Creek.</p>
<p>One of the issues the couple must deal with, as do all other Loopers currently on Lake Michigan, is the closure of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. One of eight locks in the Illinois Waterway, these locks are well past their 50-year lifespan since they were built in the 1920–1930s.</p>
<p>Significant upgrades and repair work are scheduled to take place next summer in 2023, but some repairs are being done now, and the Brandon lock is not scheduled to fully reopen for commercial and recreational traffic until late September or early October. There may be some limited and restricted openings beginning in early September, but they will likely occur off hours, such as during a 6pm to 6am window. This is being carefully monitored.</p>
<p>Until then, there is no point rushing down Lake Michigan.</p>
<p>So, the crew of Last Item has slowed down their travel pace and will gunkhole down the Wisconsin coast in the interim, stopping every 25 miles or so. While they may stop at towns that are not traditional tourist stops, they do represent Americana at its best, slices of honest American life and industry, and worth of a visit on their own.</p>
<p>Over the course of nine days, Last Item only traveled about 125 miles down Lake Michigan, from Fish Creek to Port Washington, but still about 100 miles north of Chicago and the beginning of the Illinois Waterway. They hope it reopens as expected late September.</p>
<p>Once it opens, they will give the bunched-up Loopers several days to get through, and then take their time and continue south.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Friday, August 12th, we made the short jaunt from Fish Creek to Sturgeon Bay on a nice, calm Green Bay. Before reaching the marina, we passed the huge Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding piers.</p>
<p><img title="fincantieri bay shipbuilding piers factory" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fincantieri-bay-shipbuilding.jpg?cb=8F2A8034-924D-D9CC-6B37D659CD4A8FEF" alt="fincantieri bay shipbuilding piers factory" width="800" height="471" /></p>
<p>FBS builds many different types of commercial and military vessels, and barges. These vessels include large warships, frigates, minesweepers, drug interdiction boats, floating barracks, as well as research and support ships for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, law enforcement, and research organizations.</p>
<p>“We docked at Skipper Bud’s Harbor Club Marina next to the Michigan Street bridge. It is a good-sized marina and well kept.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Lighthouse at entrance to Sturgeon Bay Canal from Lake Michigan.)</em></p>
<p><img title="lighthouse at entrance to sturgeon bay" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lighthouse-entrance-to-sutrgeon-bay.jpg?cb=8F2A8058-DDB4-2A66-DF53A37CB774F351" alt="lighthouse at entrance to sturgeon bay" width="800" height="492" /></p>
<p>“We awoke the next morning after it rained all night. At around 6:00am, it started pounding down with lightning and thunder which lasted well into early afternoon. Needless to say, no one at the marina stirred. Even the mallards in the marina hid under the docks and the American white pelicans were bunched up together in the canal. When the rain eventually let up, there was a parade of people walking their dogs to make a fast trip on shore. We stayed aboard our <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> cruiser the entire day.</p>
<p>“The next morning proved a no-show as well. The rains from the previous day were replaced with gusty winds, far too strong to safely venture back out onto Lake Michigan. So, we stayed put for another day. At least it was nice enough to get off the boat and take a bike ride around town. Most of the shops near the marina were closed but we did have a nice lunch at Kitty O’Reilly’s. The grocery store and other shops were farther away than either of us wanted to go on our bikes.</p>
<p>“The Door County Maritime Museum is right next to Skipper Bud’s Harbor Club Marina.</p>
<p><img title="door county maritime museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/door-county-maritime-museum.jpg?cb=8F2A8038-BD12-CAE3-3F068D6226757D2A" alt="door county maritime museum" width="800" height="486" /></p>
<p>It was built to resemble a lighthouse, and each of its 10 floors is dedicated to some aspect of life of the Door County lakes: shipwrecks, life underwater, recreational boating, ship building, commerce, navigation, people of the water, the working waterfront, and an observation deck.</p>
<p><img title="view from museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/view-from-museum.jpg?cb=8F2A803C-0823-8B56-19E2B87FBF104F9C" alt="view from museum" width="800" height="497" /></p>
<p>It is all nicely done and not overwhelming. There is also the option to tour the 149’ tug ‘John Purves’ although it was closed when we were there.”</p>
<p><em>(Below: A machine used for seaweed control.)</em></p>
<p><img title="seaweed machine" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/seaweed-machine.jpg?cb=8F2A8040-DCC0-6ED4-613E9718976D912F" alt="seaweed machine" width="800" height="456" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next obvious stop on their slow travels south was Kewaunee, another 28 or so miles from Sturgeon Bay. The seas were calm when Last Item made the run. They found there was no room at the local marina, but there was wall space (with power) across the river. They rode their bikes back over to the marina office to check in and then have lunch at the only restaurant open on Mondays, the Waterfront Grill.</p>
<p>By now the couple realized that during this trip, they tended to have lunch whenever they arrive at a new town. It is now their routine after they check in, and it works for them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After lunch, we rode our bikes along the wetlands/river trail loop past acres of cattails. We saw our first bald eagles of the trip, a pair of immatures performing mock air battles. The trail extends much farther but the loop was just the right distance for the charge of the batteries on our little bikes.</p>
<p>“Also docked against the wall is the 115-foot seagoing tugboat ‘Ludington.’</p>
<p><img title="tug boat named ludington" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tug-boat-named-ludington.jpg?cb=8F2A805C-FF3A-95B8-C75FBED28F33364F" alt="tug boat named ludington" width="800" height="509" /></p>
<p>It was built in WWII and towed ammunition barges during the Normandy invasion of France in 1944. The tug is open for self-guided tours, so we climbed aboard.</p>
<p>“Though I don’t like the over-used word ‘awesome,’ I can’t think of a better way to describe the inner workings of this rugged, little ship. The engine room is a maze of pipes, valves, wiring, and mechanical equipment, not to mention the huge eight-cylinder diesel engine.</p>
<p><img title="engine room of tug boat ludington" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ludington-engine-room.jpg?cb=8F2A8060-B792-1955-A6BFFDDE4B824E66" alt="engine room of tug boat ludington" width="800" height="807" /></p>
<p>We wondered how the engineers figured out how to fit so much equipment into such a tightly organized small space. The living quarters were spartan, to say the least, the bunks narrow with no railings to keep crew members from rolling out.</p>
<p>“During our run down from Sturgeon Bay, we had passed three other Looper boats, which arrived after us and were now also docked on the wall.</p>
<p><img title="loopers tied up on the wall" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/loopers-on-the-wall.jpg?cb=8F2A8064-9539-2D32-37281838760274F0" alt="loopers tied up on the wall" width="800" height="810" /></p>
<p>We met Jack & JoAnn on ‘Jackpot,’ Kevin & Lisa on ‘Skafos,’ and Rod & Diana on ‘Nibi-Dancer.’ We gathered on the wall for a couple of hours of docktails. Fred noticed that several of the group looked like walking wounded. One had tripped at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and suffered a badly bruised foot. Another had a hand injury. But the most unlikely injury was a bad knee from getting tangled in a fishing line. He was riding past a boy who was fishing, just as the boy was casting his line. The line wound around his neck causing him to fall off his bike.</p>
<p>“The next day, we had calm seas on our run to Manitowoc, an hour’s cruise to make the 25 miles to the new port. We did our usual check-in, and then had lunch. The marina staff recommended Ryan’s on York.</p>
<p>“It wasn’t at all the mid-end restaurant we expected. It was listed as a gastropub and served mostly Asian & Indian-flavored foods. There was quite a variety of naan-wrapped items, which we enjoyed very much. The clientele was interesting: several sporting dreadlocks and others had lots of body art, as well as mainstream ladies having lunch during a shopping break.</p>
<p>“Later in the day, we rode a good two miles to the Piggly Wiggly supermarket and back. We both wore backpacks, and Fred’s pack weighed about 30 pounds on the way back. About a mile from the marina, the battery on Fred’s e-bike began to falter. He suggested we trade bikes as the weight difference most likely caused his battery to run down faster than mine. That worked, but we barely made it back to the marina before the battery was exhausted.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The couple stayed another day in Manitowoc and explored more of what the town had to offer, although none of these towns are particularly focused on tourism. While there is a maritime museum and other historical sights that highlight the shipbuilding history of Lake Michigan, the town is not on the typical cruising itinerary.</p>
<p>And that is the jewel of this trip, in my opinion, and perhaps the gem of cruising in general. When circumstances force an unforeseen change in one’s plans, one often finds the best of all comes from the unexpected.</p>
<p>The closure of the locks in Chicago forced all Loopers to seek alternative destinations, and visit places not normally considered along the Great Loop. But exploring places not on the cruising wishlist can yield unforeseen treasures. And that is the case no matter how one travels.</p>
<p>I was once driving cross country, westward towards a new job on the West Coast. I started having difficulties crossing the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. The altitude was wrecking havoc with the settings on my diesel engine. It would all soon come to a stop in Cheyenne unless I could find the nearest dealer. It turned out the dealer happened to be a state away, in Greeley, Colorado to be exact. Not having much choice, I retraced my steps to get on US 85, which took me south to Greeley.</p>
<p>The memory today is still fresh. Within 30 seconds of arriving in Greeley, I knew that if the dealer could not fix my car, it didn’t matter. The heck with the new job in Seattle. I would spend the rest of my life here. Everything about the place was a wonderland in my eyes. The clean air, the distant mountains, the friendly people on the street and at the dealer… The clean, vibrant town spoke to me.</p>
<p>And that is the case along the Wisconsin coast of Lake Michigan. Sturgeon Bay, Kawaunee, Manitowac, Sheboygan, and Port Washington, each a unique town. And for travelers who find themselves on the streets of any of these Midwest’s treasures, it is as rewarding as moving from one tourist town to the next, down the magenta line.</p>
<p>Each of these towns is about the American dream, settled by people looking to create the good life for their families, then and to come. And each town has something in its history or other highlight that makes it special in its own way.</p>
<p>Manitowac is Wisconsin’s Maritime Capital, which highlights the rich shipbuilding history of Lake Michigan. It also has local museums and exhibits that celebrate its history and cultural heritage, including a long history as a Native American crossroads before pioneers settled the region.</p>
<p>Sheboygan is known as the Bratwurst Capital, for the obvious reason that its population has a love affair with this food staple that is center to much of its cuisine. It is also called the Malibu of the Midwest, as surfing is surprisingly good off the Lake Michigan beaches. And while Port Washington is not considered the capital of anything, it is home to six golf courses, numerous charter fishing companies, wreck diving, lighthouse museums and cultural centers, state parks, bike and hiking trails, nature reserves, and all those things that make a town a pleasure to live in.</p>
<p>Check out this short video of Sheboygan, although it might be fitting for many of these Midwest towns: </p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Td5Y54wocKw" width="760" height="515" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>So, let’s continue the journal of Last Item as they travel down the Wisconsin coast.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Manitowoc Marina is almost completely enclosed in a breakwater and is a nice location and quiet. There are no parties or loud music. There is a long waterfront park and a six-mile walking/bike path called Mariners’ Trail.</p>
<p>“We lunched again at Ryan’s and then rode a couple of miles to Manitowoc’s Lincoln Park Zoo.</p>
<p><img title="lincoln park zoo" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lincoln-park-zoo.jpg?cb=8F2A8050-CE54-4438-82A541B1C782B1A0" alt="lincoln park zoo" width="719" height="892" /></p>
<p>The zoo is small, only twelve acres, and has paved trails through its woods. This time of year, many of the enclosures are empty and overgrown. Among the few animals we saw are some domestic animals, two beautiful cougars, and a lynx. The zoo has a long-range goal to emphasize conservation and education.</p>
<p>“Every day at noon, the 410-foot cruise ship ‘S.S. Badger’ arrives in Manitowoc.</p>
<p><img title="cruise ship badger" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cruise-ship.jpg?cb=8F2A804C-C51D-4E5F-5CC7C10712598FDB" alt="cruise ship badger" width="800" height="403" /></p>
<p>It makes the four-hour run from Ludington, Michigan, carrying people and vehicles, once a day between Ludington and Manitowac. It has the distinction of being the last coal-fired steamship in the U.S. It arrives in Manitowoc at noon, stays for two hours and then returns to Ludington.</p>
<p>“On August 18th, we once again had good seas for the one-hour ride from Manitowac to Sheboygan. After checking in, we rode over for lunch at Parker John’s BBQ, along the Deland Park bike path. Almost all the waterfront towns we’ve visited have nicely developed paths or trails along their waterfront areas.</p>
<p>“Walt and Tiggy introduced us to cheese curds. While we were skeptical at first, it turns out we like them. Parker John’s had pretty good ones.</p>
<p>“Having been in the commercial plumbing business, we felt an obligation to visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. The center is made up of artist-built environments, a bit different from the usual art museum exhibits. The environments ranged from the unusual to the bizarre. Fred and I particularly liked the museum’s artistic interpretations of bathrooms.</p>
<p><img title="artistic bathroom" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bathroom-at-art-center.jpg?cb=8F2A8068-A5AB-D996-639101CE7CD91414" alt="artistic bathroom" width="800" height="541" /></p>
<p>Commissioned to make the facility’s six washrooms into unique works of art, the selected artists worked as part of the Arts/Industry residency artist program from nearby industry leader Kohler Company.</p>
<p>“Across the street from the museum, a band warmed up on stage and a crowd was gathering. Part of the street was blocked off and filled with a variety of food trucks lining both sides of the street. The aromas wafting from the food trucks were heavenly and we were sorry we had just had our lunch.</p>
<p><img title="food truck row" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/food-truck-row.jpg?cb=8F2A8054-A480-CCC3-B4DF9F74A18771D3" alt="food truck row" width="800" height="438" /></p>
<p>“Our bike tires were getting low, so we rode several more blocks to the nearest gas station. Fred put in the required $2.00 for air but the only air that came out was from the bike tire when Fred attached the hose. Now the tire was flat. The station’s clerk said they didn’t own the air pumps, weren’t responsible, and to call the phone number on the pump. Fred got bounced around through several messages and got nowhere. He gave up and had to walk his bike all the way back to the marina. Going slowly the rest of the way, however, gave us a different perspective and a good look at the many lovely homes from the early 1900s on the tree-lined streets.</p>
<p>“We would have liked to spend at least one more day in Sheboygan, but we have an appointment in Kenosha for oil changes on our main engines a couple of days from now. We have also reserved a rental car as we planned to stay there for a week or more.</p>
<p>“Lake Michigan wasn’t as nice today with two footers, sometimes a little more, and they were pretty much on the nose. But we arrived in Port Washington a little over an hour later and were glad to be out of these bumpy seas.</p>
<p>“Fred made the trip to town with his nearly flat bike tire and got it pumped up. By the time he got back, we were hungry, so off we went for lunch at The Schooner Pub on the waterfront.</p>
<p>“Later, we rode up Franklin Street, the main street of town.</p>
<p><img title="franklin street" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/franklin-street-sheboygan.jpg?cb=8F2A806E-BE25-487A-C2D8B0B3BA373F37" alt="franklin street" width="800" height="548" /></p>
<p>It stretches from the waterfront up a hill past St. Mary’s Church, which is a very visible landmark. Veteran’s Memorial Park is a large park along the waterfront and includes picnic and play areas.</p>
<p><img title="veterans memorial park" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/veterans-park-in-port-washington.jpg?cb=8F2A8072-F00D-7B1D-8F85AC2E9CBB3027" alt="veterans memorial park" width="800" height="517" /></p>
<p>“The next morning, Saturday, August 20th, there was a good downpour, but it cleared as it got closer to noon, so we ventured back out. We meandered through a good local farmers’ market held every Saturday. The vegetables looked so fresh I wanted to load up, but we just didn’t have that much room left in the galley. We did buy some maple syrup from a man whose farm is only a few miles from here.</p>
<p>“We spotted Beanie’s Mexican Restaurant and headed straight for it. We haven’t had Mexican food since we left home. It was quite good. The weather started sprinkling on our way back to the boat and continued the rest of the day.</p>
<p>“The town of Port Washington really appealed to both of us. It is a nice size, has a very pleasant marina, a good variety of shops and restaurants, yet it isn’t jammed with tourists.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: This Post</p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Fred and Sidonia head down the Wisconsin coast on their Great Loop Trip. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
sturgeon-bay-the-great-loop.jpg |
2022-08-31 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
17 |
1187 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-08-21 00:00:00.0 |
2022-08-21 00:00:00.0 |
232 |
[empty string] |
232 |
<p><em>This is update #11 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we last left Sidonia and Fred on their Nimbus cruiser, they were struggling to enter the U.S. after their travels in Canada. The spectacular waters and scenery of the Ontario waterways certainly created lasting memories, as they had hoped, but their Great Loop now brought them back into the U.S.</p>
<p>On Monday, August 1st, the official hot line was again open, and they were finally able to speak with customs agents. Together, they worked through the issues of not having the vessel decal they should have obtained before leaving the American border. But now that was no longer an issue, and they were back in country.</p>
<p>They spent the first day back in De Tours Harbor, riding their electric bikes around the small town and decompressing from the busy days of travel in Ontario. After a lunch with a good ole’ hamburger at the De Tour Village Inn, they visited a local market where they restocked the fresh vegetables they had been forced to get rid of before crossing the border.</p>
<p>They continue to come across other Loopers on all kinds of big and small boats. Even so, they were surprised to see an unusual cruiser that came in during the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“There is a boat docked across from us that is also doing The Loop. It is no more than 20 feet long, if that. We didn’t see it arrive last evening but today it is completely covered with canvas. We can only imagine what it must be like inside, chilly and dark with only four tiny plastic windows in the canvas over the bow. The desire must be strong to do the Great Loop with those accommodations.”</p>
<p><img title="crazy boat on great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/crazy-great-loop-boat.jpg?cb=8D5AF65D-FA9F-1715-077DA5B1A4CC22E8" alt="crazy boat on great loop" width="800" height="566" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But now enjoying the familiarity of being back in the U.S., the crew of Last Item were ready to continue their journey and see what new was around the next corner. For Loopers and all other cruisers who have come this far, there is one destination that beckons stronger than most other attractions along the Great Loop. It is steeped in history, was center stage in a classic movie love story years ago and represents the peak of Lake Michigan highlights: Mackinac Island.</p>
<p>Mackinac Island is located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas, although it is still in Lake Huron. It is one of the last places on Huron before crossing into Lake Michigan. The island is famous for its trails and woods as part of Mackinac Island State Park. It is the home of Fort Mackinac, originally built by the French, and later run by the British, to control the fur trade in the Great Lakes during the early 18th and 19th centuries.</p>
<p>Motorized vehicles have been banned on the island for well over 100 years, and only bicycle and horse travel are allowed. The 8.2-mile perimeter road around the island is the only state highway in the country that does not allow motor vehicles.</p>
<p>And, of course, there is the magnificent Grand Hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1887. It is a landmark that still holds onto the lavish lifestyle of a long-gone era. It is on the bucket list of a great many people, whether they are Loopers or not.</p>
<p><img title="The Grand Hotel" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/grand-hotel.jpg?cb=8D5AF665-B41E-20FC-B289F30EA73189DB" alt="The Grand Hotel" width="800" height="514" /></p>
<p>To answer the often-asked question, it does not matter whether it is spelled Mackinac or Mackinaw, the island is pronounced “Mackinaw.” Always.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We left De Tour Harbor on August 2nd, on a beautiful sunny day. We arrived at Mackinac Island in just an hour and a half. We were told on the phone they didn’t take reservations, but we hoped to get a slip in the chance that one became available after another cruiser left, which is precisely what happened. We later learned that one can indeed make reservations, but for only one day at a time.</p>
<p>“Mackinac Island is very special because they do not allow any motorized vehicles (fire and police aside). From the marina we could see the horse-drawn carriages going by and hear gun and canon fire from Fort Michilimackinac (Fort Mackinac) just up the hill from the marina.</p>
<p><img title="Mackinac Island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/mackinack-island.jpg?cb=8DA38E4A-D304-497A-FCB1CF754F3E2912" alt="Mackinac Island" width="800" height="464" /></p>
<p>“We couldn’t wait to get into town, but it was a bit of a shock after all the quiet little villages we’ve been to in the past two months. The sidewalks were literally packed with people, most of whom came from the multiple passenger ferries that travel back and forth from the mainland. And the streets were crowded with bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. We had to be careful crossing the street, so we didn’t get hit by bike riders, some of whom were so wobbly they clearly hadn’t been on a bicycle in a very long time.</p>
<p>“Despite the crowds, Mackinac Island is unique and charming. There are homes from the early 1800s as well as ones that date from the Victorian era. All are beautifully maintained with lush gardens and flowers galore.</p>
<p>“We walked the length of the main street and back, and then up the hill toward the fort. We wished for our electric bikes. We bypassed the fort though and continued for quite a way to the Grand Hotel, the largest summer resort hotel in the world. It also has the longest porch in the world at 668 feet. We continued and ended up back at the end of the main street, still a distance back to the marina.</p>
<p>“We enjoyed watching the horse-drawn carriages, especially when a very fancy carriage passed by with a newly married couple in their wedding attire. People clapped, waved, and cheered as they rode by.</p>
<p>“Late in the afternoon, we were entertained by a man on a stand-up jet ski. He did back flips, four or five flips in a row and then lateral spins. He must have had incredible stamina as he continued doing flips for at least a half an hour.</p>
<p>“Fudge must be very popular around here as it seems there is at least one fudge shop on every block.</p>
<p>‘The Robert Stuart House Museum has good information about the island and explains the impact of John Jacob Astor. In 1817, Astor made Mackinac Island the headquarters for his lucrative fur business. In 1823, three million dollars worth of furs went through the island. He closed and sold his business in the 1830s when the fur trade moved west.</p>
<p>“The next day was especially nice. We had a lovely, 45-minute buggy ride to get to the Wawashkamo Golf Course. Nothing like having a horse and carriage for your taxi to play golf. There were closer courses to our marina, but Wawashkamo is the oldest links-type course in the country and is rich in history. There was a battle between the Americans and the British in 1812 when this golf course was part of a farm. The Americans went around a low hill to flank the British but were ambushed on the other side of the hill by Indians loyal to the British. They lost the fight.</p>
<p><img title="horse taxi to golf course" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/taxi-to-golf-course.jpg?cb=8D5AF669-0811-20E4-F5C33A3AF861EF7C" alt="horse taxi to golf course" width="800" height="551" /></p>
<p>“The ride to and from the course took us through part of the cool forest of Mackinac State Park. On the route back, we passed some beautiful old houses set within the forest. We got out at the Grand Hotel as we wanted to see inside. My impression is that it is very colorful with huge floral print furniture everywhere. After looking around a bit, we sat on the longest porch in the world and had a very refreshing cosmopolitan while watching people play croquet and corn hole on the lawn below.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For two full days, Sidonia and Fred enjoyed the island, its sights, and people watching. Mackinac Island is a special place. Loopers really should experience all the island has to offer before heading westward on the next leg of the Loop. And that includes the world-famous fudge.</p>
<p>As is true for so much of cruising, one may not pass this way again.</p>
<p>But it was time to move on, so on August 5th, the crew of Last Item left Mackinac Island and traveled the short distance to Mackinac City on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Seeing the fuel prices for diesel were lower than the last time they bought fuel, they filled their tanks, paying $5.23 a gallon.</p>
<p>Their next stop was Charlevoix, considered by most as the best natural harbor on Lake Michigan. For vessels on the lake in nasty weather, there is the Charlevoix South Pier Light Station on Lake Michigan at the entrance to Lake Charlevoix via the short Pine River “canal.”</p>
<p><img title="Charlevoix sign" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/charlevoix-sign.jpg?cb=8D5AF64C-0974-A9AD-8F61ABAFF21CF7D1" alt="Charlevoix sign" width="800" height="430" /></p>
<p>Given its protected location, there is also a U.S. Coast Guard station in Charlevoix. For over 100 years, Station Charlevoix continues to stand ready to assist all mariners in this part of Lake Michigan, with an area of responsibility of over 2,500 square miles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We entered Charlevoix and proceeded to the Charlevoix Municipal Marina in Round Lake. It is well protected, modern looking and well kept. There is a park area adjacent to it as well as a children’s water fountain playground.</p>
<p><img title="Charlevoix Harbor Marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/charlevoix-harbor-marina.jpg?cb=8D5AF650-B794-B1F1-ABF85EF50A3308A9" alt="Charlevoix Harbor Marina" width="800" height="445" /></p>
<p>“We walked along the main street checking out the many shops. Charlevoix and nearby towns are in a very popular tourist area and there were lots of people doing exactly what we were doing. The main street was constantly jammed with traffic, in part because the bridge over the canal opens every half hour.</p>
<p>“While waiting for my laundry to wash and dry, I sat outside and watched the children in the fountain pool. The little toddlers were so cute as they sat on the waterspouts, tried to drink from them or were surprised when the jets spurted up in the air.</p>
<p>“We had a very good dinner at Terry’s which had been recommended to us.</p>
<p>“We slept a little late the next morning and it was already hot and muggy when we got up. Toward noon, we had ice cream cones for lunch and then went on the mushroom house tour.</p>
<p>“The mushroom houses were designed and built by Earl Young. He gathered rocks and boulders, some of which came out of Lake Michigan, and used them in all his houses. One of his other trademarks was that he never used blueprints or leveled the ground for a house. Each house was built to mold into the terrain however it lay.</p>
<p><img title="mushroom house" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/earl-young-mushroom-house.jpg?cb=8D5AF655-F787-B955-FD3BDE9B66BB92C9" alt="mushroom house" width="800" height="440" /></p>
<p>“Though clever and unique, his houses are not very practical as they have no closets and only tiny kitchens and low doorways. Most of the houses are in the historic district of the town, so they are required to stay original or as close as possible. Almost all of them are now VRBO houses.</p>
<p>“We spent the latter part of the afternoon in our air-conditioned saloon. We had a good dinner at The Weathervane Restaurant, designed and built by Arthur Young. The fireplace in the restaurant resembles a map of Michigan, and contains a boulder that Young brought to Charlevoix but then hid for 26 years before using it in this fireplace.”</p>
<p><img title="stone fireplace" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/stone-fireplace.jpg?cb=8D5AF659-C29D-6F75-BB2F2C92DCB09E28" alt="stone fireplace" width="800" height="864" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thankfully Sidonia and Fred are not following a schedule, hands down the curse of most cruisers. So, when the weather looked to be unpleasant over the next couple of days, they stayed put in Charlevoix. They enjoyed the simple life aboard, only going out for a few groceries. Their original plan of visiting Leland, Michigan would ultimately not happen.</p>
<p>Once the weather cleared on Tuesday, August 9th, they were off to the western shore of Lake Michigan, heading for Fish Creek, Wisconsin, where they had dear friends they planned to visit on their Loop. After many weeks of mostly nonstop travel, it was going to be a treat to slow down and spend time with friends. They also hoped to get a personal tour of one of the favorite areas in the country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Finally, a sunny morning with under 10-knot winds and predicted one foot or less seas on both the weather apps we use. As we waited for the 9:00am bridge opening in the Charlevoix canal, we spotted ‘Keokuk,’ another Nimbus cruiser. This is the first Nimbus yacht we’ve seen on our trip thus far. We got close enough to them to exchange a few words but wished we could have had a real visit.</p>
<p>“As we exited the canal and saw the seas beyond, I wasn’t too happy. One foot or less, Hah! This sure doesn’t give one confidence in weather forecasts. We plowed on anyway and after passing South Fox Island, about an hour and a half into the trip, the seas did drop to one foot or less.</p>
<p>“Being in the middle of Lake Michigan, with no land or other boats in sight, was somewhat intimidating, as it’s been 28 years since we last did any offshore cruising. Almost four hours later, however, we were in Green Bay, docked at Alibi Marina in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Though not a large marina, Fish Creek is very nice, has the typical amenities, and is only a block from town.</p>
<p>“We came here specifically to visit our Tucson next-door neighbors, Walt and Tiggy, who have a summer house in Ephraim. They told us about this beautiful area, and we were most anxious to see them and the Door County they spoke so highly of.</p>
<p><em>(Below: Walt and Tiggy.)</em></p>
<p><img title="walt and tiggy" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/walt-and-tiggy.jpg?cb=8D5AF676-D45E-EAE4-DB3196E840AAD11F" alt="walt and tiggy" width="800" height="549" /></p>
<p>“We got our first taste of this delightful area when they took us to a lovely restaurant in Egg Harbor, which overlooks the bay. It was a beautiful evening, and we had the perfect table setting for viewing the water and the big orange ball of a sun setting through the tall evergreens.</p>
<p>“The next day we saw a wonder of nature that passes through Door County. The Niagara Escarpment is, in simple terms, a long, steep limestone cliff that is the result of unequal erosion. Niagara Falls is near one end of the escarpment near Lake Erie, and its waters flow over it. The escarpment has the oldest forest ecosystem and trees in eastern North America.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The escarpment exists at its most eastern point near Watertown, New York, and continues westward through New York, Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It represented a major consideration when building the Welland Canal between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and was a significant obstacle when planning the construction of the Erie Canal in New York State. Despite these issues, the limestone cliffs form beautiful cliff walls and caves seen along its length.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Knowing we like to play golf, Walt arranged a game for us at his Peninsula Golf Club. On the way, we stopped at the Door Artisan Cheese Co. Walt and I sampled several kinds of their local cheeses and did not come away empty handed. The Peninsula Golf Course is very nice and much of it lies on the escarpment. The course opened in 1917 as a six-hole course but has grown over the years to a full 18 holes.</p>
<p>“After golf, we came back to the boat to meet a mechanic who was going to check on a couple of issues we were having. Nothing was resolved, but the next day Fred fixed one of the issues himself. The other issue turned out to be a non-issue, but rather a misunderstanding of how the battery system interfaced with the inverter.</p>
<p>“We began our evening at the childhood summer home of Tiggy’s family. The house was built in 1909 by her grandfather and is where her sister and brother-in-law spend many summers. When I stepped through the doorway, it was like stepping into my own childhood house, which was built it 1894. It had that same, nice ‘old house’ smell. We all sat on the large front deck with the view of Green Bay and Chambers Island in the distance.</p>
<p>From there we went to Walt and Tiggy’s house for dinner. Their charming house, though much newer, is in the historic district as is the old family house up the hill. We can certainly understand why they are always so anxious to get here to spend their summers.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred were now in full chill mode, and eager to play tourist. For those readers who have asked to follow their schedule, it was now Thursday, August 11th.</p>
<p>The couple and their friends started the day with an authentic Swedish breakfast at a famous local restaurant in Sister Bay. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik began in 1949 as a simple restaurant called Al’s Home Cooking. In the 1970s, they did a major renovation of the restaurant to create a more Scandinavian design and feel. Their friend donated a goat for the partial sod roof as a joke but given the overwhelming response to people seeing the sight of a goat munching on a sod-roof, it became a trademark of the restaurant.</p>
<p><img title="swedish restaurant with goats on roof" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/johnsons-swqedish-restaurant.jpg?cb=8D5AF672-F8C0-EF46-72945B2E0E42E116" alt="swedish restaurant with goats on roof" width="800" height="774" /></p>
<p>(It was so successful as a marketing gimmick, the Johnsons covered the entire roof in sod and brought in more goats. In 1996, the Johnsons trademarked “Goats on the Roof,” so no other restaurant could imitate such a dining spectacle.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After breakfast we had a grand tour of the northern half of Door Peninsula. We passed through all the villages on the Green Bay side of the peninsula to White Fish Bay on the Lake Michigan side. Door County is known to have more shoreline and more lighthouses than any other county in the country.</p>
<p><img title="white fish bay beach" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/white-fish-bay-beach.jpg?cb=8D5AF67A-9768-97D4-730EC411EC4F0D12" alt="white fish bay beach" width="800" height="603" /></p>
<p>“Tiggy and I bought some pieces at a pottery shop in Ellison Bay, as well as some goodies at the Rowley’s Bay Swedish Bakery. We had beers at the Door County Brewery in Baileys Harbor and then stopped at Cave Point to watch kids jump into the water off the escarpment cliffs.</p>
<p><img title="kids jumping into water" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kids-jumping.jpg?cb=8D5AF67E-DA9B-A51D-EB3753456DC4D6F3" alt="kids jumping into water" width="800" height="733" /></p>
<p>“Heading back, we crossed the interior of the peninsula, where we saw corn fields and other crops. To finish the day, we enjoyed a good rib dinner at a funky restaurant on a little lake in the interior of the peninsula.</p>
<p>“How lucky we are to have wonderful and knowledgable friends/guides to show us their beautiful area.”</p>
<p><img title="wisconsin map" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/greetings-from-wisconsin.jpg?cb=8D5AF682-0B23-2159-24B012CE36E0284D" alt="wisconsin map" width="610" height="819" /></p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: This Post</p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: Into Lake Michigan |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Continue following Nimbus Boat owners Fred and Sidonia along their Great Loop Cruise. In this post, they are in Michigan. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
mackinac-island-great-loop-trip.jpg |
2022-08-21 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-into-lake-michigan |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-into-lake-michigan |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
18 |
1184 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-08-05 00:00:00.0 |
2022-08-05 00:00:00.0 |
229 |
[empty string] |
229 |
<p><em>This is update #10 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As we pick up from our last segment of the adventures of Last Item, Sidonia and Fred completed the Trent-Severn Waterway and entered Georgian Bay. They initially traveled south from Port Severn to Midland, Ontario. After a bit of R&R, they headed north up to Bayfield, which was a disappointment, so they continued northwest to an anchorage at the entrance to Alexander Passage.</p>
<p>The area has thousands of tiny islands, many not much more than slabs of stone sticking out of the water. Tricky navigation is the name of the game in these waters, but that is offset by its gorgeous scenery.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Sunday, July 24, was not a red-letter day for us. We took a different route than yesterday to exit the channel, which had been more straightforward. Fred was momentarily distracted, talking to me, and barely strayed out of the channel. We ended up leaving a little gel coat on a rock. Fortunately, we were at idle speed and backed off before the props could hit but not before a few expletives were issued.</p>
<p>“The open water of Georgian Bay had healthy three-foot waves rolling in and we bounced along at 22 knots for about 45 minutes until we’d had enough. Turning to go with the seas was much more comfortable but we got lots of spray over the top of the boat.</p>
<p>“To further avoid the open water, Fred wove (and I mean wove) our way through some very tight spots. In one, in order to keep between the red and green buoys which, at most, were only 20 feet apart, we made a hard left at idle speed but then Fred had to give more throttle on the starboard engine and put the port engine in reverse to swing the stern around, as we were concerned about hitting the rocks as we swung hard to port. Then he had to make the same maneuver in the opposite direction using the port engine to straighten us out and keep away from more rocks.</p>
<p>“This passage was certainly not charted for boats our size or larger but there is a magenta line on our navigation system, so it is a proven route. It is amazing that this area has been charted and marked with buoys as much as it has. We finally made it over to French River where I wanted to see the rapids.</p>
<p><img title="French River Rapids" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/french-river-rapids.jpg?cb=4E6F55C0-A2A5-1E72-8FA92A04E79EA1F2" alt="French River Rapids" width="800" height="465" /></p>
<p>“We anchored at the end of the navigable stretch of French River and dropped the dinghy. It was very windy, and we were both wet from spray as we headed farther into the inlet. We got to the rapids, but I was a little disappointed as it was less than what I had expected.</p>
<p>“On the way back down from the rapids, we hit a rock and sheered the pin on the dinghy motor propeller. Now we were in a pickle. No motor, only one paddle and going against the wind and waves to try and get back to ‘Last Item.’</p>
<p>“It was our luck, however, that four kayakers appeared. We told them about our problem, and they offered to tow us back to our boat. One towed us, Fred paddled, and I held onto another kayak to keep its bow into our stern, so he was pushing. It took about 25 minutes of hard work. We were so grateful to them, as our alternatives were slim to none.</p>
<p><img title="kayakers helping us" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kayak-heroes.jpg?cb=4E6F55C4-EAF5-A6C8-29F61A28952BE78B" alt="kayakers helping us" width="800" height="683" /></p>
<p>“Because the wind was blowing right up the French River inlet, we didn’t want to stay where we were for the night. We backtracked and anchored behind Obstacle Island in company with two other boats in the protective anchorage on the north side of the island.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The labyrinth of islands and narrow channels in the French River delta are both a navigational adventure and a breathtaking, almost magical experience. Obstacle Island is one of many islands at the mouth of the French River in Georgian Bay, within the French River Provincial Park. The well-marked anchorage is a popular destination for cruisers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Since we had only about four miles of open water to cross, we left our snug anchorage and headed over to the Bustard Islands. We drove the <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> at 21 knots and were there in short order.</p>
<p>“We found a lovely anchorage in Bustard Islands Harbor on Burnt Island. Two local boats were anchored there with their sterns tied to the shore. They must have been there for several days as they had paddle boards and other water toys floating around their boats.</p>
<p><img title="two boats at anchor" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/buestard-islands.jpg?cb=4E6F55C8-FBF0-54A1-11A01D3E617E4112" alt="two boats at anchor" width="800" height="456" /></p>
<p>“We also had other good company in the form of a loon couple with two juveniles. We spent a lot of time watching the adults diving for food and feeding the two youngsters. They passed the food by barely touching beaks unlike other birds that poke deep into the parent’s mouth. They warbled, called, and sometimes made a scream-like call. Many times, they were so close to us we could also hear ‘whispering’ sounds. I took many photos of them, but lighting wasn’t good and it was too windy for anything to stand still, so none of my photos were in focus.</p>
<p>“Fred replaced the sheer pin on the dinghy motor so when the wind dies down, we can do some exploring. Maybe tomorrow.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bustard Islands are made up of several large islands, in addition to Burnt Island, and many smaller islands and rocky ledges. The islands are uninhabited except for the occasional cottage. The islands are well known for their exceptional scenery.</p>
<p><img title="Bustard Islands" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bustard-islands.jpg?cb=4E6F55CC-90DB-8223-FB9D65BF8E96044D" alt="Bustard Islands" width="800" height="478" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“There was just a slight breeze this Tuesday morning, so Fred got into the dinghy and cleaned the canal slime off the waterline of the boat. After he recuperated from that, we took a dinghy ride. Wary of hitting another rock, we didn’t venture too far as we have no replacement sheer pins left.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loopers continue westward along the top of Georgian Bay, and it is straight shot to Killarney and Killarney Provincial Park, and the beginning of the North Channel.</p>
<p>However, if the weather threatens, one can choose a less-direct route to Killarney by taking advantage of the 10-mile-long Collins Inlet, a fjord-like channel between mainland Ontario and Philip Edward Island. It is very well protected and not very wide (only 150 feet in places). The two ends of the channel connect with Mill Lake, about a third of the way in from the eastern entrance of the channel, where Last Item entered Collins Inlet from Beaverstone Bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Collins Channel" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/collins-channel.jpg?cb=4E6F55BC-CA9D-A5A5-4B67A02997E0A030" alt="Collins Channel" width="800" height="504" /></p>
<p>From Collins Inlet, it is only another five miles to Killarney on the Ontario mainland. Beyond Killarney is the 160-mile long North Channel, which many consider as having some of the finest cruising grounds in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We left our lovely anchorage in Bustard Islands Harbor to head toward Killarney. The seas were bumpy but much better than the past several days. Even so, we were in no hurry so Fred chose to go via Collins Inlet.</p>
<p>“What a change in scenery from the outer islands! The terrain has elevation and rocky bluffs and there weren’t rocky islets everywhere to maneuver around. Fred picked out a nice anchorage on the north side of Green Island, in the middle of the lake. The wind was blowing down the channel on each side of the island and we could see the whitecaps on the little waves, but we were sitting in totally calm water. It was delightful.</p>
<p>“There was one little house on a nearby island. For a good part of the afternoon and evening, a man stood on his dock fishing. Fred could see that he was catching lots of fish but then he would gently put them back in the water.</p>
<p>“From our anchorage, Collins Inlet makes a 90-degree turn toward Killarney and becomes much narrower. I was glad Fred had chosen this route as it was very pretty. In many spots, water lilies lined the shallows along with bright, green reeds. We saw several large beaver dams but no beavers. The rock bluffs and lower shorelines were the beautiful dusty pink color we have been seeing throughout Georgian Bay.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next destination for Loopers on their travels is the small village of Killarney. It was established in 1820 as a fur trading post and is one of the oldest settlements in Canada. Its location along a major water transportation route made it ideal for developing logging, fishing, and mining industries.</p>
<p><em>(Below: An old store in Killarney.)</em></p>
<p><img title="old store in Killarney" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/killarney-store.jpg?cb=4E6F55D8-0901-90E1-141C433939AD38C2" alt="old store in Killarney" width="800" height="762" /></p>
<p>Today it is a major tourist destination and during the summer the Killarney population of 400 residents grows significantly, as people come to enjoy the fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and other activities on the water and in the provincial park lands.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We had planned to moor at Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina in Killarney, but a group of boaters was having a rendezvous and the attendees filled all the available dock space.</p>
<p><img title="Sportman's Inn" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sportsmans-inn.jpg?cb=4E6F55D0-D837-14FC-B1D467E7D0E3BC09" alt="Sportman's Inn" width="800" height="485" /></p>
<p>We can’t imagine where all those boaters came from, as Killarney isn’t close to anything. We were lucky to get the last space available at Roque’s Marina. It isn’t as classy as Sportsman’s but it has laundry and showers and is within walking distance to amenities.</p>
<p><img title="Roque's Inn" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/roques-marina.jpg?cb=4E6F55D4-F0EC-BE6B-84D3F65C962AAB24" alt="Roque's Inn" width="800" height="556" /></p>
<p>“Roger and Marilyn (‘Uncle Wiggley’) were docked here as well. We have been communicating with them via NEBO, which is an app with which you can log your trips, see where other boaters are, send messages to other boaters, and more.</p>
<p>“We made a dinner reservation at Sportsman’s for the four of us. We were all a bit surprised that it was quite an upscale place, unlike most of the waterfront restaurants in the little villages we’ve seen in Canada.</p>
<p>“It rained overnight and into the next morning, with a few claps of thunder. The sun came out at the perfect time, and we scootered down to Herbert’s for his ‘World Famous Fish & Chips.’ Herbert’s doesn’t have the ambience of Henry’s back on Fry Pan Island, but we thought the fish and chips were as good or even a little better.</p>
<p>“After lunch we went to the grocery store. It is in a cute old building and has just enough of the basics to get us by for a few days. There is also a bakery in town where we got some fresh bread, cookies, and a couple of other goodies. Their raisin tarts were my favorites of the tarts we’ve tasted along the way.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Killarney is considered the entry point into the North Channel. But to continue west, one must also pass the narrow waters at Little Current on Manitoulin Island. It is where Manitoulin Island connects to the mainland, via a swing bridge.</p>
<p>Manitoulin Island sits near the northwest corner of Lake Huron and has the distinction of being the largest freshwater island in the world with a population of over 13,000.</p>
<p>Anyone coming to the island by car must use the swing bridge that connects Manitoulin Island to the mainland via Goat Island, then Mosquito Island and a chain of other islands to reach the Ontario mainland. The swing bridge, originally constructed in 1913 for railroad service, is 368 feet long, and connects Highway 6. It is single lane only, so uses traffic signals, the only such devices on Manitoulin Island.</p>
<p><img title="Manitoulin Swing Bridge" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/manitoulin-swing-bridge.jpg?cb=52740AB6-EC55-316A-38FA903CB1109B5D" alt="Manitoulin Swing Bridge" width="800" height="512" /></p>
<p>Interestingly, if one wanted to travel from Killarney to Little Current and Manitoulin Island by car, it would take several hours to drive the 138 miles. Conversely, it is but 18 nautical miles by boat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“On Friday, July 28, we left Killarney around 8:00am to get as far as Vidal Bay on Manitoulin Island. The seas were a little bumpy on the way to Little Current. Several miles after we passed Little Current, the seas were on our bow and getting rougher. We slowed from 24 knots to about 15 knots and maintained that speed past Clapperton Island. The farther we went, however, the rougher it got and soon we were down to 7 knots with waves now four feet high and closely spaced. (We’ve noticed that the waves on the Great Lakes come much closer together than we are used to, which makes for a more unsettling ride.)</p>
<p>“We were now halfway between Little Current and Gore Bay, also on Manitoulin Island, although it is closer than Vidal Bay. It was decision time: do we turn around and go all the way back to Little Current or do we tough it out? We decided to head for Gore Bay.</p>
<p>“When we saw a big wave coming, Fred would slow down almost to idle speed. We plunged into the troughs and several times our bow sprit dove into an oncoming wave. Fred tried to angle our course to port towards Gore Bay, but he couldn’t maintain that angle as the waves came on our beam and rolled us terribly.</p>
<p>“At one point, Fred didn’t get the bow into an oncoming wave fast enough and it threw him off the captain’s chair onto the cabin sole, although he never let go of the wheel. He worked like crazy changing our running angle while speeding up to 7 or 8 knots when he could, then quickly bringing the bow around and slowing down to head into the next big waves. He is so thankful our boat has power steering.</p>
<p>“I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was scared but I was definitely anxious. Ozzie left his place beside me when it got really bad and disappeared somewhere but he never got sick and never made a peep. After an hour and a half, we made the turn into Gore Bay. What a relief!</p>
<p>“Shortly after docking, we went to the Split Rail Brewery for lunch. We then perused the Community Center where there were several locals making and selling their crafts.</p>
<p>“At 4:30, several other Looper couples joined us in the gazebo at the park. There are so many nice boaters everywhere we go. Some we know we will never see again, and some we will probably see again as we leapfrog with them for the next thousand or more miles.”</p>
<p><img title="docktails with other great loopers" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/docktails-in-gore-bay.jpg?cb=4E6F55E4-9635-E0EC-2D71A512D9E79894" alt="docktails with other great loopers" width="800" height="746" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gore Bay is a nice little village with about 900 residents. It is the definitive small town, founded in 1890, Gore Bay is the kind of town many would prefer to live, as it is not a suburb of a large urban city, but rather a complete small town with everything one needs to enjoy life. There is a hardware store, a good grocery, churches, library, schools, senior center, pharmacy, small chocolate factory, brewery, restaurants, banks, and at least two fish and chips restaurants.</p>
<p>The town also had something Sidonia and Fred have not seen before, an inflatable water park. During the two days of their visit, the couple enjoyed hearing the squeals of laughing kids jumping and sliding around and having a good time.</p>
<p>They had a surprise when they dined at Purvis Fish & Chips in the Pavilion near the marina. They’ve enjoyed good fish and chips all through Canada, but the ones served at Purvis Fish & Chips were the best, in their opinion, even better than Herbert’s.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We woke up to a sunny Sunday, the last day in July. What a difference a couple of days make! The water is nearly flat calm today. We made the 64 miles from Gore Bay to De Tour Harbor, at the eastern tip of Chippewa County on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, in a little over two and a half hours. I knitted the whole way, without dropping a stitch.</p>
<p>“Once we got to De Tour Harbor, we immediately tried to check into customs, which one has to do online. After a few failed attempts, we found we needed a user decal which is the one thing, so far, that I failed to think of before we started the trip. It is a sticker that is attached to the boat as proof that the user fee for entry into the U.S. has been paid for the calendar year. We tried over and over to get the decal online with no luck.</p>
<p>“We called customs several times but the agents, though they tried to be helpful, didn’t have the expertise needed to get us a user decal and the national help line isn’t open on the weekends.</p>
<p>“After two hours of trying everything we could think of, and my frustration level in the danger zone, we gave up and decided to wait until tomorrow when the help line would again be available. And without being cleared by U.S. Customs, we were not allowed to get off the boat. The weather was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky, and only light winds, yet we couldn’t get off and enjoy any of it.</p>
<p>“All was quiet that afternoon until we heard the loud, deep blast of a ship’s horn. Passing through the channel by De Tour Harbor was the biggest freighter we’ve ever seen.</p>
<p>“It was the American bulk carrier James R. Barker, at 1,004 feet long, just 85 feet shorter than our largest aircraft carrier. I couldn’t get a photo of it so I downloaded an image from the internet.”</p>
<p><img title="James R Barker ship" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/james-r-barker-ship.jpg?cb=4E902F0A-979B-E5B2-73443D44A89AC676" alt="James R Barker ship" width="800" height="439" /></p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: This Post</p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: North Channel |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Enjoy these updates from our Nimbus Boats owners Fred and Sidonia on their North Channel segment of the Great Loop. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
the-great-loop-north-channel.jpg |
2022-08-05 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-north-channel |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-north-channel |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
19 |
1183 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-07-29 00:00:00.0 |
2022-07-29 00:00:00.0 |
228 |
[empty string] |
228 |
<p><em>This is update #9 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We left Sidonia and Fred safely docked at Starport Marina after transiting the Big Chute, nearing the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway.</p>
<p>The marina is on the east side of the lake, just north of the last lock at Port Severn, and it made sense to take a break. There is not much in the way of summer activity in Port Severn besides watching boats lock through the last lock in the Trent-Severn (or first if one is headed eastward toward Trenton).</p>
<p>It is only eight miles from the Big Chute to Port Severn and Lock #45, the last lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway.</p>
<p>Another reason to stop at Starport Marina is its proximity to Rawley Resort, Spa, & Marina. This highly regarded resort goes back 100 years, when it first opened as an early fishing lodge. Today the facilities comprise a full-service luxury resort.</p>
<p><img title="rawleys resort" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rawleys-resort.jpg?cb=ED971E4A-C39C-D931-6EA9053E9A5E1CE9" alt="rawleys resort" width="800" height="491" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We didn’t find much reason to rush on to Port Severn, as there is only a small general store and a liquor store for provisioning, and we needed more than either could provide. We thought about moving on to Midland, but after a delicious and leisurely lunch at the Rawley Resort near the marina, that seemed out of the question.</p>
<p>“Roger and Marilyn (‘Uncle Wiggley’) stopped for fuel at the marina and we visited with them for a bit. They were continuing to Midland today.</p>
<p>“On Sunday, July 17th, we took on fuel and moved the short distance to the last lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, Port Severn Lock #45. This lock chamber is smaller than all the other locks at only 84 feet long. Construction of the lock began in 1913 just before WWI. To complete the lock quickly, they made it shorter, with the intent to increase the size at a later date. They never did.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Completing the Trent-Severn Waterway is a major accomplishment for those doing the Great Loop. Once the Loopers enter Georgian Bay after Port Severn, most will head into Lake Huron, then Lake Michigan, where they travel south to enter the Chicago River in downtown Chicago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We were sorry that the end had come to the Trent-Severn. It has been a very enjoyable trip through many villages, islands, canals, and lakes.</p>
<p>“Now entering Georgian Bay, the landscape already looks different. The little islands are not covered in forests of tall trees. Many barely rate the term ‘island’ as whatever trees they have are small, more like tall shrubs.</p>
<p>“The water does get deeper, however. We found 33 feet on the depth sounder in the short hop from Port Severn to Midland.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Located at the southern end of Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands, Midland is the major center for the area’s economy. Midland has a good-sized hospital and an airport to support its 18,000 full-time residents.</p>
<p>During the summer season, the area population grows to over 100,000 visitors who come to spend time in the thousands of area cottages, resort hotels, and national and provincial parks.</p>
<p>Every June, there is an annual butter tart festival, which in pre-Covid times sold over 100,000 butter tarts, the delicious treats Canadians are famous for.</p>
<p>Midland’s Huronia Museum opened in 1947 and was part of Canada’s Centennial Project, which opened in 1967. The Historic Art of Huronia Gallery in the museum presently displays works by many famous artists, such as Homer Watson, Manly MacDonald, Franklin Arbuckle, and William Wood. There are exhibits of contemporary art and archaeological collections of the Ouendat and Ojibway</p>
<p>First Nations. Other exhibits highlight Georgian Bay lighthouses, shipwrecks, maritime and military history.</p>
<p>Adjacent to the museum is the Huron Village, which illustrates what Huron life was like in the century before the arrival of Europeans, around 1500-1600. The village includes a shaman's lodge, wigwam, masks, fish racks, longhouse, corn field, bone pit, fur drying rack, and a burial rack.</p>
<p>A sight one cannot miss when entering Midland by boat is a giant mural painted on the grain elevators. The mural depicts a meeting between a local Huron-Ouendat native and missionary Jean de Brebeuf. It was done by Fred Lenz and his son, Stephen. Completed in 2001, it was the largest mural in Canada at the time.</p>
<p><img title="mural in midland ontario" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/mural-in-midland-ontario.jpg?cb=ED971E57-F838-8822-FD7789BA42339FE7" alt="mural in midland ontario" width="800" height="444" /></p>
<p>The marina of choice in Midland is the Bay Port Yachting Centre on the northwest side of the bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Entering Midland, the first sight you see is the huge mural on the grain elevators at the waterfront. It is quite impressive. We docked at Bay Port marina, a good mile from town. But there is a nice, paved pathway from the marina to town which follows the waterfront.</p>
<p>“It has been very hot the past several days, up to at least 90 degrees yesterday. We stay aboard during the afternoons with the air conditioning keeping us cool. At night the temperatures drop, enough that one of us at some point reaches down and pulls up the comforter.</p>
<p>“It rained most of the next morning, Monday, and we thought we would have to cancel our planned golf game. But by noon, the sun broke through, and the afternoon turned out to be beautiful.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Midland is sufficiently large enough to support several taxi companies. Sidonia and Fred took a Busy Bee taxi over to the Midland Golf and Country Club. They enjoyed playing on a nice golf course with lots of trees and sand traps. It was good to get off Last Item and stretch one’s legs and muscles while walking the course and swinging golf club.</p>
<p>Temperatures remained in the 90s, so after golf the couple returned to the boat to cool down for the remainder of the afternoon.</p>
<p>The following morning, they headed over to the Huronia Museum and the Huron Village.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The museum has lots of Indian artifacts, some of which are hundreds of years old. There are also interesting things from the early pioneer days. They also have a maritime exhibit with ship models, and dozens of photographs of ships from the 1800s.</p>
<p><img title="ship in midland" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ship-in-midland-harbour.jpg?cb=ED971E53-93A7-4977-25094C1EA20D120C" alt="ship in midland" width="800" height="433" /></p>
<p>“After more grocery shopping and another good lunch at the Boathouse Grill, we struggled with heavy backpacks back to the boat. Thank goodness for our scooters.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On Wednesday, July 20th, the couple left Midland and continued on their Nimbus Coupe northwest across Georgian Bay. They were soon weaving their way through numerous islands of the northern bay.</p>
<p>They were headed to a likely anchorage about 25 miles north of Midland and hoped to drop the hook in a well-protected spot perfect for enjoying the beauty and splendor of Georgian Bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We headed to a place Fred determined would be a great spot, but we had a problem once we got there. At the narrow entrance of where we expected to anchor was a sign on a tree that announced we had arrived at Camp Hurontario, but the sign told us to please not enter beyond this point. We could see kids canoeing and sailing just ahead. It was a perfect place for a summer camp, but we were disappointed we were not allowed into this picturesque spot.</p>
<p>“We pushed on a little farther and found another place to anchor. It was nice but more exposed. As it was windy, and there was a forecast of a possible squall and a tornado watch. The skies slowly darkened throughout the afternoon and right at 5:00, the squall hit. Thunder, lightning, wind, and rain lasted for an hour and then eased up.</p>
<p>“The islands around us are mostly uninhabited but we could see a couple of houses on two different islands a little distant. There was also someone camping on the island near us and Fred was sure the sounds we heard were .22-caliber rifle shots. Occasionally, a small boat and outboard would pass through the nearby channel. Overall, it was pretty secluded.</p>
<p>“Despite the weather, it felt good to be on the hook again.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anchored in the islands near Camp Hurontario, the couple experienced a blow the next morning that sent whitecaps through their anchorage, and the morning winds buffeted the Nimbus Coupe, swinging her around the anchor rode. But the anchor was secure, so they decided to stay put due to the winds.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It would normally have been a popcorn and movie day, except we couldn’t get TV reception, which we have not been able to get since we entered Canada.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the afternoon, the sun came out, but the winds continued to howl. They could see a house on shore flying the Canadian flag, and it was as straight as a board all day as if it was made of wood.</p>
<p>The following morning, Friday, July 22, the winds finally died, and the anchorage once again became a peaceful setting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“There is nothing quite like floating among several islands and hearing a loon warbling in the evening. It was the same sound I woke up to this morning and reminded me of the movie ‘On Golden Pond.’ The island nearest to us is covered with trees right down to the water’s rocky edge, their tops all angled to the south. In some spots, the rock is angled in colored layers eight to ten feet high. Some of the rock is a lovely pinkish-beige color.</p>
<p>“Last night, just after I went to bed, there was the loud sound of several feet of anchor chain going out. It woke Fred up and we pondered what could have caused it as there was very little wind now.</p>
<p>“It finally dawned on us that Ozzie must have walked across the console and hit the switch. Earlier in our trip, he had turned on the defogger blowers. There is really no way to keep the switches protected when he is wandering around the boat.”</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Ozzie hides whenever he thinks the engines are about to come on.)</em></p>
<p><img title="ozzie the cat hiding" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ozzie-hiding.jpg?cb=ED971E5B-C475-B301-5B18E90040901DA1" alt="ozzie the cat hiding" width="800" height="513" /> </p>
<p>One thing Sidonia and Fred were not going to miss is Henry’s Fish Restaurant, a quite-famous fish and chips eatery on the Sans Souci Peninsula, known as Frying Pan Island. The restaurant is only reachable by boat and plane. It is well known to Loopers and in previous years tourists have flown in from Toronto for a tasty fish dinner.</p>
<p><img title="henrys on frying pan island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/henrys-with-last-item.jpg?cb=ED6F08B5-AC19-8752-A38470792CA2CBA2" alt="henrys on frying pan island" width="800" height="498" /></p>
<p>Islander Adventure Tours offers large RIB tours to Henry’s, a part of a tour package through the scenic islands and waters between Frying Pan Island and the company’s home base on Parry Island.</p>
<p>Lake Country Airways also offers scenic flights from Orillia that flies over the islands of Georgian Bay, landing at Frying Pan Island for lunch at Henry’s. After a relaxing meal, the return trip back to Orillia flies over the Trent Severn Waterway, the Swift Rapid lift lock, and along Sparrow Lake before landing back in Orillia.</p>
<p>Clearly it should not be missed by Loopers passing through Georgian Bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“All the Loopers and Looper books talk about Henry’s on Frying Pan Island for good fish and chips. We just had to see what all the hoopla was about.</p>
<p><img title="henrys on frying pan island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/henrys-on-fry-pan-island.jpg?cb=ED6F08AC-CF32-2870-8034D70B1FC9CC66" alt="henrys on frying pan island" width="800" height="487" /></p>
<p>“We arrived at 11:30 and were told we’d have to wait until they opened at noon. Then a very large inflatable tourist boat arrived carrying about thirty people. They all went up and got tables right away. We thought we wouldn’t be eating for a long time but, sure enough, at noon we were seated.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Henry's warns boaters of shallow rocks by displaying bent propellers.)</em></p>
<p><img title="bent propellers at henrys" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/henrys-collection-of-warnings.jpg?cb=ED6F08B0-CF33-AE3F-9664ACB20F0B5A8D" alt="bent propellers at henrys" width="800" height="448" /></p>
<p>“We agree with the critics that the fish and chips are very good.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back under way, they decided to bypass Parry Sound as they had plenty of provisions, and they prefer to anchor out whenever they can. So, Fred looked at the charts and came up with a good choice.</p>
<p>They decided to travel through Shebeshekong Channel to the east and anchor off King Island.</p>
<p><img title="anchores off king island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/anchored-off-king-island.jpg?cb=ED6F08BA-0086-A568-F8ED529E7E7A0E5B" alt="anchores off king island" width="800" height="500" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We dumped the dinghy for the first time since the incident in the Thousand Islands. In Port Severn, we had picked up the replacement outboard cowling that Fred ordered. Now we realized that the seat was also missing, which we hadn’t noticed before.</p>
<p>“We took our happy hour beverages over to King Island.</p>
<p><img title="dinghy on king island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/enjoying-king-island.jpg?cb=ED6F08D0-0FDB-DB74-8679525E84F41ECF" alt="dinghy on king island" width="800" height="444" /></p>
<p>The rocks there are such that it is easy to walk a fair distance on them. Where there isn’t rock, there are lots of interesting little plants and some very deep, soft moss. After we climbed around for awhile, we settled on a large rock and sipped our drinks while enjoying the view. I thought I’d like to come back here in the morning, so we tied the dinghy to the boat when we returned for the night.</p>
<p><img title="view from king island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/view-from-king-island.jpg?cb=ED6F08CB-F8B3-9417-9B9C2F3EBACB2DFD" alt="view from king island" width="800" height="548" /></p>
<p>“The next morning, Saturday, July 23rd, I was still in bed when Fred went out on the back deck. I watched him look down, then look out, scanning the distance, and then come back inside to grab the binoculars.</p>
<p>“I knew right away that our dinghy was gone. It had been windy during the night, yet the bow line was still attached to a cleat on Last Item. That meant the knot had come undone from the eye ring at the bow of the dinghy.</p>
<p>“Fred admittedly is not good at tying knots. Before this trip, he bought a pair of 10/40 stabilized binoculars, and they really earned their keep this morning. He spotted the dinghy on a distant island, but it was too far away to see it with the naked eye.</p>
<p>“We lifted anchor and moved Last Item as close as we dared to where the dinghy was, and dropped the anchor. Fred was going to have to take a swim.</p>
<p>“Luckily, the water was not very cold, and Fred did not scream like a little girl when he went into the water.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fred was able to push the dinghy off the rocks and once aboard the dinghy was able to start the outboard without issue. Everything was fine until he noticed that one of the oars was missing. That was odd because the two oars are permanently attached to the dinghy.</p>
<p>So, when Fred returned to Last Item, he suggested Sidonia, an accomplished swimmer, should swim over to the rocks and look for the oar. It was no doubt near where the dinghy had lodged itself on the rocks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It was not too far from shore, but I haven’t been swimming for a long time and during that time I’ve somehow gotten a little older.</p>
<p>“I put on one of those horrible, orange life jackets which may be lifesaving but are impossible to swim with. I got to shore all right, but had trouble maneuvering around the round, underwater rocks so I finally took off the bulky life jacket. A man on shore suddenly appeared above me and started talking to me.</p>
<p>“I was having enough problems and his poor timing to have a friendly conversation didn’t help. He said he had a house on the other side of the island but lived in Florida.</p>
<p>“I kept floundering around trying to find the paddle and finally gave up. I swam back to the boat but then realized I couldn’t get aboard.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The boarding ladder on the <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> is located off center on the starboard side of the swim platform, and it had been bent in one of the Erie Canal locks when turbulence pushed the boat’s stern into the lock wall. As a result, it no longer pulled out to extend into the water to allow her to climb up and onto the swim platform.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“I tried climbing into the dinghy using the skeg on the motor for a step, but that didn’t work either. Fred had to take the dinghy to shallow water where I could stand up and kind of fall in.</p>
<p>“Later on, Fred realized that even if we had found the oar, we would have found it broken. The reason it came off the dinghy was that the plastic coupling that attached it to the dinghy must have hit the rocks and broken. We are starting to feel jinxed with our dinghy.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(There is a way to board a dinghy from the water that is worth learning. It may even save your life. Try it and you will feel confident about getting quickly and safely into an inflatable dinghy. And it takes very little upper body strength: <a href="https://youtu.be/GQuIJ3D5Kcc">https://youtu.be/GQuIJ3D5Kcc</a> )</p>
<p>The weather forecast called again for strong winds, so Fred decided moving over to Bayfield would offer better protection, even though they preferred more remote anchorages among less inhabited rocky islands.</p>
<p>On the way to Bayfield, they passed the lighthouse at Pointe au Baril and entered a tricky, curvy route towards Bayfield that wound between rocks and sharp turns and it was imperative to follow the red and green buoys. There was not a lot of room for error.</p>
<p><img title="lighthouse at pointe au baril" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lighthouse.jpg?cb=ED6F08D4-B213-2FBD-E2F319F4876207F3" alt="lighthouse at pointe au baril" width="800" height="490" /></p>
<p>As it turned out, Bayfield was not really a viable stop for their boat as the slips were for smaller boats and didn’t look very secure. Plus, there was not much else there.</p>
<p>So, Fred found another anchorage northwest of Bayfield, at the edge of Alexander Channel. It was much better, and they set the anchor just fine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After being in the water this morning, I thought I’d like to take a real swim. There was a problem, however. After floating around for awhile, I was ready to get back aboard. But we didn’t want to lower the dinghy and go to shore as we did earlier.</p>
<p>“So, Fred tied two lines to the rail with the fixed loop ends hanging in the water. One loop was lower than the other. When I got my foot to the second, higher loop, Fred raised the lower loop higher, and so on, a couple of more times until I could get a foot on the swimstep, and he could pull me up.</p>
<p>“The water felt wonderful, but I don’t know if it was worth what we had to go through just because I wanted to go swimming in the Great Lakes.”</p>
<p><img title="sidonia swimming" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/swimming-sidonia.jpg?cb=EECA629A-DE05-FF93-81523BC21CAF9CD8" alt="sidonia swimming" width="800" height="444" /></p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: This Post.</p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: Georgian Bay |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Follow Fred and Sidonia's Great Loop trip update as they travel on their Nimbus. This update is about Georgian Bay. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-trip-georgian-bay.jpg |
2022-07-29 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-georgian-bay |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-georgian-bay |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
20 |
182 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-07-19 00:00:00.0 |
2022-07-19 00:00:00.0 |
226 |
[empty string] |
226 |
<p><em>This is update #8 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred had just arrived in Peterborough Marina in time for the midweek concert held during the summer months. Peterborough is the largest town along the Trent-Severn Waterway, with a population of over 81,000. It was a technology and manufacturing center for well over 100 years, with such companies such as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, General Electric, Quaker Oats, and Pepsi building a presence here. While some of these companies are still operating in Peterborough, in recent years there has been a shift toward service industries and tourism.</p>
<p>Among its many highlights, Peterborough is also known as the gateway to cottage country.</p>
<p>A major industry that started in Peterborough in the late 1850s was canoe building, and the Peterborough Canoe Company was founded in 1893. By 1930, fully 25 percent of all workers in Canada’s boat building industry worked in Peterborough. And with the opening of the hydro-electric generating station (which opened before the one at Niagara Falls), many companies located here to take advantage of the cheap new power source.</p>
<p>There are numerous museums, galleries, indoor and outdoor theaters, and other attractions. Unfortunately, cruisers passing through on their Great Loop don’t really have ready access to what the city has to offer, and the crew of Last Item were no different. Based in a marina, they are detached from the otherwise interesting attractions, nor do they take much time to explore.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Peterborough is the largest town on the Trent-Severn Waterway. On Thursday, July 7th, we rode our scooters up and down the streets but never found anything of real interest to us other than a lovely park along the waterfront.</p>
<p>“For the past several days, we have seen large trees either uprooted or broken off along the waterway, some landing in the water and some on land. When we asked some local boaters across from us, we learned that about a month ago an unusually large storm had come through the area. One person was killed, and power was out for a week for many people.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the remarkable highlights of the Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough is the Peterborough Lift Lock, which opened in 1904. It is Lock #21 on the waterway and the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We were at Lock #20 for the first opening of the day with three other boats. Peterborough Lock #21 was our first hydraulic lift lock.</p>
<p><img title="entering the pan at the peterborough hydraulic lift lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/peterborough-hydraulic-lift-lock.jpg?cb=F07DA695-BC51-69DF-34BD5834B7528CF2" alt="entering the pan at the peterborough hydraulic lift lock" width="800" height="456" /></p>
<p>All four boats squeezed into the 140-foot-long chamber (called a caisson), resembling a giant bathtub. There is an identical chamber next to it, but it is 65 feet above us. Once they close the back gates of both caissons, the upper caisson is filled with a foot more water than the lower caisson. The difference in weight lets gravity move the upper chamber down while the lower chamber rises. Within about two minutes (the fastest lock in the system), we rose 65 feet. Everyone on the boats were really excited about being in such a unique lock. There is another lift lock ahead of us, Kirkfield Lock #36, which we’ll see in a few days.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Almost to the top of the 65-foot rise in the lift lock.)</em></p>
<p><img title="top of the lift lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/65-foot-lift-lock.jpg?cb=F07DA691-B470-6435-E50F06944342AFD1" alt="top of the lift lock" width="800" height="652" /></p>
<p>“In six and a half hours, we locked through eight locks and traveled 16 miles. We cruised at five knots on the Otonabee River, went through Lake Katchewanooka, Clear Lake, and into Stoney Lake.</p>
<p>The other three boats in our little flotilla continued to Buckhorn. But we already knew that the lock wall there was full of boats.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the many revelations when traveling in company with other boats is seeing how the crews handle the many different situations encountered. Whether navigating swift waters such as Dodds</p>
<p>Narrows off Vancouver Island in British Columbia or picking a way through the shallow waters of Little Bahamas Bank to reach Mangrove Key from West End, the many shapes and layouts of <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/">cruising boats</a> routinely switch between making something easier or more difficult.</p>
<p>Such was the observations with Sidonia and Fred on their <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> 405 Coupe.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After being in the locks with other boaters and seeing what some of them must go through when locking up, we really appreciate our boat and how easy it is to handle. We watch others climbing up and down steep ladders from their flybridges, trying to grab the cables before their boat’s stern floats out into the middle of the locks. We’ve seen no accidents, but it seems a bit chaotic.</p>
<p>“We planned to anchor in Stoney Lake, which is full of little islands. Fred found a quiet spot between Pompadour and Halls Islands. It turned out it wasn’t quite as quiet as we thought. There were several small aluminum boats with outboards running at full speed through the area. We had only been anchored for a couple of hours when a man in a boat came by and encouraged us to move to another spot. He said on Friday nights there are lots of parties and noise as people run around in their boats till midnight and beyond. We were right in the path of a frequently used route.</p>
<p>“We took his advice and moved to another spot nearby. After dinner, though, another boater came by and told us the same thing and suggested a safer anchorage. Once again, we hauled anchor and this time tucked into the southern end of Juniper Island away from any possible busy routes.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stoney Lake is about 20 miles long and has more than 1,000 islands. The lake is a primary location for summer cottages although there is an increasing number of full-time residents. In addition to being part of the Great Loop, it is very popular with thousands of fishermen during the season, who fish for largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and Northern pike.</p>
<p>So far, the Nimbus Coupe has been running great. But the next morning, when Fred got ready to make coffee, he could not start the generator. Scratching his head, he pulled out the manual and read the troubleshooting chapter. Then he went into the engine room, checked the oil in the generator, and looked for an override switch which he could not find. It was Saturday, so there was no one to call for advice.</p>
<p>Frustrated, he started the main engines, then pushed the start button for the generator, which started right up. Problems that come and go without explanation are one of cruising most frustrating challenges.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After leaving Stoney Lake, we cruised through Lovesick Lake, Upper Buckhorn and Lower Buckhorn Lakes, Pigeon Lake, and Sturgeon Lake, all connected by narrow channels. Stoney Lake reminded us of the San Juan Islands because of the lichen-covered rock formations, but there are so many more very small islands here. We wound our way through these islands and wondered how people could possibly have done this before GPS.</p>
<p>“The walls and lock at Buckhorn were jammed with small boats, wave runners, houseboats, and more. People lined the lock walls to watch boats pass through. The lakes now were much busier, with waterskiers, wave runners, and speed boats pulling kids on inflatable toys. It was a warm, cloudless Saturday and everyone was out to enjoy it on the water.</p>
<p>“After six hours, we went through our sixth lock of the day, Fenelon Falls Lock #34, and arrived in Sturgeon Lake at the village of Fenelon.</p>
<p><img title="fenelon falls wall" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/wall-at-fenelon-falls.jpg?cb=F07DA68D-A608-EBDD-B8BEE09ACA624B28" alt="fenelon falls wall" width="800" height="469" /></p>
<p>We have now transited more than two thirds of the locks in the Trent-Severn Waterway. We are in no hurry, though. We heard that Lock #44, the Big Chute, isn’t working because of staffing shortages caused by retirements and Covid. Word has it that the lock may reopen on Wednesday. And it is only Saturday.</p>
<p>“There was no room on the wall, so we went back into Sturgeon Lake and anchored not far from the lock. We planned to go back when we saw an empty spot on the wall. At five o’clock, we thought the lock was closed for the day and we could tie up on the wall at the blue line waiting area. However, when we got there, the lock master told us the lock would stay open until 6:30 as it was a weekend. We retraced our steps and re-anchored. No more than fifteen minutes later, a local came by and told us there was now room at the wall as several small boats had just left. Up came the anchor again and we got a spot on the wall thanks to another nice Canadian.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fenelon Falls is one of many quaint villages in the region, and a wonderful place for summer tourism and those who come to enjoy the cottages around the area.</p>
<p><img title="cottages" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/small-cottages.jpg?cb=F07DA689-9F89-AC4D-08AA33EF3A3161F7" alt="cottages" width="800" height="406" /></p>
<p>The village has a revitalized downtown and there are shops, bike paths, lots of outdoor activities, museums, and restaurants for every appetite. Like many towns along the waterway, it relies on those who come by boat or car to enjoy the waters and islands, as well as to see the mini “Niagara Falls” in the limestone gorge.</p>
<p>What is particularly interesting in this part of Ontario and particularly in locations such as Fenelon Falls is that the when the Covid pandemic shut down tourism, many chambers of commerce in Ontario got together and decided to take on the challenge of restarting tourism in more modern ways that offer an enticing tourism experience driven primarily by digital media. The Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce now have online resources designed to attract people to come and enjoy themselves in their special town.</p>
<p>For the next several days they stayed put, as did other Loopers waiting for the backlog to clear at the Big Chute. They rode the two blocks to Murthy’s Lockside Pub & patio for lunch, followed by a leisurely nap on the boat. Later they rode the scooters over to Garnet Graham Beach Park, a large city-run recreational area along the water’s edge.</p>
<p><img title="park in fenelon falls" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fenelon-falls-park.jpg?cb=F07DA67B-D927-7670-5F425A230FD9861F" alt="park in fenelon falls" width="800" height="582" /></p>
<p>“There were groups of people everywhere, picnicking at tables or on blankets spread on the grass. Children ran around in the spray pool and others played games provided by the park. We saw kids jumping into the water from an unused swing bridge. It was a delightful sight.”</p>
<p><img title="kids having fun" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/kids-having-fun.jpg?cb=F07DA684-E561-4771-7F8EB486750658DF" alt="kids having fun" width="800" height="584" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another observation they had was that despite the fact there is water everywhere, boating takes a backseat to the tremendous interest in cottaging. The surrounding natural beauty is the obvious attraction and why so many people choose to spend their summers here. Every house or structure along the water is considered a cottage, no matter if it is 900 sq.ft. or 10,000.</p>
<p><img title="large cottage" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/large-cottage.jpg?cb=F07DA677-A56E-CA21-B6D97AE4790A6B75" alt="large cottage" width="800" height="443" /></p>
<p>Many of the downtown shops in Fenelon Falls cater to people decorating the interiors of their cottages and ‘bunkies,’ which the locals call the separate small guest houses (or tiny homes) alongside the main cottage. Like the camps one finds along the shores of the lakes in Maine, some of the cottages have been in the family for generations, some are close to 100 years old. Most do not have insulation and are built on top of sandstone.</p>
<p>Another thing they noticed was the difference in wildlife from what they are used to.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Boating in the Pacific Northwest means we see lots of wildlife. So far on this trip, other than birds, we have seen only turtles and a muskrat. Today, we saw a mink with a fish in its mouth. It must live in the area as we saw it two more times.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Staying in one place gave the couple time to socialize with other Loopers, something that is difficult when one travels every day. So, when the situation calls for a break from traveling, one must make the best of the opportunity. It is one of the joys of cruising.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“As we enjoyed drinks in the cockpit for happy hour, we invited another Looper couple, who happened to stroll by, to come aboard and join us. They are Ron and Nancy on ‘Flying Colors’ from Minnesota. We were surprised to hear of their different style of boating in Minnesota. They spend their time in the St. Croix River, which has sandbars. The water is deep right up to the sandbar, so boats put their bows on the sand and secure their sterns with anchors to the beach.</p>
<p>“After a nice visit with Ron and Nancy, we returned to nearby Murphy’s for dinner. It was a very nice day.</p>
<p>“The next morning, Monday, July 11th, we wondered through town, looking for a bakery we had heard about. We ended up going across the canal to the White Cottage Cafe where we had a marvelous cherry cream cheese Danish.</p>
<p>“In the afternoon, we went to the Maryboro Lodge Museum, which began as a private estate in 1823, then became a tourist camp and boarding house and is now a museum. It has lots of interesting old tools and machinery, photographs, furniture, and clothing from the 1800s. It also has a room full of fun toys for children. It was just the right size, and not overwhelming.</p>
<p><img title="maryboro museum" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/maryboro-museum.jpg?cb=F07DA67F-DDE2-5E2E-071BD0E64FDDC742" alt="maryboro museum" width="800" height="457" /></p>
<p>“At 4:00, we joined five other Looper couples for ‘docktails’ at one of the picnic benches along the wall. We had a great time telling boating stories and more with some very nice people. We hope we will see some of them again as we continue along our way.”</p>
<p><img title="docktails with great loopers" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/docktails-with-loopers.jpg?cb=F07DA699-D2C5-38C0-9FE40A5900EA9551" alt="docktails with great loopers" width="800" height="416" /></p>
<p>While many of these people expected to leave the next day, the weather turned sour and rain and increasing winds forced the prudent cruisers to stay put one more day. It was a smart decision.</p>
<p>“I think the Loopers here with us feel that if we must stay somewhere because of a lock problem and/or bad weather, Fenelon Falls is a pretty nice place to be. It has the museum, the park, restaurants, boutiques, the necessary stores, shops and bakeries and everything is within easy walking distance.</p>
<p>“Tomorrow is supposed to be the day that the Big Chute, Lock #44, reopens. There is a backup of boats waiting at the lock and points along the way leading up to it. We could get there in two days but we will make a longer trip of it to let some of the backlog clear out.</p>
<p>“There is only one lock left after the Big Chute and then we’re about finished with the Trent-Severn. It has been such an enjoyable waterway, we hate to see it end.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The following day, the Loopers left. After another cherry cream cheese Danish from the White Cottage Café, Last Item also left Fenelon Falls, bound for the remainder of the Trent-Severn.</p>
<p>Kirkfield Lock #36 is the second of the two hydraulic lift locks in the Trent-Severn. Sidonia thoroughly enjoyed the two lift locks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Though the regular locks are not difficult, the ‘big bathtub’ locks are so easy. No need to tend your lines and you’re down (or up) in two minutes. Lock #36 was the first lock where we entered at the top and were lowered instead of raised. On entering and looked forward, it was a bit like looking across an infinity pool as you see nothing but air beyond the gate. Once out of that lock, the water flows toward Georgian Bay and the channel markers are reversed, green to starboard, red to port.”</p>
<p>Once through Talbot Lock #38, they also noticed a changing landscape. There are fewer trees and one can see cultivated fields. They knew there was a lot of agriculture along the Trent-Severn from aerial photographs in the guidebook but from the deck of a boat it was difficult to see through the thick vegetation that lines both sides of the canals.</p>
<p>Another comment Sidonia made was when they cruised elsewhere in the world, they would never think of moving with fenders hanging over the sides. It is considered such bad form.</p>
<p>But throughout the Erie, Oswego, and Trent-Severn canals, everybody does just that. It isn’t worth the effort with such short distances between locks. In fact, the only times they pull aboard the fenders is when they cruise at 24 knots, which has not been very often since leaving Lake Ontario.</p>
<p>“We said goodbye to the really nice people we shared our locks with, Bill and Diane on ‘Odyssey,’ as they were continuing on while we chose to end our day just before Lock #40. As usual, we found the grounds on either side of the lock nicely groomed for a park-like setting. Along one side of the canal was a solid line of brown eyed Susans, lupine and Queen Ann’s lace. Prettier than a florist’s bouquet.”</p>
<p><img title="along the wall at lock 40" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/along-the-wall-at-lock.jpg?cb=F07DA673-F130-7E87-EA82D4B78FB58E85" alt="along the wall at lock 40" width="800" height="443" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The couple made it across Cameron Lake and Balsam Lake, then Mitchell Lake and Canal Lake. They followed narrow waterways several miles long connecting the lakes. The water is so shallow in these narrow waters their depth sounder stopped registering the depth at 3.5 feet under the transducer, which is a couple of feet below the waterline. At times, it also seemed tree branches would brush against the boat as they passed by, but they never touched.</p>
<p>By now, of course, the couple knew some of the other Loopers also on the same route. And every so often they would come across a boat they recognized.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Ron and Nancy on ‘Flying Colors’ had already locked through Lock #40 and were tied to the wall below. They walked up the steps to our level and visited with us for awhile.</p>
<p>“All the locks have names, and most are named for the town they are in or nearby. We caught the first opening of Thorah #40 the next morning at 9:00am.</p>
<p>“We flew across Lake Simcoe, entered Lake Couchiching, and were safely docked at the Port of Orillia marina by 11:30. I really thought we were going to go aground as we churned up mud getting to our assigned slip as it was so shallow around the marina. The marina itself is a very nice facility, with new dock surfaces, collapsible cleats, free laundry, and very nice bathrooms and showers. And, of course, a nice staff.</p>
<p>“Roger and Marilyn (‘Uncle Wiggley’) were docked here as well. They came over for happy hour and Marilyn brought us some decadent butter tarts. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with them. Coincidentally, they had previously managed Spanish Key in the Bahamas, a place with which we were quite familiar.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Orillia is a large city in Ontario with a population of 33,000. It is located between two connected lakes, Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Known for its attractions, museum, and art exhibits, these things are not close to the marina, so Sidonia and Fred did not take the time to do much exploring. They were looking forward to the Big Chute, and the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway at Port Severn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“There is a swing bridge with a 14-foot clearance before one reaches Couchiching Lock #42. We caught up with ‘Uncle Wiggley,’ waiting for the bridge to open. A large electronic sign read ‘Next Opening 9:45ish.’ We got a kick out of that. But that was a half hour from now, and Fred thought we could make it under the bridge.</p>
<p><img title="swing bridge at big chute lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/big-chute-awaiting-entry.jpg?cb=F07DA66F-BB0B-D0EB-1AA06E4BB2922999" alt="swing bridge at big chute lock" width="800" height="464" /></p>
<p>“He had me take the controls while he stood up on the bow to watch. We went under the bridge at less than a snail’s pace and just barely ‘twanged’ the cell phone booster antenna as we passed under the bridge.</p>
<p>“From there, we traveled through Sparrow Lake and the Severn River. The landscape felt like we were on a mountain lake. Pine and fir tree needles blanketed the ground around the cottages, and large, rocky outcroppings were visible in the narrow river and canal.</p>
<p>“After Couchiching Lock #42 and Swift Rapids Lock #43, the eagerly anticipated Big Chute was in sight.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Big Chute Marine Railway is the only marine railway of its kind still in use in North America. It is a vital connection in the Great Loop, taking boats in individual 80-foot cradles up and over the land to</p>
<p>Georgian Bay. The current railway began operations in 1978.</p>
<p>Interestingly, there were plans in the 1960s to replace the Big Chute with a lock between the river and Georgian Bay. However, the invasive sea lamprey was discovered in the waters at the base of the railway. These creatures were devastating the fishing industry in the Great Lakes, and efforts to keep them from migrating further proved ineffective. A marine biologist soon discovered, however, that any lampreys that attached themselves to the bottom of boats on the railway fell off after a short distance.</p>
<p>So, authorities decided the railway was a very effective way to prevent further lamprey migration. In 1976, a new, enlarged railway was built to handle the ever-increasing boat traffic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It was not a very reassuring looking piece of equipment as it rumbled down the slope toward the water. It is old and rusty. We were the only boat waiting to ‘climb aboard.’ We were beckoned slowly forward until we were situated properly over the two slings. The slack was taken out of the slings, until we were firmly held in place, and all was ready to make the 600-foot ride over the hill to Georgian Bay.</p>
<p>“The Big Chute started slowly moving up the hill, leaving the water behind. It is engineered so that boats in the chute are always level. The chute clanks, jerks, and rattles, and sounds and feels a little scary. And there were quite a few people there to watch and take photos and videos with their cell phones. I sat on the bow and took my own photos while Fred took photos of me on the bow.</p>
<p><img title="watching from the bow" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/best-spot-for-amazing-view.jpg?cb=F07DA66A-CAF7-5933-D10EA2CA59E2B2EA" alt="watching from the bow" width="800" height="456" /></p>
<p>“When we reached the crest and started downhill, it was quite exhilarating. People below were calling out to me, and I asked if someone would email me a photo of us in the chute. One woman said she would, and I gave her our email address.</p>
<p><img title="the big chute" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/the-big-chute.jpg?cb=F07DA665-9A04-EA2D-DD707991EE18C97C" alt="the big chute" width="800" height="632" /></p>
<p>“As we exited the Big Chute, the people watching us cheered and waved. We felt like we had just split the tape at the finish line of a big race. It’s strange but both of us felt a little emotional. We’re not sure why but possibly because the Big Chute signifies that we are nearly the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway.</p>
<p>“We wish it would go on longer but there are more adventures ahead.</p>
<p>“We soon docked at Starport Marina near the village of Port Severn.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: This Post</p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: Deeper Into The Trent-Severn Waterway |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Catch up with Fred and Sidonia as they keep moving along the Trent-Severn Waterway on their Great Loop trip. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-trip-trent-severn.jpg |
2022-07-19 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
21 |
180 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-07-09 00:00:00.0 |
2022-07-09 00:00:00.0 |
224 |
[empty string] |
224 |
<p><em>This is update #7 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a> in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our last segment ended with the couple on their way to Trenton, Ontario, the entrance to the Trent-Severn Waterway. They had left Picton, a quaint and fun little town full of energy and people enjoying themselves during the summer and stopped for the night in Belleville.</p>
<p>They did not find any joie d’vivre in Belleville as in the previous Canadian towns. That is frankly understandable, as Belleville has a population about 10 times larger than the other towns they have visited in Canada.</p>
<p>Belleville is a commercial and industrial city, and home for companies and corporations too long to list. However, readers will recognize some of them: Proctor & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Parmalat Canada, and the Canadian headquarters of the North Carolina-based corporation of cloud communications, Avaya.</p>
<p>Instead of small downtown streets line with shops, restaurants, flowerpots, and ice cream parlors, Belleville has two large shopping malls. So, it was no surprise Sidonia and Fred had a different experience here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Our internet connection here has been a problem, so we hooked onto the marina wifi. We were finally able to catch up on emails and other things for which we needed the internet.</p>
<p>“We rode around town trying to find historical buildings or houses and anything that had historical interest. While we saw lots of old buildings, we saw no plaques to indicate dates or historical significance. We returned to the boat with our initial impression intact. Belleville did not impress us very much. On the other hand, Crate Marine was a very nice place to dock for a day or two.</p>
<p>“We left at 2:00pm on Friday, July 1st, and soon passed a large Canada Day celebration going on at a waterfront park.”</p>
<p>The distance from Belleville to Trenton is less than 10 miles, and as the waters begin to shallow, and there are water hazards that threaten larger, deep draft cruisers.</p>
<p>“As we approached Trenton, we passed a flock of mute swans and stopped so I could take a photo. When we started back up, we couldn’t get up on a plane. The water is shallow here and full of seaweed which had wrapped around our props. Fred reversed a few times and that seemed to help.</p>
<p>“Once we reached Trenton, we headed over to Trent Port Marina. As Fred backed into our slip, five men came down the finger pier to give us a hand. After we tied down, they stood around asking us about our boat and wanting to look inside. There were more compliments, and they were very impressed with the visibility we enjoy from the helm of the Nimbus 405 Coupe.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Trenton Port Marina.)</em></p>
<p><img title="trenton port marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/trenton-marina.jpg?cb=E4D078E0-C025-CC8D-60C6054CB9432E2A" alt="trenton port marina" width="800" height="460" /></p>
<p>“Later in the day, two locals stopped by to ask if we needed anything. They offered to drive us to the store or wherever we needed to go.</p>
<p>“Given the excitement of Canada’s national celebration, the marina was full of owners on their boats ready to watch the fireworks set off right across the river.</p>
<p>“We had the best seats in the house for the fireworks show and Trenton really puts on a great show. Some of the pyrotechnics seemed so close I expected sparks to rain down on our boat. When the impressive show ended, people all around us cheered, and, of course, everyone honked their horns.</p>
<p>“The Trent Port Marina is fairly new and the premium, 375-slip marina is the nicest we’ve ever been to. The main building is attractive and clean and offers a nice lounge and TV area. There are free laundry facilities and individual toilet and shower rooms that are sparkling clean. Altogether a very nice marina.</p>
<p>“While doing laundry the next morning, I enjoyed talking with two other Loopers, Elizabeth on ‘No Agenda’ and Lynn on ‘Acadia.’ We had seen their boats along the way but had not had a chance to talk with them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Located on the Bay of Quinte, Trenton can handle the many tourists who arrive there, and many come on boats as part of the Great Loop. Trenton is the east end starting point for the Trent-Severn Waterway, which winds through Canada northwest to Peterborough and exits at Port Severn on Georgian Bay into Lake Huron.</p>
<p>The town offers many tourist attractions, and is home for many sports and recreation activities, with nine golf courses, hiking trails, even three hockey rinks.</p>
<p>Many years ago, Trenton was once considered “Hollywood North,” as film studios made silent movies here until the early 1920s.</p>
<p>Today its main employer is the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Canadian Forces Base Trenton/8 Wing is based here, a transport group with search and rescue operations. Trenton is also the site of the National Air Force Museum of Canada.</p>
<p>There is much to see and do in Trenton. And next week, Trenton will host its “Downtown Trenton’s Festival on the Bay,” a three-day festival of live music (all day for three days), sidewalk shopping, a fireworks and drone show, arts, pancakes for the kids… Three days of family fun to celebrate the summer. But Sidonia and Fred would miss the party as their journey continues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We rode our scooters through the nicely landscaped city park and around town, then picked up a few groceries at the Metro store, conveniently close to the marina. Just after we got back, another local boat owner came by and gave us freshly baked banana nut muffins.</p>
<p>“The hospitality we received in Trenton was second to none.</p>
<p>“A short taxi ride away from the marina is the Trenton Golf Club. It is quite different from the other courses we’ve played on this trip because it has many elevation changes, and the fairways are much drier. On many holes, we couldn’t see the distant green from the tees as they were behind a big hill or below us somewhere. But we lost no balls today.</p>
<p>“Back at the marina, we bought a couple of ice cream cones. The winds were up as we walked back to the boat, and my good old straw hat blew off my head into the water.</p>
<p>“We couldn’t reach it even stretched out with a golf club in hand. The wind was slowly moving my favorite hat toward another pier, so I went over to that pier and waited. It was nearly a half hour before the hat got just within grabbing range, then stopped as it stuck in a patch of weeds just out of reach. The brim was totally under water by now and only the tip of the crown was dry.</p>
<p>“I called Fred to bring our extendable boat hook but though he got it got close to the hat, we couldn’t quite reach it. Another fellow went to his boat and got an even longer boat hook. His first attempt completely submerged the hat. He stabbed again, though, and was able to get under the hat and bring it in to me.</p>
<p>“The hat looked pretty forlorn, and it may not ever regain its shape, but it’s been my ‘go to’ hat for such a long time, I would hate to lose it.”</p>
<p><img title="my hat is a total loss" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hat-is-a-total-loss.jpg?cb=E4D078E5-9ED4-64F2-6C7470124240F696" alt="my hat is a total loss" width="800" height="494" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next day, July 3rd, they would leave Trenton to enter the Trent-Severn Waterway (Trent Canal).</p>
<p>The canal connects Lake Ontario (at Trenton) to Georgian Bay (on Lake Huron) at Port Severn. This 240-mile waterway took 87 years to build and was completed in 1920. It includes 41 locks, and the lock chambers are 120-feet long and 32 feet wide. The waterway also includes a marine railway, and two hydraulic lift locks, one of which is the largest in the world, located at Peterborough, Ontario.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of the many waterways along the Great Loop, one might argue this canal is the most exotic. It travels through beautiful sections of Canadian landscape. Over 122,000 boats travel this waterway each year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s official, we are now in the Trent-Severn Waterway. We were under way for five hours today and went a whopping six miles, going through six locks.</p>
<p><img title="trent-severn waterway" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/entering-the-trent-severn-waterway.jpg?cb=E4D078F3-0C4C-8221-B27688C3B8CEAD56" alt="trent-severn waterway" width="800" height="411" /></p>
<p>“At the first lock, we paid our transit fee of CAD $220, which is good for the entire waterway. The lock situation is a little different from the Erie and Oswego Canal locks. We locked up with the same three other boats through all six locks. These locks are small and only four boats in the 40–45-foot size range can fit.</p>
<p>“In the first three locks, we secured to the wall and another boat side-tied to us. The next three locks, we side-tied to another boat, which was easier as we didn’t have to tend our lines on the lock wall. One gets acquainted very quickly with the other boaters in the locks, as we are tied together for 20 to 30 minutes in each of the locks. It was a good time.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Some of the lockmasters had beautiful gardens.)</em></p>
<p><img title="lockmaster gardens" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lockmaster-gardens.jpg?cb=E4D078FB-C883-60F2-40C08521A9ED7AD0" alt="lockmaster gardens" width="800" height="430" /></p>
<p>“We were totally surprised when we got to the top of the first lock and saw two lock attendants hand-cranking the lock doors open. No modern hydraulic systems are used, as they want to keep the locks as original as they can.</p>
<p>“As we entered the third lock, it looked like Niagara Falls coming over the top gate (the hinged upstream doors at the front of the lock chamber). Water is not supposed to come over the top of the lock gates, but we were assured that everything was fine. As we were traveling up in height in the waterway, they explained there were water level fluctuations today. Earlier, they had to hold up several boats in the lock until the water on the high side went down to safe levels.</p>
<p><img title="overflow at the lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/overflow-on-the-lock-gate.jpg?cb=E8CFD174-FF19-BDC0-53487EB62F30F7C6" alt="overflow at the lock" width="800" height="470" /></p>
<p>“One of the lock attendants invited me to help crank the lock gates open. What looked like hard work was really very easy.</p>
<p><img title="opening the lock with a crank" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/opening-the-lock-gate.jpg?cb=E4D078EA-F3B1-D8AB-6FB451CFC152FEFD" alt="opening the lock with a crank" width="800" height="447" /></p>
<p>“We had hoped to tie to the wall after Lock #6 at the village of Frankford, but other Looper boats were already on the wall and there was no more room left for us. In our research we read about a restaurant serving terrific Asian fusion cuisine, and we really wanted to try it. So, we continued about a half-mile beyond the lock and anchored in a wide area in 9 feet of water. It was a very peaceful spot, with just a hint of occasional road noise from across the river, but mostly the lovely sounds of the breeze rattling the leaves in the trees and birds singing. It was very peaceful.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next morning, on July 4th, the boats tied to the wall above Lock #6 in Frankford continued on their way up the waterway. The crew of Last Item, still keen to explore Frankford, raised anchor and headed back to the now-open lock wall.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, after riding across the bridge into the little town, they found the the Asian restaurant, Riverside Restaurant, closed and apparently permanently. Even though its voice message indicated they would be open for lunch, it was obviously closed. (Its web presence also indicates business as usual, but no doubt it was a victim of Covid, which shuttered many small businesses across North America.</p>
<p>Undeterred, they backtracked to Dimitri’s Pizzeria and Restaurant not far away, where they ordered fish and chips. During their meal they saw Loopers Tina and Tommy from their boat, “Two T’s Aweigh.” They had met the couple in Trenton, and they sat down to catch up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“A little after 1:00, we headed out again. Most of the time now we traveled slowly to keep our wake down, because people fished from small boats and there were numerous waterside homes with docks and boats. Homeowners complain to the lock masters if boaters don’t show proper courtesy when traveling such narrow waters.</p>
<p>“We made it through Danger Narrows without incident. It doesn’t really pose any problems unless one gets out of the channel and among the rocks on which we saw turtles sunning themselves. We passed through several marshy areas and saw more swans.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: A narrow passage on the Trent River.)</em></p>
<p><img title="narrow passage on the trent river" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/narrow-passage-on-trent-river.jpg?cb=E4D07904-CCD2-86D7-F0DE4A4329D8C5B5" alt="narrow passage on the trent river" width="800" height="470" /></p>
<p>“After going through Lock #7 at Glen Ross, we anchored off the main channel in a quiet side channel of the Murray Marsh called The Blue Hole. It is in a wetland that our Trent-Severn guidebook says is ‘one of the most valuable wetlands remaining in Ontario.’ On both sides there are acres of what look like cattails and waterlilies with bright yellow blossoms popping up.</p>
<p>“We covered 13 miles today in two hours and only had to transit one lock.</p>
<p>“We woke to raindrops on the boat, a wonderful sound that urged us to just turn over and go back to sleep. But we wanted to get an early start so we could cover more ground than we had in the past two days. So, we donned our rain gear and were ready for Lock #8 at Percy Reach when it opened at 9:00.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The day would prove to be a blur of slow travel, one lock after another, in quick succession. Locking through 10 locks over 26 miles made for a long day.</p>
<p>It was also today they experienced their first “flight locks,” where one travels into a lock only to exit into another lock. Locks #11 and #12 at Ranney Falls combine to raise the boat 48 feet.</p>
<p>And the rapid order Healey Falls locks (#15, #16, #17) took them up an additional 76 feet.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Flight Lock #16)</em></p>
<p><img title="flight lock 16" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/flight-lock-16.jpg?cb=E4D07908-B6A9-C879-AF6C7825D5642C6E" alt="flight lock 16" width="800" height="573" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“After #17, we worked our way through 15 miles of islands in Seymour Lake. There were a few spots where we could speed up but there were still many waterfront homes, so we slowed down.</p>
<p>“Fred and I expected more uninhabited areas along the Trent Severn and were surprised to see so many waterfront cottages. It’s no wonder, though, as it is such a lovely area with quiet waters lapping near your front porch.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When they arrived at Lock #18 in Hastings, they were told to stay put at the lower lock entrance as the wall above the lock was already full of boats.</p>
<p><img title="Lock Wall at Hastings" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lock-wall-at-hastings.jpg?cb=E4D078F7-D6F6-9752-73C2B64F695661C9" alt="Lock Wall at Hastings" width="800" height="509" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The village of Hastings is small (population about 1,200) and without the tourism we’ve seen in other small towns. The next morning, we had an omelette at Bridgewater Coffee and Pizza, which was only a short walk from the boat.</p>
<p>“We left after breakfast and covered 42 miles in five hours. We made some speed through Rice Lake and occasionally in the river, but mostly our speed was no more than 7 knots.</p>
<p>“On entering Little Lake, we could see the 250-foot geyser of Peterborough’s famous fountain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The Peterborough Marina is just beyond the edge of town. Not too far from the docks is a large grassy area with a stage where Peterborough puts on weekly concerts on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. Tonight’s the night for a concert.</p>
<p>“We heard the band practicing in the afternoon, and they sounded pretty good, but we’re glad our boat is on a dock farther away from the 20 speakers we saw on stage.</p>
<p>“One of the boaters we met in the locks yesterday has his boat just down the dock from us. Sadly, he told us he hit something along the way and damaged his props and the bottom of his boat. He arranged for a diver to check the damage and replace one of the props.</p>
<p>“We, too, brought spare props along, just in case.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On to Port Severn. See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: This Post</p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: Into The Trent-Severn Waterway |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Follow along with the latest updates from our Nimbus Boat owners as they travel the Great Loop. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
boating-on-the-trent-severn-waterway.jpg |
2022-07-09 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
22 |
178 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-29 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-29 00:00:00.0 |
221 |
[empty string] |
221 |
<p>Back in the day, and I mean back in the 1970s and 1980s, the cruising scene was relaxed and typical Margaritaville, whether it was in St Micheals on the Chesapeake Bay, Marathon in the Florida Keys, Leland in Michigan, or Friday Harbor up in the San Juans.</p>
<p>A couple comes out of Publix grocery store in Marathon, for example, four or five plastic grocery bags in hand, and they stow the groceries in the pannier bags of their folding bicycles. In my mind, the man is always wearing those khakis with the zip off legs, and both are wearing Tilley hats. One can instantly recognize they are cruisers, wearing well-worn boat shoes, and she has a colorful ankle bracelet she bought in the BVIs a couple of years ago.</p>
<p>They each have folding bicycles, and more often that not, they were Dahon-like bicycles, marinized folding bikes with 20-inch wheels that were as ubiquitous with the cruising lifestyle as the Tilley hat.</p>
<p>Off they go, back to the marina, with perhaps a stop for ice cream. If they were going to stay in town awhile, they would chain and lock each bike, around a piling or the shorepower pedestal. Walk the docks in any cruiser-friendly marina, and one would see a number of these folding bikes.</p>
<p>Fast forward forty years, and the scene remains the same. But that couple now have more transportation options, with Uber and other pay-for-a-ride services, some marinas have loaner cars, and there are even local electric buggies to carry passengers where they need to go within city limits. (Annapolis is big on these electric taxis, super-sized golf carts and able to carry a half dozen people around town.)</p>
<p>But there is another option. The trusted folding <a href="https://usa.dahon.com/products/mariner-d8-brushed" target="_blank">Dahon Mariner</a> is still available for those who want the flexibility of their own transportation, well suited to stow in a <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a> lazarette or the cockpit locker on a <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a>.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The Dahon Mariner D8)</p>
<p><img title="dahon mariner 8 ebike" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dahon-mariner-ebike.jpg?cb=EA562449-9F28-7BA4-8233207178D9B126" alt="dahon mariner 8 ebike" width="800" height="546" /></p>
<p>These days, with electric vehicles all the rage, it is more likely the couple will have a couple of folding electric bicycles, or e-bikes. For people who travel the world on boats and RVs, the versatility of the e-bike is unprecedented. Capable of speeds up to 28 mph on some models the e-bike add tremendous utility to the life of a cruiser, some can go up to 75 miles or more. They provide great transportation options for anyone who enjoys getting off the boat and exploring the surrounding area when they stay for an afternoon or more. In the case of the couple in Marathon for the winter, e-bikes are every bit as useful as renting a car for the season.</p>
<p>E-bikes are great for people who would otherwise never ride a bicycle. They provide both exercise and transportation to a wide range of people. Being able to carry a load makes them ideal for shopping. Up and down hills, it makes no difference with an e-bike.</p>
<p>As we’re seeing with Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine on their Great Loop adventure <strong>(Read: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">Nimbus LAST ITEM Begins The Great Loop</a>)</strong>, even senior cruisers can easily explore greater distances that is possible (or desirable) by walking or riding a traditional bicycle. Most RV travelers, especially those in smaller camper vans where a towed vehicle doesn’t make sense, e-bikes are tremendously useful for enjoying parks and local sights outside the campground.</p>
<p>A folding e-bike looks very similar to the Dahon-type folding bicycle, as they still have pedals, and the battery is often tucked away or incorporated into the design of the bike. Many fold the same way as the pedal-powered bicycle, while others shrink in size by removing battery, wheels, and folding the frame into a small package that slips into a zippered storage bag, to be stored and protected away from the elements.</p>
<p>E-bikes fall into one of three classes. Class 1 e-bikes have electric motors to provide assistance only when the rider pedals the bike, and power is shut off when the bike reaches 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes can power the bike without pedal assistance, and also stop assisting when the bike hits 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are similar to Class 1 bikes except that the motor continues assisting up to 28 mph.</p>
<p>For the cruiser, be aware that the world is still trying to figure out where the e-bike fits in the overall scheme of powered travel. In our national park system, for example, changes to the laws a couple of years ago made them legal to travel anywhere a pedal-powered bicycle could go. Now, with a few years of experience of actual use, these rules are being reviewed and potentially revised based on further study. There is some concern that e-bikes, especially Class 3 bikes, startle hikers, animals, and other bicyclists when they zip out of nowhere along a trail at speed.</p>
<p><img title="ebike in national park" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ebikes-at-national-park.jpg?cb=EB779C53-CD12-7B0A-073E0B13C251903A" alt="ebike in national park" width="800" height="483" /></p>
<p>In Maryland, even some state counties don’t agree where e-bikes best fit. Some counties allow e-bikes on sidewalks, while officials in other counties feel they should remain on roadways along with other motorized vehicles.</p>
<p>In Florida, e-bikes may be ridden in any area or roadway that allows traditional bicycles. That includes paved roads, bike lanes, bike paths, and sidewalks. Yet some communities have their own interpretation of e-bike travel, so restrictions can change as one cruises the state.</p>
<p>That is also true in states such as Michigan, where there are different rules among the three classes of e-bikes. All are allowed on roads and bike paths, or on any trails where other motorized vehicles are allowed. Yet there are some travel surfaces where a Class 1 e-bike can travel, but a Class 3 is not allowed.</p>
<p>In Washington state, there is an ongoing study to determine where an e-bike can legally travel, and there is special consideration if a rider qualifies for an ADA permit (Americans with Disabilities Act), where they are allowed on non-motorized trails and roads wherever bicycles are allowed.</p>
<p>To be clear, everyone is trying to figure out where the e-bike fits. As of now, there is no consensus, and there are also lots of specific local areas of restriction. Mackinac Island, for instance, no longer allows e-bikes on the island, as they are viewed in the same way as other motorized vehicles, which are banned.</p>
<p>Buying an e-bike can be an adventure onto itself. There are literally dozens of brands of e-bike manufacturers on Amazon, and prices vary widely. With the incredible popularity of e-bikes in China, it is the largest manufacturer for the global e-bike industry. There are other countries that produce them, such as Taiwan, but finding a folding version will be frustrating if one hopes to source one made in North America.</p>
<p>Expect to pay $1,500 or more for a decent e-bike, and the price increases as the quality goes up and the weight goes down. For example, a new Lectric XP can be purchased for around $1,000, yet it is heavy at 65lbs. In contrast, a sleek and sexy Gocycle G4 weighs under 40lbs and will cost you $4,000. But it also has a USB port to charge your phone while riding to and from your latest travel adventure.</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fgAUuJXRtzs" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Unfortunately, the risk of theft of one’s e-bike is ever present when cruising, especially for an expensive carbon-fiber bike that cost a lot of money. The same is true for one’s inflatable dinghy and outboard. So, it is prudent to secure an e-bike with a chain and lock when it is out of one’s sight.</p>
<p>Most e-bikes can last about 10 years if properly stored in a protective bag out of the elements. Some will have more corrosion protection than others, but as far as I can determine, none are as marinized as the trusty Dahon Mariner. But the market is growing and the popularity of the e-bike outside of its traditional use for urban commuting will no doubt get the attention of some manufacturers who recognize its application in the marine environment.</p>
<p>The range of e-bikes is another consideration, and most can travel upwards of 40 miles on a charge, longer if one pedals as well. Some bikes have considerably longer range, but for the needs of the average cruising sailor or trawlerman, who just needs local transportation, that really isn’t a big issue.</p>
<p>Many states have laws regarding helmet usage, and most require riders wear helmets under the age of 16. But as an experienced motorcyclist of many years, I feel strongly that wearing a helmet is very important when riding any motorized bike or cycle, whether it is the law or not. Every time I sailed to Bermuda, by sailboat or trawler, I was struck by the number of tourists who dumped their rented mopeds making turns in gravel or rain and required emergency medical treatment.</p>
<p>I would particularly recommend buying a bike helmet that incorporates MIPS technology. <a href="https://mipsprotection.com/" target="_blank">MIPS</a> stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is a helmet design that incorporates a slippery liner inside the helmet that protects the skull by allowing the head to rotate within the helmet when it strikes a hard surface at an angle, such as a roadway. By sliding the skull inside the helmet during impact, this slip liner reduces the energy transmitted by the helmet up to 50 percent. These helmets are more expensive, but what price is there for saving one’s brain from a concussion?</p>
<p>As battery and electric motor technology continues to advance at a record pace, transportation options such as the e-bike will continue to become standard accessories for the cruising boat.</p>
<p>And for the traditional cyclist who thinks e-bikes are a form of cheating on two wheels, I only suggest they take one for a spin. They will instantly get it, and quickly imagine how fun it will be to ride from the marina over to that lighthouse museum miles away for lunch. It extends the cruiser’s range of enjoyment and sightseeing, and is perfect for an aging cruising couple.</p>
<p>And that adds even more to the experience we call pleasure boating. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-lure-of-electric-boating">The Lure Of Electric Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising">Prepare Yourself For Offshore Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What's The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
The Cruiser's Other Dinghy |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Many yacht owners are turning to electric bikes, or E-Bikes, as a way to enjoy the city while docked at a marina. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
e-bikes-for-yachts.jpg |
2022-06-29 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-cruisers-other-dinghy |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-cruisers-other-dinghy |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
23 |
175 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-24 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-24 00:00:00.0 |
220 |
[empty string] |
220 |
<p><em>This is update #5 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along The Great Loop in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Having arrived in Rome, NY on June 12th, at the end of a long day punctuated by floating debris, sticks, and logs, Sidonia and Fred were nearing the end of their Erie Canal travels. There isn’t much going on in Rome, a quiet, family-oriented town of about 32,000 residents. Its claim to fame is that during the Industrial Revolution, it was known as “Copper City,” as the area provided about 10 percent of the nation’s copper needs, as well as brass. There is still an active copper rolling mill.</p>
<p><img title="debris in the water" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/river-with-tree-branches.jpg?cb=D9C21C81-E66E-5B0E-E5AC9FDB773EDF34" alt="debris in the water" width="800" height="557" /></p>
<p>The other bit of historical significance is that the construction of the Eire Canal began in Rome on July 4, 1817. The town later developed the Erie Canal Village to celebrate the original canal and its related history. But it has fallen into disrepair and efforts to rebuild and revitalize the village have been further delayed by lack of funds, sponsors, and the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic.</p>
<p>We pick up their story the following day, Monday, June 13th.</p>
<p>“There was a torrential downpour last evening. We could see on the weather radar that we were right at the heart of it. The storm ended our plan to walk into town for dinner. Instead, we ordered up a pizza from La Roma. One never knows how good a delivered pizza will be, but this one was exceptionally good.</p>
<p><img title="weather radar" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/radar-on-boat.jpg?cb=D9C21C9F-0F12-838D-0CE794402B009A76" alt="weather radar" width="800" height="586" /></p>
<p>“While in bed drinking our coffee the next morning, a large powerboat, around 55 feet, named ‘Our Shot’ went by at speed. We had no warning and were slammed against the dock and rocked back and forth several times. My coffee cup went flying all over the wall and the bed. We jumped out of bed in time to see his stern going by. I hope to run into him at some point and have a few words about boating courtesy. We checked for damage and, fortunately, found none. The three fenders we tied high up on the railings saved us from crashing against the dock.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Last Item tied to the dock. Note the separation in our rail for easy on and off. We were so close to bashing our tails when rocked by the passing boat.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="tied to dock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-405-at-dock.jpg?cb=D9C21C9A-C750-7F2E-FFB6FCDB51FB5A98" alt="tied to dock" width="800" height="582" /></p>
<p>“We read that Mill Tavern served excellent burgers, so we walked about 3/4 of a mile from the boat to see if it was true. The place is not very nice, and the beer wasn’t cold, but the burgers were pretty good.”</p>
<p>The Erie Canal at this point takes a dip, and while generally the canal continues to raise the level of the waterway, for a short distance, boats are going down rather than up.</p>
<p>“At the New London Lock #22, we were surprised that we were now going downhill. Overall, we have gained 420 feet in elevation since leaving the Hudson River.”</p>
<p>As Last Item approached Oneida Lake, they found the shoreline much more populated than what they have seen for the last week. Oneida Lake is the largest lake within New York’s borders, roughly 21 miles long and five miles wide. It feeds Oneida River which flows into Lake Ontario. It is well known for its walleye and yellow perch, and the quality of the water has steadily improved over the last 30 years, particularly about E. coli.</p>
<p>Surprisingly the original Eire Canal bypassed Oneida Lake, but it now is a vital link between the canal and Lake Ontario.</p>
<p>When the Nimbus crossed the lake, the conditions were not as nice as one would expect on an inland lake. They saw two-foot waves, white caps, and occasionally larger waves, but the Nimbus “flew across at 21 knots and we were glad when the waves eased as we neared the west end and Brewerton.”</p>
<p>Most of the waterfront homes have small fishing boats or pontoon boats tied at their docks. And with so many Great Loop boats passing through Brewerton, it is no wonder the marinas are well run and offer most services for cruisers.</p>
<p>“We moored at Winter Harbor Marina with maybe two dozen other boats, several of which were also Loopers. We had visits with a couple of them as they strolled along the dock. Before starting our trip, based on what we had read, we thought Loopers would get together wherever they met up. We haven’t found that to be so. People seem to keep pretty much to themselves. I suppose we could walk around and make more of an effort to socialize but we haven’t.</p>
<p><img title="moored at winter harbor" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-boat-at-winter-harbor.jpg?cb=D9C21CA7-9B20-6BAF-83636F2DBD6A6533" alt="moored at winter harbor" width="800" height="448" /></p>
<p>“Winter Harbor is a very nice, full-service marina. The fee to dock is .90/ft, very cheap in our experience. We added some fuel which was $5.99/gal, also among the best prices we’ve seen. They have a ship’s store with just about any mechanical part one might need. The bathrooms are first class, they have a courtesy car you can use within a seven-mile radius, and they will even take you to the Syracuse airport for $25. That is cheaper than taking an Uber.</p>
<p>“We dumped the dinghy and putted about a mile upriver to the Wild Horse Bar & Grill for dinner. They serve a terrific Philly cheese steak sandwich and pretty good wings.</p>
<p>“Brewerton was also Mike’s jumping off point, as Syracuse airport is only fifteen minutes away. The next morning, June 14, just after noon, we waved a sad goodbye and a marina employee drove him to the airport. It’s going to be very quiet now and Ozzie will miss his playmate. We will miss him too.”</p>
<p>As they prepared to shove off the next day, they had a surprising encounter with a 44-foot Nordic Tug, with Seattle Yachts broker, Martin Snyder, along as crew. The boat left Essex, CT bound for Washburn, WI. They were in delivery mode.</p>
<p>“As we were getting ready to leave the dock, a trawler passed by, and a man yelled ‘Fred!’ We both looked up and waved but didn’t recognize who it was. We don’t know anyone else who is doing the Loop or that would be in this area. And the boat ‘Summer Wind’ wasn’t familiar to us either.</p>
<p>“After a few minutes, Fred said he thought the man looked a little like Martin Snyder from Seattle. We entered Brewerton Lock #23, our last lock on the Erie Canal, behind ‘Summer Wind.’ Once I had a secure hold of the rope on the lock wall, Fred went up to the bow and the man yelled to him ‘It’s <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Martin-Snyder">Martin Snyder</a>.’ Martin worked with the yacht broker from whom we bought ‘Shearwater’ in 2006 and was on the sea trial with us in Taiwan. He had sold the <a href="../../../../new-nordic-tugs-for-sale/">Nordic Tug</a> to a couple and was helping them take it to Wisconsin.”</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: 'LAST ONE' leaves her last lock on the Erie Canal at Brewerton. Photo by Martin Snyder)</em></p>
<p><img title="Leaving the lock at Brewerton" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/coming-in-the-canal.jpg?cb=D9C21C8A-9609-D1E0-3F81A7CE866D3F31" alt="Leaving the lock at Brewerton" width="800" height="508" /></p>
<p>At this point, they had traveled some 153 miles on the Erie Canal since entering the canal at Waterford. They would now remain in the Oneida River until they came to the junction where the Oneida River meets the Seneca and Oswego Rivers. The Erie Canal continues, using the Seneca River west to Rochester, while the Oswego River takes one north to Lake Ontario.</p>
<p><img title="erie canal sign" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/erie-canal-marker.jpg?cb=DBB4E3E9-D049-0A97-38C0556E8EF7BD52" alt="erie canal sign" width="800" height="455" /></p>
<p>“Our next lock was Phoenix Lock #1 in the Oswego River and Canal. Immediately outside the lock’s exit gate was a vehicle bridge with a rather unique lifting system which looked like a big crane. At Fulton Lock #2, the lockmaster told us he took a picture of our boat and would post it on the AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers Association) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGLCA" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</p>
<p><img title="crane at lock" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/inside-the-canal.jpg?cb=D9C21C96-AF66-D2EC-53F6DE3E872B572C" alt="crane at lock" width="800" height="520" /></p>
<p>The couple made a good decision to not push on to Oswego, as it would make for a very long day, and they were in no rush. They decided to stop in Fulton. Fulton is like many upstate towns. It had a vibrant past, but now was little more than a shadow of what it used to be.</p>
<p>Fulton was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. The town was a hustling manufacturing center at one time. American Woolen Mills was a textile manufacturer of military uniforms for our servicemen in both world wars, but it shut down in the early 1950s. Fulton Fan was among several other companies that had a presence in Fulton during its busy years. Even the company that eventually became part of Nestle was in Fulton, the first chocolate manufacturing facility in the country. Sadly, after over 100 years of operation, the aging facility closed in 2003, eliminating some 400 jobs.</p>
<p>There are several similar stories of upstate towns that once carried the torch of American ingenuity and manufacturing talent that wowed the world.</p>
<p>“When we arrived in Fulton, we found there was an area separate from the river with small docks about 18-feet long. I was surprised that Fred would want to use one of them. When jockeying into position to put our stern in first, however, our bow was dangerously close to the breakwater, but he made it without bumping. A man on the other boat moored here came over and gave us a hand with our lines. As Fred plugged us in, the man said he couldn’t get power with his type of cord so Fred loaned him one of ours.</p>
<p><img title="Nimbus docked stern first" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/at-the-marina.jpg?cb=D9C21C86-9B21-6073-E6FFBF7CBD488240" alt="Nimbus docked stern first" width="800" height="414" /></p>
<p>“Fred walked a few blocks to look around town and I stayed aboard. He said there wasn’t much to see.</p>
<p>“A little later, we invited the man and his wife over for happy hour. They are Ron and Kathy aboard ‘Osprey,’ a 40-year-old 32-foot Silverton that they bought online, sight unseen. They are doing a short loop from Rochester through the Erie to Buffalo. They were a delightful couple, and we had a fun, two-hour happy hour with them.”</p>
<p>The next morning, Thursday, June 16, after a night complete with a strong thunderstorm and pelting rain, they got ready to leave the dock at 9am. The next lock, #3, was still in Fulton, less than a mile from the last lock. After that would be Minetto Lock #5 in Oswego, six miles further north. But what happened to Lock #4?</p>
<p>“I asked the lockmaster and he laughed. He said everybody asks that question. There is no Lock #4.</p>
<p>“The gates of Lock #5 were open, but neither the green nor red light was on, so we were unsure whether to enter. Fred radioed the lockmaster three or four times but got no answer. We could see him in his little hut, but he didn’t come out. Finally, he came out and yelled at us, in a very unfriendly tone, to enter the lock. Fred yelled back that there was no green light and no answer to his VHF call. The man ignored us. This was the only unpleasant lockmaster we’ve encountered.</p>
<p>As we exited Lock #8 in Oswego, ahead of us was Lake Ontario. Oh boy, did it look big and endless! As it was very windy, no boats were going anywhere, so we fueled up at Oswego Marina and then slid into a slip there among the other boats waiting out the weather. The current forecast for crossing the lake appeared to be Monday, which will give us three days to explore Oswego and maybe play some golf.”</p>
<p>Among the many interesting historical facts about Oswego are Fort Ontario, and the weather.</p>
<p>The fourth and current Fort Ontario was built between 1839 and 1844 and was home for a brigade of the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. During WWII, President Roosevelt designated the fort to be a camp for approximately 1,000 Jewish refugees, from 18 different countries. It became known as “Safe Haven.”</p>
<p>Fort Ontario has been restored to its time when soldiers and officers were stationed there, as well as a Safe Haven Museum.</p>
<p>In terms of weather, Oswego is one of the snowiest towns in the country. Because of the lake effect and its location on Lake Ontario snow accumulation can reach 300 inches of snow a year.</p>
<p>“Fred scootered over to Enterprise this morning and rented a car. We then went to Tamarack Golf Club and played nine holes. There was no tee time reservation needed and the course was nice other than it had many water hazards. Luckily, Fred found about as may balls as I lost.</p>
<p>“Other than a few Loopers who are docked here, every boat is a fishing machine. We have and are used to seeing two downriggers on boats in the Pacific Northwest. Here they have three to six downriggers per boat, and they troll up to fourteen lines. When they get a fish on, they don’t stop to bring it in, they keep trolling. They go for brown trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead which are all hatchery fish. Fred noticed that the salmon they catch were shaped a little differently with a deeper belly and smaller head than our more slender West Coast salmon.</p>
<p><img title="fishing boat in oswego" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fishing-boat-in-oswego.jpg?cb=D9C21C8E-AA4F-AAA7-7F921CE6E2413995" alt="fishing boat in oswego" width="800" height="515" /></p>
<p>“We had a very good dinner at La Pilla which is only a block away from the marina.</p>
<p>“We had 25 mph winds all night. Between the squeaking of the lines and the docks, the jerking motion of the boat, and the freight train moan of the wind, we didn’t get much sleep. One dock squeak sounded so much like a cat yowling that I got up to make sure that it was really a dock.</p>
<p>“We decided it was a good day to get off the boat and do something else, so we drove a bit over two and a half hours to Niagara Falls. We took the more scenic route through rural countryside on a two-lane road. Despite having seen many photos, videos, and movies of the falls, they are extremely impressive in person. The amount of water flowing over is amazing and such a lovely color. Since being in the Chesapeake and the canal and rivers, we have become accustomed to the grayish brownish water. So, it was a treat to see the clear blue of the Niagara River and falls.</p>
<p><img title="niagra falls" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fred-and-sidonia-at-niagra-falls.jpg?cb=D9D11715-A260-843F-4E88E3DE76FA4167" alt="niagra falls" width="800" height="526" /></p>
<p>“We did not go on the Maid of the Mist boat, as the line of waiting people was almost endless. We did get ‘misted’ though just watching from the overlook. On the way back, we took the freeway which, like the scenic route, also went mostly through rural farmland with horses, cows, apple orchards, and crops.”</p>
<p>As cruiser know (or soon find out), it is best when you don’t follow a schedule. There are too many variables when cruising that one has no control over. And it is also best to refrain from getting into delivery mode if there is no need to rush. In contrast to Sidonia and Fred, the crew on the Nordic Tug are well beyond the Erie Canal and almost through the Welland Canal into Lake Erie. But they are bringing their boat home to Wisconsin, not enjoying the sights of the Great Loop. It is a world of difference. Sidonia and Fred may only run a few hours a day or make some distance and then stay for a couple of days to explore, learn, and enjoy.</p>
<p>And, so far, their Nimbus is proving to be a good choice for the challenges of the Great Loop.</p>
<p>“Back at the marina, a couple came by and asked about our boat. We have had so many people come by and look at our boat and ask questions about it. Most of them have never heard of a <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a>, but remark on what a pretty boat we have and that it looks like a great boat for doing the Loop.”</p>
<p>The weather forecast that kept everyone safe in the marina was spot on. The winds continued to howl, and the seas remained too rough to even consider venturing out on big water. Time to chill and check out Oswego.</p>
<p>“Another night of bouncing around in the slip. We had tightened our lines to the dock on the starboard side and added another line to the port side stern but still couldn’t prevent the yawing and jerking. While I washed our laundry, I filled out the ArriveCAN form for entry into Canada. After a couple of failed attempts, it went through. We are to complete and submit the form no more than 72 hours before we cross into Canada.</p>
<p>“Fort Ontario is just two or three blocks from the marina. The original fort was built in 1755 by the French. It later housed British soldiers, then U.S. soldiers and was also used to house Jewish refugees during WWII. There are reenactments held only on certain holidays, but we did get to see a musket firing demonstration.</p>
<p><img title="soldier" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/soldier.jpg?cb=D9C21C92-F9AB-9A0D-B9342B799D28774F" alt="soldier" width="800" height="495" /></p>
<p>“After lunch we went to the Richardson-Bates House Museum but unfortunately, it is open only two days a week and Sunday isn’t one of them.</p>
<p>“We did our grocery shopping, returned the rental car, and got ready to leave in the morning. Many boats have been waiting longer than us so I’m sure it will be a mass exodus tomorrow as the wind is forecast to die down tonight.”</p>
<p>Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes. With a maximum length of 193 miles and maximum width of 53 miles, it is small by comparison to other lakes in the Great Lakes, but it is still quite a large body of water.</p>
<p>Lake Ontario plays a major role in the possible routes one might take when doing <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a>. If height restrictions do not allow a boat to make the complete transit of the Erie Canal into Lake Erie, Loopers can head west across Lake Ontario to the Welland Canal, which brings one up and into Lake Erie.</p>
<p>Cruisers planning to use the Trent-Severn Waterway into Georgian Bay on their Loop will head northwest from Oswego to Trenton, Ontario.</p>
<p>Still others may choose to set a course north to Kingston, Ontario, and the Rideau Canal, or into the St Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. All are fabulous cruising grounds and represent some of the most beautiful sections of the waterways in North America.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: A Lighthouse at the entrance to Oswego from Lake Ontario.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="lighthouse" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lighthouse-on-the-water.jpg?cb=D9C21C7D-048A-A7B4-380C0943995A6EE7" alt="lighthouse" width="800" height="425" /></p>
<p>It will be interesting to see which direction Last Item will head.</p>
<p>“At 6:00am this Monday morning, engines and bow thrusters are running as the Loopers begin heading out. We stayed in bed with our coffee. Before we left, Fred washed the decks and windows and I cleaned up inside. We set out at 10:30 through very deep, nasty troughs at the bar between the breakwaters. We were now officially in Lake Ontario.</p>
<p>“We ran at 23-24 knots for an hour and a half, about 30 miles, until we were at the beginning of the Thousand Islands on the St Lawrence River. There are more than a thousand islands in this area without counting the rocks. It is said that to qualify as an island, there must be at least two trees on it.</p>
<p>“We first anchored on the east side of Fox Island in about 8 feet of water. The island is very flat like the islands in the Bahamas, except here there are lots of trees.</p>
<p>“The wind was coming from one direction and the waves, though not large, were coming from another, which made for an uncomfortable anchorage as the boat rolled from side to side. By 4:00pm, we’d had enough. I would have had a difficult time making dinner.</p>
<p>“So, we hauled anchor and ran for an hour, 22 miles, and anchored in 6 feet of water in a bay by Grindstone Island, across from the town of Clayton, NY. On the way, we saw our first Great Lake cargo ships, many of which carry supplies to Detroit for steel mills of the auto industry.”</p>
<p>Where to next? See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: This Post.</p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Big Water Ahead As Last Item Heads To Oswego |
|
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Follow along as our Nimbus owners travel the Great Loop. This week it's on to Oswego. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-trip-oswego.jpg |
2022-06-24 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
24 |
176 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
219 |
[empty string] |
219 |
<p><em>This is update #4 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along The Great Loop in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We pick up from last time at the floating docks in Waterford, NY. The town is the eastern entrance of the Erie Canal, the second longest canal system in the world. End to end it is 363 miles long, connecting the Hudson River with Lake Erie at Buffalo. There are a total of 34 locks that allow boats to travel from Waterford to Buffalo, ascending 565 feet by the time one reaches Lake Erie.</p>
<p>The Erie Canal is open from May to November of each year and used by thousands of boaters from around the world.</p>
<p>On June 8th, Last Item left Waterford around 9:00am and entered Lock #2, no more than an eighth of a mile away from where they spent the night on the floating dock. (Lock #1 was the Federal Lock they transited in Troy.)</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Lock #2 on the Erie Canal.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="lock 2 on erie canal" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/erie-canal-lock-2.jpg?cb=EA7E2245-BFCD-E514-C074404ECDFE1636" alt="lock 2 on erie canal" width="800" height="539" /></p>
<p>“There was one other boat behind us. After Lock #2, we had #3, #4, #5, and #6 right in succession. Most of the time, the next lock would already be open as the lock master knew there were boats coming. The canal between the locks was scenic, almost park-like in places, but there were some houses along the edge as well. In the narrower parts, one could imagine being in the jungles along the Orinoco River in South America with crocodiles swimming by.</p>
<p>“We cruised along at a speed just below 7 knots. It was very peaceful.”</p>
<p>The <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> 405 Coupe were now in the Mohawk River (part of the canal’s renovation took advantage of the paralleling rivers originally avoided in the first Erie Canal). Once beyond the Crescent Lock #6, the last in Waterford, the waterway opens and seems more like a lake. While they could have increased their boat speed at this point, they chose to “just poke along and enjoy the view.”</p>
<p>At the Vischer Ferry Lock #7 in Niskayuna, before Schenectady, they had a bit of a situation.</p>
<p>“I had looped my line around the vertical cable and secured it to the midship cleat as before but tightened it up more to keep us from moving forward and backward along the lock wall.</p>
<p>“As we rose to the top of the lock, however, the line came to the top of the vertical cable and stopped, while the boat kept rising. By the time I realized the line had no more slack, the boat was being pulled downward on the starboard side next to the wall.</p>
<p>“I frantically tried to loosen the line from the cleat, but it was so tightly around the cleat I could not get it undone. I yelled at Fred to get a knife, which he did immediately. The line was extremely taut but when Fred gave it a whack, the line snapped like a broken rubber band and the boat bounced back to level.</p>
<p>“We had no damage, but we did learn a valuable lesson.”</p>
<p>The area that is now Schenectady was originally the land of the Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois Nation. First settled by Dutch colonists in 1661, it later became known as "The City that Lights and Hauls the World," because Thomas Edison established the Edison Electric Company here (now known as General Electric). The American Locomotive Company was also located in Schenectady.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the world has changed, and many of the cities in upstate New York have gone through difficult times with a serious loss of opportunity. The Schenectady population has steadily declined since 1950.</p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred prefer small towns whenever possible, so they bypassed Schenectady and stopped instead in Scotia, NY. It is a small community town of around 7,700 people. Among its many parks and active waterfront activities, the town is also home of the U.S. Water Ski Show Team.</p>
<p><img title="waterskiiers" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/waterskiiers.jpg?cb=EA374195-CD33-75FE-857F84300E2EEE50" alt="waterskiiers" width="800" height="613" /></p>
<p>“We passed Schenectady by and went off the beaten path a little to the village of Scotia. The marina, which lies beside a nice waterfront park, only holds eight boats and we were the only one there. It was difficult getting into the little slip, as the current and wind were both against us. The boat that had been behind us in all the locks was coming in to dock with us until he saw the difficulty we were having.</p>
<p><img title="Nimbus Last Item docked" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-405-last-item-at-dock.jpg?cb=EA374189-08C0-6BE2-2DC50FAD55C9F44E" alt="Nimbus Last Item docked" width="800" height="428" /></p>
<p>“He turned around, went back into the main canal, and continued to Amsterdam.</p>
<p>“Across the street from the dock is Rotary Park, which is huge. There are several baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and lots of open space. When we walked to dinner, we stopped for awhile and watched the little leaguers play.</p>
<p>“At the edge of the park is the Scotia library, located in a building built in 1730.</p>
<p><img title="library" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/library.jpg?cb=EA37418C-E18F-EC08-BC3CA5F96686CCB5" alt="library" width="800" height="492" /> <img title="sign for abraham glen house" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/abraham-glen-house-sign.jpg?cb=EA374186-D23F-40A3-010D6BAA6D209E4D" alt="sign for abraham glen house" width="800" height="516" /></p>
<p>“We had a great prime rib dinner at the Turf Tavern about half a mile from the dock.”</p>
<p>It rained through the night and for most of the morning, so the crew of Last Item stayed put for another day. As cruisers often find, by choosing to stay rather than push on, there can be rewards beyond what one might expect. They learned, once again, the value of no schedule.</p>
<p>“We had a wonderfully quiet night. At so many of the marinas we’ve been to, there is steady foot traffic, running boat engines, loud conversations, and lots of noise.</p>
<p>“At noon and between rain showers, we walked up to Jumpin’ Jacks for a burger. It is THE place to go in Scotia. The night before when walking to dinner, Jacks’ parking lot was jammed full of cars. One eats outside under separate covered areas, each with about five picnic tables. At lunch, it was still busy but nothing like the night before. Despite the obvious popularity of the place, the burgers and shakes were okay, but we weren’t overly impressed.</p>
<p>“Late in the afternoon, we were treated to a waterski show. We had seen a sign at Jacks stating they sponsored a waterski show every Tuesday as there is a waterski school in town. The skiers we saw practicing were experienced as the first group of five skiers went by all together. Five young women tried to form a pyramid but couldn’t quite get the fifth person on top. Four men and a small boy were later able to make a pyramid.”</p>
<p>Sidonia, Fred, and their son Mike, walked to Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast the next morning before getting under way. It was Friday, the sun was out, and they were ready to see what was around the next corner.</p>
<p>And what happened next has happened to many boat owners, including me.</p>
<p>“Mike was handling the stern line as we slowly pulled away. When we were about five feet from the dock he yelled, “Stop, stop, stop.” Fred immediately stopped the boat, not knowing what the problem was, but then saw he had forgotten to unplug us from shore power. One of the two plugs we had plugged in was destroyed. We will still have power for the trip, but we can’t run too many electrical devices at the same time.</p>
<p><img title="marine plug" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/marine-plug.jpg?cb=EA3741A2-BD00-F154-B0CE3D58209316A9" alt="marine plug" width="527" height="657" /></p>
<p>“Then, when we started to get up on a plane, we could feel a vibration. We ran for awhile and then stopped, put the engines in reverse, revved them up, then started forward again. The vibration was gone. There are sticks floating down the canal and a small one must have lodged in one of our props.”</p>
<p>Their preferred side of the boat for docking and locking is the starboard side. The Nimbus was designed with a wide side deck on the starboard side for that reason, as most times one can choose what side to fuel, dock, and go through a lock.</p>
<p>On this day, however, they would find it necessary to change fenders from one side to the other as the locks did not consistently allow them to be starboard side to. Scotia Lock #8 was fine, but for the next two locks they had to move all six fenders to the port side. They found it wasn’t that easy to move fenders and it took time. Locks #11 through #16 were all starboard and then #17 was on the port side. Little Falls Lock #17 also has a guillotine-style gate, and it is very slow. The lift is 40 feet, the highest they encountered so far on the Erie Canal but also the slowest. It took 30 minutes to get through the lock.</p>
<p>“As we continued to our next stop, the Mohawk River grew narrower with little sign of humanity along the shores. A highway ran alongside but was only occasionally visible through the trees and shrubs which came right to the edge and hung into the water. We saw very few houses but every so often we came upon a small park or an RV park. We went for miles without seeing another boat.</p>
<p>“When anticipating the Loop, we pictured a flotilla of boats moving along and crowded together in the locks. At this point, we have been the only boat in the locks except one time.</p>
<p>“We arrived in Little Falls around 4:00pm and tied to the wall with a park alongside. A woman, walking with her toddler, came over by us and told her little boy, ‘Tell the people, Welcome to Little Falls.’ In his cute little baby way, he did.</p>
<p><img title="boat parked alongside wall" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/last-item-parked.jpg?cb=EA37419F-B78B-1C83-6C564CC2397116AC" alt="boat parked alongside wall" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p>“After dinner, we walked across the park to the taco/burger/ice cream stand in a colorful little trailer. There were four, umbrella covered tables, and everything was gayly painted with flowers and other happy designs. A single scoop soft ice cream cone was about 6 inches high above the cone. Mike got a double. I had to put half of mine in a dish. Fred had a chocolate sundae which overflowed its dish.”</p>
<p>Little Falls has the second smallest city population in the state. Surrounded by dairy farms, it was once a major center of cheese manufacturing. At its peak the town had 13,000 residents. It is another example of the general decline in populations in upstate New York, as manufacturing, textile, and other industries closed or moved elsewhere.</p>
<p><img title="sign for little falls" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/little-falls-ny.jpg?cb=EA374198-B284-C637-9774FE8BF1E034AF" alt="sign for little falls" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p>“I went up to the large old building where the marina office is located to do some laundry. Washing and drying laundry was cheap, $1.50 each. While my clothes were washing, I wandered around and took a few photos.</p>
<p>“The woman from the marina office came over and asked if I’d like a tour of the old canal building where they used to on and offload the barges, and she would tell me about some of the history. I called Fred so he could come and see/listen as well. It was interesting and so nice of her to take the time with us.</p>
<p>“Mike walked and we rode our scooters across the canal bridge and into town, about 3/4 of a mile. We toured around a few blocks and poked our heads into a Catholic church built around 1912.</p>
<p>“A friendly lady started talking to us and telling us about the town. People here are so friendly and helpful. We went to the grocery store and then looked for a restaurant for lunch. We like to have a beer with our lunch but couldn’t find a restaurant that sold any.</p>
<p>“So, we came back to the taco/burger stand by the boat, Fred brought over three Coronitas from the boat and we drank them with huge, delicious burritos at the colorful picnic tables.”</p>
<p><img title="picnic tables" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/food-truck.jpg?cb=EA374192-B970-4109-694D0868CD593324" alt="picnic tables" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p>One of the things that got me stoked to follow their journey is that Sidonia and Fred are very experienced cruisers, having cruised the East and West coasts of North America, the Caribbean, and both side on the Panama Canal. Even so, I wondered what new things they would find on this adventure, and how cruising on the Great Loop compared to the serious coastal cruising they have done in the past.</p>
<p>“After more than 50 years of boating in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and Alaska, we are used to floating docks. Very seldom do we have to tie to a stationary one.</p>
<p>“When we first heard about mooring to walls in the little towns along the Erie Canal, we thought ‘No Way,’ we’ll find a dock. Since having to tie up to the wall in Little Falls, we have decided we like walls. We have a break in our starboard rail which makes it so easy to step on the top of the bulwark and right onto land.”</p>
<p>Speeds along the Erie Canal are mostly on the slow side, although some of the stretches of open water allow fast travel if the boat can do it. The Nimbus, with a cruising speed of 23 knots, offers the speed flexibility that is ideal for this section of <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a>.</p>
<p>Sidonia finishes up this week’s entry in the travels of Last Item:</p>
<p>“We left this morning at 10:15am. The speed limit beyond Jacksonburg Lock #18 is 10mph, as we’ve seen before. It’s often difficult to discern if we’re in the Erie Canal or the Mohawk River. In the more eastern part of the canal, the speed limit was 10-45 mph, now it is 10-30 mph.</p>
<p>“Every so often we pass under a guillotine-like gate structure. They are used to close off sections of the canal in case there’s a break in the waterway, an accident of some kind, to control flooding, or if a section of canal needs to be drained to perform maintenance.</p>
<p>“There has been much more debris in the canal today and, at one point, we hit a small log. We were going slowly, and it only hit the forward part of the hull, thankfully not our props. At Lock #19, there were many sticks and other debris spanning the entrance to the lock. When the lock started spilling its water to get to our level, the debris moved toward us. Luckily, it also dispersed a bit so when we began our entry, we could maneuver through all the sticks and small logs.</p>
<p><img title="sign for rome new york" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rome-new-york-sign.jpg?cb=EA37418F-939B-49B4-9B9F397DF8B29EE2" alt="sign for rome new york" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p>“We arrived in Rome, NY at 3:00pm. As we were tying up, we noticed that a man, fishing from the wall, had something on his line. Fred got off the boat to go see what the catch would be. The man fought the fish for at least ten minutes and finally pulled in a big carp.</p>
<p><img title="carp" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/carp.jpg?cb=EA37419C-CA8B-8F25-F8C599681DA82121" alt="carp" width="800" height="841" /></p>
<p>“Fred held the rod for him so he could net the fish. Mike and I trotted up to see the fish up close. I was surprised to see it was quite pretty. The man said we brought him good luck as he had never caught one this big before.</p>
<p>“He then released the fish back into the canal.”</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: This Post</p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Last Item: On To Rome! |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The Nimbus 405 Coupe named LAST TIME is headed to Rome, New York on their Great Loop trip. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
nimbus-boat-on-great-loop-trip.jpg |
2022-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
last-item-on-to-rome |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/last-item-on-to-rome |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
25 |
174 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
217 |
[empty string] |
217 |
<p><em>This is update #3 as we cover Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine's trip along The Great Loop in their Nimbus 405 Coupe. Links to the other updates are below.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We last left Sidonia and Fred at Mansion Marina in Staten Island, NY, after their trip up the New Jersey coast. As it happened, the couple decided to stay at the marina for a few days. Mike, their son, was expected to arrive in four days, and it made sense to wait for him at the marina, which is close to the airport. The weather also got very hot, and the couple wanted to enjoy the boat’s air conditioning during the heat of the day.</p>
<p>The friendly people who kept their boats at the marina provided a lot of great local information, which Sidonia came to think of as their very own concierge service. So, they had no reason to just sit in the boat. They took advantage of their time in Staten Island to explore and enjoy local cuisine, which turned out to have a major Italian influence.</p>
<p>“We rode our scooters to a hardware store to buy a padlock and chain for the scooters. It was like stepping into the past. The store was tiny, just three aisles, the shelves were crammed, the floor had a few pieces of ancient linoleum still stuck to the boards and it had that wonderful, nostalgic smell. I’m not sure what it was, but it sure doesn’t smell like that in Home Depot.</p>
<p>“We then went into Frank & Sal’s grocery store which our ‘concierge’ at the dock had told us about. It was also a small store with only four aisles. One entire aisle was dedicated to pasta on both sides.</p>
<p>There was a real meat counter where the butcher was chopping up steaks. We felt like we were in a foreign country because everyone, customers as well as employees, spoke Italian. They have an on-site bakery and there were some delicious looking pastries in the little glass case. Couldn’t resist some of those.</p>
<p><img title="frank and sals" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/frank-and-sal-grocery.jpg?cb=DC8C28C1-D752-7CE6-D60345238D1C7086" alt="frank and sals" width="800" height="490" /></p>
<p>“For lunch, we went to Fiore di Mare which is close to our marina. We had appetizers of shrimp cocktail and octopus with cannelloni beans and sauce. When we’ve had octopus in the past, it came all chopped up in little pieces. This was the thick tip of a leg about six inches long. It was delicious and tender. All the help spoke Italian.</p>
<p>“We then closed ourselves into the air-conditioned boat for the afternoon and watched the thermometer rise to 98 degrees."</p>
<p>It is always a treat when there is no schedule, or when some event keeps you from pressing on regardless. For some, it may be a broken lift bridge blocking safe transit, for others it may be some mechanical problem.</p>
<p>Last Item had no issues, just waiting for their son to join them, and the couple spent their days riding their scooters to various restaurants and stores and went back to Frank & Sal’s market several more times for a few Italian treats.</p>
<p>“Another lazy day. We rode our scooters a couple of blocks down to the the third restaurant down the street and had a pretty good pasta lunch. It was mostly seafood/pasta dishes.</p>
<p>“Later in the afternoon, we moved the boat to fuel up and then came back to our slip. At 5:00 pm, it started to rain again but no thunder and lightning.</p>
<p>“The next morning, we enjoyed a late breakfast at Andrew’s Diner and then picked up a few more items from Frank & Sal’s grocery. We packed the scooters away, filled up with water and made ready to leave first thing the next morning. Mike had texted that his flight was an hour and a half late taking off. He was originally scheduled to arrive at 5:18 pm.</p>
<p>“Mike arrived at the boat a little after 8:30.</p>
<p>“The next morning, Saturday, June 4th, we said goodbye to our nice neighbors and took off at 7:45 am. Within an hour, I climbed into the dinghy in New York Harbor and took photos of Last Item with the Statue of Liberty in the background. We then had Mike take photos of us with a bottle of champagne to christen Last Item. The harbor was much calmer than when I took photos of Shearwater here 12 years ago but there were swells which made it difficult to balance on the bow of the dinghy for the photo op.</p>
<p>“Following the picture taking, we took a side jaunt up the East River to give Mike a good look at the Brooklyn Bridge and the wonderful NYC skyscrapers. It was also our first time seeing the new World Trade Center building, which is quite beautiful."</p>
<p><img title="the brooklyn bridge by boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/brooklyn-bridge.jpg?cb=DC8C28BD-9BD5-92AF-0191C6EB165284E6" alt="the brooklyn bridge by boat" width="800" height="508" /></p>
<p>From New York City, <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a> goes north up the Hudson River some 155 statute miles to Waterford, NY, where one turns left into the Erie Canal. Originating in the Adirondack Mountains, the Hudson River is rich in history, beginning with the Native American communities of the Mohican and Lenape nations. Then came European explorers and settlers, and America began created its own history, with landmarks of its own.</p>
<p>For people from the Pacific Northwest, such as the St. Germaines, this side of the country is so different, with much to see that represent old and new chapters in the history of America.</p>
<p>“In the Hudson River, we passed the fascinating Pier 51 Hudson River floating island, ‘Little Island.’ The supports for the park form a resemblance to lily pads.</p>
<p>“Farther on we passed the famous prison, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining. We went close to shore for a better photo. While I took photos, Mike looked through the binoculars and saw a guard in one of the towers looking back at us. We didn’t stay long.</p>
<p>“Three hours later, we reached Safe Harbor Marina in Haverstraw, NY about 40 miles up the river from NYC."</p>
<p>Sidonia and Fred wanted very much to explore the Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown NY on the other side of the river. This mansion and grounds are one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country.</p>
<p><img title="home of william paulding" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/home-of-william-paulding.jpg?cb=DC8C28C6-9FCD-4341-AA3B9FEA5606C27E" alt="home of william paulding" width="800" height="493" /></p>
<p>One problem they would now encounter as they got away from major cities is the spotty availability of transportation options, such as Uber. They were able to get an Uber driver to take them the half hour drive across the river to Tarrytown. They found the mansion and grounds impressive but not up to the level of other golden era mansions they have seen in their travels.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, they were not successful arranging an Uber ride for the 18-mile trip to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. They had scheduled and pre-paid for the tour, but there was no way to get there. Such is the life of cruisers who sometimes miss the boat.</p>
<p>“The next morning, we tried to figure out a way to get to West Point, but with Uber being uncertain, and our need to be out of the marina by noon, we just couldn’t make it work. We were very disappointed to not be able to take the tour but did eventually get a good view of West Point from the river.</p>
<p><img title="West Point by boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/west-point.jpg?cb=DC8C28D6-B696-63EB-2D15B69FDA029338" alt="West Point by boat" width="800" height="443" /></p>
<p>“Instead, we walked about a half mile to the lovely Haverstraw Bay Park. They have a memorial there to honor their local fallen heroes from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also have a twisted beam from one of the World Trade Center towers. Nearby is a piece of concrete from the Pentagon with a plaque that states that every September 11th at 8:46 am, the shadow from the twisted beam falls across that piece of concrete. And the concrete is surrounded by earth brought in from Shanksville, PA where Flight 93 went down.</p>
<p>“I placed my hand on the beam for at least a minute until the emotion became too heavy.”</p>
<p><img title="beam from world trade center" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/beam-from-world-trade-center.jpg?cb=DD681D5F-AA5F-53E4-3C2F907F931A7B63" alt="beam from world trade center" width="800" height="579" /></p>
<p>At this point the Hudson River begins to change, with long stretches of tree-lined shoreline, no homes at the water’s edge, and it became narrower than the wide-open water by New York City.</p>
<p>They saw very little boat traffic, although they did pass a few Loopers, all flying the <a href="https://www.greatloop.org/" target="_blank">AGLCA</a> burgee, an identifier that creates instant camaraderie whenever two burgees meet.</p>
<p>They traveled another 55 miles from Haverstraw to Kingston, where they got a slip at the City Marina. They found the slips weren’t in very good condition, nor were they quite long enough for the 40-foot Nimbus Coupe.</p>
<p>“There is another marina close by, in about the same condition, that is only $2.00/ft. and we’re paying $3.20/ft. We walked a short block to the historic waterfront section of town with its short row of charming old brick buildings. We enjoyed a late but good lunch at Ship to Shore Bistro.”</p>
<p>Kingston was founded in 1652, an early European settlement. Unlike many of the nearly empty towns they will pass in the coming weeks, Kingston is vibrant, with several historic districts. One of the joys of the Great Loop is seeing the living history of our country, and Kingston is a good example. It was the state capital of New York in 1777, but it was burned by the British after the Battle of Saratoga.</p>
<p>Today, its Stockage District is well known for upscale dining, shopping, art galleries, and nightlife.</p>
<p>“The Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar was recommended by a nice couple we met in Haverstraw. Southern fried chicken sounded good, so we dumped the dinghy and putted down Roundout Creek to the restaurant. It was walkable but we had done enough walking.</p>
<p>“Halfway back to the boat, after a nice dinner of crispy fried chicken and corn on the cob, our outboard motor quit. After our previous problems with it we feared we were going to have ongoing outboard issues. However, Fred checked the fuel tank and we had run out of gas. He had filled it in Annapolis, and we’d barely used it since. Fred figured that the technician who had been checking out our motor must have run it for a very long time.</p>
<p>“Mike was in the middle seat of the dinghy, so we elected him to row us back to our <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a>."</p>
<p>The couple were now settling into a routine, and it was working out for them. One of my pet peeves about trips like the Great Loop is how easily one can develop a mindset similar to a boat delivery: Boat. Stop. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. We can all become infected with it when we go cruising, especially a long trip like the Great Loop.</p>
<p>That is one reason I like the idea that a boat capable of faster cruising speeds means one is not forced into long days of slow travel. In the case of the <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nimbus-405-Coupe">Nimbus 405 Coupe</a>, this couple can make the 50-70 miles of a day’s run in a few hours, leaving a lot more time to explore, relax, see the sights. And with no specific schedule to follow, it is a very relaxing way to go cruising.</p>
<p>“I got up the next morning, Tuesday, June 7th at 6:30 and walked over to the historic waterfront part of Kingston to take a photo of the old buildings. Then we left the dock at 8:05.</p>
<p>“The Hudson River was now getting narrower with lower banks. It was very windy but luckily the wind was with us, so we had a smooth ride. We fueled up at Shady Harbor Marina, $6.99/gal. Yikes!</p>
<p>“We passed Albany and Troy but had no desire to stop at either city. At Troy, we entered our very first lock of the trip. We had to wait about 20 minutes for the lock to open. The way you secure to the lock walls is so different from our experience with the Hiram Chittenden locks in Seattle.</p>
<p><img title="lock at erie canal" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lock-1-of-erie-canal.jpg?cb=DC8C28CE-A09C-5F19-DADD279266D3DBE6" alt="lock at erie canal" width="800" height="564" /></p>
<p>“Here there are indentations in the lock wall about every 75 feet with a vertically running pipe inside. You loop a line around the pipe and hold on. The line slides up with you as the boat go up. We were the only boat in the lock.</p>
<p>“We learned right away that we needed more fenders than the three round fenders we put out. We quickly added three regular docking fenders as well.</p>
<p>“We also found that the boarding ladder attached to our swim platform on the Nimbus is not well placed as twice it bumped the lock wall as the stern swings inward.”</p>
<p>From Troy, it is only a couple of miles to the town of Waterford, and the junction of the Erie and Champlain Canals. It’s quite humorous to reach the edge of town where there is a sign to greet you.</p>
<p>Arrow pointing to the right for those going to the Champlain Canal. Arrow pointing left to enter the Erie Canal.</p>
<p>Waterford’s claim to fame is that it has the highest set of lift locks in the world, which is quite impressive.</p>
<p>Last Item tied up along the 1,000 feet of floating docks. There is a Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, and several restaurants and other businesses a short walk away. The visitor center has two webcams to follow the boats coming and going. (Harbor Visitors Center - Town of Waterford, NY)</p>
<p><img title="waterford webcam" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/waterford-webcam.jpg?cb=DC8C28D2-0F64-6FC2-27722174791B1CF1" alt="waterford webcam" width="800" height="510" /></p>
<p>It is from here one starts the Erie Canal portion of the Great Loop.</p>
<p>Sit back and enjoy. The canal journey is about to begin.</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">On To Rome!</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Several readers asked about how they carry two electric bikes on the sleek Nimbus. Fred told us this:</em></p>
<p>“The handlebars fold down for one. I also remove the seat and the front tire to make them more compact. They then store in 1/2 of what is available in the lazarette. They take up the whole half. Sidonia made bags for them with handles which helps a little getting them in and out.” (See below)</p>
<p><img title="bike storage on boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bikes-in-storage-locker.jpg?cb=DD681D63-E483-F3C7-9E4C2219D7229886" alt="bike storage on boat" width="800" height="533" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: This Post</p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Nimbus Up The Hudson To Waterford |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The crew of 'Last Item' gets a taste of New York during their Great Loop cruise on the Nimbus 405. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
great-loop-trip-hudson-to-waterford.jpg |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
26 |
173 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
216 |
[empty string] |
216 |
<p>My recent article on what is <a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">the right size sailboat to live on</a> got me thinking. There are some other aspects of living on a boat that I didn’t mention.</p>
<p>It is finding and maintaining a balance in your life. Too many people buy a boat, and it consumes them. It is all they do, think about, and live for. Unfortunately, this often leads to some level of burnout, and the wonderful sailing life they have long dreamed of melts away.</p>
<p>The successful cruisers and <a href="../../../../used-liveaboard-boats-for-sale/">liveaboard</a> people I know find a balance between their boating life and other interests and hobbies. They regularly get off the boat to enjoy other things.</p>
<p>When I lived on my first boat in <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-seattle-washington">Seattle</a> back in the 1970s, I also loved hiking and camping. A couple of hours north of Seattle was the newly established <a href="https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm" target="_blank">North Cascades National Park</a>, a wonderland of nature. A bit closer was <a href="https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-lake" target="_blank">Snoqualmie Lake</a>, another spectacular place, especially seen through the eyes of a guy from New Jersey. A weekend spent hiking and camping in nature was a refreshing break from my work and boat life. It honestly felt great to be off the water. It recharged my batteries. While my hiking and camping gear was a challenge to store on the boat and in the trunk of my car, I made it work because it was important.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Snoqualmie Lake</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Snoqualmie Lake" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hiking-adventure-to-snoqualmie-lake.jpg?cb=D763BE87-D3C5-02E6-96CCB72F4AA1CEA9" alt="Snoqualmie Lake" width="800" height="523" /> </p>
<p>As we get older, it is essential to enjoy other interests and hobbies. This keeps us happier, and we tend to live longer. Whether it is gardening or cycling, we stay active, both mentally and physically.</p>
<p>When I speak of successful cruisers, I define “successful” as being able to follow one’s passions for many years, perhaps a lifetime. This is in direct contrast to others, who are super excited when they get their boat, and off they sail over the horizon. Then they burn out after a couple of years of non-stop boating.</p>
<p>Everything in life requires balance. Even in cruising, or perhaps, especially in cruising.</p>
<p>I’ve known lots of boat people who understand this. World cruisers and full-time liveaboards who get off the boat and change things up a bit, pursue other things. They may move from one harbor to the next, constantly on the move for a while, then they pursue something else that gets them off the water and into the world. Out of the pilothouse or <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a> cockpit, and onto the ski slopes, or Europe, or the Grand Tetons. And many cruisers return every winter to a familiar island or place where they rejoin ongoing local community land projects, such as building a new school.</p>
<p>I compare that to others who dream of spending their retirement years enjoying the cruising life. They save and plan and come to boat shows and Trawler Fest year after year and attend seminars to learn all they can. The plan usually involves shedding some (or all) of their connection to the land: cars, house, all the stuff. They get their perfect boat and cast off the lines.</p>
<p>Away from the dock at last, the dream unfolds.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Staying at a marina near a city, like Annapolis, can offer shopping, historical attractions, and a good break from the water.) </p>
<p><img title="marina near annapolis" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/marina-near-annapolis.jpg?cb=D97B7655-BAB0-467D-0C411A84FF00D002" alt="marina near annapolis" width="800" height="396" /> </p>
<p>They have a marvelous time for the next year or two and make many new friends. But at some point, it starts to get old, too many sundowners perhaps, because this is the only thing they do. Just boat, boat, boat. They have not kept up with their golf or tennis, no more hiking or antique shopping, or tinkering with clocks or cars, music, or any of the other interests they had before they moved aboard.</p>
<p>And they sell the boat.</p>
<p>Let me share some examples of people I know who fully embrace the balance I’m talking about.</p>
<p>One couple cruised extensively on their <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/kadey-krogen-yachts">Krogen</a> Whaleback. West Coast, Alaska, Mexico, Panama Canal, East Coast, down to the Caribbean and back. They had a very compelling bucket list. But they spread this out over many years. Every so often, they would park the boat in a marina, perhaps haul it, then tour North America by motorcycle. They went skiing, visited family and friends, and enjoyed their time on land.</p>
<p>This couple made it a priority to enjoy lots of activities. They told me this kept life fresh, interesting, and enjoyable. After exploring the Sedona countryside, or getting to know a new grandchild, the couple returned to the boat, refreshed and anxious to get back on the water.</p>
<p>One fellow got his wife to go cruising on the condition that she could play the piano several times a week. To their surprise, they discovered that down in the islands, if one visits any inhabited island anywhere, one will find a church with a piano or organ. It worked out well for them.</p>
<p>Another couple I met through a broker friend were enjoying living on their <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a> 49. She called it their “Banks.” His passion was the boat, her passion was tennis. They arranged their time so she had the opportunity to get off the Banks and play tennis frequently. They were a happy couple.</p>
<p>Stopping and smelling the roses might include attending a wine festival, or some local cultural event. You have no idea what you miss by staying on the boat when in a new town you don’t know. I fondly recall a young girl tapping on our hull to invite us to a practice concert in a pristine old church in the French village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clamecy,_Ni%C3%A8vre" target="_blank">Clamecy</a>, along the Canal du Nivernais. The nuns urged the young girls to get a large audience to simulate Sunday’s performance. It was delightful. The town, by the way, was the birthplace of the famous French sailor, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alain_Colas" target="_blank">Alain Colas</a>, first man to sail solo in an around the world race on a multihull.</p>
<p>While cruising the shores of Michigan on a new <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a> I was writing about, the owner and I decided to go ashore to walk around. We learned that evening was a special night in Port Austin. A couple of hours later, sitting in a converted building that was their community playhouse, everyone sang the National Anthem to begin the local amateur show. The evening performances included the town’s lawyer on stage telling lawyer jokes.</p>
<p>It was a taste of Americana I will never forget.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Port Austin Harbor in Michigan.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="port austin michigan" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/port-austin-michigan.jpg?cb=DA12B00C-9ABF-AE1C-55C81186E3E681D9" alt="port austin michigan" width="800" height="491" /></p>
<p>Boat designer Bruce Roberts told me how he and Gwenda spent their summers cruising the French canals on their boat. That summer she enrolled in a French culinary school, and they planned their cruise around her classes. They had so much fun, not to mention wonderful food!</p>
<p>Three men stopped by our <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a> office one year to tell me their story. One of them owned a Hatteras motoryacht, and they were headed to Florida, stopping to play golf at every golf course they could find along the ICW. Their wives bid them farewell, and their adventure, which started in Connecticut, was about as much fun as three guys could have. It was great. The Hatteras owner said if the trip went well, he might do <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a> and write about all the golf courses on the Loop.</p>
<p>I also know a super capable couple from Southern California who built a large <a href="../../../../used-power-catamarans-for-sale/">power catamaran</a> and cruised the East Coast before heading across the Pacific. As much as they love the fishing, snorkeling, and adventure of cruising remote islands, both took time off for weeks at a time. Perhaps she flew home for a family fix, while he stayed on the boat and did maintenance projects, or they traveled together. After many weeks with family back in California, they always returned to their boat with a fresh attitude. This kept their dream alive, year after year.</p>
<p>Keeping a land presence makes it easier for some, even if it is a lock-and-leave condo or townhouse. A place to go back to from time to time, see one's doctors and family during the holidays, catch up with friends, travel by land, and enjoy other favorite activities. Then continue cruising when it is time to return to the boat.</p>
<p>Another important point to consider is that there are many wonderful places to visit that are not reachable by boat. Our country’s national parks are fantastic must-see destinations. But visiting most parks is done by RV, motorcycle, or car.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most extreme balancing act is the couple I first met in Annapolis. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he is an orthopedic surgeon, and their circumnavigation on a 47-foot, Bob Perry-designed cutter took 12 years. When they reached a new place they liked, they stayed for a couple of years, and he would provide his surgical skills at a local hospital.</p>
<p>It was a remarkable and rewarding way to sail around the world.</p>
<p>Finding a balance that works for you will help ensure a rewarding life for years to come.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-lure-of-electric-boating">The Lure Of Electric Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising">Prepare Yourself For Offshore Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-cruisers-other-dinghy">The Cruiser's Other Dinghy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What's The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
It's All About Balance While Living Aboard A Boat |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Whatever you do |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
living-aboard-your-boat.jpg |
2022-06-09 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
its-all-about-balance-while-living-aboard-a-boat |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/its-all-about-balance-while-living-aboard-a-boat |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
27 |
171 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-06-02 00:00:00.0 |
2022-06-02 00:00:00.0 |
215 |
[empty string] |
215 |
<p>Around the middle of May, Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine took their new Nimbus 405 Coupe, Last Item, out for a short shakedown cruise on Chesapeake Bay. Experienced cruisers with many sea miles under their belts, they knew what to bring aboard for their planned seven-month adventure, as mentioned in the <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">LET'S GO ON THE GREAT LOOP</a> article.</p>
<p>Because the <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus</a> is a quality, brand-new boat, very few things needed to be sorted out. Small things on the boat were fixed or adjusted so they had a high level of confidence in their new Swedish cruiser. <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Greg-Gelmann">Greg Gelmann</a> of the Seattle Yachts <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis office</a> oversees warranty work for the Annapolis office, and he made sure the boat was ready for the trip.</p>
<p>Sidonia sent us the following initial excerpts from her journal of the trip, which we will share as they work their way around <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a> to Florida.</p>
<p>“We poked our way out of Spa Creek and into Chesapeake Bay until we were clear of the 6-knot speed limit, and then Fred opened her up to 25 knots. He planned to get into deep water so he could drop the anchor and measure off twenty-foot lengths to mark with colored tie-wraps. But when we stopped in 90 feet of water, it was too rough for him to be out on deck working by the bow.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Spa Creek Bridge leaving Annapolis.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="spa creek bridge" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/spa-creek-bridge.jpg?cb=72D4FB23-BA10-A04E-2E5B71DA3D88CE8F" alt="spa creek bridge" width="800" height="465" /> </p>
<p>“So, we continued around the north end of Kent Island and headed south to Kent Narrows and Piney Narrows Marina. The marina has a very nice building, with roomy lounge, swimming pool, and tiny store. The waters where the marina is located is lined with covered docks housing hundreds of boats. There is a huge building (Kent Island Boatel) just across from where we are docked, full of small boats stacked four levels high. We’ve seen this type of storage in other places, but between what we’ve seen in Annapolis and now in Kent Island, I don’t think we’ve ever seen so many boats.</p>
<p>“We thought Seattle and the Pacific Northwest had a lot of boats, but it doesn’t even begin to compare to this area.”</p>
<p>The couple went over to the Kent Island Visitors’ Center to check out its small museum and walk around the nature trail. There isn’t much there, but it is always good to get off the boat and walk the neighborhood.</p>
<p>There are restaurants about a quarter mile across Kent Narrows from Piney Narrows Marina. Unfortunately, they soon found out not all is well with their new dinghy package. They dinghied from the marina to Red Eye’s Dock Bar, a popular local restaurant. After dinner, the outboard refused to start for the return trip to the boat. After some frustrating efforts to get it started, then trying to get a tow back to the marina, they even waved at a police launch, to no avail.</p>
<p>Fred eventually got the outboard running and they made it back to Last Item.</p>
<p>Such is cruising on a boat, even a new one.</p>
<p>When they returned to Annapolis after their short shakedown, they had a very small list of projects to take care of. Fred spent the most time getting the new outboard sorted out.</p>
<p>On May 25th, the couple left Annapolis to begin their Great Loop. They planned to run up Chesapeake Bay to the first destination: Harve de Grace, Maryland.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The mural of the Havre de Grace race track which closed over 40 years ago.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="mural of the havre de grace" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/havre-de-grace-race-track.jpg?cb=726A7A6B-E081-7732-DA3C75D658846F69" alt="mural of the havre de grace" width="800" height="517" /></p>
<p>“Chesapeake Bay was pretty choppy that morning, and as soon as we got up to cruising speed, we heard a long, miserable-sounding meow/howl from our cat, Ozzie. He jumped up from below and settled under my seat where he stayed the rest of the trip up the Bay. Thank goodness he doesn’t get seasick.</p>
<p>“We bumped along at 23 knots against the current, but the choppy bay smoothed out as we got farther north. All in all, our Nimbus rides comfortably despite the choppy waves banging against the hull.</p>
<p>“A little over two hours after we left Annapolis, we arrived in Havre de Grace on the Susquehanna River at the north end of Chesapeake Bay. We first topped off the fuel tanks (79.6 gal. @ 6.10 = $485) and moored at Tidewater Marina. The dockmaster was very nice and friendly, and helpful.</p>
<p>“Just outside the marina is a large, former cannery building covered in murals. There were even more murals beyond this building on a long wall. I talked with a man painting them and he said the building would become an art center for woodworkers and artists.”</p>
<p>The next morning, they noticed a decided starboard list on their new boat. They had assumed the fuel tanks were self-leveling, but it turned out the two tanks are not connected. To get the boat level, Fred had to put in more fuel.</p>
<p>Leaving the fuel dock with a level boat, they set a course to the entrance of the C&D Canal, 14 miles of ship canal that connects Chesapeake Bay with Delaware Bay, and is a vital transit point on the Loop, as well as ships coming and going to the Port of Baltimore.</p>
<p>“When we exited the C&D Canal on the Delaware side, we ran straight into an ugly chop as we turned south to head down Delaware Bay. Everything we’ve read said Delaware Bay can be rough, and it lived up to its reputation. Pretty soon we were punching through 3- and 4-foot waves. We slowed down to 17 knots to ease the motion, and then saw a large ship ahead of us. We pulled into the relatively flat wake of the Panamanian freighter ‘Francois’ for about two hours. We slowed to 14 knots to maintain our position behind the ship, but at that speed the Nimbus thankfully stayed on plane. It wasn’t particularly smooth, however, and we still had a fair amount of banging into the waves.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: A lighthouse that sits at the entrace to Delaware Bay on a calmer afternoon.</em>)</p>
<p> <img title="lighthouse at delaware bay" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/delaware-lighthouse.jpg?cb=7401E139-D4D7-828D-75670ED794305C9F" alt="lighthouse at delaware bay" width="800" height="490" /></p>
<p>“We finally left the ship’s wake to point our bow toward the Cape May Canal.”</p>
<p>Once through the canal, they arranged a slip at the Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. They called two other marinas first, but they were full, with many Loopers already in the area on their way north. Thankfully, she reports the Canyon Club marina gives a Loopers discount.</p>
<p>And they were not alone in the marina.</p>
<p>“The boat next to us is also doing the Loop. They are Scott & Michelle on ‘Dog On It,’ appropriately named as they have a Great Dane aboard. They gave us a hand with our lines and then we visited for a bit with them.</p>
<p>“The next morning, we helped them with their lines as they took off. Later in the morning, we took our scooters into town. As the electric scooters are also new, I was hesitant to ride mine up the dock as I’ve barely ridden it before. I rode around the parking lot of the marina a few times before we headed into the town of Cape May.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Cape May has some beautiful historic mansions.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="mansion in cape may" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/manion-in-cape-may.jpg?cb=726A7A6E-9081-8DCC-1011BD70AEACB6C3" alt="mansion in cape may" width="800" height="601" /></p>
<p>“We are very happy with our little bikes, they are serving us just as we’d hoped, as the town is a long walk from our marina. By the time we got back to the boat, I felt comfortable enough to ride down the dock to the boat without falling into the water.”</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine stop by the Coast Guard station for a photo op</em>.)</p>
<p><img title="coast guard station in cape may" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/coast-guard-in-cape-may.jpg?cb=726A7A72-FCB4-1BDE-E0BF4453062DE676" alt="coast guard station in cape may" width="800" height="527" /></p>
<p>The couple had originally planned to transit New Jersey on the NJ ICW, but they heard there was a broken bridge and boats could not get through. So, they decided to go outside, as most trawlers must do.</p>
<p>“The Atlantic Ocean was as nice as it gets, with large, gentle swells on our beam. We had a comfortable ride.</p>
<p>“When I checked my NEBO (the popular voyage tracking system used by many Loopers), I saw several dozen Loopers in front of us. We passed every one of them at our 23-knot cruising speed.</p>
<p>“Running about a mile and a half off the New Jersey coast we could just make out hundreds of little dots on the beaches, people enjoying a beautiful Memorial Day weekend.”</p>
<p>They decided to stop in Barnegat Bay, after the 73nm run from Cape May. They found large breaking swells about 300 yards out from the entrance of the inlet, so they were particularly cautious coming in. While they safely anchored inside the bay in seven feet of water, the steady stream of small boat traffic made the anchorage uncomfortable.</p>
<p>From there, it was just about two hours before they saw the New York City skyline in the the distance. Rather than continue into the Hudson River, they chose to stop for the day at Mansion Marina in Great Kills Harbor in Staten Island, NY. It was a pleasant stop they had been to before.</p>
<p>“Whoever says New Yorkers aren’t friendly hasn’t met the ones we have. When we were here before on our big boat, we met only very nice and helpful people. This time was no exception. A fellow who keeps his boat at the marina helped us secure our lines, then gave us the full rundown of where things were, what restaurants were good, which ones had takeout and the location of the second-best bagel shop in all of Staten Island. It was real concierge service.</p>
<p>“The marina is far from a first class one. The dock is tilted, a power outlet near us didn’t work, and the boatyard looks messy. But it will do fine. We walked a couple of blocks down to the Atlantis Marina Cafe and enjoyed a delicious gyro sandwich.”</p>
<p>When Sidonia and Fred’s told me of their plans back in Annapolis, the only reservation they had made was at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, across from NYC. The plan was to pick up their son, who would crew with them up the Hudson and through the Erie Canal.</p>
<p>After their first week on this adventure, it is safe to say the cruising speed of the Nimbus 405 Coupe makes daily runs of decent miles very manageable, while leaving plenty of time to get off the boat and explore the local scene, something they very much enjoy.</p>
<p>If this is any indication of how their Great Loop adventure will unfold, it seems this will be their routine. And many will agree it is much better than long days of slow travel.</p>
<p>See you next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: <a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></p>
<p>Update #2: This Post.</p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What's The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
Nimbus Begins The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The owners of the Nimbus 405 Coupe 'LAST ITEM' leave on their trip for the Great Loop. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
nimbus-on-great-loop.jpg |
2022-06-02 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
nimbus-begins-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
28 |
170 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
214 |
[empty string] |
214 |
<p>I will spend the next seven months following the adventures of Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine. The couple is doing <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a>, at least a large portion of it, and will share their travels with us. It should be entertaining and inspiring for those who dream of doing the Loop one day.</p>
<p><img title="Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fred-and-sidonia.jpg?cb=DC9A655D-FE87-6F77-29F7FB6BFED7083D" alt="Sidonia and Fred St. Germaine" width="800" height="709" /></p>
<p>The couple keep their 62-foot custom trawler, Shearwater, in Anacortes, Washington. This is their third trawler named Shearwater, and she has already provided them with many adventures. They shipped her from Victoria, B.C. to Florida in 2010, and cruised the Bahamas for the winter. Then they enjoyed a leisurely cruise from Florida up to Maine and back.</p>
<p>The couple decided they wanted a boat specifically for the Great Loop, as Shearwater will stay in Anacortes. They purchased a new <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus Boats</a> 405 Coupe from Seattle Yachts, a well-equipped boat that is perfect for a couple and their cat on this waterway adventure.</p>
<p>The couple named the boat Last Item, as it is the last item on Sidonia’s bucket list. While the couple has already done a great deal of cruising, the attraction of the Great Loop is that it is something quite different.</p>
<p><img title="Nimbus 405 coupe owners" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/the-great-loop-boat.jpg?cb=DC9A6564-DD5B-FEC1-C98F8A5920BE02F0" alt="Nimbus 405 coupe owners" width="800" height="546" /></p>
<p>Sidonia said they are most excited to visit parts of this country they have yet to experience. Nashville, Michigan, the Hudson River, Trent-Severn Waterway, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway are all places they want to see.</p>
<p>The couple has already explored the East Coast on Shearwater, so they decided to tailor their Great Loop to just those sections they have not yet seen. They will leave Annapolis before the end of May and expect to reach Florida in about seven months. Then the plan is to sell the Nimbus Coupe once they arrive in Florida.</p>
<p>The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nimbus-405-Coupe">Nimbus 405 Coupe</a> is the perfect choice, and the flagship model of the Nimbus line. It is a three-stateroom cruiser powered by twin Volvo D6-380 diesels, which give a cruising speed of 25 knots. With a draft of only 3.5 feet, and no flybridge, the form factor of lower vertical clearance and shallow draft will be appreciated when cruising the inland waterways. Last Item has both bow and stern thrusters for the ultimate in maneuverability.</p>
<p>The boat’s lines are sleek and modern. The salon has the traditional, open layout typical of Scandinavian design, and her large windows provide outstanding visibility which will be wonderful while cruising the waterways. It is a perfect two person cruiser, with cleats easily reached, including one just outside the helm door for line handling while transiting canal locks.</p>
<p>One interesting feature of the Nimbus is the company’s patented "Side-Walk" design, an asymmetrical deck layout that offers a wide side deck on the starboard side of the boat up to around the bow. This will be of great value transiting the many locks of the canals, while also providing more interior volume for greater comfort and livability.</p>
<p><img title="nimbus sidewalk design" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-side-walk-design.jpg?cb=DDB45FC0-B329-AAF8-417DB7EC9CBE96F3" alt="nimbus sidewalk design" width="800" height="413" /></p>
<p>In their first week or so on the boat, they went out on Chesapeake Bay to get settled on the boat, and Fred found her quiet and smooth running.</p>
<p>Sidonia, on the other hand, says she finds the boat more tender than she is used to, although she is comparing the motion to that of their much larger and heavier <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawlers</a>. It will take getting used to. She said she is very relaxed on their 62-foot Shearwater, and has no anxiety whatsoever, as they have covered quite a few safe and comfortable miles aboard the custom trawler.</p>
<p>She went on to say they cruised on their previous DeFever 49, from Alaska down to Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, to Venezuela, then through the Panama Canal to explore the Caribbean. She was extremely confident and relaxed on that boat, even when the boat rolled over on her side in rough seas, far enough over that Fred was tossed out of his bunk and slid across the cabin. Despite this freak event, Sidonia remained totally relaxed, with full confidence in the boat.</p>
<p>Last Item will no doubt earn Sidonia’s trust in the coming months.</p>
<p>Unlike new boat owners who take on the Great Loop, Sidonia and Fred’s many years of cruising together means they are not overstocking the boat with provisions and spares, as so many do. They know they are not cruising up the Amazon, but rather the inland waterways of the U.S. and Canada. But as veteran cruisers, they have his and her binoculars, spare props, fuel filter elements, and impellers.</p>
<p>They plan to pick up their son in Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, New Jersey. He will be crew for a couple of weeks as they head up the Hudson River and transit the Erie Canal. He will leave them near Rochester, New York. That is about the only set schedule the couple have planned, and the only reservation they’ve made so far is Liberty Landing Marina. The rest will unfold each day as it will. This is cruising at its best.</p>
<p>Sidonia is going to send me notes and images of their travels, and I plan to report regularly as they make their way around the Loop. Perhaps I might even drive out to meet them at some point. My intention is to offer a glimpse of what makes this trip so popular, and why it is on many people’s bucket list.</p>
<p>It is all about the boats, the people, the destinations, and the lifestyle.</p>
<p>It should be a grand adventure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are links to the LAST ITEM's previous Great Loop updates</span>:</p>
<p>Update #1: This Post.</p>
<p>Update #2: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-begins-the-great-loop">"Last Item" Begins The Great Loop</a></p>
<p>Update #3: <a href="../../../../news/nimbus-up-the-hudson-to-waterford">Up The Hudson To Waterford</a></p>
<p>Update #4: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-on-to-rome">Last Item Heads To Rome</a></p>
<p>Update #5: <a href="../../../../news/big-water-ahead-as-last-item-heads-to-oswego">Big Water Ahead As LAST ITEM Heads to Oswego</a></p>
<p>Update #6: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-a-taste-of-the-thousand-islands">A Taste Of The Thousand Islands</a></p>
<p>Update #7: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Into The Trent-Severn Waterway</a></p>
<p>Update #8: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-deeper-into-the-trent-severn-waterway">Deeper Into The Trent-Severn</a></p>
<p>Update #9: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-georgian-bay">Georgian Bay</a></p>
<p>Update #10: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-north-channel">The North Channel</a></p>
<p>Update #11: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-into-lake-michigan">Into Lake Michigan</a></p>
<p>Update #12: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-gunkholing-down-the-wisconsin-coast">Gunkholing Down The Wisconsin Coast</a></p>
<p>Update #13: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-visiting-kenosha">Visiting Kenosha</a></p>
<p>Update #14: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-great-loop-trip-continues-into-illinois">Great Loop Trip Continues Into Illinois</a></p>
<p>Update #15: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-exploring-the-heartland">Exploring The Heartland</a></p>
<p>Update #16: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-in-the-middle-of-the-country">Heading Into Tennessee</a></p>
<p>Update #17: <a href="../../../../news/last-item-cruising-in-the-tenn-tom">Cruising In The Tenn-Tom</a></p> |
Let’s Go on The Great Loop! |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
A seasoned boating couple tackles the Great Loop, an item that's always been on their bucket list. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
going-on-the-great-loop.jpg |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
lets-go-on-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
29 |
169 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
213 |
[empty string] |
213 |
<p>I’ve been thinking how we’ve written recently about preparing one’s boat for extended offshore cruising or even a circumnavigation. But as much as we discuss getting the boat, the systems, and the bits and pieces of a yacht ready for such an adventure (i.e., the “hardware”), we have not really addressed the “software” components of the equation—specifically, the captain and crew.</p>
<p>I had a conversation the other day with a friend who is also a circumnavigator, Bob Frantz. Bob and his son, Eric, left Norfolk, Virginia in February 2011 on a trip around the world aboard their Hallberg-Rassy 43, Blue Heron. Five hundred days later, they crossed their wake in June 2012, having completed a fantastic trip full of adventure and unsurpassed experiences.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Blue Heron in the Society Islands.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Blue Heron sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/blue-heron-sailing-riatea-society-islands-crop.jpg?cb=D63D9526-AF54-E004-37FC332F0CB528F4" alt="Blue Heron sailboat" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p>My thought was not so much for him to share details of his experience, but rather what he did to prepare himself and his son for this major sailing trip. While I acknowledge that much the world and technology has changed in the last decade, I still think he can offer lessons to be learned and share advice for anyone thinking about world cruising, even if a full equatorial circumnavigation is not in the plans.</p>
<p>Bob is a longtime dinghy sailor, as is his son. Growing up in coastal New Jersey, Bob went sailing every chance he could. An attorney by profession, Bob and his family lived for years in Ohio, and Eric learned to sail and race dinghies as a member of a lakeside dinghy club. It was only later, when the family moved back East, did they get the chance to sail larger boats, and they even bought a share in a 37-foot <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a> to enjoy on Chesapeake Bay.</p>
<p>(<em>The Frantz Family map below of all the destinations they've visited.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Frantz Family map of destinations" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/frantz-map.jpg?cb=D64F265E-CE18-D948-04F86CFF13956979" alt="Frantz Family map of destinations" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p>Bob explained that he read all the classic books that cover topics relevant to a world cruising sailor. Weather forecasting, navigation, the excellent books by Beth Leonard (The Voyager’s Handbook), Jimmy Cornell (World Cruising Routes), Nigel Calder (Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual), and Steve Dashew’s volumes on essential skills and how to solve problems encountered while cruising. I’m sure there are others. These books are still loaded with great insights and advice, even if climate change and political unrest have changed some parts of the world, making a circumnavigation not as attractive to some as it once was.</p>
<p>(Other classics of our generation, such as those by Hal and Margaret Roth, Eric and Susan Hiscock, and Tristan Jones are still fun to read, but not nearly as helpful or relevant as they may have been in the 1970s and earlier. I’m afraid we’ve moved away from tallow-filled lead lines.)</p>
<p>Bob attended every seminar he could find that covered information and insights from accomplished people who have been there. He attended the Safety at Sea program at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, as well as an engine maintenance course put on by Mack Boring, the East Coast Yanmar engine distributor.</p>
<p>To cover all bases, he also took a class on celestial navigation, which is making a comeback in some circles.</p>
<p>Since he took Spanish during high school, it was only natural that he refreshed his second language skills using Coffee Break Spanish, one of the language courses from the popular online resource based in Scotland.</p>
<p>After the family bought their Hallberg-Rassy 43 for the trip, Bob contacted John Neal, the well-known cruising writer, instructor, expedition leader, and consultant who has been training people to go cruising aboard his sailboats since the early 1990s, most recently on a Hallberg-Rassy 46. His company, Mahina Offshore Services, offers boat selection consultation, training expeditions, and seminars focused on cruising.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Blue Heron looking over the rising moon in Bora Bora.)</p>
<p><img title="sailboat in bora bora" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sailboat-in-bora-bora.jpg?cb=D6B741A4-D339-1DA3-ED1353878FEBC4C8" alt="sailboat in bora bora" width="835" height="981" /></p>
<p>John also offers individual consulting services, and Bob contracted with John to provide voyage planning and local contacts for contractors he could use as they cruised the Pacific, where John has cruised for many years. It turned out to be invaluable, getting general cruising advice as well as the names of people living in the islands who could help if there was a need. Not everything is up to date or complete in general cruising guides, and it is most helpful having the name of someone on the ground to contact about where to come ashore or fulfill certain needs. Having local information and advice about medical resources, finding spares, and the best places for fuel and provisioning made a big difference in their cruising experience. As cruisers all know, sometimes things break, and it helps to have someone local to call.</p>
<p>Bob used a weather service to provide cruising route advice with current forecasts. He also used a weather module in MaxSea software. Today, of course, there is Windy, PredictWind, PassageWeather and other programs and apps that provide excellent information about the world’s weather.</p>
<p>To get offshore experience, Bob crewed on several ocean sailing trips down to the Islands, which gave him a taste of what it is like at sea and be exposed to conditions one must contend with. This knowledge doesn’t come from a book.</p>
<p>They sailed Blue Heron every chance they could. Reflecting on it now, Bob recommends sailing the boat for at least a full season before setting off on a long trip. There are many reasons for this: getting used to the boat and how it handles in different conditions, dealing with gear failure closer to home, and getting to know every aspect of the boat.</p>
<p>To do shakedown passages at sea, Bob and Eric sailed from Chesapeake Bay to Bermuda, then Chesapeake Bay to Block Island. It was a necessary experience to find what it is like when they were oceans away from home, on their own boat. Eric got terribly seasick on the way to Block Island and it gave him some concern about the upcoming global adventure.</p>
<p>They carried the typical spares for extended cruising, including a sail repair kit, although their sails were new, so they did not expect to use it, and they didn’t.</p>
<p>Although the boat was not that old, the electronics on the Hallberg-Rassy weren’t current generation. That was only a problem as their electronics installer could not easily find a way to interface AIS with the electronics, so they upgraded what was needed to have AIS on the boat. Bob would never sail without AIS, and it proved enormously beneficial during the circumnavigation.</p>
<p>I asked Bob how he would prepare crew members for such a trip. He suggested that any crew without ocean experience take one of the offshore sailing courses where people learn by performing all aspects of ocean sailing, from anchoring to sail handling to navigation. These courses, while expensive, are an invaluable way to get up to speed to become a contributing member of a crew.</p>
<p>It always helps to get a storm at sea under one’s belt. The father and son encountered back-to-back storms early in the trip, on their way south towards the Panama Canal. But the storms gave them a much-needed boost in confidence in the boat and themselves and relieved the anxiety that Eric had about getting seasick offshore. In fact, his anxiety was replaced by an attitude that would be his reply the rest of the trip, “We’ll be all right.”</p>
<p>Ideally, Bob thinks three crew is better than two, or perhaps two couples. But the dynamics of mixed crew can lead to issues from varying personalities. It is important to see how everyone gets along.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Eric and Bob compare their profiles with the Moai.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Moai statue" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/Moai.jpg?cb=D64F2656-0541-F23A-0F4359D44679C0D2" alt="Moai statue" width="800" height="510" /></p>
<p>Bob’s wife, Janellen, stayed home and was the ground support for the trip. Having someone responsible on shore proved invaluable, as she got well versed in the world of international carriers, such as DHL and FedEx, and how to manage sending packages around the world. Bob used a satellite phone to stay in touch and to request parts and other items to be shipped to their next destination. When they lost their autopilot in the Indian Ocean, they were forced to hand steer until they reached South Africa, as Janellen was unable to get replacement parts to them in this remote area of the world.</p>
<p>There were occasions where they needed to get dressed up, so it turned out to be a good thing to have a blazer on board.</p>
<p>The one question I really wanted to know was, “How did you know you could do this, sail around the world?”</p>
<p>Bob thought about it. It really is the most important question of any sailor thinking of sailing offshore. The captain of a boat has the full responsibility on his or her shoulders to complete a passage safely.</p>
<p>He said that being a lawyer helped to gave him confidence. In many of his cases, he would have to become an expert on some subject he knew nothing about. After a while his success in these cases built his confidence that he could do it. Getting out of his comfort zone became normal, which led to his belief that he could rise to the challenge.</p>
<p>Despite even close friends questioning such a risky endeavor, a dinghy sailor leaving to sail around the world, he reasoned it would be okay.</p>
<p>“I know enough. I’ve done enough.”</p>
<p>The rest he’ll figure out as he needed to. It was time to go.</p>
<p>So, Bob and Eric sailed around the world. Mission accomplished.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Bob and Eric visit Lizard Island near the Great Barrier Reef.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Lizard Island" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lizard-island.jpg?cb=D64F265A-C4A4-3627-CED4B9F4CE7E2B87" alt="Lizard Island" width="800" height="494" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Also Read</strong></span>:<strong> <a href="../../../../sailboat-faq">Frequently Asked Questions About Sailboats</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-cruisers-other-dinghy">The Cruiser's Other Dinghy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What's The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
Prepare Yourself for Offshore Cruising |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
If going offshore cruising in your sailboat or cruising yacht, here are some tips from experienced boaters. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-on-sailboat.jpg |
2022-05-25 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/prepare-yourself-for-offshore-cruising |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
30 |
168 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-05-19 00:00:00.0 |
2022-05-19 00:00:00.0 |
212 |
[empty string] |
212 |
<p>Most sailors I know have wondered what it would be like to live on a <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a>. Like the tiny home craze of a few years ago, it seems a reasonable question. With all the basic systems and conveniences needed for daily living, and on the water. What a grand adventure!</p>
<p>I’ve lived aboard several boats in my life, and I can say there is a romantic element to it, having everything you need right around you, on a magic carpet you can take anywhere you want to go. Yet, for the most part, it also comes with some unique challenges.</p>
<p>I knew a couple with a teenage son who lived aboard a 27-foot sloop. They would spend summers in <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a>, where Dennis worked floor sales at Fawcett’s Boat Supply. During the winter they would sail south and spend the season in the Bahamas where he helped with construction projects for the local community. I never knew how they did it, but they were always happy and upbeat.</p>
<p>Anyone seriously considering a sailboat as a full-time home, naturally wonders what size boat would be most appropriate. Seems easy enough if the sailboat has the necessary creature comforts. But there are several factors that separate “just getting by” from a comfortable life on the water. However, if we take it in steps, perhaps we can identify enough parameters for you to begin a search.</p>
<p>Let’s set the stage. Of course, there are minimalist young people who want a cheap experience much like modern day hobos, just as there are wealthy families who want all the comforts of a luxury resort in a huge <a href="../../../../used-sailing-catamarans-for-sale/">sailing catamaran</a>. When I was young and single, a 30-foot sailboat fit perfectly. The number of single people living on sailboats is surprising, whether they are peddling handmade jewelry in the islands or wandering the world. They are driven by the experience.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen Below: Sailing Zatara is a Youtube channel about a livaboard family that shows daily life on the open ocean.</em>)</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4e0L5NPiosY" width="760" height="515" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>I want to consider an adult couple, one or both have careers. For any number of reasons, they decide they want to live full time on a sailboat to experience waterfront living. They also want to enjoy sailing as their schedule and careers permit. Again, they are not vagabond wanderers living on the hook, flip flops and bathing suits their primary wardrobe, living for the moment with no schedule or commitments beyond today.</p>
<p>Our couple have jobs, perhaps work remotely, and they manage mail, bills, a car, are members of the community, and they want to experience boat living.</p>
<p>Let’s also assume the boat will be their primary residence, although it is reasonable to include the possibility the sailboat may be a summer or winter home, which certainly relieves some of the issues when it comes to seasonal wardrobe, holiday decorations, and other living considerations.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Place to Live</strong></p>
<p>One of the most compelling arguments for living aboard a sailboat is having all your stuff right there with you, in a well-equipped galley/kitchen, a workable head/bathroom, an office desk, permanent bedroom, and storage lockers and drawers. And a dedicated living room to relax, read, watch movies, eat meals, entertain friends, and simply enjoy life. Essentially, all that one needs to live a normal life…and nothing more. I call it the “living module.”</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when people choose a boat to live on, they are often unaware of the compromises they are going to make if the boat has small spaces. After a short time, the reality of boat living may lose its romantic luster. I call that “living in a transformer.”</p>
<p>On a transformer boat, every space must serve multiple purposes, and it becomes necessary to transform saloon settees into a bed, with pillows, sheets, and blanket. The head does double duty as a wet locker, the galley counter serves a workbench, and the V-berth is also a sail locker. To get to one thing requires moving several other things, everything fits together like a puzzle. The smaller the boat the more this is true.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: An interior galley and salon on a <a href="../../../../new-tartan-yachts-for-sale/">Tartan Yacht</a> has many of the comforts of home.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="interior of tartan sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tartan-yachts-interior.jpg?cb=9ACFE7AD-03C1-150D-155FA5A755631D59" alt="interior of tartan sailboat" width="800" height="506" /> </p>
<p>Living this way is confining, particularly if there is more than one person, constantly saying “Excuse me” to move around the boat. And what about if there is a pet?</p>
<p>Imagine if you must move pillows and cushions every evening to turn down a bed to sleep for the night. How about removing all the throw pillows she put on the master berth as an elegant design touch, but there is nowhere to put them? Trust me. This gets old.</p>
<p>Then there is the issue when looking at a boat with a wet head. Taking a shower gets everything in the head wet. That may be perfectly fine for weekend boating but living with that every day will be unpleasant. And while walking down the dock to use the marina showers may be fine for some people, it is not what I signed up for. On larger boats with wet heads, there may be sufficient room for a sliding shower curtain to keep the water on you, and not the rest of the space.</p>
<p>Can you see how some of these issues might begin to chip away at the dream of living aboard? No worries. Let’s keep peeling back the layers, because the more we understand the important issues, the closer we are to answering the question of how big of a boat one needs to live comfortably on a sailboat.</p>
<p>A truly minimalist approach is fine for young people, who don’t yet have a lot of stuff, don’t mind a wet head or transforming every space several times a day. They can overlook dealing with a lack of clothes storage, and very little space for personal possessions.</p>
<p>I’m all for living minimally…for a time. But that won’t do for everyday living at my current stage in life. It is important to recognize this and then find a balance between what the boat can provide and the style of living one is accustomed to, expects, or desires. It is a personal decision about what to compromise on. What am I willing to give up to live on a sailboat? Think of your hobbies and interests. If you enjoy shooting sporting clays, where will you store the paraphernalia of that hobby? The same can be said for camping, golf, tennis, music, and many activities of a full and balanced life.</p>
<p>I have more than a passing interest in photography and would need space for camera gear. My wife loves to arrange flowers. She is quite good, and for years created beautiful flower arrangements for the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel. She would need some space to continue this passion on a boat, along with space for her tools, vases, and the other components of a flower shop workbench. It would be fine much of the time to work out in the cockpit, but where to store everything?</p>
<p>I believe people who are active in life and their community are not interested in giving up everything simply to live on a boat, so the size of the boat must take that into account. It is similar to couples who downsize their big home when they become empty nesters, and move into a townhouse. They must consider space for their sewing and embroidery projects, movie and music collections, music keyboard, even precious art. Every person I know collects something or is passionate about some activity or sport. One can keep golf clubs in the truck of a car, but what about all the other things that requires space aboard?</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Sailboat owners are notorious for clever and smart storage ideas. This owner likes to paddleboard, which can take up a lot of room.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="paddleboard storage on sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sailboat-paddleboard-storage.jpg?cb=9AFD5294-B5C4-BBD0-91A971551B813CCF" alt="paddleboard storage on sailboat" width="800" height="459" /></p>
<p>And where does one plug in all the chargers of the modern world? This will overwhelm the chart table on a small boat, which was only intended for occasional recreational sailing. On larger boats, the chart table accommodates navigation and weather instruments, RDF, radios, maybe a sextant, plotter, radar, as well as navigation books and cruising guides.</p>
<p>I used my chart table as my desk, although many vloggers seem comfortable using the saloon table for laptop writing and video editing. I had a plastic tub that contained my “office” supplies, and when I was finished paying bills or whatever, I would store this tub away. I had a small portable printer that tucked behind a settee cushion. My office did not compromise the chart table for its primary purpose of navigating while sailing.</p>
<p>There will always be a need for a proper work bench space for projects and repairs, which might be in the cockpit, but there will also need to be a place to store tools, parts, and the other essentials to keep the boat and engine running.</p>
<p>Then there is the issue of clothes storage for year ‘round living. For most couples, a wardrobe must also include a minimum of “dress-up” clothes. Is there a hanging locker wide and tall enough for a dress or two and blazer? Or do we stick with khakis and Hawaiian shirts? Cold, damp days in the Pacific Northwest will require heavier clothing that take up space, unless one is fine only owning one wool sweater.</p>
<p>There is only so much space for books, CDs, and other stuff. Thankfully, a Kindle or iPad can hold a full library of books and a tablet can store music and movies, so shelf space can be left for other things.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Essential Galley</strong></p>
<p>Most residential kitchens have a startling number of appliances and specialty tools that we accumulate over the years. Where does one put it all on a boat? Most galleys offer limited space for the tools of cooking, pots and pans, cutlery, plates, serving bowls, baskets. I look around my kitchen and wonder. How could I even begin to consider bringing along a full-size food processor, VitaMix, blender, crockpot, toaster, panini press, popcorn machine, salad spinner, immersion blender, and let’s don’t forget the spiralizer.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is there is no room for any of it. You simply won’t have the space. Period. A friend who is a well-known foodie told me about her galley in which she routinely creates complex culinary treats and meals for her husband, family, and friends. She gives lectures at the yacht club and writes a food column for a boating magazine. Lori told me she brought aboard a blender, a portable electric mixer, a small food processor, a toaster, and a butane torch into the galley of their <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/fleming-yachts">Fleming</a> 55 motoryacht. Her cooking aboard really started in the galley on their Beneteau 35 a long time ago.</p>
<p>After several years on the Fleming, Lori realized she only ever used the toaster, none of the rest got touched. And while she carried about 40 different spices in her galley, she only used six seasonings: Italian, Greek, blackening, chili, salt, and pepper.</p>
<p>(Lori is not into baking, so never carried muffin tins, sheet pans, cooling racks, or baking sheets. She also said she prefers disposable aluminum pans for making roasts, which eliminate the need to carry a large roasting pan that won’t fit in the galley sink so is impossible to clean. She also never carried a bread machine on any of her sail or powerboats, as she always found local breads to be much more interesting.)</p>
<p>So, a sailboat with a large galley will be big enough to serve as a liveaboard kitchen, with enough storage space for stores and provisions, and nesting pots and pans. And don’t forget the French Press and electric teapot to make coffee and tea.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The galley on the <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Hanse-460">Hanse 460</a> is one reason it won the European Yacht of the Year.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="galley on the hanse 460 sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/galley-on-hanse-yacht.jpg?cb=9C55C83B-9EFA-5C60-E5D08531E9224148" alt="galley on the hanse 460 sailboat" width="800" height="497" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tanks Are Key</strong></p>
<p>Gone are the days of overboard dumping, so any sailboat of recent vintage will have dedicated tankage for water, fuel, and waste. The size of the boat, and its intended design purpose, will dictate tank sizes, and that is important to consider for living aboard, even if one never leaves the slip. The daily use of water will be significant, as people use the head(s), shower, and sinks. Water will be consumed at a greater rate than weekending, and both gray and blackwater waste tanks will fill quickly—especially if these tanks are small.</p>
<p>Not all marinas can pump out a holding tank at each slip, so figure it a regular chore to move the boat if that becomes necessary. (More areas today have a mobile pump out service that makes the rounds of the harbor and nearby marinas. One contacts the boat by VHF radio to schedule a pump out when it is next in the vicinity.)</p>
<p>Additionally, if our couple plans to live in the same place year ‘round, they must deal with another issue—if they live in Maine or anywhere south to the Carolinas, or in the Great Lakes. Marinas must turn off the water at the dock for the winter, to avoid damaging pipes. (This is not standard practice on the West Coast, except when unusually cold weather forces a temporary shut down.)</p>
<p>Living on a sailboat in Boston Harbor becomes a challenge, although there is a hardy group who do it every year and find it builds character and a sense of humor. In Annapolis, those of us living on F Dock would string garden hoses together once a week and run the long hose down the dock so we could refill our water tanks. We made it work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Other Factors</strong></p>
<p>If our couple has children, this will change the dynamics of the liveaboard equation, making a larger boat a necessity. For families, especially, the layout afforded by a center cockpit sailboat makes a lot of sense, providing a separation of living spaces important for everyone’s mental health. And there will be a compelling case for needing a washing machine to do laundry.</p>
<p>If our couple has a dog, there will be additional concerns to provide good access on and off the boat, reasonable access down below, and other basics, such as a freshwater cockpit shower. A transom swim platform will also be great appreciated by pet owners, as well as older folks.</p>
<p>If there are watersport interests in addition to sailing, they will also compete for space. A dive compressor comes to mind, with a place for tanks and dive gear. SUPs, windsurfers, and kayaks take up deck space one is unlikely to fit on a small sailboat.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Brownies makes a tank rack that can be installed in any storage area. This one has a compressor on top.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="brownies tank rack" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tank-rack-for-scuba.jpg?cb=9CD031D8-FB7A-B2FC-212B1328CC9F6273" alt="brownies tank rack" width="502" height="675" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Sailboat That Sails</strong></p>
<p>Up to now we have not addressed the sailing abilities of our liveaboard boat. Small sailboats go slower, are much more affected by wind and wave conditions, and are much less comfortable in a seaway. If sailing in protected waters is all our couple is interested in, then sailing performance is less important in our search for a liveaboard home. But there is a huge difference (on many levels) between a sailboat capable of consistently making daily runs of 200nm and a smaller sailboat that hobbyhorses along making 55nm to the next destination.</p>
<p>Obviously, a step up in boat size means greater expense in cost, maintenance, insurance, sails, gear, and fuel. But life is more comfortable on larger boats. I sailed from Newport, RI to Bermuda on an 83-foot sailboat designed to race around the world. The trip was over in the blink of an eye, as she was so quick. I’ve done trips from Annapolis to Bermuda on 30-footers, and while they took longer, were more satisfying because they demanded more of my skill to tweak our speed, unlike a crewed, 83-foot freight train.</p>
<p>I am pretty sure the ideal boat for both living aboard and great sailing is somewhere in the middle.</p>
<p>Before we discuss our conclusions, I want to point out something I found common after living aboard various boats on both the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest. I have noticed that many couples and families, once they move aboard their boat full time, tend not to go sailing very often. The boat becomes their home, priorities and routines get established, and life goes on. Things that used to be stored neatly, now tend to stay out, and there are pillows, blankets, puzzles, running shoes, books, jackets, hats, shoes, tools, guitars, plants, art, remotes, and projects of all kinds all over the boat. And a small tree or plant in the cockpit.</p>
<p>Does this defeat the purpose of living aboard if they don’t go sailing as much? I don’t think so, because the time to experience living aboard may not coincide with the time to go sailing, or cruising. For many it must wait until retirement and learning the boat while living aboard makes tons of sense.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Magic Number Is…</strong></p>
<p>When researching this article, I came across some truly laughable blogs and websites that suggested boats that were absurdly inappropriate for living aboard. These sites remind me that one can never believe or trust suggestions from an Internet search without verifying sources. How can someone really recommend buying a 30-foot boat from the ‘70s to live on, a boat that is only 9 feet wide and only has a couple of tiny saloon windows for interior lighting, a tiny head with no holding tank or shower, and no storage of any kind beyond enough for a foul weather jacket. Or a sailboat from a builder who only built 40 boats half a century ago!?!</p>
<p>The big takeaway from these sites or blogs, or whatever they are, is an excellent reminder about the importance of using a knowledgeable and experienced yacht broker. A man or woman who knows boats and can navigate the many choices. A good broker does way more than simply handle the paperwork of the transaction. A broker will make this fun. You will learn quickly and benefit from their experience. And show you where to stow a small ironing board and iron.</p>
<p><strong>The best size sailboat to live aboard comfortably, safely, and provide a marvelous living experience spans from the mid-30 foot range to the mid-40s. I hesitate to be black and white about saying 35-45 feet, because I know people happily living on a 33-footer, and I would easily live aboard a Stevens 47.</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Jeanneau 43 is a good sample of a sailboat live on and is at the midpoint in this range, as it carries 130 gallons of water, and is almost 14 feet wide.</strong> She has a large, bright interior that is very livable. The Hallberg-Rassy 43 carries 172 gallons of water and a holding tankage of 100 gallons. The Stevens 47 that I mentioned above, while older, carries 200 gallons of water, and it will make consistent 200nm days. Many of the Beneteau models would also make a comfortable liveaboard. And there are dozens of other choices in this size range from reputable builders.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The Jenneau 43 is thought of as a good sailboat to live on.</em>)</p>
<p> <img title="Jeanneau 43 Sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/jeanneau-43-sailboat.jpg?cb=9B56D88A-07CA-794A-76D58AE381BF05C5" alt="Jeanneau 43 Sailboat" width="800" height="502" /></p>
<p>Compare boats in this size range to smaller boats, such as the very popular Catalina 30, with over 6,400 boats built. She carries 36 gallons of water and has a holding tank of 18 gallons. Look at interior layouts and pictures of these boats, the galley, saloon, and living spaces, and what storage is available. One will easily see the huge differences among these boats.</p>
<p>You will need to decide how much privacy you need, and how many cabins/staterooms to make this happen. And then discuss the factors of layout, storage, tankage with your broker. He or she will know the reputation of the builder, will introduce you to other options, such as a sailing catamaran, or another boat you may not be aware of. A broker will show you enough boats to help you refine your search for the right boat, within your budget.</p>
<p>Check out as many boats as you can. Some interiors may seem too dark, as the traditional teak treatment was very popular until recently, others find them cozy. Some interiors can feel cramped, especially on older, narrow boats. There are lots of saloon table/settee arrangements, and what works for you is totally personal. Many older boats have almost vertical companionway stairs/ladders, while the newer trend is towards fewer steps that are less steep between cockpit and the interior, which are dog friendly.</p>
<p>Make sure you can fit comfortably in the head, and make sure the hanging lockers and other drawers will satisfy your needs. There is usually a huge storage space under the master berth. How easy is it to access?</p>
<p>Your broker might introduce you to other liveaboard clients who may be willing to share their experience. There is nothing more helpful than hearing what others have already discovered, such as how enclosing a center cockpit provides more living space on a sunny day during cold weather.</p>
<p>Moving around an interior is every bit as important as moving along the side decks topside. Some boats are much easier to move about on deck than others that require gymnastics around standing rigging. Much like tall lifeline stanchions make me feel way more secure on deck, so do interiors where there is something to hold onto. Perhaps not as important for living aboard than at sea, but hey, isn’t your boat going to do both!?!</p>
<p>It is common knowledge there is no perfect boat, and that every boat is a series of compromises. With a few exceptions I agree with these sentiments. But I do also know that living on a sailboat has a charm all its own, without compromise on the right boat.</p>
<p>The <a href="../../../../used-liveaboard-boats-for-sale/">liveaboard</a> boat community is special, and I have met some interesting people who live full time on sailboats. While there are the usual community of service staff, artists, and people who work in offices, I have met musicians, consultants, and technology gearheads. When I lived on Lake Union, it was an eclectic group of mixed backgrounds and careers, from medical doctors to one humble fellow who had his PhD in the study of Peregrine falcons.</p>
<p>In Annapolis, the dock was shared by a lobbyist in DC, a lawyer and his wife, and the head of public works for the city. And when a hurricane came to town, the folks on our dock threw a party as we stayed up all night adjusting dock lines to keep everyone’s boats safe.</p>
<p>One winter in Marathon, in the Florida Keys, we lived among a couple dozen liveaboards from all over. While they had traveled south for the winter, none were cruising. They simply lived aboard and were able to move south to warm weather while the snow blew up north.</p>
<p>If you are interested in exploring life on a sailboat, there is much to recommend it. People who live on sailboats belong to a unique community, and there is always room for one more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Also Read</strong></span>:<strong> <a href="../../../../sailboat-faq">Frequently Asked Questions About Sailboats</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-unexpected-side-of-an-aging-sailor">The Unexpected Side Of An Aging Sailor</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-safest-sailboat">What Is The Safest Sailboat?</a></li>
<li><a href="seattleyachts.com/news/is-sailing-a-cheap-hobby">Is Sailing A Cheap Hobby?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-are-the-different-types-of-sailboats">What Are The Different Types Of Sailboats?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/is-sailing-hard">Is Sailing Hard?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-sailboat-can-one-person-handle">How Big Of A Sailboat Can One Person Handle?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world">How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-cruisers-other-dinghy">The Cruiser's Other Dinghy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
What Is The Best Size Sailboat To Live On? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
It's important to know the right factors to consider when choosing the best sailboat to live on. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
best-sailboat-to-live-on.jpg |
2022-05-19 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
31 |
165 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-04-19 00:00:00.0 |
2022-04-19 00:00:00.0 |
209 |
[empty string] |
209 |
<p>This is a popular question in boating circles, especially for new sailors dreaming of heading over the horizon. Lacking experience, it is difficult to know fact from fiction when walking the docks.</p>
<p>The truth to this simple question is a lot less intimidating than one might expect. Small boats routinely go sailing offshore. Beyond stunts to grab the title of smallest ever, a lot of legitimate sailors have enjoyed cruising on small boats. (There is an interesting book for those wanting to know more about the smallest ocean crossing <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboats</a>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Speck-Sea-William-Longyard/dp/0071440291" target="_blank">A Speck on the Sea</a>, by William Longyard.)</p>
<p>I knew an architect in Seattle who told me when she was younger, she and her boyfriend decided to sail his Piver 25 trimaran to Bermuda from Charleston. They had limited resources, and with minimal accommodations and storage, they intended to exist on bags of popcorn. Unfortunately, the winds were not favorable, they soon ran out of water, so they turned around.</p>
<p>However, Arthur Piver, one of the pioneers of trimaran design, built a 21-foot boat named Nugget that he sailed down the California coast in the late 1950s. That same boat later cruised down to Mexico. Subsequent homemade boats in the early 1960s were sailed across the Atlantic as well as to New Zealand.</p>
<p><strong>So, the question about how big your boat needs to be to sail around the world has more to do with design and construction than just overall length.</strong> Indeed, there are many cruising boats that most would find too small, but are strongly built and well made, such as the pocket-sized sailboats from Pacific Seacraft. The 20-foot Flicka is by no means the mainstream image of a bluewater boat, yet many have crossed oceans. The 400+ Flickas out there are rugged, much loved, and bluewater capable.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: An example of a 20-foot Flicka sailboat.)</em></p>
<p><img title="flicka sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/flicka-sailboat.jpg?cb=9304069A-9E72-C69D-EE51A204F1B21C05" alt="flicka sailboat" width="800" height="536" /></p>
<p>The same can be said for the slightly larger Pacific Seacraft 24-foot Dana, designed by Bill Crealock. Only slightly longer than the Flicka, the Dana took small boat sailing to another level, as the increased volume and interior allow a couple to comfortably live aboard while cruising, which include making ocean passages.</p>
<p>The adventures of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tania_Aebi" target="_blank">Tania Aebi</a>, who circumnavigated the world in her Taylor 26 (the Canadian version of the Contessa 26) captured the imagination of many sailors. The Contessa is a small but seaworthy little boat with sitting headroom, similar to the legendary Folkboat. Yet its capability is well established. Her slightly larger sister, the Contessa 32, was the only small boat to finish the stormy 1979 Fastnet Race, where 24 boats were abandoned, and 15 lives were lost.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: An overview of Tania Aebi's travels by sailboat.)</em></p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YgstOxZ70YU" width="760" height="515" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>I once asked Canadian naval architect, Ted Clemens, what he thought the minimum size boat one should consider for going offshore. He smiled and said that it is difficult to say. He then told me about Ben Carlin, an Australian who was the first (and likely only) person to circumnavigate in an amphibious vehicle. After World War II, Carlin bought a surplus Ford GPA (an 18-foot version of the well-known, Army DUKW) and added a cabin and towable fuel “barge” to increase its suitability for crossing an ocean. He named it Half-Safe. (Interestingly, Rod Stephens Jr of Sparkman & Stephens worked on the design of both the GPA and DUKW.)</p>
<p>Carlin successfully crossed the Atlantic with his wife in 1951. Over the next ten years they continued around the world. At the completion of his world travels, Carlin had driven Half-Safe 11,000 miles across oceans and 37,000 miles across continents. Half-Safe is now on display at the Guildford Grammar School in Perth.</p>
<p>To frame the other side of the same question, I once had an absorbing conversation with Ed Monk, Jr in <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-fort-lauderdale-florida">Ft Lauderdale</a> . I asked him what he felt was the ideal size boat to sail across oceans with a high degree of confidence. He told me it was a favorite subject he shared with his father, who was fascinated by rogue waves. The Monk father and son duo spent a lot of time researching available data. They finally concluded that a vessel of 83 feet overall was the ideal smallest and safest yacht to survive all things at sea, including rogue waves.</p>
<p>I’ve since concluded that boat size is perhaps a trifle less important than the quality of its design, construction, and outfitting. Even the small yachts I mention from Pacific Seacraft are nice sailing boats and can sail along smartly in general ocean conditions.</p>
<p>But to say these small boats are ideal for sailing and cruising across large bodies of water would be silly, even if one does bring along enough popcorn. A small boat does not have the storage, the tankage, or the living space that is required for successful cruising.</p>
<p>Having said that, YouTube channels are full of young couples sailing and living the dream in boats that are small, old, minimalist, and cheap. Sailing and living aboard a boat that is 50 years old is not something I look forward to. The Allied Seawind, original Valiant 40, and Alberg 30 are all classic boats that have a long history of successful cruising and offshore sailing. Ditto larger popular boats like the Stevens 47, Passports, and Peterson 44. Yet boats of that vintage are in constant need of rebuilding, refit, and fixing things in exotic places.</p>
<p>I bought a new Baba 30 in 1985. It was a super boat and cozy home for a single guy. I just loved being aboard and sailing this small jewel of a yacht. Yet, a couple of years ago a friend sent me pictures of my former boat, now for sale in Aruba. I shudder to think of the work it now represents. The Yanmar 30GM30F must be tired, the fittings, hoses, and every piece of moving gear needs to be changed, and the rigging surely needs to be carefully inspected and most of it replaced.</p>
<p>To bring her back to my standards would be a costly challenge.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: A Baba 30 sailboat.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="baba 30 sailboat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/baba-30-sailboat.jpg?cb=93FEF744-A170-EF5C-0558D827148E940D" alt="baba 30 sailboat" width="800" height="548" /> </p>
<p>So, let’s consider what is involved with buying a used sailboat to go offshore, at least as far as traveling to the islands or Mexico. A boat capable of sailing offshore but not necessarily around the world.</p>
<p>Unless it is new or nearly so, once you buy a boat, you will need to make some upgrades and refit some of the systems. And down the road you will also need to maintain and repair it as necessary. So, when looking at any vintage sailboat, a potential buyer must be alert to the possibility of fiberglass delamination, rot in plywood bulkheads, moisture or blisters in the hull, and leaking hardware and hatches. They are common issues but also why the price may be right.</p>
<p>It might take a year or more to resolve all the issues, and one can spend up tp 100 percent of the purchase price to complete the repairs. Maybe a new engine, sails, mast and rigging, water and fuel tanks, pumps, hoses, fittings, electrical and electronic updating… the list can be long.</p>
<p>And it doesn’t stop there. What is required to get the boat ready and safe for sailing offshore? Consider another 40 to 50 percent of the purchase price for things like a liferaft, heavier ground tackle and windlass, redundant autopilot, wind vane steering, and the necessary spare parts and extras one should have aboard just in case.</p>
<p>And if it is a larger boat, one might want to install air conditioning, upgrade the boat’s refrigeration, perhaps add a bow thruster, a generator, solar panels, and other equipment for comfortable living aboard. Comfort is a good thing, as one can expect to spend 90 percent of the time at anchor, mooring, or dock…not under way. Did I mention a new dinghy and outboard?</p>
<p>For all the above reasons, I am of the school that thinks it is best to buy a new or newer boat, even if it must be in the smaller end of the size range being considered. A five-year old 38-foot sailboat will have far fewer issues than a roomy 45-footer that is 40+ years old for the same general price range. It is just the way it is.</p>
<p>Looking to do more than simply go offshore occasionally? How about crossing an ocean to do the Atlantic Loop between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, or Hawaii from the West Coast?</p>
<p>Most cruising experts agree that a boat between 35 and 45 feet is the most common and works well for couples. The people who run the <a href="https://www.worldcruising.com/arc/event.aspx" target="_blank">ARC</a>, the annual event that attracts over 200 boats and 1,200 people to cross the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to St Lucia, keep great records of the fleets from year to year. Couples and families cross the ocean as part of this event and then spend a year or more in the Caribbean and perhaps up to the Bahamas and U.S. before heading back across to the Mediterranean. It is a well-traveled and well documented itinerary and a wonderful experience for all.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: An ARC event where dozens of sailboats head for St. Lucia.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="An ARC sailing event" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/arc-sailing-event.jpg?cb=94521ECC-F07C-3A8E-9512554520B1720E" alt="An ARC sailing event" width="800" height="478" /> </p>
<p>According to the organizers, these days the most popular boats are standard production boats, and the most popular in recent ARCs are Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot <a href="../../../../used-sailing-catamarans-for-sale/">sailing catamarans</a>, and Beneteau and Jeanneau monohulls. These and the other European production boats from <a href="../../../../new-hanse-yachts-for-sale/">Hanse Yachts</a>, X-Yachts, Bavaria, Dufour, and Dehler make this trip safely. They are comfortable, easy to sail, and are a good choice without costing a fortune.</p>
<p>An ARC representative said the average water tank size in recent Transatlantic crossings is 500 liters, or 132 gallons. That is fine for general cruising and to do this Atlantic crossing (with a bit of water management), but that would not be the choice for someone planning a three-to-five-year circumnavigation.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that production sailboat builders build boats for the way most of their owners use their boats. And most have no intention of crossing an ocean. So, while these boats may be designed and built for CE certification rating of Class A, the boats are not finished to the level necessary to take on a circumnavigation. And it would be foolhardy for any of these builders to significantly raise the price of their boats to cover the additional and unnecessary effort and expense in hopes of satisfying the desires of only a handful of potential buyers.</p>
<p>Take Beneteau, for example, the largest boat builder in the world. They know their customers very well and how they use their boats. Why would Beneteau intentionally install large fuel tanks when they know the diesel fuel needs of their owners are basically minimal. Most sailors motor in and out of their marina, and maybe motor for a time on vacation when the wind dies. But over the course of a season, they don’t use much diesel fuel. Unused diesel that sits in a large tank over a long time can easily become a major problem, especially if water gets into the tank.</p>
<p>Experienced sailors, on the flip side, know that for long distance cruising, it is a good idea to carry enough fuel to be able to travel under power for 700-1,000nm. That is not a rule, but it is nice to have long legs. It also means one does not have to scrounge around for diesel fuel once they arrive in remote island chains. Owners can wait until they reach a major destination to refuel. Hand pumping diesel fuel out of 55-gallon drums after a long passage into five-gallon Jerry cans to ferry out in the dinghy is not much fun.</p>
<p>The same can be said for water tanks. Even with 80 gallons of water on a boat, if it is not used and turned over, it can develop a nasty taste and smell. Seasonal sailors use water on weekends and on their summer vacations, but it is usually readily replenished when they are cruising. The idea of carrying around a large supply of water is ridiculous to most recreational sailors. Yet it is important to world cruisers.</p>
<p>That is why the boats that participate in the ARC but then continue around the world are built to a different mission statement. They are generally beefier in construction, use heavier and more robust fittings, systems, and hardware, have bigger tanks, and are better equipped for long distance sailing. These boats will be the Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, Najad, Swan, Malo, Garcia, Amel, and Garcia, to name a few. They are the choice for a circumnavigation.</p>
<p>Having larger fuel and water tanks requires more volume in a boat, which means a bigger boat. On one hand, we might choose a larger boat because it is faster and can cover more miles per day while providing more comfortable living accommodations at anchor. But it will also carry more water and fuel, as well as other storage for provisions, and room for spares. A bigger boat wins in all aspects except cost and perhaps ease of handling.</p>
<p>On the issue of ease of handling, I’ve been particularly interested in the boat choices for older sailors who want to go offshore, but who are not as agile, flexible, or as immortal as someone in their 30s or 40s. For the cruising senior, it is probably best to think smaller, perhaps around 35 feet or so. This will make sailing easier without needing complex gear to run the boat. In my experience it is easier to sail a big boat than a small one, but only with a healthy and athletic crew. Beyond a certain age, I think it reverses itself. A big boat has momentum and is comfortable in a seaway, but a smaller boat is more easily handled (and less stressful) for aging sailors who just don’t have the strength and flexibility they once enjoyed.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Hanse-348">Hanse 348</a> has a self-tacking jib system so all lines go to the helm for easily sailing.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="Hanse 348" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hanse-348.jpg?cb=948C7E16-AF51-DE74-BF10140E0977B8D8" alt="Hanse 348" width="800" height="515" /> </p>
<p>I am a member of the <a href="https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/" target="_blank">Ocean Cruising Club</a>, a UK-based organization of cruising sailors who embody the world cruising community. Its international membership can be found in every corner of the world, including the northern and southern latitudes, experiencing the life many of us dream of. Whenever I am in the company of OCC members, whether manning their booth at a boat show, or at one of their cruising events, I enjoy hearing their stories and conversations between members, such as the best place to buy fuel in Panama, going ashore at St Helena Island, navigating ice fields in Greenland, or which part of New Zealand they enjoyed the most. It is also nice to hear how much they enjoy cruising the Chesapeake Bay.</p>
<p>The annual OCC Members’ Handbook lists the current member roster and what boat they own. I found it interesting while thinking about this article because these people are out there cruising the world and most of the members I’ve met already circumnavigated, or nearly so. So, perusing the handbook about the size and brand of their sailboat, seemed to fit the dialogue perfectly. Very few are production boats.</p>
<p>Randomly opening the handbook to boat names listed alphabetically under “M,” I see Tayana 48, Mason 44, Malo 39, Vancouver 27, Moody 346, Fisher 37, Bristol Channel Cutter 53, Valiant 42, Baltic 48, Bowman 40, Amel Maramu 48, Hylas 49, Sundeer 56, Lagoon 421, Leopard 47, Sceptre 41, Saga 43, Tartan 40, Oyster 55, Hanse 371, Rustler 36, Outremer 45, Catana 42S, Alden 44, and others. These are mostly in the range of boats we are talking about, although given the experience of some of these members, some have gradually stepped in size for a more comfortable home afloat.</p>
<p>Several experienced experts feel that one should look for a boat with a displacement/length ratio under 360, which is a moderate displacement relative to a boat’s waterline length. It is a nice compromise between the ability to carry weight, have a comfortable motion, and sail fast. Heavier boats are slow and harder to maneuver, while boats with numbers under 200 will be limited in what they can carry and won’t be as comfortable when the weather goes south. There are websites that list D/L ratios for most boats out there, and it is just one tool to develop an understanding of how a boat will be out in the ocean.</p>
<p>It is quite possible to enjoy the offshore experience on any size sailboat, but just not on one where the deck flexes under foot, or the size of fittings in the rigging are best suited for lake sailing. With some experience, it becomes easy to pick out the real deal among the less competent boats built to a price point. As a fan of small boat sailing, I am always intrigued by a designer’s ability to fit it all into a smaller package yet robust enough to take on the sea.</p>
<p>Even so, I also understand why so many seasoned cruisers today want a big boat with the ability to make 200 miles a day, which makes for fast passages and being able to sail away from weather systems. That is a valid point as well.</p>
<p>When you decide you are up to the challenge, go out and look at as many boats as you can, and connect with an experienced broker who understands all these factors. And, unless you are intent on making a living publishing your cruising adventures on your YouTube channel, focus on the fun of it.</p>
<p>Making landfall is exciting no matter what size boat you sail. Just hope the rogue waves are elsewhere.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Also Read</strong></span>:<strong> <a href="../../../../sailboat-faq">Frequently Asked Questions About Sailboats</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-size-sailboat-to-live-on">What Is The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-safest-sailboat">What Is The Safest Sailboat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/is-sailing-a-cheap-hobby">Is Sailing A Cheap Hobby?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-are-the-different-types-of-sailboats">What Are The Different Types Of Sailboats?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/is-sailing-hard">Is Sailing Hard?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-big-of-a-sailboat-can-one-person-handle">How Big Of A Sailboat Can One Person Handle?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/how-important-is-fuel-economy">Your Boat's Fuel Economy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
How Big Of A Boat Do You Need To Sail Around The World? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Many sailboat owners dream of taking their vessel on a trip around the world, but how big does it have to be? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
sailing-around-the-world.jpg |
2022-04-19 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/how-big-of-a-boat-do-you-need-to-sail-around-the-world |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
32 |
160 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-03-31 00:00:00.0 |
2022-03-31 00:00:00.0 |
204 |
[empty string] |
204 |
<p>You may recall I covered one couple’s provisioning their yacht for extended <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition" target="_blank">cruising in the Bahamas and Caribbean</a> back in early 2020. It was just prior to the looming pandemic. As a result of the coronavirus, the couple were forced to change their plans dramatically.</p>
<p>Hugh Scarth sent me an update in April 2020. Like so many other cruisers, Hugh and Maria were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Hi Bill,</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>We are now back in Canada. Our plan to cruise from the Bahamas down to Grenada became less and less likely as the days went by. We were in the Bahamas when the situation worsened and going forward with our plans was no longer an option. We needed to get back to Florida and return to Canada as soon as possible, and that became more problematic and challenging each day. I also needed to get the boat out of the water for the hurricane season.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>We arranged to have the boat hauled at River Forest near Stuart, Florida. We had a few long days traveling from Long Island in the Bahamas to the Lake Worth inlet in Florida. The boat was hauled on April 1, and we were home in Canada on April 3.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>I believe we made the right decision. As we moved along on our return to the U.S., we could feel doors closing behind us. The Bahamas made it increasingly difficult for cruisers to get supplies, travel between islands, or even get off our boats. The marinas along the East Coast were also closing right and left, and fuel and groceries was getting harder to find.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Several of our friends live on their boats full time and didn't really have many options. They would have to make the best of it. We had fully stocked the boat with provisions, food, and wine for an entire cruising season, so we gave most of it away to our liveaboard friends.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>We are very happy to be home. The federal and provincial governments are doing as good a job as possible and learning every day, deferring to experts, and developing a new level of understanding from the rest of the world. —Hugh</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thankfully, life goes on and the Covid pandemic eventually ran its course. Life is coming back to normal, so I recently reconnected with Hugh and Maria to get an update on their travels aboard their 2006 Hampton 55 PHMY. We arranged a call between <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a> and White Pearl, sitting on a mooring in St Lucia, with the famous Pitons visible out both sides of the saloon windows. Cell service is available throughout the Caribbean, but when calling from the U.S., it is very expensive.</p>
<p><em>(See below: White Pearl docked in St. Lucia)</em></p>
<p><img title="hampton yacht in st lucia" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hampton-yacht-in-st-lucia.jpg?cb=C9C33616-B9FD-333F-4E2EEBB30A268A6B" alt="hampton yacht in st lucia" width="800" height="470" /> </p>
<p>Hugh began by telling me they returned to White Pearl in Florida last December, and left as quickly as possible for the Bahamas, where they enjoyed two or three months in the islands. Life in the Bahamas is getting back to normal—not totally, mind you—but enough to allow the couple to readjust back into the cruising mindset.</p>
<p>A small group of cruisers decided to make the 1,400nm trip south to the Caribbean from the Bahamas together, and they spent another three months working their way down to Grenada at 8 knots, the couple’s original destination. Along the way they stopped in the Dominican Republic, then Puerto Rico, followed by the Virgin Islands. It was a relatively quick trip south, as they chose not to stop where there were quarantines or stay very long in places with other restrictions.</p>
<p>When I spoke to the couple, they were slowly meandering north from their home base in Grenada up to the islands of St Lucia, Martinique, and farther up to other islands in the Lesser Antilles and Leeward Islands as far as Saint Martin. They planned to then turn around and head back to Grenada so they can haul White Pearl for the hurricane season in June. It seems like a pretty good plan and has worked out well so far.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: White Pearl anchored at Sandy Island in the Grenadines)</em></p>
<p><img title="sandy island grenadines" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sandy-island-grenadines.jpg?cb=C9AE2CC3-D91F-8D77-695A4B811DC083E2" alt="sandy island grenadines" width="800" height="493" /></p>
<p>A phenomenon I find somewhat bizarre, Hugh reports they only saw a rare PHMY after the Bahamas and not too many there either. They came upon two <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/nordhavn-yachts">Nordhavn Yachts</a> in the Caribbean and three or four similar powerboats in the months they have been there. <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Monty-Miller">Monty Miller</a>, the Seattle Yachts <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-fort-lauderdale-florida">Fort Lauderdale broker</a> who sold them White Pearl, told Hugh they have cruised farther than anyone else that he has sold a boat to. Again, there is no reason why these fantastic cruising grounds are not enjoyed by more in the trawler and PHMY community. Maybe it is time for a <a href="../../../../flotilla">Seattle Yachts Flotilla Cruise</a> or at least a boat show seminar to help introduce new owners to trawler cruising in the Caribbean.</p>
<p>For owners new to cruising, Hugh recommends Bruce van Sant’s classic, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gentlemans-Guide-Passages-South-Thornless/dp/1470146967" target="_blank">The Gentlemen’s Guide to Passages South</a>, a cruising guide that is helpful navigating around the Dominican Republic. Hugh does feel that most of what Bruce preaches is about using common sense when cruising.</p>
<p><img title="Passages South By Bruce van Sant" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/passages-south-by-bruce-van-sant.jpg?cb=C9AE2CBF-95F4-7220-4A3817C514C6226E" alt="Passages South By Bruce van Sant" width="419" height="614" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What Works, What Does Not</strong></p>
<p>Hugh thinks it is vitally important to not simply follow the advice of “experts” in cruising guides or old salts on the docks. “Make your own decisions,” he said. “Wait for the weather to be on your side.” Don’t rush off if the weather is unsettled and forget following a schedule. Don’t take chances.</p>
<p>Hugh and Maria find reliable cellular service in most areas of the Caribbean, which is helpful to use weather apps to understand what is ahead. Windy and Predict Wind (Pro Version) are particularly helpful. They also subscribe to Chris Parker’s excellent daily marine weather email service (mwxc.com) for the latest forecast.</p>
<p>While there are times that cruisers use SSB shortwave communications, it is not necessary in this part of the world, nor are expensive satellite services needed. They have Iridium GO on the boat, but Hugh did not turn it on for this trip as it is expensive and unnecessary. Cellular works just fine.</p>
<p>While there may the occasional overnight passage between islands, especially if one chooses to sail past one or two island for whatever reason, it is not typical. Day trips from one island to the next are much more common…and easy. The distance between St Lucia and Martinique, for example, is only 44nm. That is an easy five hours or so at 8 knots.</p>
<p>If the couple needs to cover more distance, they prefer to ease out of a harbor early at 0300. Traveling for the day at 8 knots for 15 hours or so provides a respectable distance of 120nm. It is 205nm between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, but as one can see from the chart, most travel distances are much shorter.</p>
<p>I was most interested in the success of their preparations of the boat and systems, which one can read about <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition" target="_blank">in my first article</a>. </p>
<p><em>(Seen below: White Pearl behind a larger motoryacht in the Tobago Cays)</em></p>
<p><img title="White Pearl in the Tobago Cays" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/white-pearl-in-tobago-cays.jpg?cb=CA5C4A1C-9AE3-886B-26553B80EB403931" alt="White Pearl in the Tobago Cays" width="800" height="480" /></p>
<p>I assumed the boat’s watermaker continued to be of great value once they left the Bahamas. It is. The couple’s preferred style of cruising is to spend time on a mooring or at anchor, rather than plugged in at a dock in a marina. That is how they set their boat up, by installing a larger anchor and having the ability to make water. They can remain self-sufficient away from the dock.</p>
<p>“Bring plenty of watermaker filters, as they are at least twice the price of filters purchased in Florida.” Their watermaker is from FCI Watermakers of West Valley, Utah. The unit was already installed in the boat when they purchased her, and it only had 50 hours on its meter. The local Florida FCI tech came to inspect and service the system before they left, and it has worked flawlessly. Having clean, fresh water is essential for healthy and happy cruising, but when it is purchased in many islands, it is expensive if it is even available. A watermaker allows them to make their own water to fill their tanks. Once considered a luxury for only wealthy yacht owners, a watermaker is a cruising necessity for a <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler yacht</a> in the islands.</p>
<p>Hugh also mentioned how much they value having a washing machine. By doing smaller loads aboard White Pearl on a regular basis, they avoid taking a large load of laundry ashore and having to deal with that. Their washing machine uses 10 gallons of water per cycle.</p>
<p>The normal routine aboard White Pearl is to run the generator for three hours a day, three days a week. During those three hours, they do laundry, make water, bake bread, and make cookies. And charge batteries.</p>
<p>Most readers will ask the obvious question. How can a fully equipped motoryacht, such as this Hampton 55 PHMY, normally set up to have unlimited shorepower and water in a marina, get by running the generator only three days a week?</p>
<p>The secret is solar.</p>
<p>Hugh installed four, 320-watt panels for 1,280 watts of power generated by the tropical sun. And he also installed lithium-ion batteries for house service. As Hugh states, every amp from the solar panels goes right into the battery banks, as they can accept full rate of charge right up to 100 percent. That makes all the difference in the world.</p>
<p>One of his friends owns a Nordhavn, another complex yacht with many systems. This owner must run his generator eight hours each day, every day. After spending time with Hugh aboard White Pearl, this Nordie owner went ahead and installed solar panels of his boat, and reduced his generator run time to just three hours a day. The owner said it was a game changer for his new-found ability to remain quietly on a mooring or at anchor.</p>
<p>In general, Hugh stresses the need to be prepared for all service issues, as they are nonstop. He said he stopped putting his tool bag away, as there is always a latch to be tightened, a filter to be changed, or something to troubleshoot. That is partly because the boat is 16 years old, and things have begun to wear out.</p>
<p>The adage that cruising is all about fixing boats in exotic places certainly applies to their cruising experience.</p>
<p>“There is no end to spare parts,” Hugh said. “For the Cummins engines, we carry starter motors, raw water pumps, alternators, props, engine-specific parts, pulleys, belts, filters. And we carry the same parts for the generator, which tends to get less maintenance attention as it sits invisibly in its soundbox.” But he had to pull the heat exchanger out recently as the impeller broke up and pieces got stuck in the exchanger.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the <a href="../../../../new-hampton-yachts-for-sale/">Hampton Yachts</a> 55 has enormous storage spaces that keep both parts and spares dry and safe. A lot of powerboats may have some storage space for spares, but they are often in vulnerable locations where moisture and nearby equipment can damage or compromise them. (After one long offshore passage, I remember our disappointment finding hundreds of dollars’ worth of spare parts and filters now worthless as seawater found its way into what seemed a proper storage locker. It was a soggy mess.)</p>
<p>This is something to keep in mind when shopping for a trawler or motoryacht. A West Marine bag of Racor fuel filter elements placed in a lazarette or locker with wet dock lines and other gear won’t cut it, and many older engine rooms simply don’t provide suitable spares storage in the engine space.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: The view looking down on a rainbow near Petit Piton, St. Lucia)</em></p>
<p><img title="rainbow near Petit Piton" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/petit-piton.jpg?cb=CA974C5D-C3C2-0F9F-AE6B363F8CE83544" alt="rainbow near Petit Piton" width="800" height="633" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Know How to Turn a Wrench</strong></p>
<p>“The handier you are the better. Being able to change an alternator is something I have learned to do, and I can also change a water pump, and I have done it several times.”</p>
<p>White Pearl carries a complete set of metric and SAE tools, which Hugh uses almost every day. He might have to fix the galley faucet, or redo the latch on the garbage can door, or unstick the sliding pilothouse door that somehow got jammed. It is everyday stuff and part of the cruising experience.</p>
<p>Hugh is also keen to share that anyone cruising these Caribbean islands must realize they may be in for very expensive repairs if one simply gives the service technician carte blanche. Martinique is a French territory, and it is standard practice to order parts directly from France. In case after case, Hugh was able to find the same parts in the U.S. and shipped for a great deal less. Instead of 11,000 Euros for an assortment of replacement parts, he found the same parts in Florida for $2,200. Or 5,900 Euros for air filter parts for both engines, which he found and purchased in Texas for $800. It pays to do one’s own research.</p>
<p>Interestingly, the Canadian couple speak French to some degree, which is obviously helpful in these French territorial islands. But when it comes to engine and system issues, neither of them has a proper command of technical words and mechanical terminology when dealing with French-speaking mechanics.</p>
<p>The territorial European connection of these islands also means the electricity is based on European standards, not what we are familiar with in North America. That is important to know before you show up at a marina and find your shorepower cord and electrical system are incompatible with what is offered by the marina.</p>
<p>Does all this take away from the fun of cruising? Yes, of course. Sourcing parts for a leaking water pump in some exotic destination takes one away from the daily routine of the carefree cruising life. But it is part of the experience.</p>
<p>White Pearl’s two Cummins diesels only have 2,100 hours on each engine, the generator 2,200 hours. That is not much for a boat built in 2006. But Hugh is quick to point out it is not the hours that causes the issues, it is time. Sixteen years takes its toll; time rots hose, corrodes wiring, and electrical parts begin to fail.</p>
<p>He also finds that as a boat gets older, especially if it has had a couple of owners, one will find wires in the boat that lead nowhere, perhaps from gear removed long ago. The flip side of this, he added, is that a new boat has not been tested, so who knows what gremlins are aboard from improper installation or faulty parts.</p>
<p>Both Hugh and Maria are immensely enjoying their cruising life on White Pearl, and it has been every bit as satisfying as they hoped, perhaps more so. Hugh also now understands that any boat he will own in the future will have a much higher priority for accessibility to systems over lavish interiors, fancy woodwork, and beautiful appointments. Ensuring that everything is working properly is a great deal more important to him now than how pretty the boat is.</p>
<p>As I have seen so many times, and found myself, the priorities become much clearer with experience. These now-veteran cruisers are up to speed with what is important.</p>
<p>A retired surgeon, Hugh again reiterated the need to have all medications, antibiotics, and painkillers on the boat, just in case. Much like engine parts one has no idea how to install, having them aboard means some mechanic or doctor can use these to resolve issues that come up. In a sense, injectors and sutures are in the same category.</p>
<p>And many of the things they carefully considered when initially stocking the boat proved to be dead on, from spices to snacks and wine.</p>
<p>Thinking back to that first article, I asked Maria if she still had 16 pounds of butter in the freezer.</p>
<p>She laughed. She was down to eight pounds.</p>
<p>“It might be time to restock.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-to-know-about-bringing-your-trawler-home">Bringing Your New Trawler Home</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/coming-to-the-dark-side-moving-from-a-sailboat-to-a-trawler">Moving From A Sailboat To A Trawler</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
Catching Up With White Pearl |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Bill Parlatore discusses long-distance cruising on a motor yacht with owners. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
white-pearl-motor-yacht-owners.jpg |
2022-03-31 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
catching-up-with-white-pearl |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/catching-up-with-white-pearl |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
33 |
154 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-02-02 00:00:00.0 |
2022-02-02 00:00:00.0 |
197 |
[empty string] |
197 |
<p>I follow the daily posts of the AGLCA, as well as social media forums about cruising, <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawlers</a>, and the Great Loop. I find it exciting to see people new to cruising go through those series of firsts that veteran cruisers have long since forgotten. What do we need to do/buy/install before we take off? As launch day gets more real each passing week, whimsical planning morphs into serious list making and boat projects that instill confidence in boat and crew.</p>
<p>As we begin this new year, it is refreshing to see people announce their plans to begin their Loop in April or May, depending on where they live. If one is close enough to jump onto the Loop in home waters, the adventure begins and ends at your front door. So, at any time during the season, Loopers enter the journey around North America at different points, choosing which variations they find most appealing. That is what make organizations like the AGLCA so useful and valuable to new cruisers. And what people don’t realize is that many of these aspiring Loopers are new to traveling on a boat.</p>
<p>In fact, one of my broker friends says he finds a surprising number of couples shopping for a Loop-capable boat aren’t yet boaters. It is the magic allure of the Great Loop that captivates them. These people want to buy a boat, do the Loop, then move on to other items on their Bucket List. They consider themselves traveling rather than cruising if you know what I mean. RV, boat, whatever. It is a travel experience they seek.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The new <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Legacy-12">Legacy 12</a> has been described as a perfect boat for The Great Loop</em>.)</p>
<p><img title="perfect boat for The Great Loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/perfect-boat-for-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=48E407A1-E582-A12F-9489F5FD2F61EF22" alt="perfect boat for The Great Loop" width="800" height="426" /></p>
<p>According to my friend, many of these couples are looking for a Chevy to do the Loop, not a Cadillac. The boat needs to be affordable, have low maintenance requirements, and they have no desire for varnished brightwork. Once they complete their adventure, they plan to sell the boat for hopefully close to the initial price, the difference being the cost of the adventure. It is a common them that has been repeated over and over. Some of these boats are resold several times, and they repeat going around the Loop with different owners, supplying fun and excitement with minimal systems or complex machinery. It is a winning formula for sure.</p>
<p>I always suspect that, for at least some of these travelers, what may start as the one-time dream of a lifetime, evolves into a love of cruising with lasting friendships that develop into future years of wintering in the Islands and extended local cruising.</p>
<p>But now we are in the grip of winter, where the focus is on getting the boat ready. Collecting suggested reading material, charts and guides, and necessary spares, are at the top of the priority list. All of this is important.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Related: <a href="../../../../news/do-you-keep-a-logbook-while-cruising">Keep A Logbook While Cruising</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Most cruising guides offer basic information regarding traveling on our waterways. Along the Great Loop, especially, one will find every type of waterway, from open bays where one might be surrounded by vessels of every type and size, to narrow channels where single file rules of the road are critical to maintain safe passage for all boats.</p>
<p>For new boaters, it is vital to study the rules of the road, as it will be quite stressful when boats start calling you or blasting horns at you and you don’t know what to do. While the rules cover right of way and many other important elements, I want to stress particular attention to the rules regarding passing or being passed on the waterways.</p>
<p><img title="boats passing each other" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boats-passing-each-other.jpg?cb=499E72EA-91FD-CC9E-2841653E9540ED10" alt="boats passing each other" width="800" height="448" /> </p>
<p>When transiting restricted waters, such as in a channel, it is standard practice to hail a slower boat in front of you, requesting a slow pass on one side or the other. On large, stabilized motor vessels and trawlers, the other skipper will often acknowledge your call and tell you to go by at your normal speed, as the boat’s stabilization will minimize any roll they might otherwise experience due to your passing wake.</p>
<p>One frustrating problem occurs when you approach another boat and find the crew has pulled the dinghy onto the swim platform, often using Weaver Dinghy Snaps, which then covers the name of the vessel and hailing port. Unless you both have AIS, you can’t hail the boat by name. Which is why enlightened owners paint the trawler's name on the bottom of the dinghy. If this is your situation, get with the program and put the name on your dinghy!</p>
<p>The East Coast portion of the Loop involves traveling many miles on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) from Florida to Virginia, and there is another common scenario you will encounter. Approaching another boat in a narrow waterway, such as in the many ranges one finds in the Low Country, there may not be room to safely go around a slower vessel. It may be a <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a> chugging along at 5 knots in the middle of the channel. For whatever reason, a lot of sailors don’t maintain a working VHF radio in their cockpit, and it is frustrating.</p>
<p>This is where you’ll need a good horn to both alert the other vessel and signal your intentions. When you hit the horn button, it will get his or her attention, and you can simply point that you want to pass them on your starboard side. The boat may steer to the right a bit, and you can pass the sailboat without drama.</p>
<p>Having a good horn is important, and make sure it works. In short:</p>
<ul>
<li>One Short Blast, one Toot, means you intend to turn right and pass them on your port side. This applies to both overtaking a boat ahead of you, or when a boat is coming at you from the opposite direction.</li>
<li>Two Short Blasts, two Toots, means you intend to turn left and pass them on your starboard side. This is my normal procedure when overtaking a slower boat in front of me. But the conditions around you will dictate which you choose.</li>
</ul>
<p>The vessel you signal should acknowledge your blasts with the same one or two toots. If they respond with five blasts, it means there is danger ahead or they do not want you to pass for some other reason. It could be they see something up ahead that you can't yet see, such as a commercial tug and tow, or a dredging operation. Fall in line behind the other vessel until it is safe to pass.</p>
<p>Learn the horn’s proper use before beginning the Great Loop but remember you will be sharing the waterways with commercial traffic, who often prefer the VHF to communicate.</p>
<p><img title="barge on the great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/barge-on-great-loop.jpg?cb=4A533747-0B00-B74F-51C4A354177EF60E" alt="barge on the great loop" width="800" height="470" /> </p>
<p>One must also be aware of one’s wake when passing, and it is common courtesy to slow down when you pass another vessel, especially if you are driving a boat that throws a big bow wave, such as a classic <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a> running above displacement speeds.<br /> <br />Another important piece of information that you may not find in many cruising guides is the specific definition of bridge clearance. What exactly does a stated bridge clearance mean? When a bridge clearance height is listed in a cruising guide or on a sign at the bridge, is that stated measurement for the lowest point of the span (such as the outer ends of the span for opening bridges), or the middle of the span, which is typically higher? And in waters where there is significant tidal flow, how does water level change the clearance?</p>
<p>Even experienced boaters are not always clear about bridge clearance. This is understandable if one does their boating in Chesapeake Bay, the Puget Sound, or other open waterways where there aren’t a lot of highway or railroad bridges.</p>
<p>For any of this to be useful, especially for the Great Loop, one must know for certain what is the boat’s own air draft, down to the inch. Estimating one’s height above water is not sufficient, you need to know absolutely, and how much additional clearance you gain if you lower an arch, antennas, or radar mast. You will be much less stressed if you know these precise clearances. Make labels of these numbers and put them by the helm.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Bridges in the Illinois River Valley.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="bridges on illinois river great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bridge-on-great-loop-illinois-river.jpg?cb=4A85C85F-E712-C057-4C221BF5BC438696" alt="bridges on illinois river great loop" width="800" height="439" /> </p>
<p>The Coast Guard regulations require that the minimum clearance be shown, which is the clearance at the sides of the navigable area. Many bridge owners add a sign “Additional clearance x feet at center.”</p>
<p>This is not required but helps reduce the number of unnecessary openings.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, waterways that are less frequented may be incorrectly marked, perhaps with a sign “Clearance at center” or sometimes no sign at all. When there is a discrepancy between what is listed on the bridge and what is found in the cruising guide, contact the bridge operator to verify.</p>
<p><img title="bridge clearance for boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bridge-clearance-for-boat.jpg?cb=4AD51A46-96CE-74FD-5F80668E757B1E5B" alt="bridge clearance for boat" width="800" height="545" /></p>
<p>(Speaking of cruising guides, on one trip up the ICW, we purposely tracked our progress using three separate cruising guides, all the latest editions. Surprisingly, they were rarely in agreement when it came to some information. Keeping cruising guides current must be a real challenge.)</p>
<p>Another thing to do when preparing for the Loop (or any adventure where you will be away from home for months) is to get yourself checked out, which can get overlooked in the chaos of getting ready.</p>
<p>Get yourself, crew, and pets in to see your doctor, dentist, vet, and any specialist you work with. The following story always reminds me of how we often take things for granted and then life throws us a curveball while we’re constantly on the move.</p>
<p>A couple I know spent years adventuring on their ocean-crossing trawler, cruising the east coast of Central America, and extensively in South America. An avid film maker, the husband worked on documentaries of indigenous cultures, and the boat was their <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/">cruising boat</a>, home, and film lab.</p>
<p>After several years in South America, they headed back north, and spent a month exploring Maine before cruising down through New England, on their way to Florida for the winter. They had not been back to Coeur d’Alene in quite a while, so had missed their regular dental and medical checkups.</p>
<p>As Dave later told of their travels in Maine and New England, he said he developed a mild sore throat, and had some difficulty swallowing. Over-the-counter lozenges and cough medicines didn’t help. As they worked their way down the coast, they visited several walk-in clinics when they stopped for a few days. The local doctors would look him over, then prescribe throat medicines for a strep throat. But his throat never seemed to improve. Heading westward along the coast of Connecticut, they again sought local treatment, but given the one-time nature of a walk-in clinic, and with no medical records or history, the inevitable treatment was more of the same.</p>
<p>By the time they passed New Jersey, they became concerned it was more than a simple strep infection. So, they went straight to Baltimore, where they made an appointment to see a doctor at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, a world-class medical facility second to none.</p>
<p>It was determined that Dave was in the early stage of Esophageal cancer and needed immediate treatment. Thankfully, they caught it soon enough to be treated, and they stayed in Baltimore and made Dave’s recovery their top priority. By the time I visited the couple months later in Florida, Dave had almost fully recovered. They had dodged a bullet for sure.</p>
<p>They told me they had let their cruising agenda take over their priorities and keeping the boat in shape and fully operational had been more important than taking care of themselves. The wild and primitive conditions they experienced in South America had no doubt made them let their guard down, and they simply got used to discomfort, aches and pains, and less-than-ideal living conditions. They just assumed that whatever happened, it would be fine. Thankfully, they were in a country with medical facilities, not many miles up the remote Amazon.</p>
<p>While neither of them directly said it, I sensed it was somewhat of a walkup call about life, balance, and perspective.</p>
<p>For those of you embarking on your Great Loop adventure this spring, I wish you the best. Have a fabulous time, stay safe, and I hope to meet some of you along the way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">More Articles About The Great Loop:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/catching-up-with-white-pearl">Catching Up With White Pearl</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Getting Ready For The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Here are several tips to help you prepare before you launch your boat on your Great Loop trip. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
the-great-loop-getting-ready.jpg |
2022-02-02 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
getting-ready-for-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
34 |
150 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2022-01-13 00:00:00.0 |
2022-01-13 00:00:00.0 |
191 |
[empty string] |
191 |
<p><em>We first published this story years ago, and it is still one of my all-time favorites. Sadly, Myles Anderberg passed away in 2011. It is all about the human experience, courage, reflection, and seeing one’s place in the universe.</em></p>
<p><em>It has nothing to do with what kind of boat they were on, only that they were together, alone. Any one of us cruisers could be in the same situation one day.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Death by drowning has always seemed grisly to me. Having worked my college years as a lifeguard on Boston beaches, I'd seen, firsthand, the wide-eyed frozen mask of terror on near-victims’ faces. But I've always been a strong swimmer. Most of my adult life I swam a mile a day before breakfast and office. It was my way of keeping in shape.</p>
<p>Now retired and nearing 70, I could not escape the near certainty that I was about to die by drowning. It all seemed so absurd, so bizarre.</p>
<p>My wife, Gerri, and I had just spent the summer cruising the lower Exumas in the Bahamas, on our yacht Berceau and were relaxing for a few days at a snug anchorage in Bimini. When the weather improved, and the Gulf Stream quieted down, we intended to make the 75-mile leg to West Palm Beach, then on to our winter anchorage in Stuart, Florida. Three of our daughters and their children—our grandchildren—live in South Florida. Even now I can see their sweet faces, knowing I'd never see them again.</p>
<p>Anchored off the Bimini Big Game Fishing Club in North Bimini, we had swum and snorkeled every day in the warm, crystal-clear blue water. I knew that when the big estuary of North Bimini emptied on the outgoing tide, the current ran two to four knots, depending on lunar phase. I knew this because I swam against it alongside our boat daily. Gerri had urged me to put on swim fins because of that current. I laughed at the suggestion, as I've been a strong swimmer all my life. And now my life was about to end.</p>
<p><em>(Seen Below: North Bimini Island, Bahamas.)</em></p>
<p><img title="north bimini island bahamas" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/north-bimini-island.jpg?cb=45C446AF-B076-CE21-62035B5F8276A4E7" alt="north bimini island bahamas" width="800" height="438" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How It Happened</strong></p>
<p>I was standing in the dinghy, preparing to stream it astern for the night. Gerri was washing down the foredeck before starting dinner. It seemed nothing when she called out to me that the current had snatched the bucket and rope she was holding, literally right out of her hand.</p>
<p>I slipped off the dinghy line and the current took me astern, but I couldn't see the white bucket in what was 12 to 15 feet of clear water. Starting the outboard, I began making S-shaped sweeps downstream of our boat, finally spotting the bucket some 300 feet from the boat, tumbling along the bottom. That swift transit should have triggered a cacophony of warning sirens in my head.</p>
<p>Instead, I dropped the dinghy anchor and jumped overboard. As I reached for the side of the dinghy, it shot ahead of me. I wondered how the anchor line could be pulling the dinghy forward, when it struck me that the dinghy anchor had grabbed the bottom, and I was racing downstream.</p>
<p>No problem, the dinghy was only 30 feet away, so I quickly fell into my faithful breaststroke rhythm and started closing the gap. But it was slow work, and it’s been 50 years since I was a 20-year-old lifeguard. With only 10 feet to go, it seemed that the gap was not closing. Switching to a crawl stroke didn’t help, and I realized I could not gain that last 10 feet.</p>
<p>Exhaustion and panic are dangerous, and swimming hard with no gain would quickly bring on exhaustion. So, I rolled over onto my back, relaxed, and let the current take me as I regained my strength. And pondered the odds.</p>
<p>It was off-season in late September. There was not a single boat in the 100-slip Bimini Big Game Fishing Club. It was midweek. It was after 6 p.m. Sunset was at 7 p.m. and the sky was already darkening. Ominous clouds hovered offshore.</p>
<p><img title="storm clouds off bimini" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/storm-near-bimini.jpg?cb=4932719E-E14A-5571-23DFC38172A38954" alt="storm clouds off bimini" width="800" height="491" /></p>
<p>It was close to New Moon, so the high tide would be quite high and the low, lower. This obviously accounted for the overwhelming current. Our boat was anchored a half-mile inside the Bimini Harbor entrance, and I was fast approaching that entrance—going the wrong way. The west side of the inlet seemed closer, so I started swimming toward it, hoping. Because just beyond that Inlet was a five-knot northbound freight train called the Gulf Stream.</p>
<p>Also, I remembered from the charts that there was a shallow sandbar between the entrance to Bimini and open water.</p>
<p>All day, small fast Bahamian boats had zipped back and forth. If one came close to the inlet, maybe I could catch his attention. Or could I? These boats travel at only one speed—wide open. Maybe I'll be lucky just to escape being run over and chopped to pieces by a propeller. Or, considering my dwindling options, maybe a swift conclusion would be merciful.</p>
<p>I thought back to Berceau, and the anguish I’d created for my trusting wife. She had unquestioning faith in my seamanship, and I had failed her...it now seemed fatally so. There was no way she could, alone, raise those two anchors I had swum down and physically hooked under rocks in 15 feet of water.</p>
<p>The only other boat in the anchorage was buttoned up, with no one aboard.</p>
<p>I am sure she'd call a Mayday on Channel 16 on the VHF radio, but who would hear it? Most of the small fast local boats don’t even carry VHF radios, and I also remembered that they were usually gone by sunset. And sunset was fast approaching. Would any of the marinas in Bimini be monitoring Channel 16 after 6 p.m.? If they were still listening, would they have rescue vessels standing by? I doubted all the above.</p>
<p>It was darkening now and fighting despair was becoming a struggle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>It Gets Worse</strong></p>
<p>Having failed to fetch the western shore of the inlet, I was now being pulled into the great turbulence of the shallow sandbar off the entrance. If I could stand and brace myself against the current, perhaps I could stay there until the tide ebbed. The charts showed water over the bar to be one to five feet at Mean Low Water. However, it was not MLW, the depth was more like six feet, and, as the bottom shoaled up, the water velocity doubled. I accelerated over that bar, never felt bottom, and was now in rapidly deepening water. Thousands of feet deep. And the sea was rising. And that northbound freight train was tugging.</p>
<p>Too bad about that incident last year in Marsh Harbor, in the Abacos. Gerri was returning to Berceau with groceries from the dinghy dock at Triple J Marina, when she put the 5hp Nissan outboard into gear, without first idling the throttle. She was standing as the boat jumped forward and she fell overboard. Fortunately, the dinghy went up against the dock, and some nearby boaters came to her aid. Unfortunately, she never started that outboard engine again. Never again went in the dinghy alone.</p>
<p>Now the dinghy was 300 feet from her, when I last saw her. I had seen she had binoculars on me. Will I ever see Gerri again? Doesn’t seem likely. Fighting despair was now a physical, as well as mental, struggle. Because, though I'd said I wanted to die before she did, it was all hypothetical. And what was happening now was a cruelty I could never have imagined inflicting on her.</p>
<p>Even if she could somehow get to the dinghy, she probably wouldn’t remember how to use the choke to coax that cranky outboard into life.</p>
<p>Never mind. Another 20 minutes or so in these growing seas, and it will be too dark to pick out a bobbing head anyway. Bobbing to oblivion.</p>
<p>How could I have let this happen? How I laughed when the kids admonished me to 'Be Careful'. I’d told them that cruising these tropical islands is what we’ve always wanted to do. And now that we’re retired and able to, of course that’s what we’re going to do. But it needn’t have ended this way, so tragically.</p>
<p>Fatigue began to overtake me now, and cold. Hypothermia. Every passing minute, I knew, diminished my chances of survival.</p>
<p>Could I have closed that 10-foot gap to the dinghy? If I’d known no boats would come by, I’d probably have used my last reserve of strength trying to make those 10 feet. And perhaps failing, ending it there. But my chances then, in retrospect, seemed vastly better than they did now.</p>
<p>I wondered how long I could stay afloat. How would the end come? Would I just slip under without resistance and take that first lungful of sea water? Would I have any strength to resist? If so, for how long?</p>
<p>I again thought of my wife. We loved each other deeply, for so many years, right to the end. And this was the end. Fatigue, darkness, and the end.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Merciful End</strong></p>
<p>I remembered the many wonderful years we had shared, and the music, the happy music. Gerri sang and played piano professionally. And the children and grandchildren were all musical as well. They were all safe, at home, and I was literally adrift on an open sea, never to see them or home again. I thought of that Placido Domingo song that begins, “I have seen a summer day that slowly opens like a rose,” and concludes, “I am home, I am home.” Though wet and cold, I felt the sting of warm tears. I would never see home again. Time was running out.</p>
<p>Then a sound emerged out of the distance. My mind suddenly, frantically, focused on hearing that noise, any noise.</p>
<p>No mistaking it, it was a sound, the sound of an outboard, and not too far away. I yelled with what strength I had left, splashing the tops of the waves to make myself be seen in the growing darkness.</p>
<p>Abruptly than the noise turned toward me. The hull was dark, but I quickly recognized it as our dinghy, the sound of our outboard, the sight of my bedraggled beloved. She was soaking wet, wearing a life jacket with binoculars around her neck, and hair plastered across her face.</p>
<p>There was no greeting, no look of anxiety—she was all business.</p>
<p>The outboard was in neutral when I grabbed the gunwale. She had wedged herself in on the pitching dinghy but pulled off the life jacket and thrust it to me. I grunted, “No, I don't need it, just give me a minute to rest, then help me aboard.”</p>
<p>Between gasps, I asked, “How did you get the dinghy?”</p>
<p>“Well,” she shouted, “several people responded to my Mayday, and told me they would try to get help in hurry. But you were fast leaving Bimini and I just couldn’t stay by the radio waiting for something to happen. Back on deck I found you with the binoculars, and my heart sank. You were rocketing out of the inlet. So, I started Berceau’s engine and threw one anchor line overboard. Then I released the windlass clutch to pay out the chain of the second anchor. About 150 feet went out, but then it just locked up. You must have tied the end of the chain down below. I ran to the chain locker but couldn’t see anything tied, and I couldn’t cut the chain. I put the boat in reverse and gave it full throttle, trying to break the damned chain free. The boat tugged and twisted but the chain held. I’m afraid I’ve damaged the anchor roller on the bow.</p>
<p>“When I found you again with the binoculars, you were now outside the inlet, and I saw no boats moving anywhere. The radio was squawking, but everything seemed to be moving in slow motion…</p>
<p>“The dinghy was now only about 150 feet astern since I had drifted downstream while paying out the chain. So, I put on this life jacket and jumped overboard, and prayed I could reach the dinghy and hold onto it. That current was a killer. When I got to the dinghy, I hit it with something hard in my hand, and then realized I was still holding the binoculars. It was a good thing.</p>
<p>“I got my last fix on you about fifteen minutes ago, with these binoculars, and after that I was afraid I’d lost you in the darkness.</p>
<p>“But I spotted you splashing, and I’m here. Are you ready to get in?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>With her help, I fell face first into the bottom of the dinghy. Then she lost her cool. She threw herself on top of me. We hugged and cried and laughed. She put the engine in gear and headed back towards the inlet, now more than two miles away.</p>
<p>Shivering on the floor, I pulled the wet life jacket over my back to block the wind, and wondered if this was really happening, or was I hallucinating? Was this a dream? The pitching boat, and very real cold, convinced me this was no dream.</p>
<p>I can’t claim to have dodged a bullet, but a bullet had surely dodged me. And that brave, wonderful woman there, straining to see in the darkness, she made it dodge me. There was no doubt in my mind that Gerri had just saved my life. Death by drowning. Grisly.</p>
<p>We passed through the rage of water over the sandbar and finally got inside the inlet. The water calmed, and the wind dropped. I looked ahead and saw Berceau’s automatic anchor light in the distance.</p>
<p>I thought of our cozy cabin, blankets, hugs, and warmth. And the sheer joy being alive, and realizing I am home. I am home.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/do-you-keep-a-logbook-while-cruising">Do You Keep A Log Book While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
The Bucket: A True Story |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
This is a true story that reminds us that anything can happen out there while boating. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
drowning-while-boating.jpg |
2022-01-13 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-bucket-a-true-story |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-bucket-a-true-story |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
35 |
147 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-12-10 00:00:00.0 |
2021-12-10 00:00:00.0 |
186 |
[empty string] |
186 |
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A sampling of comments from some of my cruising friends:</span></p>
<p><em>I have always wanted a leather-bound, dog-eared worn out logbook but so far that has not been the case. We kept a logbook on our four years in the Sea of Cortez on board our Lagoon 380. We used it for recording our positions while on passages as well as specific notes and interesting facts about what we saw or experienced, such as whales or the fish we caught. </em><em>When stationary or in a marina the book was generally not utilized. One interesting thing I started doing in the summer was recording the time of sunset at each anchorage. It was so bloody hot that if you could shave off a few hours of the daylight by snuggling up to a steep cliff, it made a huge difference in the quality of life on board.</em> —PH</p>
<p><strong>I do not keep a logbook. Most likely too A.D.D. to focus that long. —MK</strong></p>
<p><em>I keep a record of my trips, but it is hardly detailed enough for me to call it a logbook. It is mostly date, destination, travel time, average rpms, and an estimate of fuel consumption. Will also note adding fuel or water. Will sometimes comment on problems/issues, but I can usually just remember them. I use a notebook from my basement office.</em> —AS</p>
<p><strong>I kept my log on my laptop in an Excel file. —KH</strong></p>
<p><em>I probably should have but we did not keep a formal log cruising the Pacific. I posted to my blog often and kept a log of positions every four hours while doing passages, more for positioning than anything. I kept my blog much more personal and less technical as there were already tons of detailed blogs on the places I went. I did and do keep a maintenance and fuel log, recording all routine maintenance and repairs/replacements.</em> —BC</p>
<p><strong>I have logbooks of virtually every time my boat left the dock starting 1993. I have five logs all full, including our charter voyages to BVIS, USVI, St Lucia, Martinique, and St Vincent. —JM</strong></p>
<p><em>We used two books, a simple composition notebook where I keep the minimum information. In addition, we used a more comprehensive book, log/travel notes/problems/contacts in a separate, green log. I also could insert charts, lots of drawings, but not if there was nothing to report. So, the true log is the composition notebook. The green logbook is used for maintenance, fuel, and contacts. </em><em>When we sold the boat, we took the journal pages of the five green logbooks with us but left the composition notebook with all the waypoints and the maintenance and fuel records from the green logs.</em> —MD</p>
<p><strong>From time to time we tried to use logbooks, but never done so for long. Mostly these logs are chronicles of trips we have taken. I’ve tried to do fuel logs, but sooner or later miss entries and it becomes useless. —JE</strong></p>
<p><em>I assume you’re talking about trip logs, as opposed to maintenance logs. I always keep maintenance logs and do so on an Excel spreadsheet. </em><em>Regarding trip logs, the story is a little more muddled. When we sailed around the world, we were quite diligent about keeping a logbook. It was homemade, with many parameters. We entered data every hour, although there were a few times when we failed to adhere to that schedule. </em><em>For other cruises, I always begin with the best of intentions, planning to keep a log for each cruise. I even went out a bought one of those fancy preprinted logbooks from Weems and Plath. Have I actually used it? No. Do I still intend to? Yes. Perhaps with the new boat I will turn over a new leaf and become a diligent logger with entries to my logbook. Time will tell.</em></p>
<p><em>The reasons for keeping a log are, first and foremost, about safety. If you lose your electronics, your last position will enable you to know where to start tracking your route on paper charts. Second, it’s a historical record that is useful if you are ever traveling to the same place again, or even if you wish to nostalgically recall your trip. Third is liability. If there is a collision, your logbook may provide you with exculpating information.</em> —BF</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What is a Logbook?</strong></p>
<p>As the above comments show, the logbook of a cruising sailor can be most anything, if one keeps one at all. In its purest form, a logbook (aka ship’s log or captain’s log) is a document where one records important information of a boat under way. That information can be as simple as date, time, position, heading, speed, and sea conditions. It can also be much more elaborate.</p>
<p>I liken the logbook to engine room checks. Some boat operators conduct hourly underway engine room inspections, checking the running machinery for leaks, odd sounds, or smells, taking temperature readings, and generally making sure all is fine. Other cruisers make this a once-in-the-morning affair, checking fluids and looking around for anything that looks amiss before getting away from the dock.</p>
<p>(<em>See below: One boater's fuel log in detail.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="boat's fuel log" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fuel-log.jpg?cb=6FED134F-DE32-D7B8-F2DCE39DDDA0C783" alt="boat's fuel log" width="800" height="842" /></p>
<p>Recreational boats in the U.S. are not required to maintain a logbook, whereas commercial ships have been required to do so since the beginning of merchant shipping. In the old days before electronics and GPS, the ship’s log was vital for navigation purposes. This purpose has somewhat relaxed in the modern era of satellite navigation, chartplotters, and all the other electronics we have aboard, including our smartphones.</p>
<p>We’ve all seen images of bearded sea captains at their chart table, duly documenting the ship’s progress in a heavy bound book, a record of great value for maritime safety.</p>
<p>Many cruisers use a tablet or computer to keep a log in a spreadsheet or use one of the apps developed as an electronic logbook. After all, most electronics already have the date, time, and position information, and what else is added is easy to do.</p>
<p>Some folks buy those printed logbooks, although I have never been a fan of these books. The companies that make them seem interested in turning a useful logbook into something else entirely, with fields that are completely unnecessary for the purpose of a logbook. I have seen entries for where the fuel fills are located, or where one can find the engine’s oil filter. These books try to do everything, and it is just a waste of page real estate. And some of them are guilty of a real pet peeve of mine, where they provide three inches of lined space to enter one’s home zip code, yet only an inch of space for the owner’s cell phone number.</p>
<p>Some logbooks do more than simply record navigation information and become more like a journal to record interesting information. That might include contact info for people met on the trip, interesting sights and anchorages, fuel prices, condition of marinas, and local information that might be helpful in the future, or comments about the trip at that moment. Some cruisers stop making entries in their logbook when they have reached their next destination, while others continue to record the days ashore.</p>
<p>There is no right way to keep a logbook.</p>
<p>One final note that is vital to know is that when using a book-type logbook, the pages must be numbered, so that pages cannot be removed without being noticed. I will explain shortly about the legal elements of a ship’s log.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What to Record on Your Logbook</strong></p>
<p>So, what information should one enter into the logbook? There is no fixed set of elements to document beyond the basics for navigating foreign waters. It will also depend on whether one is traveling by <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a> or <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a>, as the information from power and sail will be somewhat different.</p>
<p>To keep it simple, one might record the date, time, position (lat/lon), heading, speed, distance traveled, wind speed and direction, observation of sea conditions, and perhaps a note of anything noteworthy. Trawlers, cruising powerboats, and sailboats that are motoring will also likely record engine hours and temperature, volts, fuel burn rate, generator hours used, and trip log as recorded on the chartplotter. And comments about anything that broke or needs attention.</p>
<p>For those who want to include everything, one can add state of fuel and water tanks, bilge checks, current sail plan, barometric pressure, visibility, and generally, anything else that can be noted, especially if the watch person will be alerted should an entry change significantly from one hour to the next.</p>
<p>One might also want to keep notes of the passage, as a journal, and I’ve noticed most prefer a separate book or set of pages for this other information. That can be fuel docks and prices, marina information, and general notes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Benefits of Keeping a Logbook</strong></p>
<p>The primary reason for keeping a logbook is for safety. Should anything happen, it can serve to provide position information for outside assistance, or to switch to manual navigation if one loses the boat’s electronics. When entries are made every hour, changes in any of the recorded information will immediately be noticed, such as an increase in engine temperature or fuel burn. (We once picked up a piece of plastic tarp on the prop, and the person on watch noticed our fuel burn increased. We stopped, backed up and it came free.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: A logbook kept on my friend's Lagoon 380.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="example of logbook" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/patrick-lagoon-380-2.jpg?cb=6FCFA890-CF13-F976-98E27828E82DB758" alt="example of logbook" width="480" height="640" /></p>
<p>In a way, maintaining a logbook serves a similar function as a dash camera in a car, which can be helpful when something happens. The person on watch can note anything that happens during the night that, while perhaps not critical, will need attention during the next daylight period when more crew is available to investigate.</p>
<p>(An example of this happened while running a big trawler up the West Coast to <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-british-columbia">British Columbia</a>. We had a gale chasing us and on one of my hourly engine room checks during the night I noticed a puddle of white liquid in front of the engine that had not been there before. While everything else looks fine, I noted that in the logbook so that we would remember to investigate the next day when more crew were on hand. It turned out to be milk. A carton had overturned in the galley side-by-side refrigerator, and milk leaked unnoticed out the door and down the cabin sole, where it drained into the engine room. Following the milk as it ran across the overhead in the engine room, it finally landed and pooled in front of the main engine. What a relief!)</p>
<p>Another benefit of having a logbook and/or journal is for the future. When planning another trip to Alaska, for example, the notes and information from a previous trip can be a big help while planning, knowing areas to be extra careful, as well as nice places to visit.</p>
<p>In my mind, the nostalgia element cannot be overlooked. Looking over log entries, pictures, maps, and other notes of trips from long ago brings back wonderful memories. There is no better way to revisit the cruising in one’s past.</p>
<p>Separate logs are best for vessel maintenance, needed repairs, and track intervals for changing filters.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Legal Perspective</strong></p>
<p>Today, there is no legal requirement to keep a logbook for recreational boating, at least in the United States. The rules and regulations one must follow are dictated by the country flag one flies, which might vary.</p>
<p>To see if there were any legal issues with keeping cruising logbooks, I spoke with Todd Lochner of Lochner Law Firm, P.C. His <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a> firm operates boatinglaw.com and the company handles maritime cases for recreational and commercial companies, vessels, and operators. Todd is well versed in maritime law and was happy to explain any legal implications of keeping a logbook.</p>
<p>Recreational boating rules and regulations stem from laws created for the commercial shipping industry. It should be no surprise there are many more rules and regulations required for all ships operating in U.S. waters, foreign and domestic. Just look at the large ships in this world today, such as the enormous Evergreen Ever Ace, a container ship that carries over 23,900 containers at one time. Imagine the impact of such a ship having an emergency or disaster.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The Evergreen Ace</em>)</p>
<p><img title="evergreen ace" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/evergreen-ace.jpg?cb=6FCFA888-E096-F5D1-BAEC00DE5CFCA3D4" alt="evergreen ace" width="800" height="666" /></p>
<p>Commercial ships must maintain logbooks far beyond simple navigation information. There are countless requirements for controls, such as the monitoring and recording the levels in oil/water separators, and numerous other measurements and discharge controls that are regularly inspected by the Coast Guard and other authorities.</p>
<p>Todd made two very important points that directly relate to all cruisers who choose to keep a logbook while cruising.</p>
<p>The first is that every log entry has potential legal significance, so it is illegal to erase or obliterate even a single line entry in a logbook. If changes are necessary, no matter what they are, a single line should be drawn through the entry, so that it can still be read. That is also why every page should be numbered, so no page can be removed.</p>
<p>The reason for this goes back to 1939 in a case where it was decided that “where a logbook has been altered, a court cannot avoid the conclusion that it had been dressed up to excuse the ship’s faults.” There it is, in black and white. If there is ever a situation where the boat is involved in a collision, grounding, or other damaging incident, a logbook becomes part of the legal process. If it has been changed for any reason, the presumption is that it was changed on purpose to avoid something.</p>
<p>The other point that Todd made is a great suggestion for all of us who use modern electronics. He offered this as an example: Every boat is responsible for its wake, as you probably know. And there have been cases where someone sues a boat owner for damages allegedly caused by his boat’s wake. The lawsuit might come a year or more after the alleged incident.</p>
<p>All chartplotters by default keep user data which includes position information, waypoints, routes, and tracks. Todd suggests that once a year, use the card slot in your plotter to copy this user data to a memory card. Then you are free to clear the user data in the plotter if you want to get rid of clutter.</p>
<p>Keep the memory card in a secure location for three years. If you are sued by someone who claims your wake caused injury or damage, a lawyer can use this backup memory card to show that the boat was nowhere near the alleged location at that date and time. Great idea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Keep a Log for All the Right Reasons</strong></p>
<p>If I planned a major cruise on a boat, I think I would have two books to record the travels. Much like some of the comments from my friends, one would contain just the important information, as discussed. But I would certainly have a second book, a journal, where I wrote much more of the experience, from recipes to phone numbers of people I meet, and details of each stop, marina, and town. I also would shoot lots of pictures and keep these digital images on a backup drive. I can then look back at my cruise and relive the experience, which is almost as enjoyable as being there in real time.</p>
<p>And when the waves are crashing over the bow, and the boat is rolling out of control, it is way more enjoyable to remember it from the comfort of my couch at home, gin and tonic in hand.</p>
<p>“Remember that time Jim was sitting on the head when the porcelain bowl broke as the boat came off a wave on our way to Bermuda?”</p>
<p>Yeah, that was fun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here are some additional examples of Logbook entries:</p>
<p><img title="logbook example 1" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/daily-cruising-log-2.jpg?cb=6FE4DA23-CF04-8FCA-1308FC30BA6BD396" alt="logbook example 1" width="800" height="1074" /></p>
<p><img title="logbook example 2" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/daily-cruising-log-1.jpg?cb=6FE4DA1F-DA10-F4DF-7806BEE408A18219" alt="logbook example 2" width="800" height="1067" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Cruising Articles Of Interest</span></strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Cruising</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Cruising In The Bahamas & Caribbean</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Cruising In Alaska</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">What To Know About Cruising In the South Pacific</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What Is The Best Cruising Boat For You?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">Stay Safe While Boating</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">Keeping Up With New Technology On Your Yacht</a></strong></li>
</ul> |
Do You Keep A Logbook While Cruising? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Keeping a logbook can be a great way to remember your trips while cruising on your boat. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
logbook-for-cruising-on-a-yacht.jpg |
2021-12-10 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
do-you-keep-a-logbook-while-cruising |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/do-you-keep-a-logbook-while-cruising |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
36 |
146 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-11-17 00:00:00.0 |
2021-11-17 00:00:00.0 |
185 |
[empty string] |
185 |
<p>I recently did a piece to address the frequently asked questions about <strong><a href="../../../../used-expedition-yachts-for-sale/">expedition yachts</a></strong>. One of the questions concerned what supplies are needed for a cruise on an expedition yacht. As I got into the details to answer that question, I realized this was not simply about cruising on an expedition yacht but relevant to anyone planning extended cruising on a boat.</p>
<p>While one can typically reprovision while cruising mainstream cruising grounds, what about when the journey takes you out of home waters? To new and perhaps remote areas where the necessities of your life are not available or are not what your crew know and are familiar with. Toilet paper comes to mind. In many parts of the world, the term “squeezably soft” is hardly a fitting description.</p>
<p>Probably the first step in this discussion is to address the most important. Can you identify the various single points of failure (SPOF) aboard your boat? A single point of failure, be it mechanical, electrical, or electronic, is an element in a system that, if it were to fail, it would take down the entire system. This is critical in a well-designed boat, having built-in redundancy to avoid SPOF, whether it is a wireless router in a computer network, or the fuel delivery system on a long-range cruiser.</p>
<p>The most common example of a single point of failure is the engine’s fuel filter. If it becomes clogged or filled with water, the engine won’t operate. Current diesel engine technology requires extremely clean fuel. The common rail fuel injection system specifies fuel be filtered down to two microns to avoid damage to the injectors.</p>
<p>So, in addition to having dual, switchable filters, it is important to carry a supply of filter elements to eliminate any issues. As Caterpillar states, 93 percent of engine problems are fuel related. Any <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/">cruising boat</a> heading off into the sunset should have dual, switchable fuel filters.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: An extremely dirty filter.)</em></p>
<p><img title="dirty fuel filter" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dirty-fuel-filter.jpg?cb=CC26EAD5-DC45-3316-692BE9524357C1F0" alt="dirty fuel filter" width="800" height="509" /></p>
<p>But it is not just about SPOFs in mechanical systems. I consider these to be the hard SPOFs. There are others, which I call soft SPOF. In my experience, breaking the unique glass carafe of a Mister Coffee coffeemaker meant we had instant coffee for the remainder of our Pacific crossing. Not a death blow, but not very pleasant either, for all of us except the owner. It took him back to his days in medical school.</p>
<p>Think about your daily routine in personal hygiene. If you were to run out of toothpaste, you could substitute baking soda, or sea salt dissolved in warm water, and there are several other healthy alternatives. But what if you lost your toothbrush? What could you possibly use in its place? I suppose you might have a nasty, well-worn toothbrush among your cleaning supplies, used to detail your boat. But having a spare toothbrush among your personal toiletries is a better bet. Not having a toothbrush shuts down your dental hygiene “system.”</p>
<p>Other items in this soft family of SPOF include a corkscrew, a can opener, even nail clippers (although I’ve used a Dremel tool in a pinch when I broken a nail). We once had a young crew member break a pair of scissors trying to pry open an old tin of rolled oats. A snapped blade made the scissors unusable. Thankfully one of us had a small scissors in her duffel bag.</p>
<p>Having a flip flop blow unnoticed off the deck is a pain for crew who live in them. I’m not a fan of these sandals as they tend to catch on cleats and steps, but if that is your primary footwear, you will be one unhappy cruiser. What was that Jimmy Buffett song?</p>
<p>Food is also on the list to consider when planning for extended or expedition cruising. I remember grocery shopping with Linda Dashew in Auckland, New Zealand, as she and Steve prepared to head off to Fiji on their new 83-foot Wind Horse. She made sure we bought several jars of peanut butter, as Steve is particularly fond of it. From their many years of world cruising, she knows peanut butter will be unavailable once they leave New Zealand until they reach the United States.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: A stocked fridge on a boat cruising through the Bahamas. Link to story below.)</em></p>
<p><img title="yacht fridge with groceries" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/provisions-for-yacht-cruising.jpg?cb=060A1D01-EA31-5204-E9E0F8B5F47AB269" alt="yacht fridge with groceries" width="626" height="800" /></p>
<p>When considering what consumables to have aboard, and in what quantity, it often helps to do your homework ahead of time. One couple documented their daily routine on a detailed spreadsheet over the course of six months, so they knew exactly how often they went through common things, such as toilet paper, paper towels, freezer bags, soap, shampoo...even eggs. If there are brands of cereal that make you feel at home, stock up so you will have enough for the expected time away from familiar resupply sources. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard isn’t on every grocery shelf.</p>
<p>Speaking of familiarity, are there personal things that one will miss if they are replaced with something that is not quite right, or doesn’t fit as well? Having tried lots of work gloves over the years, I now use 3M Comfort Grip gloves when I do maintenance in my engine room. They work really well for me, but it took awhile to find gloves I like this much. They are not expensive, but they are not going to be found in most stores in the islands, although I did see them in a most unusual general store in downtown Ketchikan, along with wedding dresses and hunting rifles.</p>
<p><img title="comfort grip gloves for boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/comfort-grip-gloves-for-boat.jpg?cb=CCE2C58E-0478-3CF2-63CF3BC532863A83" alt="comfort grip gloves for boat" width="493" height="489" /></p>
<p>Running out of postage stamps might be a big pain if you are of the postcard type, and email and online service may be unavailable where you travel. Not being able to stay in touch and share with family and friends can take away from the cruising experience. (As an aside, I see more and more people leaving social platforms, such as Facebook, over privacy concerns and an increasing distaste for intrusive data practices and harvesting of personal information. Perhaps the old postcard will make a comeback.)</p>
<p>Unless your boat has the luxury of a trash compactor, garbage will have to be dealt with, and it is no small matter, depending on where one cruises. The world is becoming increasingly aware of sustainable and lower impact on the environment, and most cruisers are now expected to embrace “green” boating practices. For the adventure cruising crowd, many isolated areas have strict restrictions on trash and sewage disposal, and recycling is nonexistent. Knowing this trend towards responsible cruising, prepare to have quantities of large garbage bags, and designate a section of the lazarette for storing garbage until it can be responsibly disposed of.</p>
<p>An experienced cruiser will have the right type and number of regular maintenance items, such as zincs, filters, and belts. And we’ve discussed the proper tool chest in previous articles. But there might be items overlooked. The water filter element of the Seagull filter at the galley sink is one of these. It is changed yearly but where will the boat be when it is time to change it?</p>
<p>Holiday decorations, birthdays, and other celebrations are more fun with a little advanced planning. I know lots of cruising families that keep a small Christmas tree carefully wrapped in the forepeak, along with garlands and other decorations to pull out to celebrate the holidays wherever they happen to be. There is no reason for children to miss these special occasions just because they are on a boat. The same goes for birthdays and other big events.</p>
<p>Probably none speaks more of cruising tradition than crossing the equator for the first time. This line-crossing ceremony celebrates Pollywogs (those who have not crossed before) becoming Shellbacks, sons of Neptune. Funny outfits and harmless pranks are all part of this age-old tradition.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: This pollywog ceremony involved kissing a fish! Image from camelsandchocolate.com)</em></p>
<p><img title="pollywog ceremony" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/pollywog-ceremony.jpg?cb=CCBBFD78-AA04-86D9-22EC6A401EAFCA0A" alt="pollywog ceremony" width="800" height="547" /></p>
<p>Preparing one’s boat for a long adventure is almost as much fun as doing it, at least to me. Switching all lighting to LED, rebuilding the windlass to make sure it is in perfect shape, and generally doing my own sea trial and survey ensures that the boat is ready.</p>
<p>And with the essential stores on board, so am I.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Cruising Articles Of Interest</span></strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Cruising In The Bahamas & Caribbean</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Cruising In Alaska</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/catching-up-with-white-pearl">Catching Up With White Pearl</a></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">What To Know About Cruising In the South Pacific</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What Is The Best Cruising Boat For You?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">Stay Safe While Boating</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">Keeping Up With New Technology On Your Yacht</a></strong></li>
</ul> |
Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
What Supplies are Needed for an Extended Cruise? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
essential-supplies-for-cruising.jpg |
2021-11-17 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
37 |
145 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-10-29 00:00:00.0 |
2021-10-29 00:00:00.0 |
184 |
[empty string] |
184 |
<p>We just finished two weeks of boat shows in<a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland"> Annapolis</a>, and now it is <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-fort-lauderdale-florida">Fort Lauderdale</a>. Seattle is on the horizon. It is the season to see what is new in boats and equipment, and for many, it is also time to finally buy that boat and get started living the dream. While the current shortage of new boats has created some gaps in an otherwise packed show floor plan, there are lots of boats to see and go aboard. If you don’t mind standing in line, that is. The crowds are record-breaking.</p>
<p>It is also that time of year when I ponder the next boat and my friends and I talk as we all have the itch. They have boats now, but many of these are getting older, needing more repairs and upkeep than they want to deal with. It is part of owning an older boat. One of my friends recently bought a late model <a href="../../../../used-downeast-boats-for-sale/">Downeast cruiser</a> that he is having a blast with and has not had even a hiccup from the engine or any of its systems, which further highlights the issues and downside of older boats.</p>
<p>For those of us above a certain age, we also wonder how many years we have left for quality time on the water. Over the years I‘ve called it <a href="../../../../news/a-case-for-buying-a-new-boat-when-its-time-to-go">the Magic Decade</a>, as so many of us come to realize we likely have ten years of active boating in front of us, and we need to make sure we are fully mindful of that and not watch them pass by. Let’s savor these golden years, where we can enjoy the wisdom and confidence gained from a lifetime on the water and maybe let someone else change the oil. Others have discussed this natural phase of one’s boating life and the need to acknowledge the ticking clock.</p>
<p>This ten-year window is simply a realistic acceptance that we are not immortal, and that we won’t stay as strong, mentally alert, and fully functioning past a certain age. This awareness is powerful, and if we have our health, and we have the means, we can continue to enjoy life…on our terms.</p>
<p><img title="couple cruising on a boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/couple-cruising-on-a-boat.jpg?cb=F7997DCB-FEA9-076B-4D0D6C0A36BD8F36" alt="couple cruising on a boat" width="800" height="509" /></p>
<p>The above discussion is the basis for my justification for selling the older boat and looking at a new one, or one that is only a few years old. You want a boat that lets you go cruising, not “cruising” from one yard to the next, fixing or replacing an endless series of broken parts, sensors, or corroded heat exchangers. This mindset has worked very well for many people I have known over the years, my friend being the latest example. Having a new or newer boat is almost a guarantee your boat will be a reliable companion instead of a ball and chain.</p>
<p>I used to do seminars on buying the ideal <a href="../../../../used-downeast-boats-for-sale/">cruising boat</a>, and even now, my four basic questions remain valid. How many people? Where are you going? For how long? And what’s the budget?<br />Ah, the budget. How much should I spend on my dream boat? Where is the equation to determine how much of my money I should use to buy that next boat?</p>
<p>I recently ran across a survey done on this subject, and I found it odd that they approached it as a percentage of one’s net worth. I’ve never heard anyone speak in such black and white terms, as if the boat-buying budget is based on calculations on a spreadsheet. While the survey results did not share the portfolio values of those surveyed, it was still interesting to see that the largest number of answers were in the 10-20 percent column. That is, these people spent 10 to 20 percent of their net worth to buy their boat. The next highest number of answers were people who spent over 20 percent of their net worth.</p>
<p>What was not mentioned in this report was whether these numbers were calculated post-purchase, or whether these numbers drove the boat buying process.</p>
<p>Obviously, we must all determine how much we are willing to use of our “net worth” to buy that ideal cruiser. But as a percentage of total net worth would not figure into it in my mind at all, as it doesn’t seem relevant. It is too clinical, too black and white, and unrelated to the world I live in. But maybe that’s just me.</p>
<p>(<em>Below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nimbus-365-Coupe">365 Coupe</a> from <a href="../../../../new-nimbus-boats-for-sale/">Nimbus Boats</a> is an easily managed, solid cruising boat, perfect for a couple looking to explore the islands, coast, or waterways</em>.)</p>
<p><img title="nimbus 365 coupe" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimbus-365-coupe.jpg?cb=F6FDB224-0365-AC00-637AC8D81F276BD6" alt="nimbus 365 coupe" width="800" height="460" /></p>
<p>Whatever that number is, or however each of us arrives at it, this number is only one part of the process. Yes, it will help to create boundaries to keep us from buying something too big, which is a good thing (although the other questions are just as important for the same reason). It also helps one’s broker understand and channel the search in realistic directions. But again, the other three questions also aid in that process.</p>
<p>Obviously, whatever you spend to buy the boat, expect to lose some of that when it is time to sell. That is a fact of life. But take care of the boat, keep it in great shape, and you will be rewarded when you sell it because it will hold its value best. The current crazy market notwithstanding, the financial loss when the boat sells is merely the cost of the adventure. And most will agree it is worth every penny.</p>
<p>Which brings up where I’m at these days. I attended the last cruising event of our yacht club this past weekend, and once again, was reminded of the special moments we experience in boating.</p>
<p>Hearing people talk about their summer cruise to New England, or wherever, everyone had unique stories. Beautiful anchorages, meeting wonderful people, seeing the sites, and dealing with the challenges that come up in so many ways. No one goes cruising who doesn’t wind up with interesting experiences and lasting memories.</p>
<p>There is no other pursuit I can think of that brings such adventure, fun, excitement, fear, fulfillment, and need-to-be-in-the-game than boating and cruising. I heard couples talk about unexpected events around every turn, from whales to logs, good and bad. Some brought challenges that forced them to rise to the occasion. This is not found playing golf or on a river cruise. It is the unpredictability of water, weather, and the many elements of the boats, the people, and the lifestyle. Cruising is unique.</p>
<p>Owning a boat is a healthy release from daily stress and routine, and a great way to unwind, recharge, grow, and stay in life’s game. It can be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle that is balanced and fulfilling. It keeps our passion for travel new and fresh and adds wonderful experience and people to our life's logbook. What price do you put on that?</p>
<p>In the end, these subjective and somewhat intangible benefits are what are important, and you won’t find them on any spreadsheet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
How Much Do You Spend On A Boat? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
You boat's value is not a numbers game. So how do you know what to spend on a boat? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
how-much-to-spend-on-a-boat.jpg |
2021-10-29 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
how-much-do-you-spend-on-a-boat |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/how-much-do-you-spend-on-a-boat |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
38 |
141 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-09-26 00:00:00.0 |
2021-09-26 00:00:00.0 |
180 |
[empty string] |
180 |
<p>I look forward to the boat shows, and all the new products. And after missing last year, I expect most companies will showcase all kinds of new technology. It is all very exciting. I love when companies bring the promise of tomorrow into products for today.</p>
<p>Yet, on another level, I sometimes get weary from everything new. Didn’t I just upgrade the chart plotter from the original Garmin plotter that came with the boat? Oh right, guess it has been a few years, as Garmin discontinued the black 1040xs several years ago. Nice unit, still works great, but how long will they continue to support it?</p>
<p>We live in a world of never-ending improvements and advances in electronics, connectivity, and manufacturing. So, we’ve come to expect at boat shows to see next generation products in every category, from boats to propulsion systems, battery and charging systems, navigation and communications systems, even stereo systems. They will convince you that you absolutely must control your boat’s stereo from your smartphone. Do they even call it a stereo anymore?</p>
<p>So, here’s the question: Is newer always better? As I get older, I find it easier to resist the urge to make that pilgrimage to Upgrade Utopia. I know these companies try to make me feel bad, that my life will be less satisfying, without the new equipment and gear? Your boat still has an inboard diesel engine? Come on, man, get with the program. You need outboards out back. That’s the way everyone does it these days!</p>
<p>There was a time when one could approach change from a purely objective perspective. When I was an Assembler language programmer in the early ‘70s, it was standard IBM practice to rewrite a system from scratch if the total percentage of patches and changes to the original system exceeded 15 percent. That was the benchmark threshold we used. It was all very logical and Vulcanesque.</p>
<p>Today it is infinitely more trendy to just toss the stuff out and replace it with newer, better, more efficient, brighter color, sunlight readable, more sustainable, more compact, more whatever… It can be exhausting, and expensive.</p>
<p>Several of my friends have recently bought new-to-them cruising boats (Read <a href="../../../../news/boat-buying-done-right">Boat Buying Done Right</a>), and the situation is the same for each of them. The boats already have electronics and radios, all work just fine. But this one doesn’t overlay radar onto the chart, and that radio already has its assigned MMSI number from the previous owner. Or it works fine, but doesn’t have an embedded GPS.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: The helm of a Back Cove just purchased by some friends.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="helm of back cove yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/back-cove-yachts-helm.jpg?cb=56974ED6-C2D7-A428-1014FFAA6DDFDD15" alt="helm of back cove yacht" width="800" height="520" /></p>
<p>Each of my friends goes through the same thought process, just change the name of the manufacturer. One loves his family of Garmin equipment, but the boat he just bought is loaded with Raymarine gear. Another swears by the Simrad/Robertson autopilot. How happy will he be if he keeps the one that came with the boat? It works but it is not a Simrad. Like I said, it is emotionally draining.</p>
<p>Will my life feel better if I remove the existing radar that came with the boat, a Furuno NavNet unit, so I can install the latest digital Garmin radar, even though the Furuno works just fine, and can be found on commercial fishing boats around the world? How about forward-looking sonar, or an electric outboard to replace the Tohatsu two-stroke that came with the boat?</p>
<p>Okay, take a deep breath. Now here’s the deal. Ultimately, none of it matters, really it does not. We grow accustomed to using certain products and brands. If the expense of replacing perfectly fine and operating equipment with what you know and love (or think you will love) is not a problem for you financially, then go ahead I suppose. But it should be a conscious decision, and be perfectly clear that you really don’t need to do it.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: A newly redone helm of an East Bay yacht recently purchased by some cruising friends.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="helm of east bay yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/east-bay-boat-redone.jpg?cb=56974ED2-020E-5DC7-AF064FCAB6240C9F" alt="helm of east bay yacht" width="800" height="524" /></p>
<p>We’re all guilty of this. I installed a Lavac manual toilet on my last <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat </a>and, to me, it was hands-down the finest marine manual toilet in the world. When the Tecma electric head came out, it too caught my eye, and my toilet lust continued until I could justify ripping out a perfectly good marine head to get what I wanted. No fooling.</p>
<p>But at the end of the day, did it really matter? Of course not.</p>
<p>I find one element of this new technology to be as addictive as a narcotic. And that is the number of new features that come with every new generation of any product line. Anchor watch alarms, Bluetooth connectivity, auto route planning…on and on. The latest release of Apple’s OS 15 is a perfect example. I started watching a YouTube video that would explain all the new and exciting features this operating system brings to my iPhone.</p>
<p>As the presenter went on, drilling down into how you can now have folders inside of folders to micro organize every element of your life, from schedules to lists to share with friends, and files and dates and photos and everything else one could possibly dream up. I felt like my head was going to explode. I stopped the video even though it was only a quarter of the way through. Whew. I need to go outside and get some air!<br /> <br />As I get older, my stuff gets old with me, and that’s fine. Perhaps it is the early onset of wisdom, but I am okay as long as it works, and I get pleasure from it. When I look around, I see things that I own that make me feel good, to touch, to use. It has nothing to do with the latest anything. I have a 1983 Fatty Knees 9-foot rowing dinghy (seen below), and I can’t imagine parting with it.</p>
<p><img title="row boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/row-boat.jpg?cb=56974EDB-F87E-1C1A-A2246955F9E64177" alt="row boat" width="800" height="940" /></p>
<p>I look around at other things that bring me pleasure, and they certainly don’t qualify as the latest and greatest of anything. I drive a 2008 Porsche 911S, one of the last truly mechanical Porsches, six speed manual transmission and all. When I got a tour of the local <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a> dealer, as part of a tech session to show off their new service center, I realized none of the mechanics were old enough to know what to do if it couldn’t be plugged into a computer. They would be totally unfamiliar with the mechanical nature of my car. There is nothing in this car that is fly-by-wire.</p>
<p>I went shooting at the indoor range near Fort Meade recently and got to see all the latest polymer-framed pistols, all double stack magazines in 9mm or 10mm. I don’t know, are they better? Personally, I prefer the look and feel of a full-size 1911 in .45ACP, a lovely piece of history whose design dates back well over 100 years. It is heavy, shoots heavy bullets, is utterly reliable and accurate, and is brilliantly designed. Mine is a superb Springfield Armory 1911 TRP. It is a work of art that will outlive most anything and is magnificent in ways the Glocks of the world are not.</p>
<p>Back to the smartphone for a minute. In addition to its ability to assist navigating one’s boat, it also takes great photos. These days you would be hard pressed to find travelers using anything else. It is new technology that people embrace, preferring its convenience. However, when I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain a few years ago, I was the only one in any crowd who carried a real camera. But I was able to capture images inside cathedrals (seen below) that were simply impossible to get with a smartphone. The right tool for the job, and decidedly old fashioned.</p>
<p><img title="Doctor Bernardus " src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dr-bernardus.jpg?cb=56974EDF-C4D2-FBE2-C5459DF570F13001" alt="Doctor Bernardus " width="800" height="452" /></p>
<p>To a large extent, what defines my affinity to the Porsche and camera and rowing boat is that they put me in manual mode, and require a very personal connection to make them work. They force me to get into the “Zone,” a place where I become one with the process. Shooting a camera in fully manual mode engages me, and I am one with the camera. Coming into a corner and smoothly downshifting using heel & toe shifting feels great. I learned that on a race track. The connection with one’s boat brings out similar feelings. While joystick control on a cruiser may be fun and easy, properly executing a back-and-fill maneuver to move a heavy trawler backwards in a straight line totally puts you in the Zone.</p>
<p>And it is decidedly old technology. Or perhaps no technology at all.</p>
<p>So, if any of my friends ask my opinion about what to do about all this new stuff when walking the boat show, my advice is simple. Live with the boat you just bought as it is for awhile, maybe an entire season. Learn to use what is already on the boat and avoid tearing it apart to reinstall equipment you had good luck with on some previous boat. Maybe Garmin would be your choice for outfitting a new boat, but live with the Raymarine suite as it is already there, is hopefully calibrated correctly, and works. Take a deep breath and just enjoy the new boat as is. Furuno is great stuff.</p>
<p>You might find that it all works well enough to win you over. And save a ton of cash that you can spend on something else, like a new <a href="../../../../new-bullfrog-boats-for-sale/">Bullfrog dinghy</a> to replace that leaky inflatable RIB which should have been retired years ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
The Exhausting Need to Keep Up |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
We live in a world of never-ending improvements and advances in electronics, connectivity, and manufacturing. So, we’ve come to expect at boat shows to see next generation products in every category, from boats to propulsion systems, battery and charging systems, navigation and communications systems, even stereo systems. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
new-boat-electronics.jpg |
2021-09-26 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
39 |
136 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
2021-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
172 |
[empty string] |
172 |
<p>I always enjoy meeting cruising people and hearing of their experiences. Every couple is different and every adventure unique. And when discussing <strong><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop</a></strong>, and its many variations, there are some great stories to tell.</p>
<p>I wrote about one fellow doing his solo 4,500-mile Loop in a most unique way. Dave Pike chose to modify a 14-foot Walker Bay RIB, powered by a Honda 60 outboard. I first met Dave at a boat show in <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-seattle-washington" target="_blank">Seattle</a>, when he was cruising the Pacific Northwest on his Krogen 42. Now retired in Grand Haven, Michigan, he chose the Walker Bay to do his Loop. Passionate about his other love, pickle ball, he arranged to meet players at every place he stopped to play pickle ball most days along his grand adventure. His was an adventure that kept him in shape as he made his way around the country. (<a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">Read: What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?</a>)</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Dave Pike's Walker Bay RIB that completed the Great Loop.)</em></p>
<p><img title="The Great Loop By RIB" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/great-loop-in-a-rib.jpg?cb=72D3D0EE-C351-31FF-6390CC609C714D47" alt="The Great Loop By RIB" width="800" height="745" /> </p>
<p>Seattle Yacht’s broker <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Dan-Bacot" target="_blank">Dan Bacot</a> recently introduced me to his mother, Jan, who did the Great Loop in a more traditional way. Along with her late husband, Dan, the couple did it on their <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/grand-banks-yachts">Grand Banks</a> 49, a classic trawler with lots of room for living aboard. The family owned a boatyard and marina for many years in Virginia, so the couple were not only fully experienced in all things nautical, but they knew hundreds of cruisers from their years in the business.</p>
<p>I wanted to hear her story, as Dan shared that his parents’ philosophy was to maximize the fun factor when they did their Great Loop. After speaking with her, Jan gave me a lot to think about.</p>
<p>One key element that made the trip more enjoyable was they teamed up with friends to do the Loop together, buddy boating. Ted and Audrey Stehle owned a Grand Banks 46, so the boats were closely matched for the trip. Traveling in company with friends on their own boat seems a terrific idea in every way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Related: <a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jan told me that Audrey, at the time the food editor for Southern Boating magazine, would share cooking responsibilities during the trip. Jan would cook dinner one night, Audrey would cook the next night, then the two couples would dine at a restaurant the next day, and on the fourth day everyone was on their own. Then they repeated the cycle. It worked gloriously well, and she highly recommended it to keep cooking from being a chore.</p>
<p>Both couples took lots of food and other provisions, but soon found that most weeks there were farmers markets on Wednesday and Saturday, which provided fresh produce and other goodies. One negative of the Grand Banks was that it had holding plate refrigeration and would freeze whatever produce they bought. Even so, they used extraordinarily little of their onboard stores.</p>
<p>Jan told me the Grand Banks was an ideal boat for the Great Loop, and as the majority of Loop boats are <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawlers</a>, most agree that is the perfect platform for the trip.</p>
<p>When I asked her to elaborate about the fun factor, her comments were similar to what I’ve heard many times before. Do not make it a delivery, and don’t follow a tight schedule. Coming up Chesapeake Bay, for instance, they would wander off the magenta line and cruised way up the Rappahannock River and the beautiful scenery of Virginia’s Northern Neck. Such side trips greatly added to the experience and kept things slow and easy. (I’ve met Loopers who blasted up Chesapeake Bay in two or three days, for example, not seeing much of anything. That seems such a waste to me, and that is true along most portions of the Loop.)</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Boating down Virginia's Northern Neck offers some exceptional views.)</em></p>
<p><img title="virginia northern neck boating great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/virginia-northern-neck-boating-great-loop.jpg?cb=7444D5A5-CE7A-B182-4C4EA1CD55E632F8" alt="virginia northern neck boating great loop" width="800" height="454" /> </p>
<p>Dan and Jan’s Grand Banks, DAJA, would lead the way one day, switching with Good Time the next. That also eased the tension of traveling new waters where one must be focus on safe navigation.</p>
<p>While stopped at Liberty Landing Marina across the Hudson from New York City, both boats were hit by lightning, and lost their electronics. They were forced to continue up the Hudson River on basic navigation and paper charts until they reached a proper boat yard where repairs could be made.</p>
<p>While replacing damaged electronics, they learned a secret from a couple on a sailboat. When transiting the upcoming canals of the trip, with the Erie Canal not far away, it is always best to be first in line in the locks, often crowded with fellow Loopers. This means there will be much less turbulence than being in the wakes of the boats in front of you, and who wants to spend endless days looking at the transom of other boats?</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Lock #5 on the Erie Canal outside of Waterford, NY.)</em></p>
<p><img title="Erie Canal Lock - Great Loop Trip" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/erie-canal-lock-great-loop-trip.jpg?cb=74F00600-A0A2-085C-522A01CFAD4343D3" alt="Erie Canal Lock - Great Loop Trip" width="800" height="462" /> </p>
<p>The secret was to put a beer on the lock wall for the lock master. No words were exchanged, and the beer would disappear during the locking. It is best to put the beer in a paper bag, however, as the many tourists who frequent canal locks should not see the lock master getting booze from cruisers.</p>
<p>As many lock masters manage more than one lock, and drive ahead to the next lock, when the parade of boats gets to the next lock and tie up waiting for the next opening, the lock master will announce on the VHF for DAJA and Good Times to enter first. It worked great, although Jan said that when they arrived in the Canadian lock system, they had to buy Canadian beer as it was much preferred by the Canadian lock personnel because it was stronger.</p>
<p>While discussing transiting the canal systems, Jan said they used a big ball fender at the stern of the Grand Banks, and her husband used it to kick out the stern when it was time to get underway. Their trawler had no bow or stern thruster, and the ball fender did its job. (In general, ball fenders are best for locking in canals.) She also said gloves are absolutely required for transiting the Erie’s Canal, as she worked the stern while Dan handled the bow lines.</p>
<p>They washed off the fenders after every lock, which did a lot to keep the boat clean.</p>
<p>I asked what her favorite part of the trip was. No question, it was the time in Canada, especially the Big Chute Marine Railway at the Trent-Severn Waterway Lock 44 in Ontario. It was great fun. Another highlight on that waterway was just north of Kirkfield at Lock 36. It is a lift lock with essentially two bathtubs (called caissons) that moved the boats.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Trent River Lock 36, the Lift Lock.)</em></p>
<p><img title="example of a lift lock on great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lock-36-in-canada-great-loop.jpg?cb=76F105D2-B1D3-B34B-793D0445DC390756" alt="example of a lift lock on great loop" width="800" height="582" /> </p>
<p>They did not care much for the big river systems on the Loop, as the commercial traffic was heavy and has right of way. One time they came upon a large commercial vessel named Miss Audrey. Audrey Stehle called the boat on the radio. “Miss Audrey, this is Audrey. Miss Audrey, this is Audrey.” The captain returned the call and Audrey asked if they could raft up to Miss Audrey to get through the next lock. It was the easiest lock of the trip, tied to a vessel much larger than the two Grand Banks.</p>
<p>The two couples anchored out much of the time, but they didn’t avoid stopping at marinas if there was something interesting to see or do. They had to go to marinas to pump out and refill their water tanks, of course, and tried to really explore the places they did stop. They would end their daily travels by 3pm, which allowed time to wander ashore.</p>
<p>“Try to explore as much as possible,” Jan told me. “When you stay in a marina, you are often at the town’s back door. Get out of the marina and go into town.”</p>
<p>In contrast to many Loopers who seem driven no matter what, it is way more enjoyable not to follow a schedule beyond the basic key dates, such as out of Chicago by September 1st, or not entering Florida before November 1 and the end of hurricane season.</p>
<p>Again, a major part of the fun factor is to purposely not follow a straight line. And, given the many boaters the couple got to know over the years who stayed at their marina, they occasionally stopped to visit friends that lived along the way. They traveled up the Cumberland River to Nashville, for example, and got free tickets to a country western concert that happened to be that evening. Another place to seek out is the Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina.)</em></p>
<p><img title="green turtle bay resort and marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/green-turtle-bay-marina.jpg?cb=78AEB256-B168-BE91-BEEB12A7DA60DB74" alt="green turtle bay resort and marina" width="800" height="426" /> </p>
<p>Maintaining a sense of spontaneity provides its own rewards, and when they visited Charlevoix, Michigan, they were invited to a blues concert. They were having so much fun that when the skies opened up, the cruisers just sat in the rain and enjoyed every minute. Such is the freedom of the cruising life!</p>
<p>Be flexible. Are we enjoying being here? Should we stay another day or two? Often, they would.</p>
<p>Whether to bring bikes and dinghies are common questions for those planning a Loop. I asked her about that. DAJA did have bicycles, and when they arrived in Mackinac Island, they decided to stay a week, and biked all over the island (There are no cars.) She also said they used their dinghy, because when they anchored out, they would often zip off to explore nearby creeks and smaller waterways that would not allow the big boat.</p>
<p>When clearing customs in Canada, Jan said that it is important to answer all questions honestly. Did they have tobacco on the boat? What about alcohol? There was another boat clearing in at the same time and apparently, they set off a red flag by saying no to every question. How likely is it that a boat would not have one beer on the boat? No tobacco, no liquor, nothing. Canadian customs knew they were lying because every cruiser carries something. And that did not sit well with them.</p>
<p>So, officers spent several hours searching the boat, opening every locker, moving cushions and looking into every nook and cranny. She doesn’t know if they found anything, but it is highly likely those folks had to pay a fine when an officer found at least a bottle of wine on the boat.</p>
<p>The only damage the two boats experienced was when Good Time hit a rock ledge and water started coming into the boat. The boats were well prepared, however, and by combining their supply of underwater epoxy, a diver was able to repair the damage sufficiently until they could find a yard to haul the GB and repair it properly.</p>
<p>I have talked to many hundreds of people who completed the Great Loop over the years, attended countless seminars, and done much of it in pieces myself, going all the way back when it was originally known as the Great Circle. Everyone has a different experience, and the stories are the same, only different, uniquely so. Some get it done asap to check it off their bucket list, while others take several years to savor the adventure in healthy chunks. Whether it is aboard a 14-foot dinghy or a 49-foot Grand Banks, the ingredients are there for a five-star experience and a lifetime of memories and new friends. I can see why so many go again for a second Loop, maybe taking it a little slowly in areas not fully explored.</p>
<p>I think the best way to do the Loop is to follow Jan Bacot’s advice. Stay flexible, don’t follow a schedule, and have as much fun as possible. It’s always preferable to shop at a farmers’ market than look through cans in one’s food locker. And enjoy all the free concerts one may encounter.</p>
<p>I trust there are some pearls of wisdom here for those planning their own Great Loop adventure. And remember, you may do the Loop a couple of times, but you only live once.</p>
<p>See you on the water.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/guide-to-how-much-the-great-loop-costs">How Much Does It Cost To Do The Great Loop?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-buying-done-right">Boat Buying Done Right</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Preparing For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
A Winning Great Loop Strategy |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
How to maximize your fun while boating on The Great Loop. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
best-great-loop-ideas.jpg |
2021-06-14 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
a-winning-great-loop-strategy |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
40 |
129 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-03-17 00:00:00.0 |
2021-03-17 00:00:00.0 |
164 |
[empty string] |
164 |
<p>Let me say at the outset that today most American cruisers do not actively plan a circumnavigation of the world. Despite the many publicized adventures of couples, small families, and solo voyagers who planted the seeds of distant shores and exotic cultures, most of us really do not expect to follow in their footsteps. For several reasons.</p>
<p>However, many admit it does cross their minds from time to time, and the dream, however much a fantasy, is always there to some degree. I have spoken to hundreds of cruisers who have it in the back of their minds, especially when shopping for the “ideal” boat.</p>
<p>Modern-day Tahiti (or any dream island for that matter) is no longer the place imagined from reading Robin Lee Graham or any of the cruising classics of our formative sailing years. No, forget these exotic shores. Most are now hubs of busy commercial shipping, cruise ships, and tourism on a grand scale.</p>
<p>However, I bring up the subject of world cruising for a couple of reasons. First, my recent article on <a href="../../../../news/millennials-chase-the-boating-experience" target="_blank">Millennials</a> highlights the trend of many of these young couples to get a boat to experience the world. And that often includes an eventual trip around the world. There are numerous YouTube channels that follow their journeys as they learn their boats and the key elements of bluewater sailing. These young people learn as they go and are not hindered by a lack of knowledge and experience. For them, it is a big adventure.</p>
<p>The other reason to look at the current state of ocean cruising is that if you love boating, you are likely interested in the big picture of our water world, no matter if we currently focus on coastal cruising. The world is a big, fascinating place and its oceans still hold plenty of fascination. I have already done my share of world cruising, but the rest of the world still beckons to some degree. It is also nice to know what is going on and to keep plugged into the groups that stay on top of the global cruising scene.</p>
<p>A year ago, as the pandemic began defining a new way of life, Jimmy Cornell gave a webinar about the reality of world cruising in 2020. Cornell, well known as world cruiser, author, and founder of the World Cruising Club, has kept his hand on the pulse of world cruising for decades. His company hosts world rallies for cruisers, beginning with the first Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in 1986. Today, the World Cruising Club maintains a database of cruiser information that tracks the boats, people, and trends of world cruising from year to year.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: Jimmy Cornell, photo from yachtingworld.com.</em></p>
<p><img title="Jimmy Cornell" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/jimmy-cornell.jpg?cb=8D369898-E678-2BF1-822C3E6E29D487B3" alt="Jimmy Cornell" width="800" height="494" /></p>
<p>According to Cornell, as he went through his informative slideshow of world cruising from 30,000 feet, the popularity of long-distance voyaging peaked in 2010, and continues to decline today. There are many factors that contribute to this decrease in popularity, and all relate in some fashion to safety.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>Climate Change is Real</strong></span></p>
<p>There is no doubt that the changing global climate continues to impact the world’s weather. Polar icecaps go on melting at an unprecedented rate, causing obvious changes that impact our climate. The Northwest Passage remains free of ice during the summer and early autumn, also unknown in the modern era.</p>
<p>The world’s numerous storm seasons have become less predictable and definable in recent years. It is common in some areas of the world to no longer have a “safe season” that allows transit in conditions almost guaranteed to be trouble-free. Typhoons and hurricanes now develop in greater number and with increased severity, again unlike previous recorded data.</p>
<p>To put this in context, major storms now develop outside of traditional storm season windows, which make safe cruise planning a much more difficult endeavor with no assurances. Tropical storm system trends were once easily avoided, but now safe-transit windows can no longer be trusted or counted on with absolute certainty.</p>
<p>Seen below: The Northwest Passage showing little ice. Photo was taken in 2019 by Tomer Ketter.</p>
<p><img title="ice in northwest passage" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/no-ice-in-the-northwest-passage.jpg?cb=8DC7A2DE-0F21-B31B-C93EB0C91D4F0A72" alt="ice in northwest passage" width="800" height="434" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>Personal Safety is At Risk</strong></span></p>
<p>No surprise here, but the increased threats to personal safety are also difficult to manage. Areas of increased violence and crime can be avoided, of course, as can areas prone to acts of piracy. But there are now more areas to avoid, not less. Venezuela, Brazil, Honduras, West and East Africa, even parts of the Caribbean, are all considered high risk areas. Stay away!</p>
<p>Now let’s add in the ever-present travel warnings and restrictions from the coronavirus. On top of everything else, this global pandemic makes voyage planning extremely problematic and out of one’s control. More on that in a minute.</p>
<p>An outstanding organization that keeps tabs on the world situation is the Ocean Cruising Club. Unlike other groups which assist their members by offering solutions to problem cruising areas, the OCC represents a membership that is by nature independent and self-reliant. Its members do not rely on the OCC or other outside resources to stay safe but routinely do their own research and planning for safe cruising. As a member, I find this approach valuable as it does not preach an agenda. It collects information and shares it with its members, who add it as another set of data points.</p>
<p>So, I include the OCC comments regarding this current world cruising situation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>You Are Not Welcome</strong></span></p>
<p>The big takeaway, in addition to information already presented by Cornell’s World Cruising Club, is about the self-protecting nature of tropical islands, who restrict their borders to protect their own populations, rather than simply to keep foreigners out. These strict restrictions continue to evolve as the situation changes but will likely remain in place on differing levels as the pandemic runs its course.</p>
<p>As reiterated by the OCC spokespeople, the islands’ desire for self-preservation forces voyaging cruisers to bypass most, if not all, islands in paradise. This is a sharp contrast as safe havens to repair, resupply, and regroup. It is not business as usual.</p>
<p>The OCC is adamant in its latest report on this situation. Anyone attempting to cross oceans at this time must be fully prepared to make exceptionally long passages, with no stops along the way. Forget potential intermediate stops for emergency repairs and resupply. Those days are gone, at least for the near-term.</p>
<p>This is certainly not the scenario of the normal cruising life, and for many would-be cruisers, pretty much removes much of the motivation for venturing out in the first place. Many couples have found themselves isolated where they are, with no hopes of continuing their world cruising for the foreseeable future. That is not bad if one is stuck in New Zealand, but it is a different matter in Tonga or many other Pacific islands, not known for world class services.</p>
<p>A UK-based organization, many of the people contributing to the OCC report said they think their chances of leaving UK waters this season are “at best unlikely.” And their advice for sailors thinking of a Pacific cruise: It is best to not continue sailing after the Galápagos Islands, as the rest of the Pacific is shut down to cruisers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>And What About Those Overboard Shipping Containers?</strong></span></p>
<p>You may have heard of the string of recent weather events that resulted in containerships losing cargo overboard. According to one merchant news source, the string of incidents, involving six containerships since November of last year, means about 3,000 containers have been lost overboard in the Pacific Ocean, considerably more than the worldwide annual average of roughly 1,300 containers. Even that number had been decreasing in recent years to less than 800 containers a year during 2017-2019. This is mainly because modern containerships are four times larger than the previous generation of transport ships, making loss overboard less likely.</p>
<p>According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), around 80% of the world’s trade moves by merchant shipping, and the thousands of ships at sea at any given time cause some to wonder about how safe it is to cross oceans. In one measurement taken over 24 hours, there were over 17,600 cargo ships at sea, of which almost 3,900 were container ships over 1,000 gross tons. And while the containers lost overboard represent less than one thousandth of one percent of the 226,000,000 containers shipped each year, that does not matter much if your boat has an unlikely encounter with one mid-ocean.</p>
<p>One wonders if the collision(s) that resulted in the loss of racing monohulls in the recent Vendee Globe challenge involved containers hit at speed by fragile racing machines. And let’s not forget that totally forgettable film with Robert Redford as a solo sailer who hit a shipping container in All Is Lost. (I met with a BoatUS editor in Virginia during that time and the editorial staff made me promise to never see that movie as it was so technically flawed. They thought I might go mad.)</p>
<p>To inject an interesting note on the overboard container issue, you may recall a container lost overboard in 1992 in the Pacific. It contained, and unleashed, many thousands of yellow floating plastic ducks. It was a dream come true for oceanographers around the world, as these easily recognized toys eventually came ashore on beaches around the globe, including Hawaii, Alaska, South America, Australia, and as far away as Scotland and Newfoundland in the Atlantic. Some were also found frozen in Arctic ice.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: Shipping containers can pose a hazard while cruising.</em></p>
<p><em><img title="shipping containers" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/shipping-containers-at-sea.jpg?cb=8EEDA519-BBCF-4554-F98235AAD682C70F" alt="shipping containers" width="800" height="405" /></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>Go for It?</strong></span></p>
<p>In case you are still interested in heading off to explore the world by boat, I hope you see there are some significant challenges on front of you. Some are avoidable, some can be planned around, but some are inescapable. The travel and entry restrictions imposed by cautious island nations wanting desperately to self protect their own must be respected.</p>
<p>At this point, it is only the foolhardy and self-indulgent who head out regardless of the consequences, thinking they will get by or figure it out as they go. That is inappropriate on many levels, and shows a lack of respect for others, their countries, and their cultures.</p>
<p>Most experienced cruisers, and certainly the well-respected organizations that follow the data, would have you wait another year, sit it out in Mexico (or wherever) until the timing works for everyone. Stay in place until the hospitality of the islands is restored so that it can be the lure that draws us out in the first place.</p>
<p>Which should not really be a problem, There is much to see and experience right here in North America. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Going World Cruising? Not So Fast. |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Cruising the world on your yacht may not be possible until international restrictions are lifted. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-on-a-yacht.jpg |
2021-03-17 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
going-world-cruising-not-so-fast |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
41 |
128 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-03-06 00:00:00.0 |
2021-03-06 00:00:00.0 |
163 |
[empty string] |
163 |
<p>It was inevitable. In fact, I am surprised it took this long. It is 2021, after all, and while we’re not buzzing around in flying cars as predicted by the Jetsons, we have moved way beyond tradition in many ways, on and off the water. Boaters from 50 years ago would be amazed at the technology we employ today. And a change like this, while basic on some level, goes right to the core of what was once considered essential to the safe practices of successful cruising.</p>
<p>I am referring to the demise of paper charts, an event long heralded as just over the horizon. Yet, while many of us wrote about this eventuality, it never seemed to materialize beyond annual press releases and industry speculation.</p>
<p>Well, the time is here, and there is no going back. Paper charts are truly going away.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">NOAA</a> presented its five-year plan to transition out of paper charts back in 2019. The cost and effort to maintain traditional paper (and scanned raster) charts is simply no longer justified, given the much better accuracy and management control offered by digital vector charts. There is a decided safety element to vector charts, as they can be immediately updated without having to wait until the next scheduled bulk update of paper files.</p>
<p>All official paper charts will be gone by 2025. To celebrate the beginning of the end, NOAA chose to eliminate the paper chart of Lake Tahoe (Chart 18665), which is now only supported in digital, vector format. Anyone who has a paper chart of Lake Tahoe might consider putting it away for a future episode of Antiques Roadshow.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: A paper chart for Lake Tahoe.)</em></p>
<p><img title="Lake Tahoe paper chart" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/lake-tahoe-paper-chart.jpg?cb=7F80691F-DD20-C79A-F9D5D4E80EDC4100" alt="Lake Tahoe paper chart" width="438" height="679" /> </p>
<p>I remember the lack of press fanfare when airlines converted paper documentation to digital information back in 2011. Alaska Airlines was the first major domestic airline to replace its paper manuals with digital documentation on portable devices. Forty-one manuals of flight, systems, maintenance, and reference information were loaded onto iPads, saving some 2.4 million pieces of paper. Flight crews no longer had to lug heavy books onto every flight. It went largely unnoticed by the public, but this first step paved the way for paperless cockpits.</p>
<p>And now, in our case, paperless helms.</p>
<p>I recall many debates over the years about how valuable paper charts were to the cruising sailor. A lightning strike, a rogue wave, any number of calamities could befall the hapless mariner, and it was always deemed prudent to carry paper charts for any area one expected to visit, even when it was to go around the world. But, despite all the hoopla, paper charts were never really needed after all.</p>
<p>I have two relevant stories to pass along. And I believe they put things in perspective for those who still feel distraught that paper charts are going away.</p>
<p>Experienced cruiser <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Brian-Calvert">Brian Calvert</a> is a former yacht broker from <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale-in-friday-harbor">Friday Harbor</a>. Today Brian is Seattle Yachts’ resident representative in the <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-philippines">Philippines</a>. He cruised the Pacific on his <a href="../../../../used-yachts-for-sale/selene-yachts" target="_blank">Selene trawler</a>, Further, eventually settling in Olongapo on Subic Bay, on the west coast of Central Luzon in the Philippines. He recently offered these comments when he heard the news:</p>
<p>“I was raised a paper chart, plotting guy. I taught those classes at the USPS for years. When I left the U.S., I had all the paper charts in a locker, from the Pacific Northwest to Thailand, all sorted and neatly stowed. These charts represented several thousand dollars and took up an entire locker."</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Brian's Selene Yacht, Further.)</em></p>
<p><img title="selene yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/selene-yacht-further.jpg?cb=5041BED3-ADC1-1E6D-3B9242A8456F6C0A" alt="selene yacht" width="800" height="419" /> </p>
<p>“Five years into my Pacific cruising, I realized I had not opened one chart, never even opened the locker. I have seven GPS units and four different charting programs on four separate devices."</p>
<p>“Realizing this, I posted these charts for free on several forums and Facebook pages. Free to anyone, just pay for the shipping. A month went by and I had no takers. This chart collection wound up in a dumpster in Phuket. To really add insult to my old-school plotting mentors, some of whom will no doubt haunt me, I repurposed that locker with an ice maker. I now open that locker every day."</p>
<p>“Seven years later, I have not once regretted getting rid of these paper charts or missed them even once.”</p>
<p>Another friend tells the story of his travels back to Chesapeake Bay from New England, and the irony of relying on paper charts. My friend was headed west in the C&D Canal, a 14-mile canal connecting Chesapeake Bay with Delaware Bay. It is the popular route for cruisers in the north end of Chesapeake Bay to transit both directions on their way to or from the Atlantic Ocean. I have traveled it many times.</p>
<p>As my friend left the narrow canal waterway and settled into the widening waters of the Chesapeake beyond Elk River, he noticed a large, older Hatteras motoryacht following him, not alarmingly close but following, nonetheless. He did not think much of it, except that it continued for hours as he wound his way down the Bay. He called the boat several times but to no avail. Eventually the two yachts pulled into Rock Hall for the evening.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Rock Hall in the Chesapeake Bay.)</em></p>
<p><img title="rock hall chesapeake bay" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/rock-hall-chesapeake-bay.jpg?cb=514405AF-C4DB-6CC0-093946197EC253CE" alt="rock hall chesapeake bay" width="800" height="409" /> </p>
<p>I don’t recall how the conversation came about, but my friend spoke to the owner of the Hatteras once the boats were safely moored for the night. The owner apologized profusely. His radio was not working, and he did not know my friend tried to call him. It turned out the reason he followed my friend was that he was somewhat unfamiliar with Chesapeake Bay, and it being a new boat to him, lacked proper navigation electronics. He purchased a paper chart of the Bay that would get him as far south as his destination of <a href="../../../../yacht-sales-and-brokerage-in-annapolis-maryland">Annapolis</a>, which is what he had been using.</p>
<p>But, as he explained to my friend, a sudden gust of wind blew the paper chart clear off his flybridge into the water, leaving him without any navigation charts of any kind. My friend laughed when he told me this story, as we have both been so conditioned to believe that paper charts are infallible.</p>
<p>In any case, this latest development is just more evidence that the world is moving on, and we must adapt if we are to stay in the game. For those who have been trained to believe paper charts are the best insurance there is, it is time to readjust one’s thinking.</p>
<p>The paper chart has gone the way of the sextant, the taffrail log, and the Dodo. But we will keep the Grog ration for now, thank you very much.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-right-helm-for-you">The Right Helm For You</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
The Dawn Of The Paperless Helm |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Yachts built today have mostly all digital and electronic controls, especially when it comes to navigation. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
yacht-helm-station-technology.jpg |
2021-03-06 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
42 |
118 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-01-15 00:00:00.0 |
2021-01-15 00:00:00.0 |
153 |
[empty string] |
153 |
<p>As a follow up to my last article about<strong> <a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating" target="_blank">security while cruising</a></strong>, I want to address the question that started this conversation. People are buying boats and going cruising in a big way. And when new boaters plan to go on their first extended cruise, such as <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">the Great Loop </a>or other adventure, a common question is whether they should carry a gun for protection.</p>
<p>This has many angles depending on where one plans to go. Let’s skip outdoor adventures in bear country, or the dangerous waters where desperate men resort to piracy to get by. No, we are cruising American and Canadian waters, where we want to see new things and meet like-minded people. It is a fabulous lifestyle that allows us to see the world in comfort and style.</p>
<p>As I mentioned in the last article, there are things one can do to greatly reduce or eliminate the threat of petty crime on one’s boat. Lights, alarms, dogs, properly stowed gear, and maintaining situational awareness will remove targets of opportunity and keep you safe.</p>
<p>Thinking about personal safety is very much about managing one’s fear of the unknown. Without experience, we often dream up all kinds of bad scenarios of what could happen. Much like the scary monsters of our childhood, lurking in the shadows and under the bed, the mind can come up with all matter of danger, however unrealistic or unfounded. Many years ago, we worried about sea monsters dragging our ship under, tentacles wrapped around masts as they crunched our ships into splinters.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter, when it comes to the potential danger to personal safety, cruising in North America is downright fun, full of adventure, and safe. As every newbie quickly finds out, the cruising community is close knit, and we are always willing to help each other in every possible way. But if one lets his or her inexperience and fear fester out of control, however, it is easy to develop reasons why we must go armed to the teeth. Which is not real.</p>
<p><img title="gun on a yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/gun-on-a-yacht.jpg?cb=3F65DB03-0513-54A2-B688A99AADDF8B2F" alt="gun on a yacht" width="800" height="433" /></p>
<p>A retired couple on a <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/">sailboat</a> or <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler boat</a> are not a prime target for criminal activity beyond what I have already discussed. And we have ways to remove that risk.</p>
<p>So, to the question about carrying a gun. The idea of a gun on a boat for protection implies we will need to counter violence with violence. But what are the odds of that?</p>
<p>In the U.S., fully three quarters of all homicides are committed by people who know each other, usually spontaneously and with great emotion. And they mostly happen in large cities of over 250,000 people...four times greater than the small towns we cruise to. Destinations like <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Annapolis-Maryland">Annapolis</a> (population 39,000), <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Anacortes-Washington">Anacortes </a>(17,000), New Bern (30,000), Friday Harbor (2400), and Southwest Harbor (1800) just don’t have the demographics to support violent crime, compared to the 471,000 people who live in Miami. Drugs are often involved.</p>
<p>So, the likelihood of needing to counter violence with violence is negligible.</p>
<p>Imagine you step into your cockpit to find a young man trying to steal your dinghy. Your very presence will cause him to flee. But what if I magically placed a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver in your hand, what would you do? Would you even consider pulling the trigger, more or less aiming at this kid? Having researched this over the years, I can promise you the adrenaline and emotions of the moment would most certainly cause an untrained person to miss. Perhaps even scarier, what if you hit and killed him? Your life will be changed. And you might also put a hole in your boat.</p>
<p><em>Be mindful where you store your weapon if you choose to bring one, especially if cruising in rough water.</em></p>
<p><img title="gun on a boat in drawer" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/gun-on-a-boat.jpg?cb=3FA04D5F-E97C-8E95-C7986047CDE884CA" alt="gun on a boat in drawer" width="800" height="502" /> </p>
<p>A Navy SEAL commander once explained how they train operators to perform flawlessly, where failure is not an option. They don’t practice until they get it right. They train until they cannot get it wrong. Thousands of rounds per week in simulated combat and hostage environments is the norm.</p>
<p>He added that to be good enough to hit a target consistently, a normal person needs to shoot something like 200 rounds a month with a handgun, and maybe 20 rounds a month with a shotgun and rifle. That kind of disciplined practice, even without the emotion of an actual situation, is not part of the cruising experience most of us are looking for. Even police officers don’t do that, which is why he said the average law enforcement hit rate is around 12 percent.</p>
<p>But practice aside, the more critical element of why carrying a gun on your boat is a bad idea is mental attitude. Waving a gun at a real threat (and, at this point, I trust you see how unlikely that is) is not sufficient. I will quote Commander Stubblefield here. His advice is completely relevant to someone going cruising.</p>
<p>“You can’t just threaten to use it, you have to be willing to commit to pull the trigger. You cannot hesitate. Otherwise, do not even bother to pick it up. You are better off using pepper spray, a whistle, or an air horn.</p>
<p><img title="pepper spray for boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/pepper-spray-for-your-boat.jpg?cb=402A588C-B091-7E9B-3A9F15E339FFD04C" alt="pepper spray for boat" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p>“I can’t emphasize this enough. If you haven’t got the will to kill someone, do not get involved with firearms for protection. And most people do not. They will tell you that they do, and they’ll say how if someone came onboard they’d shoot him. Those are stories. Trust me.”</p>
<p>I offer some other considerations. Guns are fairly complicated, especially semi-automatic firearms. They have lots of sliding and moving parts and require a healthy amount of maintenance to keep them in perfect shape in the marine environment. They need to be cleaned and oiled regularly. Ammunition is subject to corrosion, especially in a saltwater environment.</p>
<p>One might consider buying a corrosion-resistant shotgun or stainless steel revolver to get the best possible weapon for the marine environment. But are you then prepared for the hassle of crossing borders where laws and restrictions vary from state to state, from country to country? And what about declaring your firearms, or having the right permits, and providing the exact number of rounds for each gun? Many experienced cruisers find it simply not worth the perceived value of having them aboard.</p>
<p>Seen below: A Mossberg Mariner shotgun comes with corrosion resistant material.</p>
<p><img title="mossberg mariner shotgun" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/marine-shotgun.jpg?cb=3FC1BC0C-D6B2-F4AC-56F83EB9900B1791" alt="mossberg mariner shotgun" width="791" height="497" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Other Options</strong></p>
<p>If you still feel the need to have something on your boat for personal protection, consider these alternatives. While pulling the trigger of a firearm may not be something one is mentally prepared for, in a real emergency, I doubt there would be any issue whatsoever with spraying a bad guy with pepper spray. They are especially effective if you hit him in the eyes as he is inhaling.</p>
<p>Today’s products include handheld models that spray a peppered gel out to 30 feet, which resists any tendency to blow back onto you if there is wind. Pepper spray and gel are widely used by police departments, and will disable someone for up to 45 minutes, long enough to have it end your way. Some of these products should be replaced annually, while others have a shelf life of up to four years. They are effective and useful both on and in your boat.</p>
<p>I might also suggest a handheld air horn or high-quality whistle. Thieves dislike loud noises, as it draws attention to them, much like a panic button wired to a siren. Loud is bad news for people involved in crimes of opportunity.</p>
<p>There are stun guns and other electrical safety devices, but they require some degree of contact with the bad guy. It is much better to reach out and hit him from a distance.</p>
<p>While it might come across that I am against guns, I own firearms, and rather enjoy the patience and concentration necessary for accurate target shooting. And I appreciate that practice is key. If I don’t shoot for several months, I am back to square one.</p>
<p>For me, removing the pressure of carrying firearms is one less thing to have to deal with. I am out here to have fun. So are you.</p>
<p>Let’s maintain a state of awareness while we enjoy the safety of cruising on our boat and leave the childhood bogeymen out of it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/catching-up-with-white-pearl">Catching Up With White Pearl</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
I Am Going Cruising. Should I Carry A Gun? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Bill Parlatore from Seattle Yachts discusses the options for guns and other weapons while cruising on your boat. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
gun-on-yacht-while-cruising.jpg |
2021-01-15 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
43 |
117 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2021-01-11 00:00:00.0 |
2021-01-11 00:00:00.0 |
152 |
[empty string] |
152 |
<p>This is a subject that comes up with every new group of cruisers. How do I stay safe when we go cruising?</p>
<p>And the inevitable question, “<a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I carry a gun?</a>”</p>
<p>I have heard these asked countless times, and the subject seemingly comes up in every cruising seminar. Even the <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop">Great Loop</a> forums talk about it. And with the increase in cruising interest from the pandemic, it is human nature to ponder what we don’t yet know.</p>
<p>What we are really talking about here is a fear of the unknown. What will it be like, and how do I avoid danger? Until one gains experience, running a boat in varying conditions and venturing into unknown waters and places, it is normal to have some level of anxiety. It is all so new. The cruising life can be a grand adventure, and every new day brings the uncertainty of what is around the next bend. As exciting as this is, it can also be unsettling until one has experience, able to take it all in stride. Tony Fleming and I talked at length about not letting down one’s guard while cruising.</p>
<p>Let me define the playing field here. We are not talking about world cruising. Most people these days are looking to cruise around North America, not travel the high seas in remote areas of the world. The dangerous areas are well known and do not belong on the itinerary of most cruisers anyway.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: Some cruisers make the decision to bring their personal firearms on board their boat during a longer trip.</em></p>
<p><img title="gun on a yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/gun-on-a-yacht.jpg?cb=7A1476ED-FD14-58B8-285E4247657CDB4A" alt="gun on a yacht" width="800" height="532" /></p>
<p>So, let us skip the issues of piracy and terrorism, as they are just not relevant. But among the concerns of new cruisers, is the potential for crime as one travels far from home. Thankfully, the low risk of criminal activity almost always comes in the form of crimes of opportunity, specifically, petty theft or vandalism. Seldom does it escalate into a situation where it threatens personal safety.</p>
<p>Deck shoes and handheld radios disappear off a side deck or out of a cockpit when everyone is off the boat or down below. The theft of a dinghy has a much higher impact, of course, but that, too, can be prevented. Dive gear left in plain sight is also something that sticky fingers can quickly snatch. I know a couple, anchored way off the beaten path, whose trawler’s nylon anchor rode was cut during the night, setting the boat adrift. It eventually settled onto shallow mud.</p>
<p>And these instances did not happen in some snarly dump like Djibouti or Somalia. No, south Florida and on the ICW in the Carolinas.</p>
<p>My own experience with theft was right here in <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Annapolis-Maryland">Annapolis</a>, during the fall <a href="../../../../news/are-you-going-south-on-the-icw-in-2020" target="_blank">cruising migration south</a>. Someone stole my new aluminum propane tank out of its cockpit locker. And left me a rusty steel tank in exchange. I put a lock on the locker.</p>
<p>At the heart of safety at sea is the ability to manage one’s fears. Fear is nothing more than a state of mind. When things go wrong, keeping a cool head is paramount to staying safe, whether it is deteriorating weather conditions, a man overboard, or dealing with a stressful situation, like losing an engine at the worst possible time. Or worrying about someone coming aboard at night.</p>
<p>To be safe on the water, it important for someone new to boating to work hard to become a great boat operator. Learn the elements you boat in, learn what your boat can do in varying conditions, learn how to handle the boat when the weather turns nasty, learn how to dock properly, learn what not to do when conditions deteriorate.</p>
<p>Most of us go cruising for adventure and to meet new people and see new things. Yet, we stay alert to the weather, and we stay alert while running the boat. So, in a broader sense of security, we should also stay alert of everything else while cruising.</p>
<p>It is just a different slant on learning to become a better boat operator.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: A Raymarine Doppler Marine Radar can keep you informed of approaching storms or inclement weather.</em></p>
<p><img title="doppler marine radar" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/doppler-marine-radar.jpg?cb=7A43EE80-049C-DF41-3D036E3D4C3D9A1C" alt="doppler marine radar" width="800" height="544" /> </p>
<p>Staying aware is the number one way to avoid problems while cruising. Know where you are and whether it is a problem area. Drug-related crime is a bigger problem in Miami, for example, that most other cruising areas you will visit. But even in quiet Paducah, Kentucky, I know a couple who were boarded at night by a couple of drunk young men looking for a place to crash. Another friend in Miami had a young couple sneak aboard his <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Fleming-Yachts" target="_blank">Fleming Yachts</a> 55 to have some intimacy and fool around on the flybridge. They chose his boat as it was dark and appeared to have no one aboard.</p>
<p>If you have davits, don’t leave your dinghy in the water, as it is an open invitation. Even taking subtle, preventative measures lets any potential thief know that you are better prepared than other nearby boats, so he will go elsewhere.</p>
<p>It is all about eliminating opportunity. And to do that means you must stay aware. Consider installing lights on your boat’s exterior, as LED lights are a great deterrent against drunks, romantic couples, or someone looking for easy pickings.</p>
<p>Here is an important point about lighting. You want to light them up, not yourself. No thief (or amorous couples) likes to be in the spotlight, literally. It also blinds them and takes away their night vision.</p>
<p>When you hear a noise on deck, the absolute worst thing you can do is also the most common reaction, to turn on an interior light to get out of your berth. Rather than shed light on the bad guy (if there even is one), you have just killed your night vision, illuminated yourself as well as where you are on the boat. That is as dumb as it gets.</p>
<p>It is much better to be able to throw a switch that turns on your mast and other exterior lights, wired to throw the entire deck and exterior into bright light, easily doable with small bright LED lighting fixtures. Anyone on deck is going to be immediately uncomfortable as the center of attention, and yet he still will not know who you are, where you are, and how many are aboard. This is a much better scenario.</p>
<p>Take control of your exterior lighting. Wire a system together that you can switch on from near your berth, at the helm, or wherever it is easy to reach undetected in the dark interior.<br />If your boat is set up with these lights, and you have a sneaking suspicion that something is off, why not leave some exterior lighting on all night, as it is a good warning to keep anything from happening. It is a simple way to avoid trouble.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: Motion detectors and cameras can not only increase your visibility of who is on your boat, but they also a natural deterrent for thieves should they see they're being filmed.</em></p>
<p><img title="yacht security cameras" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/security-cameras-on-a-yacht.jpg?cb=7A762F29-A983-2D8C-0A0B04FB5CD02E53" alt="yacht security cameras" width="800" height="489" /> </p>
<p>Motion detectors are also worth considering if you want to increase security, so any movement turns on lights or alarms. There are many wireless alarm systems out there now that work with smartphone apps, many use a subscription service, and which can be set to automatically alert emergency contacts.</p>
<p>Again, don't make it easy.</p>
<p>It is no surprise that many cruisers have dogs aboard. In addition to being wonderful companions, a dog is both a great deterrent and a four-legged defensive device. On Spitfire, we cruised with Annie, the sweetest faux golden retriever you will ever meet. She is a real sweetheart, loved by all.</p>
<p>Despite her sweet disposition, Annie is a superb guard dog. She went berserk whenever someone she doesn’t know came near our transom steps. Out of sight, it is easy to imagine she is a rabid junkyard dog, as her bark is ferocious, loud, and downright scary. Her hackles go up when she engages a potential threat, and her blazing eyes shooting death rays and bared teeth are fiercely terrifying, truly a canine demon from Hell.</p>
<p><em>Seen below: Annie enjoying a sunny day on Spitfire while cruising the ICW.</em></p>
<p><img title="dogs on boats" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/annie-on-a-yacht.jpg?cb=7B31AF3C-B8A7-CBD4-E1C60521C19986E4" alt="dogs on boats" width="704" height="708" /></p>
<p>A petty thief would have to be seriously delusional to step aboard, which reduced our cruising risk of crime to zero.</p>
<p>Crime while cruising is not common, although we all know someone with an experience, mostly from simple theft.</p>
<p>Okay, now the question of guns, and what alternatives may be out there. I could simply answer the question, but you would probably think it is just my opinion, and not based on facts and other objective criteria. I would rather provide more background and detail to convince you that my comments come from impeccable sources that are the definition of authority.</p>
<p><strong>The short answer to “Should I bring a gun on my boat?” is NO.</strong> I will explain in more detail in <a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">the next piece</a>.</p>
<p>Go cruising, stay aware of your situation, and be ready to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Read about the realities of personal security while cruising on your boat of yacht. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
boating-cruising-security.jpg |
2021-01-11 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
44 |
76 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-11-16 00:00:00.0 |
2020-11-16 00:00:00.0 |
145 |
[empty string] |
145 |
<p>There is continued interest in recreational boating in this country, during these times as a way for people to expand their activities while staying safe with family and friends. That is a great thing, and a wonderful recipe for family memories.</p>
<p>In addition to these new to boating, many others have made the decision to not wait and go out now to explore beyond their home waters. If one follows social media, there are numerous accounts of new <a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop" target="_blank">cruisers heading south</a> this fall to southern waters. And the number of calls for advice in the various groups and forums speaks to their interest in learning how to do this cruising thing. It is all new to them. I see the same level of basic inquiry in the daily exchanges among <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop" target="_blank">the Great Loop</a> folks, with questions that range from how to bring dog along to understanding bridge clearances.</p>
<p>While it is a bit unsettling to me that these people ask so many basic questions for answers and suggestions from people they don’t know, rather than do any kind of research themselves, it may just be the new normal in this digital age. Perhaps it is just easier having someone tell you what to do, where to go, or what to see. Certainly not the case for my generation, but hey, times have changed.</p>
<p>This is really nothing new, people new to cruising wanting to learn how to do it right and avoid the mistakes that can occur on the water. Is there a better way than to just shove off and figure it out as one goes? (Which appears to be a common approach from what I read on social media.)</p>
<p><em>(Driving your boat in choppy waters with someone experienced can be a great way to learn how to handle inclement weather.)</em></p>
<p><img title="boating in choppy water" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/going-through-choppy-waters.jpg?cb=2DC2EE74-0F3C-4070-4C618146BD6E4A0D" alt="boating in choppy water" width="800" height="492" /></p>
<p>One of the best ways to get up to speed on the intricacies of cruising is to do it in company with experienced cruisers, people willing to share their knowledge and experience. To become a seasoned cruiser may take years to figure it all out. Every trip brings something new, and a combination of unrelated circumstances one has not had to deal with before. While it may be stressful, it is the reason why the call to go cruising is so strong. Life as an adventure!</p>
<p>The anxiety experienced by someone taking a boat to new waters for the first time is nothing to ignore. While it later makes for funny stories, it is quite real, and many of us know it firsthand. A couple I know planned one year to take their trawler yacht up north from the Pacific Northwest to British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. While getting ready for their summer cruise, word on the dock got around and soon got the attention of a couple who had just purchased a twin diesel, 45-foot DeFever trawler. The couple wanted only to go a bit north of the <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-San-Juan" target="_blank">San Juan Islands</a> to get used to the new boat that first summer. They asked my friends if they could go along with them at least across the often-rough Strait of Juan de Fuca.</p>
<p>I don’t recall all the details, but Charlie told me when they departed for points north, they proceeded at their agreed-upon engine speed and course to make quick work of the nice weather window for the 20+ mile crossing across the strait. For some reason, however, Charlie noticed that the DeFever only made 7 knots or so, even though the DeFever owner confirmed on the radio that he was indeed at the normal cruising rpm on both engines. He too could not explain why they weren’t making better boat speed as originally planned.</p>
<p>Long story short, the gripping anxiety got the better of them. The new owners were simply terrified about running a new boat across a scary and daunting body of unprotected water. Once they completed the crossing and prepared to stop for the day, the man realized he had never put his port engine in gear…so strong is the fear and state we can work ourselves into.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: There is safety in numbers when it comes to cruising unfamiliar crossings.)</em></p>
<p><em><img title="yachts cruising together" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cruising-with-friends.jpg?cb=2DC2EE6F-CFDB-2036-4FB3158BCD1D25D6" alt="yachts cruising together" width="800" height="409" /></em></p>
<p>One year we decided to host a grand adventure of inexperienced<a href="../../../../Buying-And-Owning-Trawler-Yachts" target="_blank"> trawler owners </a>to cruise the Bahamas as a group. Our Pokie Run consisted of a fleet of 39 trawlers, with plans for all of us to cross the Gulf Stream for the very first time together, from Palm Beach to West End. Once in the Bahamas we would then enjoy a guided, ten-day introductory cruise of the tropical paradise.</p>
<p>It was a magical experience for the 70+ people in the event. I vividly recall the concern of each boat crew about crossing the Gulf Stream for the first time. The slower of the two groups was led by friends aboard their <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Grand-Banks-Yachts" target="_blank">Grand Banks</a> 42. They took their fleet across the Stream, like shepherds with their flock, and Jim laughs when he recalls how the smaller boats would bunch up on his transom, literally feet off his swim platform. He kept shooing them off to fall back to a reasonable distance for the 54-mile crossing at trawler speed. But after so many minutes they would be back on his stern, needing the comfort of the mothership to keep them safe, like ducks in a row.</p>
<p>We all had a good laugh at it, but by the end of the ten days, these cruisers were both experienced and comfortable about cruising on their boats. It was wonderful listening to them talk on the radio, people who were total newbies only two weeks before, as they planned their return across the Gulf Stream to Florida with their new cruising friends. I recall one of the more timid men even called the Coast Guard to inquire about clearing back into the country. He sounded like a seasoned cruiser to me. They had come a long way, and their confidence was inspiring. (Several of these couples retraced their steps a couple of years later with others from the Pokie Run to enjoy a long winter cruise in the Bahamas.)</p>
<p>So speaks the power of cruising with buddy boaters. My own experiences on both sides of the fence reinforce my belief that buddy boating is one of the best ways to get to learn to use your boat properly…in the real world. You can crew for many years on other people’s boats, and learn lots of useful tips and techniques, but it becomes a different story when it is your own boat for the first time. Having skin in the game changes everything, as you are responsible for taking care of your boat, your crew, and yourself. Nothing is more focusing, in my experience, than facing a potentially difficult situation for the first time on your own boat…where it is all on you.</p>
<p><strong>What You Never Would Have Known</strong></p>
<p>I can’t begin to document all that one can learn from an experienced cruiser. Among other things, it is learning the difference between what is “normal” and when it is not. When to reef, slow down, change course, and leave the flybridge for the lower helm. As you build experience, knowledge, and confidence, you will eventually know what to do when expecting to anchor or pick up a mooring in a cozy New England anchorage, while the radio warns of a severe approaching storm with high winds and rain. You don’t want to learn from your mistakes in that situation, a much better scenario is to follow the lead of an experienced buddy boater. Have you put down proper chafe protection (did you even know to do that?), have you taken precautions to put things away that might become dislodged during a brief microburst? These things are best experienced among friends and more experienced cruisers. Next time you will know what to do without second guessing everything.</p>
<p>Even mundane activities become learned skills, such as calling for a bridge opening, or knowing who goes first when a bridge opens on a restricted waterway. When is the best time to run the generator at anchor? It is best to follow the lead of others who know details that may not be obvious to you at first, such as timing it to recharge batteries while also making hot water for dish washing and evening showers. And what exactly do I check when I do the daily morning engine room inspection?</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Boats cruising on the Great Loop wait for a lock to open. Become experts through consulting experienced boaters and trying easier trips first.)</em></p>
<p><img title="boats waiting at lock on great loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boat-waiting-at-lock.jpg?cb=2F1E0847-00E9-8990-C3CB2E4C7B9D8F60" alt="boats waiting at lock on great loop" width="800" height="490" /></p>
<p>Even stopping to buy fuel and pump out the holding tank has its lessons. Do you know what is appropriate for tipping the young man or woman who helps you get these tasks done, while also answering your questions about the best restaurant near the marina, or marine store, or supermarket?</p>
<p>How else can you learn the hands-on approach to come into a new anchorage and mooring field at sunset and getting properly settled down for the night? Not to mention the etiquette of not disturbing others when you leave quietly the next morning?</p>
<p>Not all this experienced knowledge is life or death, of course. I clearly remember a woman who had several of us aboard her liveaboard Pearson 425 ketch for a July 4th holiday weekend on Puget Sound. She showed us the proper course line to run to avoid the worst of the infamous water-balloon barrage from the nearby shoreside residences not far from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I remember it as if it happened yesterday, and it brings a big smile.</p>
<p><strong>Avoid the Group Mentality</strong></p>
<p>With everything positive that I’ve said so far, let me add that, on the flip side, I urge you to avoid becoming a member of a cruising “group,” when several cruisers decide to cruise together for any number of reasons. The group camaraderie is, in my experience, often a self-defeating experience if you really want to learn how to go cruising on your own.</p>
<p>The inevitable group discussion to decide the next destination may not be what you would have chosen if left up to you and your crew. If you always heard about walking the lovely streets in the neighborhood around Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah, it would be a bummer if others in the group wanted to stop at Thunderbolt Marina to get repairs done on their generator or fuel system.</p>
<p>I don’t know about you, but going cruising is about being the star of your own experience, not a supporting role for others in a group. And, of course, there is always that one boat in any group, tour, or event, one crew that always has issues, is never happy, and can find fault in everything and everyone. Who wants to spend time around that negative energy?</p>
<p>In WWII, they knew a convoy could only go as fast as the slowest ship. Today, this translates into serving the group while catering to the needs of the weakest link. No thanks, I’m not worried about U-boats these days. Not my kind of cruising.</p>
<p>Thankfully, along most cruising routes, you always have the option to stay put an extra day, or go on ahead, and catch the group in a day or two…or next week. For the new cruiser, every day adds to your experience, knowledge, and comfort level. No need to stay when the urge to break free fits the occasion.</p>
<p>Cruising with more experienced cruisers will always be a big help when you need help with a problem, or a special tool you didn’t know existed, or you need knowledgeable input as plans change. Any boat issues you encounter will likely already have happened to a more experienced cruiser, whether it relates to provisioning or technical air conditioning issues. Why not take advantage of this and remove some stress?</p>
<p>And you will give back some great experiences to your buddy boaters, who get to see cruising again through the eyes of newbies, for whom everything is fresh and new. It makes it fun again.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Quiet times at anchorage without a group can be a peaceful and rewarding experience.)</em></p>
<p><em><img title="yacht at anchor" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/quiet-times-at-anchorage.jpg?cb=2DC2EE7A-082E-A8AD-8CCB92A501641B87" alt="yacht at anchor" width="800" height="424" /></em></p>
<p><strong>Take It Slow and Enjoy Learning from Others</strong></p>
<p>All experienced cruisers began at the beginning, thinking they knew more than they really did. So, any helpful advice or wisdom they gained from cruising over the years can be a huge help as you develop self confidence in your boat, your crew, and yourself. I can never thank all of the wonderful people enough who helped me learn how to do things better, safer, and easier. It adds tremendously to my cruising satisfaction, no matter if it is a trip <a href="../../../../news/are-you-going-south-on-the-icw-in-2020" target="_blank">down the ICW</a>, pieces of the Great Loop over several years, or any number of other adventures along the waterways and over distant horizons. You will one day amaze your friends when you can make tasty pancakes from seemingly non-existent ingredients in your pantry, or how to cleat a line from ten feet away. I’m still waiting to learn how to scrimshaw whalebone, but I’m afraid that ship has sailed…</p>
<p>To all my boating mentors over the years, I owe a big debt of gratitude that I hope to continue to repay over and over as my way of paying it forward.</p>
<p>And someday you will do the same. Good cruising!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Consider Buddy Boating |
|
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Boating with friends can be a great way to learn the ropes from boat owners with experience. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
buddy-boating.jpg |
2020-11-16 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
consider-buddy-boating |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/consider-buddy-boating |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
45 |
74 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-11-02 00:00:00.0 |
2020-11-02 00:00:00.0 |
144 |
[empty string] |
144 |
<p>Since they cancelled the Annapolis boat shows, the fall migration has spread out, with cruisers putting together travel itineraries not tied to show schedules. Tradition has it that cruisers head south right after the shows, but this year folks are taking their time and leaving later than normal. The forums and Facebook groups are full of couples trying to work it all out. It is especially interesting to read the questions and perspectives from couples going on their first ICW trip south. (Also read: <a href="../../../../news/are-you-going-south-on-the-icw-in-2020" target="_blank">Are You Going South On The ICW This Winter?</a>)</p>
<p>For some, it is their first “real” boat, and they seemed overwhelmed by everything they don’t know, unanswered questions that lurk around every corner. Is it really okay to flush toilet paper in the head, do they have enough “rope” on the boat for all the line-handling activities they will encounter, and which are the best guidebooks to take them safely on their journey? It is a big adventure, no question, and I trust their naïve enthusiasm overcomes their anxiety and fear of the unknown. I admit to being a bit jealous at the glorious discoveries that await them. We’ve all been there, haven’t we!?!</p>
<p>At the end of the day, however, it is just great to be able to head south if one can manage it. Who would not prefer to bask in the sun and enjoy the warmth of the Florida Keys instead of the cold, snow, and ice of another New England winter?</p>
<p>It’s also pretty accurate to say that boats are better used than hauled, winterized, and stored, as stuff breaks or just stops working when it sits. I don’t know why exactly, but that is the way it is.<br />For this and other reasons, spending a winter south of the North Carolina border generally means warmer weather, outdoor living, and for those who have the time, enjoying life as if on one long vacation.</p>
<p>And trust me, it is addicting.</p>
<p>Preparing one’s boat for the thousand-mile trip down the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is not anywhere near the ordeal of preparing for an ocean crossing. You are never out of sight of land, which is the point of the ICW. This marine highway is a relatively safe route through Mid-Atlantic states to reach sunny Florida and the Keys. The trip offers a wonderful cruising experience, if you let it be one, always something new, stopping every night to anchor in a remote creek or tie up at a town dock or marina, with local food and fuel nearby.</p>
<p>I offer these tips for preparing your boat for the trek south, which not surprisingly also fits anyone planning <a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop" target="_blank">the Great Loop</a> in 2021, or next year’s summer cruising in the Great Lakes, New England, or the Pacific Northwest. They are helpful ways to enjoy extended cruising when you want to get away and be self-sufficient…and safe. </p>
<p><em>(Seen below: There's nothing better than waiting out the winter by socializing with friends at your marina in the Florida Keys.)</em></p>
<p><img title="boats are marine in the florida keys" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/socializing-in-the-keys-during-winter.jpg?cb=5A9101C8-BDB7-E8FB-5E17596FFFA4F37F" alt="boats are marine in the florida keys" width="800" height="542" /></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tighten Everything That Moves</strong></span></p>
<p>Sometimes the boat speaks to you. One morning as we cruised quietly along, enjoying the serene view of tall grasses along Georgia’s Low Country over coffee, we heard the sound of a bolt bouncing off fiberglass. It then settled onto the flybridge settee. Laurene and I exchanged glances…where did that come from? A quick inspection revealed it was from one of the Bimini fittings, so over the next half-hour I walked around the flybridge tightening all the hardware. I never thought to check them.</p>
<p>Performing this kind of maintenance before a trip gives you a chance to reacquaint yourself with your boat, which is helpful if you have not spent a lot of recent time aboard. Its goal is to help avoid issues during the trip by eliminating them before they surface.</p>
<p>Spend time going over terminal blocks and wire connections to make sure all wiring is tight and secure. A loose connection is the primary cause of failures of electrical and electronic equipment.<br />Go over pump connections, battery terminals, ground wires, alternator wiring, windlass and electric winch connections, and all the motors you have on the boat. You will kick yourself when you discover a faulty, bothersome windshield wiper is nothing more than someone bumped a wire bundle, and the push-on connection came loose.</p>
<p>Imagine vibration from running engines, pumps, or compressors. Or accidental bumps from crew moving around an engine space. As long as you can access all of the electrical connections in your boat, and make sure everything is tight at the beginning of a major trip, this is the best insurance you can provide yourself and your family. No matter if it is the trip south on the ICW, the Great Loop, or any number of longer cruises where you just want things to work. Cruising has its own set of variables that you can’t control, so deal with those you can.</p>
<p>And best of all, you just need a screwdriver or two, perhaps a wrench. Just you and a couple of tools.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Remember to tighten all of the bolts around any hatches on your boat before setting off on a cruise.) </em></p>
<p><img title="tighten bolts around your boat hatches" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hatches-on-boat.jpg?cb=5B028BA8-B925-1F45-4B5BFBC7DE44D6A3" alt="tighten bolts around your boat hatches" width="800" height="521" /></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Bring Spares for All Single Points of Failure</strong></span></p>
<p>We harped on this for years at seminars and workshops for trawler owners around the country, and it remains the best advice one can offer the would-be cruiser. Go over your boat and identify every piece of equipment that contains a single point of failure. This means any critical piece of equipment, where, if it stops working, it takes out the rest of the system. A water pump, for example. Within a week of one trip, our freshwater pump quit. The pump was the only source of pressure water on that boat. But I had a spare pump aboard and was able to remove and swap the pumps that evening.</p>
<p>The same goes for the fuel delivery system. Relying on just one fuel filter is asking for trouble. Any water or dirt in the fuel will eventually clog the filter and shut down the engine. That is why smart cruisers—sail and power—have switchable fuel filters so one simply turns a lever and fuel is redirected to a second, fresh filter element.</p>
<p>Of course, if we were preparing to go offshore this list would grow exponentially. Critical systems, such as the boat’s autopilot and hydraulic steering, would include spare motors, control boxes, or, in some cases, completely redundant systems. But along the ICW, or on the Great Loop, extensive preparations and redundancy is less critical and needn’t drain your bank account. You can have most anything fixed along our country’s waterways.</p>
<p>Perform a load test on your boat’s batteries and replace them if they won’t be good for the duration. When in doubt, replace them.</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Fuel filters are an excellent spare part to have on a boat starting out on a longer cruise.)</em></p>
<p><img title="Racor fuel filter elements" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/fuel-filters.jpg?cb=92988E3F-90EA-D271-941A54265EC5B855" alt="Racor fuel filter elements" width="800" height="713" /> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Equip Your Boat and Crew with the Proper Tools</strong></span></p>
<p>I highly recommend separate pairs of binoculars for each crew member, clearly labeled. It gets old sharing binoculars, constantly readjusting them for individual preferences and settings. If all crew, including children, has his/her own pair, it adds to the safety of the boat. If someone sees something in the water, for instance, others can help identify whether it is a partially submerged log or the head of a waiting gator.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a damn good horn (as in LOUD), as you will use it. If traveling on a faster powerboat, there will be many times you will have a situation, especially in a narrow stretch of waterway, where you approach a slower boat, <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/" target="_blank">sailboat</a> or <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/" target="_blank">trawler</a>, that is chugging along at five or six knots. On sailboats, especially, they are often not listening to the VHF radio down below, so your call is unheard.</p>
<p>And on so many trawlers and other powerboats, the owners store their dinghy vertically on the swim platform. There is no way to read to name of the vessel to hail them as you come up on them. A loud horn will get their attention, and once you make eye contact, you can use hand signals if necessary, to let them know which way you plan to pass them.</p>
<p>Speaking of VHF radios, I am a big fan of two VHF radios, ideally two fixed radios with a third handheld unit. In stretches of many waterways, including the ICW, you share the water with commercial traffic. Having two radios on your bridge or at your helm allows you to monitor a commercial working channel, while the second radio is tuned to Channel 16 or even a bridge channel. I have found this almost a necessity on recent trips on the ICW.</p>
<p>And even if you don’t plan on it, you will likely meet some nice folks along the way on another boat. As so often happens, you both might enjoy a bit of buddy boating for a portion of the trip. Having a second radio on Channel 68 or other channel gives you the ability to stay in touch as you cruise together. That adds to the entertainment value big time during the day, as you share sights and plan tonight’s dinner without switching back and forth on Channel 16. I can assure you that it is much more fun than sitting alone in the cockpit or flybridge. Especially when you pass the pink giraffe…</p>
<p>Measure your actual air draft. While many 65-feet bridges have replaced older low bridges, it is still a particularly good thing to know for certain what the height of your boat is, to the tippy top of the mast, antenna included. What is your height off the water when you lower all antennas and perhaps the radar arch?</p>
<p><em>(Seen below: Dual VHF radios are a necessity when I travel by boat and are too valuable.)</em></p>
<p><img title="dual VHF radios on boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dual-vhf-radios.jpg?cb=5A9101B2-BF9E-1F2D-CB8ACE066289355E" alt="dual VHF radios on boat" width="800" height="447" /></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Always Have A Second or Third Way to Navigate</strong></span></p>
<p>I’ve never known a problem-free boat. On Growler I used a laptop running Coastal Explorer. It was fine for many years…until the motherboard failed. It was totally unexpected.</p>
<p>Just into our first long trip on Spitfire, we lost the flybridge Raymarine E120 chartplotter. It began to flicker then went blank. I later swapped the working unit at the lower helm with the dead plotter on the flybridge to keep us in the game. When the second Raymarine chartplotter started to blink on and off in light rain, I wondered if we might be on the verge of losing our electronic navigation.</p>
<p>As the Raymarine units were already considered obsolete, I asked a technician before we left what would be a good backup system. He suggested the Garmin 740S. Self-contained with an internal GPS and preloaded charts, it could do all we needed and more. So, when this E120 started flickering, we made some phone calls to find the nearest West Marine from where we were on the Waccamaw River. We arranged to stop at Osprey Point Marina, where we got a ride to the Myrtle Beach store. That evening I installed the Garmin unit, and we were good to go.</p>
<p>Today I would also have an iPad onboard for navigation backup, using a Bad Elf GPS Pro for its outstanding accuracy of position information, which can be shared among several devices and smartphones.</p>
<p>I kind of wish I headed south again this year…and the chance to meet these new cruisers. I hope they all have a wonderful ICW experience, no matter what boat they are on, and that they slow down and enjoy the journey. It is quite an adventure, and a chance to experience our country’s history and diversity.</p>
<p>Just get started before you have to deal with early morning’s slippery ice on your decks. You’ll only make that mistake once, I promise you.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Your final destination of your cruise can yield many friendships. This is a pizza party at a marina in the Keys we hosted for friends and other boaters.)</p>
<p><img title="pizza party at marina in florida keys" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boat-marina-pizza-party.jpg?cb=5A9101BB-0606-05DA-34FC53A64A9BEB6D" alt="pizza party at marina in florida keys" width="800" height="420" /></p>
<p><strong>More About The Great Loop: <a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Tips For Cruising South Or Preparing For The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Cruising your boat south for the winter means preparing yourself for unforeseen challenges. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
prepare-your-boat-for-cruising.jpg |
2020-11-02 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
46 |
79 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-09-18 00:00:00.0 |
2020-09-18 00:00:00.0 |
140 |
[empty string] |
140 |
<p>With most boat shows cancelled, except for the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October, there are safety concerns about the annual migration of cruisers to reach warm weather down south. In South Carolina, winter temperatures remain above frost levels so one can be considerably more comfortable than those who stay up north. Even though the past few winters have not been bad in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, it is still appealing to be in sunny Florida during the winter, or Charleston, or Hilton Head, or so many other popular winter havens.</p>
<p>Most cruisers with boats that fit under the 65-foot bridge limitation along the ICW will choose that route to avoid being offshore. The ICW also offers many interesting places to stop for fuel, water, and food. The 1,100 miles between Norfolk and Key Biscayne are a grand tour of diversity in culture, cuisine, and people. It should be on every cruiser’s bucket list, at least once. And its contrast to West Coast boating is a draw for many Northwest cruisers. I have done it many times, and each trip has been a different and enjoyable experience.</p>
<p>(Seen below: A fun stop is the wonderful town of Beaufort, North Carolina which has great shopping, restaurants, and the NC Maritime Watercraft Center.)</p>
<p><img title="Cruising By Boat To Beaufort NC" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/beaufort-nc-waterfront.jpg?cb=4E7651DB-A973-399B-CF5026DEF7871020" alt="Cruising By Boat To Beaufort NC" width="800" height="411" /></p>
<p>With Covid-19 still very much a factor, should one go south this year, or stay home? Six months ago, I would not consider it safe to make this trip. We lived in a chaotic world and the safest choice was to isolate at home. If you did get sick, you were near your doctor and known medical facilities.</p>
<p>But I feel differently today, as states continue to ease restrictions, allowing retail businesses to open, and restaurants, and some level of social gatherings based on continued monitoring of local data. There are still limits to seating capacity, but things are moving again as the numbers continue to go down.</p>
<p>Let’s consider the choice to go, say a couple on their cruising sailboat or<a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/" target="_blank"> trawler</a>.</p>
<p>Being on a boat can be safe if everyone stays aboard. If the crew isn’t family, as long as everyone has completed a 14-day quarantine period, one can feel confident the trip begins free of the virus. However, once the boat stops for fuel, crew go off to buy groceries or eat ashore, some level of risk is introduced. Having said that, I believe this trip is doable for those who remain situationally aware, wash their hands regularly, and remain flexible to adjust their plans based on conditions they encounter.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Several yachts heading south that are tied up waiting to enter the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, Virginia.)</p>
<p><img title="boats waiting at the lock near chesapeake" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boats%20waiting%20at%20norfolk%20lock.jpg?cb=4E7651D8-0255-D58D-FB79D8909208356D" alt="boats waiting at the lock near chesapeake" width="800" height="461" /></p>
<p>Most marine facilities, fuel docks, and marinas are now open for business, and welcome transient cruisers heading south. The few that are closed, such as Southport Marina in North Carolina, were damaged by Hurricane Isaias.</p>
<p>There is a useful resource that uses a model created to provide the latest information in the aftermath of hurricanes. It is a joint project of the Waterway Guide, AGLCA, and DOCKWA. It is a directory of marina facilities, and presents each marina’s current situation, for the entire length of the ICW. Check out <a href="http://www.waterwayguide.com/covid-19-reports">www.waterwayguide.com/covid-19-reports</a>. </p>
<p>Another helpful source of information, and which has daily activity, is the Facebook group, ICW Cruising Guide by Bob423. It is a closed group, but it is easy to join. It has many discussion threads about doing the trip this year, and details from people on the ICW. It is a wonderful example of what can be done with a social media platform.</p>
<p>(Seen below: A sign from the US Army Corps of Engineers along the Atlantic ICW shows the distance to various ports.)</p>
<p><img title="Sign on the Atlantic ICW" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/atlantic-intracoastal-waterway-sign.jpg?cb=4E389F74-C117-535E-CCE8820AADAEFE22" alt="Sign on the Atlantic ICW" width="800" height="461" /></p>
<p>Depending on your health, and other factors, such as age, heart, or any respiratory conditions, it is a personal decision to go or not to go.</p>
<p>Again, the most obvious reason to go south is to pursue warmer climate during the winter months, and to stay on a boat big enough to live on for an extended period. Living in a marina for several weeks or months is also a great way to check out an area, as we have discussed in a previous article. <em>(Read: <a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan" target="_blank">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a>)</em></p>
<p>So, if the draw of a winter down south is strong, and you feel confident you can minimize risk by following common sense practices before and during the trip, then it is my opinion that it is reasonable to make the trip this year.</p>
<p>Wear a mask whenever you dock the boat or stop for fuel. Always wear a mask when you go ashore, except when seated for a meal. You will be traveling for weeks or months and meet hundreds of people who are all dealing with the coronavirus differently. Some wear masks, some do not. Some take safety precautions seriously, others do not.</p>
<p>When planning a day on the ICW, whether it is a run of 40 or 70+ miles, make it a point to check ahead for stops that offer outside dining facilities if you plan to go ashore for a meal. Inside dining in restaurants with inadequate ventilation are some of the riskiest places to get infected. Stay away.</p>
<p>A recent study by Johns Hopkins (reported September 12th), provides hard evidence to better understand the risks about behavior. What is most meaningful to me is that the study used real world data from people rather than statistical models.</p>
<p>(Seen below: <a href="../../../../New-Nimbus-Boats-For-Sale/" target="_blank">Nimbus</a> makes a safe, well-built cruising boat perfect for the ICW. The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nimbus-405-Flybridge" target="_blank">405 Flybridge </a>below offers a great place to drive and enjoy the view.)</p>
<p><img title="nimbus boats 405 flybridge" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nimibus-405-flybridge.jpg?cb=4F8A789F-FC3F-CDCF-8B18314998CB0830" alt="nimbus boats 405 flybridge" width="800" height="440" /></p>
<p>One proven factor is frequency. If one occasionally goes to the grocery store, say once or twice a week, there is significantly less risk than people who shop every day or so at the same store. The differences in risk are measurable, based on actual data.</p>
<p>The other relevant factor coming out of the Johns Hopkins study is that people who practice strict outdoor social distancing have only a 10-percent chance of becoming infected over those who don’t, and people who frequent inside dining, enclosed malls, and public transportation are four times more likely to get infected with the virus.</p>
<p>That is powerful information and blends perfectly into our planning for this trip.</p>
<p>There are lovely places to eat outdoors in such places as Beaufort, South Carolina. If you would rather eat aboard, most restaurants now offer online ordering with pickup service, some even deliver. Use online resources, such as <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com,">www.tripadvisor.com,</a> to identify potential restaurants for onsite dining. The website has filters for “Restaurants taking safety measures,” and even better, “Outdoor Seating.” Patio dining is preferred.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Beaufort, SC is a wonderfully quaint town with several restaurants with outdoor dining patios.)</p>
<p><img title="boating near beaufort sc" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/boating-near-beaufort-south-carolina.jpg?cb=5053DC57-F10B-DD30-3F746A1A6B5732E0" alt="boating near beaufort sc" width="800" height="382" /> </p>
<p>Take advantage of online shopping and curbside delivery, some to the marina. Reducing the risks whenever possible is the best strategy for staying safe.</p>
<p>Boats that are self-sufficient can spend a good part of the trip anchored out. That is the safest way to travel, staying together on the boat, away from contact with others. Even a raft of a few boats is safe if everyone stays aboard their boat or maintains social distance.</p>
<p>Stock up with masks and hand disinfectant for the trip. Those single-use masks were not manufactured for extended use, and ear straps tend to come apart at the most inopportune times.</p>
<p>I would provision the boat differently than in previous years, when I really looked forward to eating ashore as I traveled through our diverse country. Local cuisine is one of the highlights of the trip for me. One year we had a theme to determine who served the best shrimp and grits, which turned out to be a tie between Fishy Fishy in Southport, and the Driftaway Café within walking distance from Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah.</p>
<p>This year I would provision as much food and consumables before I left, rather than planning to stop every few days to resupply as I work my way south. The Johns Hopkins study validates that it is best to reduce the number of shopping trips.</p>
<p>(<em>Read: <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition" target="_blank">Provisioning Your Yacht - Alaska Edition</a> and <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition" target="_blank">Provisioning Your Yacht - Bahamas & Caribbean</a></em>)</p>
<p>In addition, what happens if you are forced by some circumstance to self-quarantine for 14 days on the boat? Rather than approaching this possibility like an item in the abandon ship bag, never likely to be needed, do not fall into a trap of just buying 42 cans of Spam to serve that function in an emergency. You will be distressed enough stuck on your boat, let alone eating boring food, so show some creative imagination and stock food ingredients that will make cooking fun and produce great meals. You will have the time to cook, after all.</p>
<p>(Seeb Below: Youtube is a treasure chest of good cruising videos. This is a timelapse video from user Technomadia going from Miami to Jacksonville.)</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fGMrvHtFau8" width="800" height="550" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>All the guidelines say to wash your hands before returning to your boat. When I think about that, I realize I wash my hands after filling my water tank, handling dock lines, refueling, and after pumping out my holding tank. Handling anything on the outside of the boat usually leaves my hands slimy, so I wash my hands before I start the engines to get under way. So, it is not a big stretch to include hand washing after paying for overnight dockage in the office, or any other activity conducted off the boat.</p>
<p>The goal is to keep the virus out of the boat, as it is your escape pod, the “bubble” that keeps you safe.</p>
<p>I hope I have made a good case for making this trip south as safe as possible, while still allowing it to be the adventure it is.</p>
<p>Now for some other useful comments about traveling the ICW.</p>
<p>Covid-19 or not, avoid turning the trip into a delivery. Many of these small towns, and certainly all the larger cities, have much to see and do, and will certainly fill an afternoon of walking the streets and window shopping. To the extent that you feel comfortable, these retailers are all looking for your business so most will go out of their way to make shopping in their stores safe. It is healthy to get off the boat, after all, while maintaining social distancing. Successful cruising is about keeping a balance.</p>
<p>One experienced couple told me they travel for two days, then take a day off. It keeps them feeling fresh and out of that delivery mindset where one quickly forgets where they have just been. What day is it and where did we stay last night? That is not fun. If you are paid to deliver the boat, that is one thing. The rest of us are pleasure boating.</p>
<p>For <a href="../../../../used-sailboats-for-sale/" target="_blank">sailboats</a>, this relaxed approach is harder to embrace, especially if the cruisers are coming down from Canada or New England. It will take a month or more to get to Florida, running at five knots for eight to ten hours each day. That is tiring day after day. One year I took my boat to Florida and came upon a sailor driving his sailboat at five knots approaching the Rock Pile in Myrtle Beach. He was alone in the middle of the channel, and he must have been in a coma from long days of travel down from Montreal (his hailing port). He was not listening to the radio or checking his six, so I hit my very loud Kahlenberg horns to get his attention so he would move over, and I could safely pass on his port side. I must have sounded like a big commercial<a href="../../../../used-tug-boats-for-sale/" target="_blank"> tug</a>, as he jumped at the blast from these horns. I felt sorry for the guy as he still had such a long way to go to reach Florida, if that was his destination.<br /> <br />Such slow-speed, long-day travel is quite different from a <a href="../../../../used-downeast-boats-for-sale/" target="_blank">Downeast cruiser</a> that cruises at 15 knots. Without a flybridge, it can clear most bridges, so an eight-hour day gets the crew well over 100 miles down the waterway, even considering no wake zones and other obstacles to speed. And there will be times when speed is not possible. Traffic bottlenecks waiting for bridge openings, manatee zones, even getting stuck behind a small cruise ship running a series of narrow ranges in Georgia.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The downeast-style <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Legacy-36" target="_blank">Legacy Yachts 36</a> offers high-quality construction, excellent performance, and comfortable cruising accommodations.)</p>
<p><img title="legancy yachts 36" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/legacy-yachts-36.jpg?cb=514D59B6-C87F-284F-832AD0BCF5F8F301" alt="legancy yachts 36" width="800" height="429" /> </p>
<p>Another couple I know leaves as early as possible, always before 0700, and run at cruising speed all morning. They plan to stop for the day a little after noon in the early afternoon, which gives them plenty of time to refuel, wash the boat and enjoy the marina and town, and take a nap. A six-hour run at 25 knots eats up miles. They also try to learn about upcoming festivals or local celebrations that might coincide with their schedule, and they often plan their travel to enjoy these events. That may not be as relevant today with so many group gatherings cancelled.</p>
<p>I planned to list my favorites places to stop along the ICW when heading south, but it is hard to trim the list down, and you need to find your own favorites. Each trip is so different, the weather and waterway conditions are never the same, and the boats and people we meet create unplanned stops and may include traveling in the company of other boats.</p>
<p>Even though my description of doing this trip in 2020 may sound like an exercise in traveling isolation, I can tell you with confidence you will meet some great people, no matter how much you stay in your cruising bubble. It is just the nature of cruising.</p>
<p>And that aspect of cruising will never change, pandemic or not.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Are You Going South on the ICW in 2020? |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Boaters begin to migrate south on their yachts in the fall, but will 2020 be different? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-south-on-your-boat.jpg |
2020-09-18 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
are-you-going-south-on-the-icw-in-2020 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/are-you-going-south-on-the-icw-in-2020 |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
47 |
80 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-09-13 00:00:00.0 |
2020-09-13 00:00:00.0 |
139 |
[empty string] |
139 |
<p>We had a lovely Labor Day weekend in Annapolis. The weather was marvelous, the temperatures finally cooled, and watching this summer come to an end was cause for celebration. It was the summer that never really happened. We bid it farewell.</p>
<p>In the coming days, the weather will continue to cool down as the days grow shorter. With kids back at school (in whatever form that takes), we start thinking about fall boating, one of my favorite times of year.</p>
<p>In the Pacific Northwest, Labor Day means the Bumbershoot Music Festival in <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Seattle-Washington" target="_blank">Seattle</a>, and then there is the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. I always enjoyed September on boats in the <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-San-Juan" target="_blank">San Juan Islands</a>. Places like <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale-in-Roche-Harbor" target="_blank">Roche Harbor</a> are busy this time of year. It is also time to make my first batch of hot buttered rum batter to keep in the freezer.</p>
<p>Autumn in New England brings its explosion of fall color, which will soon start in northern Maine and move south in the coming weeks, providing us with fabulous scenery from New England down through Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.</p>
<p>The Chesapeake Bay calms down in the fall, as causal boaters are off the water, for the most part, and sailing and cruising are at their best, with cool weather, good breeze, and humidity so low one can see Thomas Point Shoals Light from Annapolis. A weekend on the water is all about great sailing, ports and hatches open, serene anchorages and cool evenings in the cockpit and flybridge. I look forward to getting out my favorite fleece jacket, a cozy alternative to summer’s heat. Even the bugs go away.</p>
<p><img title="fall boating in annapolis maryland" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/annapolis-boating-fall-season.jpg?cb=4FE34627-D170-D267-5970EB1B1EAE3A10" alt="fall boating in annapolis maryland" width="800" height="449" /></p>
<p>(<em>Seen above: The sun sets on a marina at Beards Creek in Annapolis, Maryland. Photo Cred: wreditor on reddit.com</em>)</p>
<p>There will be no fall boat shows in Annapolis this year, a sad but inevitable result of the continued caution with Covid-19.</p>
<p>I will miss seeing the familiar faces of exhibitors I have known for 25 years, although most of us have retired. Many still come back for the same reasons I do. We walk the docks with the crowds, look at what new technology brings us in boats and equipment. I will miss the obligatory roast beef sandwich at the Fleet Reserve Club, a charity event that has been a fixture of the shows for years. Power or sail, I enjoy both shows.</p>
<p>This is also the time when cruisers from Canada, and those who spent the summer in New England, are on the move south, a migration that is as much a part of this season as pumpkins and falling leaves. I live on Ridout Creek off Whitehall Bay, and it is great fun to see boats from all over the world come anchor for a day or two in my backyard, taking a break from long days moving south.</p>
<p>Many plan their travels through Chesapeake Bay to coincide with the Annapolis boat shows. Some come to replace the boat hook that is always on sale at West Marine or buy new boat shoes at Fawcetts. If you want to upgrade your electronics, get a new anchor, self-steering gear, windlass, or arrange a charter, this is the place, especially at the sailboat show, which is the largest show of its kind. Company reps are on hand to answer questions, sell systems, so subject matter expertise is easy to find. Just about anything even remotely related to boating is here. And there are always deals and boat show specials.</p>
<p>Some south-bound cruisers work the shows. They help move boats into place on the floating docks, put on wristbands as people hand over their tickets, and assist show management in all sorts of activities. The town really buzzes during these shows, as the Naval Academy moves into its football season. Crowds are everywhere, and the energy is wonderful.</p>
<p>At the conclusion of each show, especially the powerboat show, delivery crews hustle their yachts away from the floating docks and make a beeline for <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Fort-Lauderdale-Florida" target="_blank">Ft. Lauderdale</a>. With little time to spare, they must get to Florida as soon as possible to make the huge international show. Having been on several of these deliveries, these are long days and the weather be damned.</p>
<p><img title="annapolis power boat show" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/annapolis-power-boat-show.jpg?cb=5004B39E-CC58-63DD-147D6162514430A9" alt="annapolis power boat show" width="800" height="463" /> </p>
<p>(<em>Seen above: The Annapolis Power Boat Show in 2019, but unfortunately the 2020 show has been cancelled. The Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show is still moving forward!</em>)</p>
<p>One year I asked to crew on a large, full displacement trawler that had been recently unloaded off a ship from Taiwan. Our crew consisted of a local licensed yacht captain, his friend, who is a merchant marine academy grad who drives an <a href="../../../../used-tug-boats-for-sale/" target="_blank">offshore tug </a>for a living (and who had just towed an aircraft carrier from Hawaii to California and was on holiday), a fellow whose new boat was under construction and he wanted the experience, and the fire chief of a local fire department.</p>
<p>As it was a new boat with no equipment, not a roll of paper towels, knives and forks, or even toilet paper. So, we loaded aboard a liferaft, safety gear, plotter, radio, radar, and bags of stuff. We provisioned with only the essentials. In literally a few minutes, we took off right after the show ended, as workers broke apart the sections of floating docks holding us captive, motoring off as the sun set, while we jury-rigged the electronics to get them working before total darkness came.</p>
<p>Out in the Atlantic Ocean, passing Cape Hatteras, the Coast Guard called us and instructed us to stay offshore and to not even think about coming in, as the inlet was closed from the stormy seas now building from an approaching nor’easter. We somehow stayed just ahead of the worst of the storm, but the untested new trawler gave us a punch list of things that needed attention from the rocking and rolling. Anchor chain slapping against the hull every few seconds made it difficult to sleep in the forward stateroom. And the engine-heated hot water made the shower plumbing fixtures close to 200 degrees, dangerously hot, and it was hard to avoid making contact in the rolling seas.</p>
<p>When it was time to go inside to the ICW in Florida, the skilled delivery captain pushed the throttle to WOT as the <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/" target="_blank">58-foot trawler</a> surfed down large waves into the narrow inlet, corkscrewing our way in, way above hull speed. I had white knuckles from that dramatic entrance, but we made it to Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale just in time. The boat cleaning crew was there on the dock, ready to step aboard and get her ready for the upcoming boat show. We hurriedly gathered our stuff and got off the boat, which was now covered in the salt and sea slime from days offshore in rough weather. And people call this fun!?!</p>
<p><img title="nordic tug boat cruising" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nordic-tug-boat-cruising.jpg?cb=502F5D08-EBD0-5C9A-A41FD046A472862B" alt="nordic tug boat cruising" width="800" height="442" /></p>
<p>(Seen above: <a href="../../../../New-Nordic-Tugs-For-Sale/" target="_blank">Nordic Tugs</a> make excellent long-range cruising boats whether heading south or to the islands.)</p>
<p>Which brings up a good question.</p>
<p>Will we head south this year for the winter? My current boat is a Hunt Harrier 25, a simple day cruiser. It is no cruising boat, so she stays on her lift at home. But I do get the cruising itch about this time of year. Thoughts of spending a winter in Stuart, <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Saint-Augustine-Florida" target="_blank">St. Augustine</a>, Fort Meyers, or Marathon come strong with the first hint of autumn.</p>
<p>It will not be long before we wake up to sea smoke on the creek, and temperatures will soon get nippy. Recent winters have been mild around here, but the luscious smell of tropical plants and flowers, Cuban sandwiches from Publix, crystal clear water, and the camaraderie of the wintertime liveaboard community are strong attractions.</p>
<p>I have traveled between Annapolis and Florida on the ICW numerous times, and each has been different…and wonderful. Every journey up or down the ICW is an adventure. I have done it in company with other boats, I have done it with crew, as crew, and solo. So, I speak from experience.</p>
<p>Let me get a read from some friends and put together thoughts and comments about doing this ICW trip south in 2020, during these cautious times. And how best to make it just as memorable, and safe.</p> |
A Fall Like No Other |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The Fall boating season will be different this year with COVID-19. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
boating-in-the-fall.jpg |
2020-09-13 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
a-fall-like-no-other |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/a-fall-like-no-other |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
48 |
68 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-08-06 00:00:00.0 |
2020-08-06 00:00:00.0 |
134 |
[empty string] |
134 |
<p>Seattle Yachts is a new sponsor of the American Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA), an organization that supports those interested in the Great Loop. The trip is a 6,000-mile journey of discovery around North America, attracting boaters and non-boaters alike.</p>
<p><a href="../../../../news/the-great-loop" target="_blank">The Great Loop</a> is essentially a circumnavigation of the Eastern U.S. and parts of Canada. There are many variations and side trips along its general route, including smaller loops such as the one around Canada’s Maritime provinces and down around New England. At whatever point you begin the Loop is where you will finish your Loop. “Crossing your wake,” as Loopers say.</p>
<p>There is no fixed time frame, but most people do it in a year or so, or over several seasons. I know one couple who did it in under 60 days, but that is not typical.</p>
<p>I put my feelers out to meet looping folks passing through Annapolis on their way around the country. My goal is to tell and celebrate their stories as they share experiences, challenges, and observations at this point during their adventure.</p>
<p>I recently met Bob Gannon and his wife, Graciela, at City Dock in downtown Annapolis. It was a hot Chesapeake summer day, and our town is buzzing this time of year, with people exploring and enjoying our historic little town. Some come for the ice cream, others visit the Naval Academy, but all enjoy seeing the sights along our waterfront. The impact of Covid-19 means some parking areas are blocked off and tents set up so restaurants can serve tables outside for casual dining, following social distancing, of course.</p>
<p>(Below: Bob and Graciela having lunch in Annapolis.)</p>
<p><img title="Bob and Graciela" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/bob-and-graciela.jpg?cb=B8616874-C384-87A7-B768817021455356" alt="Bob and Graciela" width="800" height="519" /></p>
<p>I met Bob and Graciela at their boat, docked near the dinghy dock. The tug was plugged in to shore power to run the boat’s air conditioning. Sweet Love is a shiny red Ranger Tug R-31 S, launched in February of last year. Bob told me how they came to buy the boat.</p>
<p>“I grew up in a large family in Iowa,” Bob said. “And I always dreamed of one day rafting down the Mississippi River, just as Mark Twain described it.” But as so often happens with childhood dreams, life got in the way and they are put on hold.</p>
<p>When he was a young man, Bob enlisted in the service and volunteered as a rescue medic aboard a helicopter in Vietnam. The experience was beyond what most people can imagine and left him with an indestructible conviction to never let fear hold him back from doing anything he set his mind on. Bob also resolved to do everything in this life in the time he had left. Leave no arrow in his quiver, as he put it.</p>
<p>He went on to a successful business career, and in 1990 decided to take up flying. With only 142 hours of flight time under his belt, he set off to fly across the Atlantic in his single engine aircraft, Lucky Lady. Unfortunately, about the time he logged 285 hours in his flight book, his plane crashed in Kenya, and was destroyed. Bob walked away.</p>
<p>Undeterred, he set off again in a Cessna 182 he named Lucky Lady II. Over the course of 10 years, Bob flew his single engine aircraft solo, crisscrossing the world, the longest flight being 18 hours from Oakland, California to Hawaii. When he completed his world flying adventure, visiting155 countries, he stopped flying, having accomplished what he set out to do. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyM7ok-juew" target="_blank">Click here to watch his video on Youtube</a>.)</p>
<p>In 2019, with Graciela at his side, they discovered this boating adventure called the Great Loop. It sounded interesting, perhaps a modern interpretation of floating down the Mississippi on the raft of his childhood. Neither had any boating experience, but that didn’t stop them. Bob and Graciela love travel and are keenly curious about the world.</p>
<p>The search for the right boat led them to the Ranger Tugs yard in Kent, Washington, in February of 2019. As Bob considered this line of smaller cruisers, one strong attraction is that they can be trailered. The folks at Ranger Tugs talked him into a new R-31 S, which they promised would be completed in time for the company’s popular owner events. These seasonal celebrations begin in May in British Columbia, followed by activities in Desolation Sound, with a September finale at the Ranger Tugs Rendezvous in Roche Harbor, on the northwest side of San Juan Island.</p>
<p>(Below: Bob and Graciela's new Ranger Tugs getting ready to splash.)</p>
<p><img title="ranger tugs boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ranger-tug-ready-to-splash.jpg?cb=B8AEA89A-E43E-6B64-99EF24D564380FE2" alt="ranger tugs boat" width="800" height="500" /></p>
<p>The couple took online boating classes and planned to learn over the summer how to handle the new boat, gaining as much as they could from other owners during the owner events. Graciela learned to handle all lines for docking and mooring, while Bob drives the boat. They share navigation duties and are extremely impressed with their Navionics charts on Garmin electronics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Related: <a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After the Roche Harbor rendezvous, a driver loaded Sweet Love onto a trailer and headed south from Seattle to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The couple planned to attend the AGLCA Fall Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama, in October, which would be the official starting point of their Great Loop.</p>
<p>(Below: "Sweet Love" is on the trailer and ready for its road trip to Tennessee.)</p>
<p><img title="boat on trailer" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/sweet-love-on-a-trailer.jpg?cb=B8E445CB-B015-2140-70034EA7CED7533D" alt="boat on trailer" width="800" height="437" /> </p>
<p>By the time they reached Annapolis for some warranty repair work (a failed generator temperature sensor), they had already had quite an adventure. They attended the Ranger Tugs Rendezvous at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, on the Gulf side Florida, and loved a side trip to the Dry Tortugas off the Florida coast.</p>
<p>Even though they were forced to halt the trip early March in Jacksonville due to Covid-19, it was only a temporary stop as the country worked through restrictions and closures. They went home to isolate and did not return to the boat until the end of June. They finally left Jacksonville on July 1st, heading up the ICW to continue their Great Loop.</p>
<p>Graciela told of their rescue of a sailor from a flipped Hobie Cat in gnarly Albemarle Sound, which thankfully had a happy ending. They also decided to take the optional ICW route up the Dismal Swamp from Elizabeth City, North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia, which they also thoroughly enjoyed.</p>
<p>(Below: The Dismal Swamp is an optional route for the Great Loop.)</p>
<p><img title="Dismal Swamp on Great Loop Route" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dismal-swamp-virginia.jpg?cb=BA04321E-E7EC-0525-2A209C66CFFFEC2B" alt="Dismal Swamp on Great Loop Route" width="659" height="891" /> </p>
<p>As you probably know by now, Bob and Graciela are movers, not stayers, as every day they move. Which so fits Bob’s philosophy of life.</p>
<p>“Like everything else in life,” Bob explained, “Jump In!”</p>
<p>They said they would much rather spend one day in five places than five days in one place. It has been their mantra since leaving Chattanooga. Sweet Love has 470 hours on its 320hp Volvo diesel and the boat traveled 4,500 miles by the time they reached Annapolis (the hours and miles include time in the PNW).</p>
<p>Graciela said how much she loves the tiny home concept of small boat living, and Bob agrees, although he would prefer more lounging space, like a settee where he could stretch out. Oh well, he shrugged, this is fine for us, especially as it allows us to consider shipping the boat to Europe to explore its canal systems.</p>
<p>Their style of boating is to stay flexible and let their curious spirits dictate where they go. The most fun they have had on this trip is to be able to just pick up and go, without agonizing over schedules or details. While I found them very social people, they admit they generally avoid crowds and prefer a more solitary lifestyle. They wore masks during their time in Annapolis, which they explored with the bicycles they carry aboard Sweet Love.</p>
<p>(Below: "Sweet Love"docked in Annapolis.)</p>
<p><img title="Ranger Tugs docked in Annapolis" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/ranger-tug-in-annapolis.jpg?cb=BA59846D-E9FD-9DE5-65B4A2F7953E18C0" alt="Ranger Tugs docked in Annapolis" width="800" height="494" /> </p>
<p>Their plan when they left Annapolis the next day was to visit Rock Hall then Baltimore before heading up the Bay to parts north. Obviously, Covid-19 continues to impact travel and even though they are solitary people, they wish there were more traditional Looper events and raft ups where couples visit each other's boats.</p>
<p>(Below: "Sweet Love" docked in Baltimore with the city skyline in the background.)</p>
<p><img title="baltimore harbor" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/baltimore-harbor.jpg?cb=BA6A00E1-0502-7C9A-8F324D08941418A2" alt="baltimore harbor" width="800" height="509" /> </p>
<p>And Covid-19 makes their northbound travel plans uncertain. If Canada opens up, they would like to head up the Hudson River, Lake Champlain into the St. Lawrence River, visit Nova Scotia, then down around New England and back into the Hudson River to continue the regular route of the Loop. No matter what happens over the next couple of months, they will stop for the season at the end of October at Winter Harbor Marina in Brewerton, New York on Oneida River. Despite their steady routine of moving every day, they have no problem leaving the boat either. They will complete their Great Loop over the course of several years. They are flexible.</p>
<p>Their advice to anyone thinking of doing this trip, even if they have no prior boating experience, is to not wait. Bob is 70, at the beginning of the <a href="../../../../news/a-case-for-buying-a-new-boat-when-its-time-to-go" target="_blank">Magic Decade </a>that I often talk about. He told me of his contemporaries who keep putting things off and then some condition or illness develops and ties them into regular medical appointments. Taking trips becomes less possible and soon becomes impossible.</p>
<p>The Magic Decade is also how he justified buying a new boat for this trip. He knows he can reasonably expect everything to work well for 10 years without the constant repairs and breakdowns that are a certainty on an older boat. So, he wisely bought a new boat. I have seen this logic prove itself over and over. It is reality.</p>
<p>Bob and Graciela sent me photos from Baltimore and I’m sure they are well on their way north by now. As new cruisers, their spirit of adventure impressed me with their can-do attitude. There is much to be said about living life to the fullest right now, and not put off dreams when the window of opportunity may not come this way again.</p>
<p>As Bob said so well, “Jump In!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also Read: <strong><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/guide-to-how-much-the-great-loop-costs">How Much Does The Great Loop Cost?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
Taking On The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
A boater's story about learning to take on the cruising adventure known as the Great Loop. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-the-great-loop.jpg |
2020-08-06 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
taking-on-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/taking-on-the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
49 |
82 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-07-16 00:00:00.0 |
2020-07-16 00:00:00.0 |
133 |
[empty string] |
133 |
<p>It is a common life theme. The kids are grown, parents no longer require care, and the house is too big and full of a lifetime of stuff. And we wind down our careers or retire.</p>
<p>It is time to make plans for a life change.</p>
<p>I bet this resonates with a lot of people, especially those who live where cold winter weather no longer appeals. Whatever path a couple chooses, it is surprisingly unique to each couple yet about as universal as it gets. At some point the light goes on.</p>
<p>“Why don’t we buy a boat to live on and go somewhere warm for the winter months.” Sound familiar? Find the right place to liveaboard full time for three or more months. It may take a year or two to pull this together, but it is a fun journey filled with anticipation and opportunity.</p>
<p>The Plan has two agendas. First, being settled in one place for the winter is a fine way to spread out, furniture and flowers no longer stored for long days under way. Travel is done, and now it is time to get one of the family cars down to wherever the boat is, likely a liveaboard marina with reasonable monthly rates for slip, electric, and other services.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: Stock Island Marina Village allows living aboard your boat in the majestic Florida Keys.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="living on a yacht in florida keys" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/liveaboard-marina.jpg?cb=9F1D8845-ADA2-B4B4-6E2D4EDEA5AEF05C" alt="living on a yacht in florida keys" width="800" height="408" /> </p>
<p>The second agenda for The Plan is that living in one place for several months allows each person to decide if this zip code is possibly a place they might like to live permanently when it is time to settle down in the golden years.</p>
<p>The Plan has worked for dozens and dozens of people I know, using their <a href="../../../../used-trawler-yachts-for-sale/">trawler</a> or motoryacht to live comfortably while scouting out a different destination each winter. And somewhere during those years, decisions are made.</p>
<p>The checklist goes like this. Find potential winter havens through the Internet, social media, friends with winter residences, and other resources. The place does not have to be a tropical paradise, just warm enough to enjoy outdoor living. This is not the same concept as finding a fun place to spend the winter and return year after year. For as long as I remember a group of trawler people reconnect with each other every winter in the Florida Keys. It is their ritual. That is fine but not what we are talking about here.</p>
<p>Another important item on the checklist is to find a place where there are things to do, not just hang around the boat and enjoy evening sundowners with others in the marina. This is an important distinction from cruising. You are not on vacation but experiencing living full time in a new place. There must be museums, beaches, shops, restaurants, classes, golf courses, walking and bike trails, whatever fulfills personal interests besides doing boat projects in the marina. For East Coast boat people, this might be Charleston, or Stuart, or Hilton Head. Or Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, or Savannah.</p>
<p>If you live in the Pacific Northwest, one of the best places to retire is in the <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-San-Juan">San Juan Islands</a>. Winters are mild and the summers are to die for. Cruise the area and in time you will find your own sweet spot.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Cruising the San Juan Islands is one of the most visually rewarding boating destinations in the world.)</p>
<p><img title="cruising the san juan islands on a yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cruising-san-juan-islands-on-a-yacht.jpg?cb=9F441A96-DD7C-8D9A-03287A2EA215AE09" alt="cruising the san juan islands on a yacht" width="800" height="451" /></p>
<p>One way some couples search out possible winter destinations is to take an exploratory road trip. They visit chambers of commerce, visitor’s centers, take tours, and talk with marina managers, other boaters, even yacht brokers. A week or more on the road may be just the trick to scout out several potential places to consider.</p>
<p>The Plan may also include buying a more appropriate boat if the one they own isn’t fit for the mission. A summer cruiser may be fine for that two-week vacation, but not well suited for three months or more. It will be your home, after all, not a camping experience.</p>
<p>While this kind of cruising is quite different from traditional <a href="../../../../Buying-And-Owning-Trawler-Yachts">trawler cruising</a>, moving from one paradise spot to another, it can be every bit as satisfying. Shopping for the right boat is exciting. And hopefully The Plan results in an answer to that universal question everyone asks at some point:<strong> “Where do you want to live?”</strong> These days the answer does not always center around grandchildren, who may be scattered around the country.</p>
<p>In the past couple of years, I have seen many people from my yacht club in Annapolis make such changes, although only a few were consciously working The Plan. The others just decided to run their trawler down the ICW in the fall to escape the cold, and slow down once they reach warmer weather. At some point in their travels, they simply fall in love with a place or are attracted by their friends in Annapolis who are already down there, essentially bringing the community south. Community is important.</p>
<p>For many, the wintering experience eventually leads to the purchase of a townhouse or condo, setting the stage for a long-term winter home base.</p>
<p>The big boat, no longer serving as a winter residence, is eventually replaced by something more suited to the kind of cruising they do in the summer. Just yesterday I spoke with a woman who told me she and her husband traveled down to Florida for several years on their roomy 45-foot trawler, and they became enchanted with the Stuart area. She said there are now about 50 yacht club families who own or rent condos for the winter in nearby <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Jupiter-Florida">Jupiter</a>. So, they bought a condo last winter in Jupiter and replaced their big boat with a Downeast-style <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Legacy-32">Legacy 32</a> for cruising the Chesapeake Bay during the season. They are thrilled at how it worked out.</p>
<p>(<em>Seen below: <a href="../../../../New-Legacy-Yachts-For-Sale/">Legacy Yachts </a>offers traditional downeast-style cruising in a comfortable and manageable size.</em>)</p>
<p><img title="legacy yachts downeast" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/legacy-yachts-32-downeast.jpg?cb=9FCE1B71-E70C-E350-CF0B6B211476390C" alt="legacy yachts downeast" width="800" height="402" /></p>
<p>If you are at a certain age, chances are you have been thinking of The Plan as it relates to your situation. I have lived in Annapolis on and off for decades, yet I think the time is coming for me to develop one. If you love cruising, you embrace change. And, of course, life is at its best when that change is made by you, not for you.</p>
<p>A mindful approach to where you end up may be the sweetest place of all to be.</p> |
A Boater's Three-To-Five Year Plan |
|
Boating Advice,Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Buying a trawler yacht can help determine your future boating plans. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
living-aboard-on-a-yacht.jpg |
2020-07-16 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
50 |
66 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-07-10 00:00:00.0 |
2020-07-10 00:00:00.0 |
132 |
[empty string] |
132 |
<p>I have read many stories and blogs, and watched videos over the years from people who did the <strong>Great Loop</strong>, the connected waterways in America and Canada that circle the eastern portion of North America. As the Loop suggests, the point where you begin the trip is where you finish, crossing your wake as they say, some 6,000 miles later. For many boaters and people looking for an attainable adventure, this is a highlight on many bucket lists.</p>
<p>It is amazing how diverse this trip can be. I followed the adventure of Dave Pike, who did his Loop solo in a 15-foot Walker Bay inflatable, starting and ending his Loop in Grand Haven, Michigan. And I’ve met dozens of cruisers as they pass through Annapolis, on their way up the Bay to the C&D Canal.</p>
<p>Spend a few hours on the computer to read what people think is a good Loop boat and you’ll get lots of free advice and opinions. Most couples plan to do the Great Loop in a year. If you break the trip up into sections, it can be extended over a couple of years, if that better fits your preferences.</p>
<p>I get a kick reading some of the online advice about what are the “best” boats for the Loop, and frankly, I disagree with them all. Call me an old fuddy-dud, but I consider the Great Loop to be the quintessential <a href="../../../../Buying-And-Owning-Trawler-Yachts" target="_blank">trawler</a> lifestyle experience. And it is the difference between exploring our national parks in a luxury motor coach and doing it in a Class B Sprinter van. The similarity between <a href="../../../../used-cruising-yachts-for-sale/" target="_blank">cruising boats</a> and these RVs is striking. The motor coach offers spread-out living spaces, multiple slides with king-size bed, formal dining area, recliner chairs, and a luxurious bath with separate shower and washer/dryer. The converted Sprinter van is a cramped shoebox that may include a portable toilet. Which appeals to you to live in for a year?</p>
<p>(<a href="../../../../New-Nordic-Tugs-For-Sale/" target="_blank">Nordic Tug Boats</a> are efficient cruisers that are capable of handling the Great Loop. The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Nordic-Tugs-40" target="_blank">Nordic Tug 40</a> is featured below and available through Seattle Yachts.)</p>
<p><img title="Nordic Tug 40" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/nordic-tug-40.jpg?cb=7BC58705-D934-5C03-21791672EADF48E7" alt="Nordic Tug 40" width="800" height="446" /> </p>
<p>Some suggested boats are not much more than pocket cruisers. Think about that. You will be living together for months on the boat, your home for 8 months or more. Where do you think you will put everything, the clothes, provisions, spares, tools, books and whatever for a year-long trip? A weekender is not going to make for a happy wife. On a small boat, every element of the boat must serve several purposes. A wet head, and daily need to fold and unfold furniture grows old quickly.</p>
<p>On the other hand, a trawler large enough for two people and their stuff is ideal for this adventure. The trawler lifestyle is about being comfortable and relaxed, and fully self-sufficient with the comforts of home. That is just not possible in a boat under a certain size. Will you be happy seeking out a laundromat on a regular basis for the better part of a year? I certainly would not, and I won’t even ask my wife...</p>
<p>Life is better on a larger trawler that has multiple spaces to relax, eat, read, write a blog, chill, and Zoom with family members to catch up with the latest news.</p>
<p>Let me share some information from a couple who did the Great Loop on their <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Grand-Banks-Yachts">Grand Banks </a>42 Classic. That is a typical, good size for full time liveaboard cruising. Drawing a couple of inches more than 4 feet, however, they ran aground 17 times in their 5,605 miles Loop, which included the Trent Severn Waterway. (See map of their route.)</p>
<p><img title="Great Loop Route Map" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/great-loop-route-map.jpg?cb=3B6A72B7-A095-C017-83BB532980320747" alt="Great Loop Route Map" width="782" height="900" /></p>
<p>(Map used with permission Raven Cove Publishing, <a href="http://www.greatloop.com">www.greatloop.com</a>.)</p>
<p>They took a year, spending 253 days en route, with 136 days under way. The couple put 656 hours on their Lehman diesels, burning 2,825 gallons of diesel at an 8.5 mph average speed. All told, they spent about $24,000 to do the trip (I adjusted for current fuel prices), which included $10,000 for repairs along the way. (This figure does not, however, include an additional $15,000 for a new generator and inverter midway on their trip. Such is the reality of cruising on an older boat.)</p>
<p>For those who like details, the couple visited 19 states and provinces, traveled on 51 waterways, visited 90 marinas for 171 nights, went through 101 locks, and anchored, moored, or tied to a lock wall 52 times. They took more than 4,000 pictures.</p>
<p>Anyone interested in more detail of this trip-of-a-lifetime should check out the American Great Loop Cruisers Association (greatloop.org). The organization offers the most up-to-date information for anyone planning a Great Loop experience. They host rendezvous events at key locations along the Loop, are at many boat shows, and offer easy ways to connect with other like-minded people. The AGLCA maintains online resources that clarify the latest physical restrictions and recommendations for size, height, draft, beam, and other important data points for all variations of the Great Loop.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Related: <a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My suggestion is to write down the parameters of the route you want to do, then put together a list of requirements for the boat. In addition to being comfortable for a couple as a home during the trip, with the modern conveniences we now expect, it also needs certain equipment, layout, and hardware to safely serve your needs.</p>
<p>The best Loop boat will have a range of at least 500 miles. Having to refuel every day or every other day forces stops at marinas and takes away much of the freedom that a trawler provides. It can become a kind of delivery, with time schedules and route planning. The beauty of the trawler concept is self-sufficiency, which includes a longer range to fill up when the price is right. That couple with the Grand Banks 42 were able to travel from Brewerton, New York, all the way to DeTour Village, Michigan, without needing to buy expensive diesel fuel for the month they traveled on Canadian waters. The GB carries 650 gallons of fuel and 300 gallons of water, which makes for a competent, self-sufficient trawler.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is just one of several canals you'll cruise through along the Great Loop.)</p>
<p><img title="Canal on the Great Loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/canal-on-the-great-loop.jpg?cb=3CF76A06-FF7B-FE89-AF0AF0619CB613D6" alt="Canal on the Great Loop" width="800" height="449" /></p>
<p>Being able to run for four or five hours (the couple averaged 4.8 hours per day), then find a nice place to anchor or stop for the day. There are many guides. As one veteran told me, it is best to go for two days, then take a day off. Sound advice I’ve often followed.</p>
<p>In terms of performance, newer electronic engines (both diesel and gas) can handle the slower speeds of the Loop, which on canals, is limited to 5 mph. The rest of the time, depending on the boat, of course, up to 12 knots is a good target speed that balances fuel economy with making progress to see North America. This is where I make a case for displacement or semi-displacement trawlers. Big engines and fast cruisers are not the best choice for this adventure. Blasting around the Loop at high speed has been done, but what is the point? Did you even see anything? Again, as that Grand Banks couple were typical cruisers, they only went about 40 miles a day.</p>
<p>The new generation of cruising boats that are outboard powered will probably not have that kind of range, but offer other benefits, such as more internal storage. It is one of the tradeoffs of selecting a boat that works for you. An outboard-powered boat may be worth it if your plans after completing the Loop involve local cruising where you won’t need a full-time home afloat.</p>
<p>One consideration is the dinghy. Unless you have a small boat, chances are you will want to carry a dinghy. As you look at the cruising boat choices out there, think about how you can store a dinghy (and its outboard), then launch it, and retrieve it. Now imagine doing that a lot if you like to anchor out or explore from the mothership. The occasional frustration and inconvenience of dealing with a dinghy on some boats for a weekend will become a dreaded nightmare if it happens frequently. Wrestling an outboard over the side to mount it on the dinghy is not what most people look forward to. Unfortunately, towing a dinghy is impractical and not always safe.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Hampton-590-Motor-Yacht" target="_blank">590 Motor Yacht</a>, built by <a href="../../../../New-Hampton-Yachts-For-Sale/">Hampton Yachts</a>, has the draft and bridge clearance to be a wonderful boat for the Great Loop.)</p>
<p><img title="Hampton Yacht Great Loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hampton-yacht-for-great-loop.jpg?cb=465996BB-C74C-101B-17409548E5578649" alt="Hampton Yacht Great Loop" width="800" height="433" /></p>
<p>Unfortunately, dinghy storage and launching systems are an afterthought on many cruising boats. (One pet peeve of mine is when people install those dinghy snaps on the swim platform to flip the dinghy vertically against the transom, which covers up the boat’s name and hailing port. Put the boat name on the bottom of the dinghy!)</p>
<p>Another important consideration is the ease of managing locks on the canals with just two people. A boat without side decks makes for a scramble while line handling. It is great if you have a midship cleat just outside the helm, so a spring line can be easily set by the person at the controls.</p>
<p>As I’ve said before, there will be the inevitable unexpected repair costs associated with owning an older boat and taking it on a year-long cruise. This is something to think about when planning the Loop. Do not just buy a boat, load your stuff, and leave. Get to know it and get comfortable with all aspects of boat operation. While you may not be far away from civilization and its services, it is best to go over all systems ahead of time, perhaps including an engine survey to eliminate problems during the trip. Twenty-year-old hoses may need to be replaced, electrical wiring checked for corrosion, possibly new batteries, and systems serviced as necessary.</p>
<p>Enrolling in the BoatUS towing service is well worth it. Same for Sea Tow in regions it serves.</p>
<p>There is one unique and humorous aspect of the Great Loop that many don’t realize, especially cruisers used to the self-sufficiency mantra. Pete Kopchak presented his trip to our audience early on when the trip was still called the Great Circle. (The AGLCA did not yet exist and Pete and his wife were early pioneers.) The couple spent four years preparing their Hatteras LRC 42 for the trip.</p>
<p>Fully stocked and provisioned, with spares for everything, they did the Great Loop...and returned home with all those provisions and parts they had so carefully stored and documented. We all laughed when Pete reflected that they planned as if they were heading deep into the Amazon, when, in reality, they were stopping for the night in places like Albany, Michigan City, Charleston, and Mobile.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island is a popular stopping point in Charleston along The Great Loop.)</p>
<p><img title="Bohicket Marina on The Great Loop" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/charleston-marina-on-great-loop-trip.jpg?cb=3DC8340B-0C2E-1E05-955CF896181735D8" alt="Bohicket Marina on The Great Loop" width="800" height="400" /></p>
<p>I have done sections of the Loop and my best advice is to slow down and enjoy it. Remember, it is not a delivery and you are not likely to come this way again. I try (usually in vain) to get Loopers I meet to not do the Chesapeake Bay in three days (Norfolk to Solomons to Annapolis to C&D Canal). That is what they do, however, and while they may later say they saw the Chesapeake, no, they did not see the Chesapeake. The same can be said for most other areas along the Loop. The Thousand Islands comes to mind, as does Charleston and New York City. The Rideau Canal is a magical side trip, the Great Lakes are impressive (and freshwater!), and the Gulf Coast, South Florida, and the ICW all have charm of their own.</p>
<p>It is no wonder many people from around this country and Canada hope one day to do the Great Loop. From what my broker friends tell me, it has grown in popularity with couples and families from across Europe and Down Under.</p>
<p>It is a special way to see and experience North America, and lifelong friendships, experiences, and memories are guaranteed.</p>
<p>What are you waiting for?</p>
<p>(Also read: <strong><a href="../../../../news/taking-on-the-great-loop">Taking On The Great Loop!</a> and <a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop" target="_blank">Preparing For The Great Loop</a>)</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lets-go-on-the-great-loop">Let's Go On The Great Loop!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/guide-to-how-much-the-great-loop-costs">Guide To How Much The Great Loop Costs</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-dawn-of-the-paperless-helm">Dawn Of The Paperless Helm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="seattleyachts.com/news/heading-out-for-the-summer">Heading Out For The Summer: The Triangle Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/boat-tools-how-do-you-keep-yours">Boat Tools: A 4-Part Series</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
</ul> |
The Great Loop |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
The Great Loop |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop is the quintessential trawler yacht lifestyle experience and we highly recommend it. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
the-great-loop.jpg |
2020-07-10 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/the-great-loop |
[empty string] |
The Great Loop |
[empty string] |
43 |
[empty string] |
51 |
90 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-05-01 00:00:00.0 |
2020-05-01 00:00:00.0 |
120 |
[empty string] |
120 |
<p>I am now in my 8th week of self-isolation and quarantine, and rather than climbing the walls at home, we have settled into new routines. While authorities still urge us to stay home where I live, they are beginning to ease restrictions in other parts of the country and people and businesses are slowly coming back to life. This is great news. We need the country back online as soon as safely possible.</p>
<p>I have no doubt we will continue certain personal protection practices with physical distancing for some time to come, until we have the necessary vaccine and treatment programs. It will be a new normal for sure.</p>
<p>In many ways, though, have you noticed how much simpler life has become? I now live in what we call “The Living Module,” the central living space in our home where we spend most of our time. The other rooms—kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office—are places we briefly visit from time to time. It is clear we could just as easily live on a boat, with well-designed and efficient spaces and systems to support The Living Module.</p>
<p>People able to work remotely have found it possible and perhaps even desirable, depending on their job responsibilities. Video conferencing is now a mainstay of our social and business connection, and I doubt that will go away when this crisis winds down. I never really took advantage of Facetime before but now find it indispensable to keep in touch with family and friends. There is something to be said for seeing a face along with a voice.</p>
<p>To be honest, I am kind of happy to be living a simpler life, out of the “normal” routine of lunch and dinner dates, meetings, and shopping as a distraction or a sport depending on your persuasion.</p>
<p><strong>The Silver Lining of Quarantine - A Chance to Return to Self</strong></p>
<p>Another result of these lifestyle changes is that we have become more focused and self-reliant. We get by with what we have in our pantry and freezer. (Contests to see how many creative ways to serve Spam have become legend.) And when it is time to replenish our provisions, we are not aimlessly wandering store aisles. Dressed in masks, gloves, and eye protection, I come prepared with a list. I see others doing the same thing every time I go to the store, and I concentrate on the essentials that we need and have room for, along with a few special treats for the weekend.</p>
<p>We also spend more time together, even if that means we are doing our own thing. I may be reading a book or tinkering in the garage, while Laurene is busy in the garden or on her laptop in The Living Module. Our dog, Annie, splits her time between us. We are never out of touch and reconnect frequently during the day. I do the cooking, and meals are something to look forward to, rather than throwing something together because it is that time. I am also way more careful with the food I bring home and work hard to use it all and make it last. I am even aware of how much toilet paper and paper towels we use.</p>
<p>Does all of this sound familiar to you cruisers out there? We are refining our awareness and learning to live with what we have, and not wasting resources and our time without purpose.</p>
<p>When something stops working or makes a funny sound, these days it gets my attention and I try to figure it out. My isolation brings out my problem solving, handyman, MacGyver. Mindful of the risks of going out and the hassle of donning hazmat gear to go to the hardware store, do I have anything to fix it with what I have on hand? I usually do. Every cruiser can relate.</p>
<p>I was into the tiny home concept way a long time ago. I loved living on boats, a fabulous experience. And at every boat show, what a joy to listen to the stories from couples living on their boats. They would tell me that their Monk 36 or Grand Banks or Valiant 40 was the perfect size to live aboard and spend months together in the tropics or New England or the Pacific Northwest. Within their Living Module they have all they need: water, provisions, galley, head, berths, and storage. Everything within reach and the satisfaction of doing more with less. There is always space to store a sewing machine or grinding wheel if those are important.</p>
<p>Spending less time socializing has been a bit of a cleanse as well. By not going out as often, we avoid the same trap that awaits many new cruisers when they first take off, and later discover that not every evening should be considered Saturday Night and time for a party on the beach.</p>
<p>I live in Annapolis, but I could easily replicate my situation anywhere in this country. Or even better, on a boat, which offers the splendid option of casting off lines and moving simply for a change in scenery, even if only a few miles away. Much like the turtle symbol of the original MTOA (Marine Trader Owners Association), wherever you stop, you are home.</p>
<p>Sounds about right to me.</p>
<p>My other conclusion from this period has nothing to do with quarantine, only the timing and how it surfaced. It is the subject for my next article, where I make a case for buying a new boat.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Articles By Bill Parlatore</span>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/clearing-up-the-confusion-of-prop-nuts">Clearing Up The Confusion About Prop Nuts</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/reinvention-during-the-big-pause">Reinvention During The Big Pause</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/weathering-the-storm">Weathering The Storm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/lockdown-in-paradise">Lockdown in Paradise</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-healthy-distraction-and-get-your-boat-ready-for-spring">A Healthy Distraction</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What's The Best Cruising Boat For You?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">Notes About Cruising The South Pacific</a></li>
</ul> |
Isolation Is Making Us Better Cruisers |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Being at home is making us better cruisers by giving us more of an appreciation for freedom on the water. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-on-a-yacht.jpg |
2020-05-01 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
isolation-is-making-us-better-cruisers |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/isolation-is-making-us-better-cruisers |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
52 |
92 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-04-10 00:00:00.0 |
2020-04-10 00:00:00.0 |
117 |
[empty string] |
117 |
<p>By now, most of the world is closed for the duration of this pandemic. As restrictions tighten, the general guidelines are to stay home, off the roads, out of stores, and away from other people. Those of us hunkered down at home must find projects and other distractions to keep busy and stay positive.</p>
<p>Governors of both Maryland and Virginia have made it illegal to be out on Chesapeake Bay for recreation. We are to stay off the water. Period.</p>
<p>How long will these restrictions last? It is anyone’s guess, although current projections are that Maryland will peak, in terms of new coronavirus cases, around April 17th. (See http://covid19.healthdata.org/ for the latest data available for each country and states within the U.S.)</p>
<p>For cruisers out there, it is a changing landscape of uncertainty. Several yachting organizations, such as the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC), now collect the latest government announcements, including mandatory quarantines, as a resource for the cruising community. For the most part, if cruisers are already in paradise, they may stay put, although many countries don’t allow them off the boat, except during very limited times to buy food and other essentials. This is to protect both cruisers and residents.</p>
<p>In other countries, especially in tropical island chains with minimal infrastructure, local officials want cruisers gone asap, by any means necessary, without regard to where these cruisers might go. It is a troubling situation.</p>
<p>Borders are closed around the world. Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand are closed for foreign vessels. So is Tonga, Fiji, and much of the other Pacific island groups. In Thailand and Malaysia, cruisers must endure a quarantine period, then leave the country at once. Across the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and South Pacific, it is the same. You are not welcome, so please leave and stay away.</p>
<p>Within the U.S., restrictions vary by state and local government. Many marinas and boat services are closed, and when vessels enter the country, mandatory quarantines may be imposed based on where you are. Town mayors have their own rules. In Oriental, NC, for example, the mayor recently instituted a 14-day quarantine. In other state counties, transient cruisers are not even allowed to anchor.</p>
<p>On the East Coast, cruisers wanting to travel the protected Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) will find it risky business, as services, fuel, and marinas are not guaranteed to be available. A helpful resource is the Waterway Guide (http://waterwayguide.com), and its COVID-19 Marina/Service Reports, which lists the status of marina and services on the ICW.</p>
<p>(Seen below: You can narrow down the open and closed marinas by state on hte Waterway Guide website.)</p>
<p><img title="waterway guide website marina" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/waterway-guide-marine-closure.jpg?cb=EAD9ADFD-9684-572C-CFD16D39A8102CF0" alt="waterway guide website marina" width="800" height="564" /></p>
<p><strong>How are cruisers handling this time of uncertainly?</strong></p>
<p>I contacted Emily Whebbe (with whom I shared the OCC booth in Annapolis) about her thoughts on at-anchor living while this is going on. She and her family live aboard their 42-foot sailboat, often secluded in an anchorage. I asked how she and her family were doing and what recommendations she has.</p>
<p>She told me they spent the winter months in South Carolina, just north of Charleston. They look forward to heading up to Maine as soon as the weather warms up. But they will keep their distance from others.</p>
<p>As for suggestions for at-anchorage living, she offers:</p>
<p>“Have a good grasp on your boat’s energy usage and its ability to recharge your battery bank without shore power. Lots of marina boats never get the chance to know their usage during a 24-hour period, nor do they know how fast or efficiently they can recharge their batteries.</p>
<p>“A large battery bank isn’t very helpful if you have limited or inefficient ways of charging it. Solar is helpful (we have 840 watts). Victron Energy has an easy-to-use battery monitor and software that provides data on how much energy is being used and generated from various sources.”</p>
<p>Emily said that having a watermaker is a big plus for isolated living at anchor, although they can still go ashore in the dinghy and refill their water tank if they can’t get into a dock or marina.</p>
<p>A good dinghy is a requirement. Being able to explore and get to shore easily and without getting wet is a good thing. Traveling long distances by dinghy is valuable if one is unable to anchor close to shore or needs to stay out of a harbor due to anchoring restrictions.</p>
<p>Food storage is also important, more so now during this crisis. Having enough food onboard, stored properly, allows them to stay in areas without a grocery store while practicing social distancing. She uses a vacuum sealer to extend food shelf life significantly. And the boat has a dedicated freezer, which is key for keeping meat and fruits/veggies much longer.</p>
<p>As I read the daily social media during this lockdown, I find that food and cooking are hot topics among cruisers right now. There are even groups dedicated to sharing meal ideas. List what food you have on hand and others will suggest interesting and tasty meals that can be made with them. This is very helpful when one doesn’t find inspiration by what’s in the pantry and grocery shopping or going to a restaurant are no longer options.</p>
<p>A lot of recipe sharing involves baking bread. Seems cruisers really miss their English Muffins and Naan bread as those recipes are particularly popular. And cooking while conserving precious propane is on everyone’s priority list.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The interior galley and salon of the Hanse Yachts 388 offers plenty of living space. A 2020 model is on its way to Seattle Yachts!)</p>
<p><img title="salon of hanse yachts 388" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/hanse-yachts-388.jpg?cb=EB4B5A95-9E7E-53D1-DB3B1F0DE0C360E6" alt="salon of hanse yachts 388" width="800" height="517" /></p>
<p><strong>Bye Bye Bahamas</strong></p>
<p><em>Veteran cruiser and friend, Will Heyer, got back to me right away. I wanted his take on life in the Bahamas. Will’s comments:</em></p>
<p>Hey Bill,</p>
<p>We have been on a mooring in Abaco (Hope Town) since November 25th. We have enough solar to run everything on the boat.</p>
<p>Food here is plentiful, however, water can be an issue. We catch rainwater easily and buy bottled drinking water at the grocery. We have been able to get bulk water from the local marina as well on occasion. We keep our tank topped up, given the current situation, by filling jerry jugs every few days. This is only possible when the marina runs its generator and watermaker. We are eight months post Hurricane Dorian and there is still no power here in Elbow Cay.</p>
<p>Internet is pretty good in most of the Bahamas but is getting overwhelmed with this lockdown. It is much like Spring break but there is no one here. Best to use it off hours.</p>
<p>While we are a fixture here in Hope Town and most locals know us, residents here and on other Cays have voiced concern and are not welcoming cruisers with their normal enthusiasm. On some of the islands to the south, foreign boaters are not allowed on shore. They have been served written notice by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and provided local phone numbers for food delivery to the dock.</p>
<p>I don’t know any marinas in the Abacos allowing transient boats to dock except to buy fuel, and even that is on a limited schedule.</p>
<p>If we make a grocery run only one of us goes ashore. Stores only allow a limited amount of people to shop at any given time so there can be lines of people. All liquor stores are closed.</p>
<p>While there has not been a single case of COVID-19 here in Abaco there have been some in Nassau and two cases in Freeport. The concern is that there are no medical facilities here or on any of the out islands to handle this.</p>
<p>The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued an advisory for all US-flagged vessels to return to the States. Given the recent Bahamian restrictions on inter-island travel we will take the next weather window back to the U.S.</p>
<p>We will then battle our way up the ICW or hop offshore to Annapolis.</p>
<p>Will & Muffin<br />S/V Antares<br />Hope Town</p>
<p>(Seen below: A recent update on Facebook shows the Treasure Cay Marina is still able to sell fuel.)</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftreasurecayresort%2Fposts%2F10158633059554245&width=500" width="500" height="560" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<p>I checked in with Hugh Scarth, the Canadian cruiser with whom we discussed provisioning for extended cruising back in January. I wondered how Hugh and Maria were doing aboard White Pearl, their <a href="../../../../New-Hampton-Yachts-For-Sale/">Hampton Yachts</a> 55 PHMY. The couple’s plans for the season were no doubt affected by this pandemic and I wanted to hear how they were.</p>
<p>Hugh said they just got back to Canada a few days ago. Their plans to cruise to Grenada at the end of the season simply fell apart as this crisis developed. When things began to sour in the Bahamas their options really dwindled. Going south from the Bahamas was out of the question, and even heading back to the U.S. became more challenging as the days went on and Florida began closing marinas and services. The couple spent “a few long days” traveling from Long Island in the Bahamas to the Lake Worth Inlet in Florida.</p>
<p>Hugh feels they made the right decision. “As we moved along it felt like the doors were closing behind us. Currently the Bahamas are making it difficult for cruisers to get supplies or even move from island to island, let alone get off their boat. The marinas along the East Coast are closing. And fuel and grocery supplies will become less available as time goes on.”</p>
<p>Adding to the stress of the pandemic, with hurricane season approaching, there was no way they could simply tie up the boat in some marina and walk away. Thankfully, they were able to haul White Pearl near Stuart, Florida, and safely return to Canada.</p>
<p>The essential qualities of seasoned cruisers include being prepared with the proper equipment, having enough supplies and food to weather the storm, and remaining flexible in a world they cannot control. I think Emily’s thoughts of at-anchor living, and the shared experiences of both Will and Hugh, should give us a more mindful view on cruising. We must assume responsibility for ourselves and our crew: in preparation, provisioning, and day-to-day living. It is folly to assume there will always be a safety net out there.</p>
<p>From that point of view, I think this pandemic ordeal, however difficult it may be to get through, will make us stronger and more capable cruisers. In addition to other qualities, the ability to live in the moment, with enough situational awareness to anticipate and adapt one’s plans, is the foundation of sensible cruising.</p>
<p>It is also the difference between an experience and a nightmare.</p>
<p><br />If you have a story about your own cruising or related experiences during this difficult time, we would love to hear from you. Sharing your experience with the rest of the cruising community helps us all.</p>
<p>We are in this together!</p>
<p>Please contact me at <a href="mailto:billp@seattleyachts.com">billp@seattleyachts.com</a> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are other recent, popular articles written by Bill Parlatore</span>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/weathering-the-storm">Weathering The Storm</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-healthy-distraction-and-get-your-boat-ready-for-spring">A Healthy Distraction</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What's The Best Cruising Boat For You?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">Notes About Cruising The South Pacific</a></li>
</ul> |
Lockdown In Paradise |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
How are cruisers and their boats holding up at this time? |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
cruising-yachts-during-lockdown.jpg |
2020-04-10 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
lockdown-in-paradise |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/lockdown-in-paradise |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
53 |
95 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-03-11 00:00:00.0 |
2020-03-11 00:00:00.0 |
111 |
[empty string] |
111 |
<p>There are many reasons people decide to go cruising. It is a wonderful lifestyle for those who like to travel, meet like-minded people, and experience the world on a different level. We’ve talked before about one’s style of cruising, but no matter what your approach to the cruising life, the one common requirement is that you need a boat.</p>
<p>A cruising boat is one large enough to live on while traveling from place to place. It may or may not involve crossing an ocean or other large bodies of water, it may be for a couple of weeks each year or it may be full time spanning years.</p>
<p>Walk the docks of any boat show and the diverse number of cruising boats is overwhelming, in terms of design ideas and how best to get everything into such a small space. For young couples aiming for the “experience,” they may be willing to accept the compromise of small living spaces and minimal creature comforts. Many successful cruises have been made in pocket cruisers.</p>
<p>But for today’s experienced and mature cruisers, there are certain necessary requirements in terms of living space, storage, and comfort in a hull shape and size that is safe, stable, and more than simply livable.</p>
<p>Since the beginning of recreational cruising, the boat of choice has been a sailboat, as big or as small as one could manage and make work. Sailboats are seaworthy and well proven. Properly outfitted, they can be comfortable to live on at anchor, at the dock, and safe under way while exploring the world. A look around any coastal anchorage is proof they are also a popular choice for full-time liveaboards as well.</p>
<p>I love sailing. It is a fabulous sport, but I admit it is not the most efficient way to get somewhere, and only really works if one has lots of time. Yes, a trade wind route around the world with steady winds blowing from astern is the perfect scenario for a sailboat, but let’s be honest. The number of people who pursue that level of cruising—world cruising—is relatively small.</p>
<p>No, most cruising people are more interested in coastal cruising. Two people and a cat or dog, intent on living aboard for weeks or even months at a time. They may be headed up north during the summer, or to tropical islands and warmer seaports during the winter season. For East Coast cruisers in the U.S. and Canada, at some point it includes the annual, 1,200-mile trip down the ICW to reach <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Fort-Lauderdale-Florida">South Florida</a> in the fall as either the destination or as a jumping off point over to the islands. With a return trip up the ICW in the spring to head north. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve done this ICW marathon. In my experience, it is the rare couple who leisurely “cruise” up or down the ICW. For most of us we go into delivery mode to get away from the approaching cold weather, or the motivating smells of spring pulling us north. Either way, it involves many long days of travel. But that is another subject for another time.</p>
<p>(Seen below: For coastal cruising, downeast-style boats make an excellent option for a couple. <a href="../../../../New-Legacy-Yachts-For-Sale/">Legacy Yachts</a> are among the best in the industry.)</p>
<p><img title="legacy yachts downeast boats" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/legacy-yachts-cruising-boat.jpg?cb=E0912A13-E4A3-D828-5E81783F35BFA242" alt="legacy yachts downeast boats" width="800" height="428" /> </p>
<p><strong>Camping or Comfort?</strong></p>
<p>When one is young, the ability to put up with compromise is amazing, especially looking back with older eyes. In the 1970s, I lived aboard a Tahiti Ketch in <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Seattle-Washington">Seattle</a>. I was single and working my way up the corporate ladder. In the winter, my leather dress shoes lived in my car trunk, and putting them on each morning is a chilly memory.</p>
<p>Ten years later, I bought a brand-new Baba 30, a sweet sailing gem designed by Robert Perry. It was less money than real estate prices in the Annapolis area at the time, and as I was still single, the boat allowed me to combine my love of living on the water with a romantic studio apartment. It was before the rage of the tiny home movement, and I loved it.</p>
<p>When I now look back at those days, the forward V-berth was impossible to properly make the bed, a far cry from the island queen berths on my later boats. And she had a wet head rather than a dry head with a separate shower. The all-in-one head concept isn’t a compromise my wife would tolerate today beyond a weekend. There was no dishwasher, washer/dryer, or air conditioning. At the time, it didn’t matter to me. Today, it would.</p>
<p>And then there is the issue of being exposed in a sailboat under way. Long days in an open cockpit are tiring and can really wear you down if you are on the move day after day. Can you imagine driving a convertible cross country, the top down the entire way, night and day, rain or shine? So, it is no surprise to see so many full cockpit enclosures these days, great structures of Sunbrella and eisenglass, surrounding the aft or center cockpit on cruising sailboats.</p>
<p>These enclosures offer great protection from the elements, but also make it difficult to go sailing. Guess what? At this point in their evolution as cruisers, these people no longer sail their boat. It is common knowledge that coastal cruisers routinely motor 85 percent of the time. I’ve heard this time and again for years from guys in the industry and fellow cruisers. Living aboard full time, it is just easier to start the engine when getting under way. Things don’t have to be put away or secured down below, and what about the solar panels, wind generators, bikes, SUPs, and other cruising stuff?</p>
<p>As one builder of performance sailboats says when comparing its line of light air performance models, if you motor most of the time in the conditions you cruise in, buy a motorboat.</p>
<p>There is another thing you’ll see on the decks of your typical cruising sailboat, the collection of diesel jerry cans tied on the side decks to the lifeline stanchions. Portable containers of diesel fuel are a standard addition to every cruising sailboat. There are two reasons for this. First, in many anchorages we buy fuel on land and transport it back to the boat in the dinghy. It allows us to refill our fuel tank at anchor.</p>
<p>The second reason, and one of particular significance to this article, is that the cruising sailboats we’re talking about, in the 35 to 45-foot range, are built with limited fuel capacity. This means the boat doesn’t carry enough fuel to provide much range. A Catalina 42 carries 38 gallons of diesel and has a range of 200+ nm if one slows down. Even a proven bluewater sailboat, such as a Hallberg-Rassy 43, carries just over 100 gallons of fuel. One of my favorite cruising sailboats is the Valiant 42, which comes standard with 77-gallon tankage, with additional optional tanks.</p>
<p>Refilling the main fuel tank becomes a frequent routine, not to mention feeding the genset to power the watermaker and other appliances and charge the batteries.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Moody-54-Decksaloon">Moody 54</a> Enclosed Deck is a cruising option for those wanting protection from the elements. Seattle is a <a href="../../../../New-Moody-Yachts-For-Sale/">Moody</a>, <a href="../../../../New-Hanse-Yachts-For-Sale/">Hanse</a>, and <a href="../../../../New-Dehler-Yachts-For-Sale/">Dehler</a> dealer.)</p>
<p><img title="Moody Sailboat Enclosed Deck Cruiser" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/moody-yachts-enclosed-deck.jpg?cb=E0C5034C-D1A1-F54E-A21D7EC2AC465028" alt="Moody Sailboat Enclosed Deck Cruiser" width="800" height="451" /></p>
<p><strong>What Is The Ideal Speed For A Cruising Boat?</strong></p>
<p>So where am I going with this? <a href="../../../../New-Hanse-Yachts-For-Sale/">Cruising sailboats</a> have a small diesel engine to push the slippery hull shape at displacement speeds. It is common for a 40-50hp diesel engine to drive the boat, turning a two or three-blade fixed or folding propeller.</p>
<p>While the kind of cruising we’re discussing is not leading up to a circumnavigation, some experts insist that having sufficient range is important regardless. One sailing and cruising authority recommends enough fuel to go 600-800 miles while able to maintain 6 knots. Even if one is not doing those miles all at once, it maintains a degree of self-sufficiency away from a fuel dock.</p>
<p>Now for some quick math. The Catalina 42’s engine, running at 80% load, burns 1.4gph at 7.1 knots. With a 10 % fuel reserve, at that speed the boat has a range of just over 170nm. The Hallberg-Rassy 43 burns 1.2gph at 6.5 knots, for a range of under 500 nm, again with a 10% fuel reserve.</p>
<p>Of course, those ranges can be extended by slowing down but at what point is slowing down to less than 6 knots a reasonable proposition?</p>
<p>Let me introduce an alternative in this range and fuel tank discussion, after which we can expand to other elements of an ideal cruising boat. Let’s take a look at the American Tug 435, a solid choice for a trawler-type cruiser with a single, electronically controlled Cummins diesel engine. The 43-footer carries 640 gallons of fuel. Using the same fuel reserve as before, the calculations for the American Tug show its range is 2,456nm running the boat at 6.5 knots, burning 1.6 gph. Speed up to 7.7 knots and the range decreases to a still respectable 1,777nm, burning 2.6gph.</p>
<p>The popular <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Fleming-Yachts">Fleming 55</a> now comes with twin Cummins QSC engines. According to its website, running at 7.5 knots, the boat burns 2.4gph for a range of 2,788nm. Speed up to 10 knots (which is a sweet spot for this boat) and the range drops to 1,470nm.</p>
<p>Look at the fuel burn for various versions of the venerable <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Grand-Banks-Yachts">Grand Banks 42 Classic</a>, not a slippery hull shape by any description. These wide and roomy trawlers were built with twin 120 Lehmans, twin Cat 3208s, twin Cummins 210s, even twin John Deere 135s. However, the numbers are similar. At 8.5-8.8 knots, these boats burn about 4gph. Slow down to 6.5-7 knots and the gallons per hour is halved.</p>
<p>By staying close to a cruising speed of 6.5-7.5 knots, even larger cruising motor yachts and trawlers can offer great range without burning hundreds of gallons of fuel each day (costing $$$). They are all capable of running in the mid-teens or faster, but with electronic engines, keeping the speed down is economical and provides serious range for the kind of cruising most couples realistically plan. One can count on consistent distances each day without having to buy fuel as often. While engine companies recommend running an engine at 75 percent load most of the time, the marvels of electronic engines open this up to a wider performance envelope.</p>
<p>This speed will get you where you are going with the least amount of fuss and anxiety. Things happen quickly when you are running along at 25 knots, and it is tiring. There is a sweet spot for every boat, where speed and fuel burn are most efficient.</p>
<p>This brings me back to the value of a <a href="../../../../news/the-case-for-the-semi-displacement-hull-shape">semi-displacement cruising powerboat</a> which offers this kind of economical operation and hull form stability while also being able to get up to speed to cross an exposed body of water within a favorable weather window. Having large fuel tankage, yet consuming small amounts of fuel each day, is the secret weapon of the trawler concept. It represents an ideal cruising boat that can cruise without worry about fuel and water as it has enough of both.</p>
<p>If you are in a hurry, buy an airline ticket.</p>
<p>(Seen below: <a href="../../../../New-Tartan-Yachts-For-Sale/">Tartan Yachts</a> builds one of the most durable sailboats available and are known to be extremely seaworthy for cruising.)</p>
<p><img title="tartan yachts cruising sailboats" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tartan-yachts-cruising-sailboat.jpg?cb=E151179C-C03E-2ACE-2971E48DD009443A" alt="tartan yachts cruising sailboats" width="800" height="447" /></p>
<p><strong>A Case for The Best Cruising Boat</strong></p>
<p>Let’s expand on other elements that make a convincing argument for this kind of boat, whether you call it a trawler or not. In fact, let’s deal with that issue right now, as it is a recurring question. Just what is a trawler? (Also Read:<strong> <a href="../../../../Buying-And-Owning-Trawler-Yachts">Buying & Owning A Trawler Yacht</a></strong>.)<br /> <br />The word trawler means different things to different people. When the growth of the cruising world introduced the oxymoron of “fast trawlers” to the cruising community, many people asked me how to define a trawler as the choices blurred any semblance to tradition. Then there were power catamarans coming into the trawler market, and all sorts of Downeast-inspired cruising boats.</p>
<p>My answer is that at some point, the word trawler no longer accurately described a particular boat shape or speed, but rather is best considered a metaphor for the lifestyle. Go to any trawler gathering, and you will see a wide range of boats that may or may not fit your definition of a trawler, but on which its owners absolutely enjoy the trawler lifestyle. Safe, comfortable travel and adventure with all the comforts of home.</p>
<p>Modern cruising boats demand lots of energy, as we prefer the convenience of refrigeration, dedicated freezers, lots of electronics, air conditioning, laundry and other appliances. Even on sailboats these are now standard. Supplying constant energy to cruising boats is often beyond the ability of a solar panel or two. A trip to the BVIs from Charleston on a large sailing cat was an eye-opener. The electrical demands of its systems, computers, and beefy autopilot meant the generator ran 24/7. Who dreams of the silence and beauty of sailing that includes the constant hum of a genset?</p>
<p>Decades ago, the very idea and perceived dangers of electricity on a boat were avoided at all costs. But with today’s cruising lifestyle, the necessity for electricity and all that it brings aboard is significant. Navigation electronics, radar, watermaker, windlass, computer, freezer, refrigeration, autopilot...the cruising sailboat that does not rely heavily on electrical systems is rare to the point of extinction in 2020. Today’s cruising sailboats and powerboats are full of equipment and systems that require constant source of electricity.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Northern-Marine-57-Raised-Pilothouse">Northern Marine 57</a> offfers the advantages of a trawler yacht for long distance cruising. Seattle Yachts has a <a href="../../../../New-Northern-Marine-Yachts-For-Sale/">Northern Marine</a> 57 currently in production.)</p>
<p><img title="northern marine trawler yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/northern-marine-57-trawler.jpg?cb=E128AE1E-DBC9-9B0E-307F8E7BF38F569F" alt="northern marine trawler yacht" width="800" height="463" /></p>
<p><strong>What Does the Best Cruising Boat Look Like?</strong></p>
<p>So, my conclusion is that if one is looking for the ideal cruising boat, it would include the following:</p>
<p>Economical operation at 6.5-7.5 knots, with enough tankage to provide long range. (I don’t mention a specific mile range, as we’re not talking about crossing oceans. We’re simply talking about not needing to be on the lookout for fuel stops or carrying full jerry cans on deck. That 600-800nm range is enough. But for those still thinking about voyaging across oceans, I would argue that it is much easier, cheaper, and less stressful to simply ship your cruising boat over to the Mediterranean or some Pacific island group than to buy a boat that is capable of doing it on its own bottom, with all the necessary and expensive safety and other equipment that you otherwise don’t need.)</p>
<p>Accessibility to all systems and mechanical components. If it can be reached easily, it can be inspected, serviced, and repaired. I would not buy another boat that did not allow me to reach all major systems, batteries, and system components. It is just too important for a cruising boat. You may not be out in the middle of the ocean, but stranded in a remote cruising area you are still on your own.</p>
<p>A boat that is safe, comfortable, and a good shelter for its crew. In places like the Pacific Northwest where cold, wet weather is a fact of life, it is much more relaxing being inside a heated pilothouse than sitting in the cockpit at the helm in foul weather gear, exposed to wind and rain, everyone else huddled under the dodger.</p>
<p>The same protection for the crew is desirable in the tropics where the sun is hot and dangerous from constant exposure. Some like a flybridge for running in fine weather. That is not quite a desired feature where cold and wet conditions are prevalent. Given the choice of an inside helm, a flybridge, and/or a pilothouse, if I had to choose of one, I’d pick the pilothouse every time.</p>
<p>The cruising parameters of the best cruising boat avoids the draft of a large sailboat while also reducing the air draft restrictions of a tall rig. And a trawler will offer larger living spaces and storage for provisions and gear.</p>
<p>Some hull shapes provide stability, and there are active stabilizing systems, which work as well as the mainsail on a sailboat to keep things from rolling from side to side.</p>
<p>Dinghies may be easier to carry, launch, and retrieve from a cruising motorboat.</p>
<p>Unless the boat is going to be one’s permanent home, I suggest finding a boat that is just big enough to fit your needs in terms of living space and storage, but not much more. Avoid extra staterooms if you don’t need them, although there is value to having separate living spaces to get some private time, which is hard to find in a small boat. But a smaller boat will generally be simpler to operate, and less expensive to own and maintain.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The <a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Regency-P65">Regency P65 </a>interior is intended for luxury cruisers who also want to entertain.)</p>
<p><img title="regency cruising boats" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/regency-cruising-boats.jpg?cb=E175B1F4-A08C-A779-CA5AD34A81EEC1E6" alt="regency cruising boats" width="800" height="421" /></p>
<p><strong>But Wait…There’s More</strong></p>
<p>There is one final point worth making on this subject. To be the best cruising boat, a trawler of any kind requires a better than average installation of systems that include redundancy in critical areas and systems, which will be the subject of future articles. Trust me, my “blessing” as being the “Trawler Guy” meant I was invited/expected to be on every new launch and every delivery of a new boat model, no matter where or what time of year.</p>
<p>In case you haven’t guessed what that means, well it’s simple. Stuff<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> breaks</strong> </span>on a new boat, sometimes important stuff. It happens on every new boat. It is the nature of boat building, essentially putting together a lot of unrelated equipment and systems that are sourced from around the world. The chance of everything working and integrating properly right out of the box, especially on its first sea voyage, is zero.</p>
<p>Not every trip or delivery became an article because of this. (I always thought a book of those misadventures would be a top seller.)</p>
<p>Sailing is wonderful, but it is not always the best way to get somewhere. It highlights the classic balance between the journey and the destination. When I go sailing, it is all about the journey. Finding the groove by tweaking natural forces is a thrill second to none.</p>
<p>Conversely, running a powerboat becomes boring rather quickly if you are just out there and there is no destination in mind. Everyone I know who bought a jet ski got bored after about two weeks.</p>
<p>No place to go is the opposite of cruising.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Read more cruising-related articles written by <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>, Founder of Passagemaker Magazine</span>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you">What kind of cruiser are you?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">What to know about cruising the South Pacific</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-wish-list-a-couple-reveal-their-requirements-for-buying-a-yacht">The Wish List: A Couple's Requirements For Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">How To Provision Your Yacht For Alaska Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">How To Provision Your Yacht For Cruising In The Bahamas</a></li>
</ul> |
What Is The Best Cruising Boat For You? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Choosing the right cruising boat for your specific needs can make all the difference in your boating adventures. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
best-cruising-boats.jpg |
2020-03-11 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
54 |
96 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-02-28 00:00:00.0 |
2020-02-28 00:00:00.0 |
110 |
[empty string] |
110 |
<p>According to the dictionary, cruising is the lifestyle of living on a boat while traveling from place to place. Beyond that simple definition it is as varied as one’s imagination.</p>
<p>Some folks like to stay in their home waters as they develop the skills and confidence of boat handling while enjoying the pleasure of living aboard. A woman on a semi-custom trawler once asked me why anyone would want to go somewhere new? She liked that they knew the local anchorages and she preferred being close to home. For her, living in her tiny home at anchor was joyful enough. Nothing more complicated than that.</p>
<p>Others like to go far over the horizon, seeking new destinations or returning to familiar places they’ve been to before. It might be a tropical island or wilderness area where they have fond memories, and they hope to remain for an extended period while immersing themselves in the local life. It can be very satisfying to be in one place for a while, becoming a temporary member of a community, learning when the farmer’s market has the freshest produce, and even giving back by helping rebuild buildings and infrastructure damaged in tropical storms, which is currently happening this winter in the Bahamas. Helping rebuild paradise also makes for lasting friendships within the cruising community.</p>
<p>Cruising can be a yearly event. Snowbirds go south in the fall and head to a favorite island or other destination for the winter, especially if they have past friends who will meet them there. It becomes a seasonal community with group activities and social events of like-minded boaters. Some owners’ groups follow this model very well and it becomes an attraction to the brand. One might say this is less about cruising than it is a seasonal migration of liveaboards. But there is nothing wrong with that as a form of the cruising lifestyle.</p>
<p>(Seen below: A<a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Grand-Banks-Yachts"> Grand Banks </a>cruising boat heads to its next destination.)</p>
<p><img title="grand banks yacht cruising" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/grand-banks-boat-cruising.jpg?cb=834AC0AE-BDD9-6815-CDB616470F95946E" alt="grand banks yacht cruising" width="800" height="395" /></p>
<p>Other cruisers have itchy feet and can’t seem to stay put very long. They are always on the go, never staying in one place except to reprovision and head out again. I know quite a few couples who feel accomplishment in checking off their list of stops along a planned cruise and yet never stop long enough to smell the roses. They might circumnavigate on a sailboat in record time or complete the Great Loop in a short number of months. (I’m not sure why that kind of cruising bothers me so much. But when I had lunch with three Midwest couples in Annapolis doing the Loop on their boats last summer, and who only stopped to have lunch with me and refill their propane tanks, they told me they expected to “do” the Chesapeake in three days, on their way up the East Coast. What is the point of that?)</p>
<p>I will argue that the ideal form of cruising for most people is somewhere in between. Once we reach a new destination, we want to discover what it has to share. An interesting waterfall, a local hot springs, or local museum or historical landmark...so much history awaits those who take the time. Guidebooks are very helpful to identify local attractions. It might take a couple of days to see it all at a leisurely pace, or a week. But after some number of days, it just feels right to move on, lest one falls into a routine that rots ships and men.</p>
<p>I find this phenomenon fascinating, whatever little voice inside us that hints that it is time to move on. I often ask cruisers how they know when it is time for them to leave, but have yet to hear a single, definitive answer.</p>
<p>An unhurried exploration of the Pacific, Southern Caribbean, or the world might be best done with no schedule. <a href="../../../../New-Northern-Marine-Yachts-For-Sale/">Northern Marine expedition trawlers</a> define the breed of heavy, full displacement expedition yachts. Starr, Zeehaen, and Meander are outstanding examples of having all the comforts of an exquisite home which is completely self-sufficient. There is no need to rush the adventure and some prefer to spend months to experience the local scenery and culture. For world cruising, this type of yacht is ideal.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The new<a href="../../../../new-yachts-for-sale/Northern-Marine-57-Raised-Pilothouse"> Northern Marine 57</a> is currently in production at the Anacortes, WA shipyard.)</p>
<p><img title="northern marine 57" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/northern-marine-57.jpg?cb=85C1700F-D272-DBCB-BBD628FEEBACD96C" alt="northern marine 57" width="800" height="430" /></p>
<p>On the flipside, there are those too busy in life to slow down, and their need for speed means they are constantly on the move. They choose a sleek, fast boat, as they don’t need the living space and storage. They fuel up every day. They are not living aboard in the same sense as a couple on a traditional trawler. They sleep on the boat, but generally eat out most evenings and stay at marinas to take care of business and be ready for a quick getaway the next morning. They blend cruising with other life demands, such as a dentist and his wife I know who like to cruise for 10 days, then fly home to continue working for three weeks before returning to the boat. The balance of work and life works for them as they hopscotch up and down the coast.</p>
<p><strong>(Read:<a href="../../../../Buying-And-Owning-Trawler-Yachts"> A Guide To Buying & Owning A Trawler Yacht</a>.)</strong></p>
<p>Of course, most of us are somewhere in the middle of the cruising spectrum. Which is why I feel the semi-displacement trawler is the best choice for most people. It allows owners to do both and everything in between. There are exceptions, of course. When we traveled north on the ICW and stopped in Daytona Beach, we were put in a slip next to a nice couple on their 48-foot Sea Ray Sunseeker from Chicago. That is certainly not a “proper” cruising boat on anyone’s short list, but it was simply the boat they owned when they retired and decided to cruise the U.S. East Coast, at trawler speed, mind you. It burned way too much fuel to go fast!</p>
<p>How one cruises can also influence the size of the cruising boat. When we enjoyed a winter in the Florida Keys, we spent a couple of months in Marathon, about halfway down the island chain. Our 36-foot Downeast cruiser was just too small for living full time in a marina, especially with a golden retriever as crew. We would have much preferred a larger trawler.</p>
<p>(Seen below: An example of a downeast cruising boat, our <a href="../../../../New-Legacy-Yachts-For-Sale/">Legacy Yachts</a> 36.)</p>
<p><img title="legacy yachts 36" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/legacy-yachts-36.jpg?cb=83843274-C8EC-938E-853EBE89D499534F" alt="legacy yachts 36" width="800" height="475" /> </p>
<p>And while I’m talking about the diversity in the power-cruising community, I must mention one Miami show when a diminutive couple approached our show booth. I asked what kind of boat they owned. The husband took out pictures of their boat and explained how they like to cruise the Florida Keys for a week or so at a time. They lived in Florida and trailer their boat down to the Keys. Their boat was a Boston Whaler 17-foot Montauk, a classic open boat they modified to fit their idea of a cruising boat. The Whaler had a full enclosure for rainy weather, a cassette toilet, and a sturdy cooler that also served as the galley counter. They had a small stove on the boat, and the couple came up with a bed configuration for sleeping. It was all they needed to go cruising.</p>
<p><strong>(Read: <a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What's The Best Cruising Boat For You</a>.)</strong></p>
<p>Another example of a pocket cruiser is the story of Dave Pike. I first met Dave and his wife in Seattle years ago. At the time they owned a <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Kadey-Krogen-Yachts">Krogen</a> 42, which they cruised to Alaska. Years later they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and when Dave approached a milestone birthday, he decided it was time for a solo adventure to celebrate. He bought a 15-foot Walker Bay RIB, and set it up to do the Great Loop, the 6,000-mile trip around the eastern portion of the U.S. and Canada. He planned to stay in motels each night, sleeping aboard the small boat only when necessary. As Dave is an avid pickleball player, he also arranged through its national association to play the game almost every afternoon with local players.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Dave's RIB appropriately named "Journey".)</p>
<p><img title="dave pike rib journey" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/walker-bay-journey.jpg?cb=834AC0B3-FE20-31C5-AAD7EB1589692C32" alt="dave pike rib journey" width="784" height="836" /></p>
<p>When I caught up with Dave near Annapolis, he was enjoying his adventure. He was in great shape from playing the game, and successful in finding a place to stop for the day where he could connect with fellow pickleball players, who picked him up. Dave completed his Great Loop over two summers and now has a lifetime of memories and many new friends. He said he rarely drove the RIB at speed as it was too tiring, so he mostly ran at near trawler speed. He chose the Walker Bay instead of a bigger boat so his grandchildren could later use it on the waters around Grand Rapids.</p>
<p>One day three men stopped into our offices. They wanted to tell me they were in town on their Hatteras motoryacht, heading south from Connecticut. Their wives had bid them farewell, and they planned to play every golf course they could find along the ICW down to Jacksonville. If this trip was successful, one man shared, he planned to do the same for the entire Great Loop and write a guidebook about playing golf on this popular cruising adventure.</p>
<p>And there is a new kind of cruising—some call it “resort cruising.” People buy a boat that is faster than a trawler, an efficient, get-there-safe-and-sound cruiser with complete if not elaborate accommodations, and head off to a resort, such as the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. The couple then relax at the resort, spa treatments and all, couples massage, fine dining…a day turns into three. Then it is off to the next exotic destination with a couple of nights at anchor to round out the cruising experience. Happy wife…happy life, you bet!</p>
<p>It takes all kinds.</p>
<p>I have lived as both a mover and a stayer, but I think I am more a stayer. I like to reach a new destination, settle in, and explore and enjoy my surroundings. The urge to move on comes naturally, often when I wake up and realize we’ve done what there is to experience. Obviously if I am on a specific trip, it might seem more like a delivery, with schedules to follow to keep moving. But when I am in cruise mode, schedules are less important than favorable weather windows.</p>
<p>One’s cruising style will likely change with age. My current boat, a Hunt Harrier 25, could be set up as a cruising boat, I suppose, but now that seems more like camping than cruising to me. And the age factor explains the change in our yacht club’s cruising fleet, where the number of sailboats once so popular has given way to trawlers and faster powerboats that don’t require the strength and agility required for sailing a big boat.</p>
<p>Most of the experienced sailors I know will not cross another ocean unless the sailboat is capable of 200-mile days.</p>
<p>In our youth, it was all about the journey. But as we get older, there seems to be a shift in focus from the journey to the destination, and the next one after that.</p>
<p>At whatever speed fits our style.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Several cruising boats wait for the lock to open at Great Bridge to continue their journey.)</p>
<p><img title="cruising boats waiting for the lock to open" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cruising-boats-wait-for-the-lock-to-open.jpg?cb=834AC0B8-C15F-4F41-3576D7393063C0EC" alt="cruising boats waiting for the lock to open" width="800" height="399" /></p>
<p>Read some of <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore">Bill Parlatore</a>'s other articles about boating:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">What to know about cruising the South Pacific</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-wish-list-a-couple-reveal-their-requirements-for-buying-a-yacht">The Wish List: A couple reveal their requirements for buying a yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising: Alaska Edition</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising: Caribbean Edition</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-trawlermans-new-years-resolution">A Trawlerman's New Year Resolution</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-case-for-the-semi-displacement-hull-shape">The case for the semi-displacement hull-shape</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-is-back">Northern Marine Is Back!</a></li>
</ul> |
What Kind Of Cruiser Are You? |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/yacht-broker/Bill-Parlatore |
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
There are just as many different styles of cruising as their are cruising boats. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
type-of-cruising-yacht.jpg |
2020-02-28 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/what-kind-of-cruiser-are-you |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
55 |
97 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-02-21 00:00:00.0 |
2020-02-21 00:00:00.0 |
109 |
[empty string] |
109 |
<p>I enjoyed researching the recent articles on provisioning for extended cruising. It brought me up to date with the realities of 2020, in many ways different from 25 years ago. So much has changed. Even the past advice to carry enormous amounts of spare parts is not what it used to be. FedEx, DHL, and other carriers routinely deliver around the world. Dealing with customs is still a pain in some countries, but at least one can now get a new heat exchanger shipped to the airport or marina. You might just have to hang around in paradise for its delivery.</p>
<p>I made up a list of provisioning questions, which helped focus our discussion. Out of curiosity I also sent them to <a href="../../../../yacht-broker/Brian-Calvert">Brian Calvert</a>, a Seattle Yachts broker at large, based in <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Philippines">Subic Bay in the Philippines</a>. I’ve known Brian for years, as he was the Selene dealer in the Pacific Northwest. After years of helping couples find the right boat and head into the sunset, when he was ready to go himself, Brian moved aboard his own <a href="../../../../Used-Yachts-For-Sale/Selene-Yachts">Selene Yachts</a> 48, and steered Furthur’s bow out of Friday Harbor towards the Pacific Ocean. After spending years among island groups across the Pacific, he eventually landed in the Philippines, where he met and later married his wife, and began a new adventure with Donna and her son Priam.</p>
<p>Brian’s comments reflect almost ten years of cruising.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Brian's boat is named "Further." and seen here in Bali.)</p>
<p><img title="Brian's boat for cruising south pacific" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/furthur-in-bali-hai.jpg?cb=10C62EAF-AACF-A096-520CB7661D85A65A" alt="Brian's boat for cruising south pacific" width="800" height="532" /></p>
<p><strong>What is your basic philosophy when preparing for extended cruising?</strong></p>
<p>We have a great deal of storage places for food, with a big freezer and 2 refrigerators. We have found we need to stock up on the things we can only find on the larger islands, mostly my American food, such as pickles and cereal, as we have been in areas where shopkeepers tell us mustard is a gourmet item. So, our philosophy is to buy big on American items when we can. But we keep in mind access to the boat. The most daunting task is often simply getting bulk supplies from the store to the boat, so we stock up when that task is easy.</p>
<p>But finding food is not hard. As I was told early on, “Wherever you go, there will be people eating.”</p>
<p>(Seen below: Further in hte background as Brian and crew take the tender to the beach.)</p>
<p><img title="tender on the beach" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/further91-dinghy-on-beach.jpg?cb=10C62EA1-E79C-70A2-95404C3E88825ACE" alt="tender on the beach" width="800" height="446" /></p>
<p><strong>Did you follow your shoreside eating habits when developing your provisioning lists?</strong></p>
<p>When I did my first long passage, I was a newbie and made colossal mistakes. My crew, who I later found out could not cook at all, bought lots of basic ingredients, such as flour, oil and such, all of which I traded for actual food in the Marquesas. Be realistic as to what you or your cook is going to do in the galley underway. We lived off frozen pizzas most of that crossing.</p>
<p>Recently we have been in a cruising cycle of six months on the boat, six months at the dock. Before we leave, we make a couple of huge shopping trips, again mostly non-perishable items we know we cannot easily get while cruising, again mostly American products.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Sometimes transporting supplies from land to your boat can be a challenge. Have fun with it!)</p>
<p><img title="transporting supplies to the boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/taking-supplies-to-the-boat-can-be-a-challenge.jpg?cb=10C62EAC-FAED-4E67-DFC845D5136D216D" alt="transporting supplies to the boat" width="800" height="600" /></p>
<p><strong>Were there items you didn’t expect to find commonly available during your travels?</strong></p>
<p>I was surprised that Costco/Kirkland products are available in remarkable places. When we were in Tonga, for example, folks kept telling me about the “American” store. When I discovered a mini Costco in a cement block building in the middle of the island, I was so happy, I bought marinated artichoke hearts!</p>
<p>One thing that most new cruisers don’t realize when cruising the Pacific, and certainly exploring Southeast Asia, one will find fantastic places to eat out cheaply, and good friends to share meals with. We eat dinner out at least half the time, some cruisers even more. Dining out can actually save you money and is way more fun.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The captain and crew share a meal at a local restaurant.)</p>
<p><img title="sharing a meal" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/captain-and-crew-dinner.jpg?cb=10C62EA9-F577-8E3A-F844627D1446EBBA" alt="sharing a meal" width="600" height="366" /></p>
<p><strong>How closely did your provisioning plans match your experience?</strong></p>
<p>In the beginning, not even close. Now, it is far better.</p>
<p>The main thing to keep in mind in Southeast Asia are the cultural and religious restrictions on what you can buy and when. Getting pork or alcohol in Muslim countries is a trick, it is doable but expensive. Another thing to consider is that Muslim countries all practice Ramadan, an amazing month-long event where the locals do not eat or drink during daylight hours. This puts a big limitation on where you can eat, and more so, when you can eat. To be a good cruiser, and leave a clean wake, one must respect such things. To be an enlightened cruiser, immerse yourself in all the local events and practices. That is why we go cruising!</p>
<p>Beef is either like shoe leather or is imported in the tropics. For whatever reason, cattle just don’t do well in the tropics. The trick is to find some Aussies as they will lead you to a good steak. Which brings up another point from my experience. There are so many Western expatriates in areas like Southeast Asia. Where one finds expats, Western food is available. If there are no expats in the area, don’t expect to find Western food.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Also read Bill's articles: <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Cruising In Alaska</a> and <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">Provisioning For Extended Cruising In The Bahamas & Caribbean</a>.</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Did you find restrictions/limitations that apply to meats, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, pet food, and liquor?</strong></p>
<p>As to “cleansing” our stored provisions when entering a new country, our stop in Australia reduced my provisions by six full garbage bags. The quarantine folks confiscated bizarre things, in my opinion, including a box of microwave popcorn bags. They said I might plant the corn, which was absurd.</p>
<p>Meat is available by type, region, and religion. It is possible to be in countries where locals do not eat pork one day and beef the next. All beef is imported to Southeast Asia and expensive, but I splurge sometimes. Eggs and chickens are everywhere. (Those who believe the great American myth that you must refrigerate eggs will be blown away. Absolutely no one refrigerates eggs and they last a long time if kept in a cool place. We store them in the oven. Milk is always found in a box, as there is no fresh milk without cows. Cheese is a Western thing, so stock up when you can. Ice cream can be found in most places.</p>
<p>Most of the produce and meat shopping will be in public markets. It is a wonderful experience, albeit shocking at first. You want a pork chop? In no time a chunk of meat is dropped from the ceiling, a huge clever comes out and BANG, you have a pork chop...all while someone waves a feather-type gizmo to ward off the flies. The adventurous buy the entire pig’s head.</p>
<p>Produce is generally smaller in selection and less dazzling than what you see at Whole Foods, mostly because it is truly organic and not filled with chemicals. That carrot came out of someone's backyard this morning, and that pork chop was grunting about the village yesterday.</p>
<p>All and all, I think the food is healthier here. As to the ethics of food production, well, that pig lived a free-range life, not cramped in a dark pig factory and filled with hormones. So, I believe both the pig and I are better off here.<br /> <br />I covered some alcoholic liquor issues but missed one thing. In Tonga and Niue the rules are strictly Christian, so many places are closed on Sunday. In Tonga you can be fined for drinking on Sunday. Keep a clean wake, respect the local customs, and you will enjoy your travels much more.</p>
<p>Each country I’ve visited has one or two local beers, for my beer-drinking friends. Again, find an Aussie, who seem to adapt well to these customs. Wine can be found where expatriates shop, so one must stock up. Liquor is generally very cheap as well. In most of the Philippines, a beer is a dollar, and a hard drink about the same.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Brian and Priam "face-off" at lunchtime!)</p>
<p><img title="brian and priam" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/brian-and-priam.jpg?cb=119D1D5C-B9FB-9A01-FC90DE43C62C2AEA" alt="brian and priam" width="800" height="559" /></p>
<p><strong>Any recommendations you suggest for those considering their first extended cruise?</strong></p>
<p>First and foremost, remember that wherever you go, there will be people eating. You won’t starve. Once you accept that, you must decide what you personally need to have. If you love Skippy chunky peanut butter, like I do, stock up when it is available. Don’t wander down the grocery aisles thinking “Gee, I might like this or that.” Read up on where you are going, decide what local foods you will or won’t eat. In six years in the Philippines, my wife has yet to shame me into trying Balut (duck in the egg) but I do love pork adobo.</p>
<p>If you are like me and can’t eat chili spicy foods, learn to say “NO SPICY” in the language of every country you visit!</p>
<p><strong>(Read: <a href="../../../../news/what-is-the-best-cruising-boat-for-you">What's The Best Cruising Boat For You?</a>)</strong></p>
<p><strong>What other related subjects do you feel we should explore for others looking to cast off? Spare parts, tools, communication solutions, even donations for locals?</strong></p>
<p>My crew bought several gallons of cheap Tequila in Mexico without my knowledge. I forbid it to be given to locals. Do bring a supply of school supplies and candy. Something from home is a great gift to give to local officials, or T-shirts with your boat’s name and graphic. In Tonga one must visit the chief of the village before you and your crew can swim or use local beaches. The ritual involves presenting a designated amount of Kava root and other small gifts to the chief. One must sit without the bottom of one’s feet pointed to the throne. The chief will then invite you to use their beach, and you are now essentially a member of the clan. We got invited to a feast they spent two days cooking underground. These are the things that make all that boat maintenance worthwhile. Enjoy them.</p>
<p>Regarding spares, the rule on Furthur is that if something breaks, buy two, one as a spare. If it is small and it breaks, your day or trip is ruined, so carry a spare. Each year I go to the “screw store” and buy four of each sized bolt, nut, and washer. I carry at least a spare or more of each bulb and fuse on the boat. I carry a year’s supply of filters as well. I renew my tool collection often, as we are in the tropics, where even plastic rusts. If you are coming from the U.S. you will need to get used to using metric tools, which is not a real problem.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, get a ton of WD40 products and Rust Converter, too.</p>
<p>The number of spare parts you should have varies with the size of your boat but the variety of spares required also diminishes with the size of your boat. We need nine different kinds of oil on Furthur.</p>
<p>Ok, the ninth oil is massage oil, but that is essential.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Exploring the South Pacific can lead to amazing scenery like this lagoon.)</p>
<p><img title="lagoon in south pacific by boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/further6-lagoon.jpg?cb=10C62EA5-AAC5-ECDA-2A4D90E92FA27D68" alt="lagoon in south pacific by boat" width="800" height="533" /></p> |
Notes About Cruising The South Pacific |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
A veteran cruiser talks about boating, provisions, and what to expect when exploring the South Pacific. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
overlooking-another-fantastic-anchorage.jpg |
2020-02-21 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
56 |
104 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-02-06 00:00:00.0 |
2020-02-06 00:00:00.0 |
105 |
[empty string] |
105 |
<p>Being on a self-sufficient cruise, sail or power, takes on different dimensions depending on the cruising ground. As I just wrote about <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition">provisioning in the islands</a>, I thought it would be most enlightening to compare provisioning for a long cruise in an area quite different from the traditional winter playgrounds of Mexico, the Bahamas, and Caribbean.</p>
<p>I recently spoke with David Allen, a veteran Alaskan cruiser from La Conner, Washington. David and his wife, Marilyn, have cruised to Alaska numerous times, and they fully understand what to bring and what to expect along the typical summer-long travel through the beautiful Pacific Northwest up through British Columbia and into Alaskan waters.</p>
<p>David told me he begins his cruise planning by careful setting up a high-level route from his home in La Conner to their chosen end destination, often Sitka, Alaska. He knows how wonderful it is to veer off a straight course, out of the main channels, and explore remote islands and bays. But he also knows how easy it can be to get lost from these detours and side trips, as the tremendous number of enchanting islands and waterways create a landscape which pretty much blends together.</p>
<p>To avoid any confusion, he finds it very helpful to have that high-level route saved on the plotter. No matter where the boat is, he only has to zoom out from his current position to find the closest point along the main route to reconnect to the high-level route on the chart. This has worked well for them.</p>
<p>For years, the couple cruised aboard Sunday, their Nordic Tug 37. The boat had three freezers for the provisions they stored in preparation of the trip. They count out the number of days they expect to be gone, and provision accordingly. They then store steaks, chicken, pork chops, ground beef, and all the other perishables they plan to eat. They vacuum bag all meats on a meal level, rather than simply freezing bulk packaging.</p>
<p>Today the couple cruise on a Grand Banks, appropriately named Sunday II. She is one of the last 32-footers the builder made. “The more freezer space you have the better,” David told me. “Fill them with staples and then supplement the space that becomes available with the salmon and crabs you will no doubt catch along the way.”</p>
<p>(Seen below: Marilyn holding us an 8" Dungeness Crab!)</p>
<p><img title="dungeness crab on cruise to alaska" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/alaska-crab-on-boat-cruise.jpg?cb=086136F9-B386-D864-72CD05F441F01D91" alt="dungeness crab on cruise to alaska" width="800" height="544" /></p>
<p>(Seen below: Marilyn working on cleaning the mussels that were just harvested.)</p>
<p><img title="cleaning mussels provisioning your yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/cleaning-mussels-just-harvested.jpg?cb=086136F5-9BEC-8505-77C05294FB1C6C4E" alt="cleaning mussels provisioning your yacht" width="800" height="508" /></p>
<p>(Seen below: The meal is complete! What a satisfying experience to eat fresh seafood on your own boat, cruising Alaskan waters.)</p>
<p><img title="dinner on board your boat" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/dinner.jpg?cb=086136F0-D318-5EE8-0516D1674FFD7400" alt="dinner on board your boat" width="800" height="542" /></p>
<p>Restocking salad and fresh vegetables is easy while cruising to Alaska, as there are many wonderful places to stop for fresh water, fuel, and all kinds of provisions. David shared his list of major stops on his high-level route from La Conner to Sitka:</p>
<p><br />• Nanaimo BC<br />• Campbell River BC<br />• Alert Bay BC<br />• Port Hardy BC<br />• Bella Bella BC<br />• Prince Rupert BC<br />• Ketchikan AK<br />• Wrangell AK<br />• Petersburg AK<br />• And finally, Juneau or Sitka (they prefer Sitka).</p>
<p>This list works for anyone leaving from around the Pacific Northwest, whether it is <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Seattle-Washington">Seattle</a>, <a href="../../../../Yacht-Sales-And-Brokerage-In-Anacortes-Washington">Anacortes</a>, Bellingham, or any number of other home or charter bases. Make sure your boat is in excellent condition and bring the proper spares with you. When you look over the charts along the from these major stops, you can see you will travel through very remote areas, with no towboat services easily hailed on the VHF radio.</p>
<p>When provisioning, David suggests that you be aware of crew preferences for a particular brand of item, whether it is peanut butter, cheese, cut of meat, or whatever. Buy enough for the trip. You may still be able to restock it during the cruise, but it may not be the same brand or flavor.</p>
<p>We’ve all heard and expect that food and other consumables are more expensive in the remote areas of Alaska and British Columbia. But how much more expensive is it today? Ah, the beauty of the Internet! I spent a little researching this very subject, exploring the shelves of grocery stores located in some of the towns mentioned on David’s list. It was fun.</p>
<p>I compared local groceries I routinely buy in Annapolis with the same (or similar) products from different grocery stores in Canada and Alaska. (Currently $1.00 CAD equals $0.76 USD.) Highlights include:</p>
<p>• Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 8-oz, is $3.29 at my local grocery, and is $5.19 at the Safeway in Ketchikan. Quality Foods in Campbell River, B.C. sells the same product for $3.99.</p>
<p>• Fresh bananas can be found at the Wrangell IGA for $0.89 a pound. My local market sells them for $0.57 a pound.</p>
<p>• Fresh XL eggs are $1.69/dozen in Annapolis, $5.69/dozen in Ketchikan, and $3.99/dozen in Campbell River.</p>
<p>• Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Whole Milk (52oz) is $4.49 in Annapolis, same product in Wrangell and Ketchikan sells for $5.69.</p>
<p>• Bounty Select-A-Size six-pack paper towels in Annapolis is $10.99, same product in Wrangell and Ketchikan is $17.69.</p>
<p>• Scott Bathroom Tissue, Unscented, 1-Ply, 12-roll pack for $12.79 in Annapolis, same product in Wrangell and Ketchikan is $12.49.</p>
<p>Another consideration besides food pricing and availability relates to the regulations and restrictions when crossing into Canada from the U.S. on the way to Alaska. The latest information on the official website (https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html) also has a specific warning that cruisers bringing in any form of CBD oil, for any purpose, is illegal. This is odd, as cannabis (marijuana) is legal in Canada. Be warned.</p>
<p>The Canada Border Services Agency lists limits about how much one can bring across the border in terms of baked goods, dairy products, meats, fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, even cut flowers. The limits are quite reasonable, in my opinion, for cruising on a boat. Twenty kilograms (44 lbs.) of meat, poultry, and dairy each per person in not very limiting. Coming from the U.S. through Canadian Customs is pretty straightforward, generally handled by phone at the border.</p>
<p>Wine, beer, and liquor, on the other hand, are quite restricted and one is limited to two bottles of wine, or 24 cans of beer, or one large bottle of liquor free of duty and taxes. Better to limit the amount of alcohol while passing through Canada and purchase your evening libations when you arrive in Alaska. I also hear there are some great Canadian wines from the Okanagan region that are worth seeking out while in British Columbia.</p>
<p>David said they usually wait until Ketchikan where there are fully stocked liquor stores and supermarkets with all the groceries one could ask for. I was surprised at the tremendous selection I found online. I was able to many of the same labels of most kinds of wine, beer, and liquor as well.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Fishing while cruising can also be a great way to re-stock your supply with fresh salmon!)</p>
<p><img title="cruising boat salmon" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/salmon-caught.jpg?cb=086136EC-A67D-AB72-5F56E36F1574DF8F" alt="cruising boat salmon" width="681" height="941" /></p>
<p>The Allens were once boarded and searched by a Canadian Border Patrol officer. She spent a half-hour looking through their Nordic Tug (with David and Marilyn off the boat). Her comment after getting off their boat was “Well Stocked!” She made no mention of the quantity of meat or cheese.</p>
<p>The couple does not stock the boat for guests, and they are not shy about asking visitors to bring their own liquor and snacks. That is fair enough.</p>
<p>One interesting comment mentioned was that they eat on the boat much the same as they eat at home. Marilyn stocks the boat with the ingredients she will need to make an apple or blackberry pie if the mood strikes. Eating aboard is no different than being at home.</p>
<p>While they like to get out of the main channels to explore, they still have all they need, except for fresh food that is consumed, such as milk and eggs. But even the small village stores along the way have these basic, as the shopkeepers support the local neighborhood. Just expect to pay more.</p>
<p>One reason they enjoy Sitka so much is the weekly farm truck barged up from Wenatchee, Washington, loaded with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other products. Have farmer’s market will travel.</p>
<p>The Pacific Northwest and Southeast Alaska cruising season runs from May to September. It is generally nice weather, but be prepared for rain, with rubber boots, hats, and foul weather gear.</p>
<p>The run from La Conner to Sitka is about 1,000nm. Cruising at 8.5 knots for 8 hours a day, it takes about 13 days to make the trip north. The Allens only stop at marinas if they need fuel, water, or supplies, or to see local attractions. The rest of the time they drop the anchor and put out a crab pot.</p>
<p>Speaking of local attractions, they have on occasion made a point of spending July 4th in the Alaskan town of Tenakee Springs. The town is known for its traditional and funky celebration with kids, games, a big party and parade, complete with the town’s one vehicle, a firetruck. It is a day of celebration that includes a slimy “slug slinging” contest as a fundraiser. After this fun holiday, they begin their cruise south again, and the rest of July through September is spent enjoying the picturesque San Juan Islands.</p>
<p>(Seen below: The July 4th Tenakee Celebration. Photo cred: Alaskan Channel.)</p>
<p><img title="tenakee celebration" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/tenakee-jusy-4-celebration.jpg?cb=08A1F1A0-0143-D688-0B33153D0227A422" alt="tenakee celebration" width="800" height="510" /></p>
<p>I remember visiting the bear and eagle observatory in Anan Bay, outside Wrangell. The park rangers carried shotguns, as bear outnumber humans during the season. I asked David about this and he does not recommend bringing firearms of any kind. While it is okay to have a hunting rifle or shotgun on the boat for possible use in remote portions of Alaska, these “non-restricted” firearms must still be declared crossing into Canada and the proper paperwork filed and signed in the presence of a Canadian customs officer. David has done it, but as he has never needed a firearm, he no longer feels it necessary to have a shotgun aboard. He did say that one can avoid the hassle of crossing through Canada with a firearm by shipping it ahead to the harbor master at a major destination in Alaska.</p>
<p>Despite the rugged remoteness of this wilderness part of the world, the camaraderie is strong, and boaters are always willing and eager to help other cruisers and fishermen. The locals are also ready to help with any emergency. It is the way of life up here, people supporting and depending on each other.</p>
<p>Life is good when you go cruising in the Pacific Northwest and Southeast Alaska. I never tire of its charm and rugged wilderness. One can spend a lifetime here, and the natural beauty and majestic wildlife are just good for the soul. David and Marilyn know this well, and I thank them for sharing their experience and local knowledge.</p>
<p>I did note that one can readily find Marmite Yeast Extract in British Columbia if you have a taste for it. A 125-gram jar is only $5.99 in Campbell River. Yum…or not.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/catching-up-with-white-pearl">Catching Up With White Pearl</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/coming-to-the-dark-side-moving-from-a-sailboat-to-a-trawler">Moving From A Sailboat To A Trawler</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaskan Edition |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Bill Parlatore discusses the need for properly provisioning your yacht when travelling to Alaska by boat. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Provisioning Your Yacht For Alaska.jpg |
2020-02-06 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
57 |
106 |
Bill Parlatore |
News |
2020-01-21 00:00:00.0 |
2020-01-21 00:00:00.0 |
102 |
[empty string] |
102 |
<p>One of the most important activities getting your boat ready to spend a winter in the Islands is provisioning. Unlike cruising in home or coastal waters, once you cross the Gulf Stream and begin exploring the many fabulous islands and anchorages that await you, it is vital to be self-sufficient. There is not Door Dash or Uber Eats, at least not yet, and a couple expecting to enjoy the winter months down island must bring much of their provisions with them.</p>
<p>Many of the more-populated islands have well-stocked supermarkets, liquor stores, and marine chandleries, especially if there is a sizable charter fleet operating out of the area. But that is simply not the case for many of the other places you will be drawn to. And if you do come across stores with items to restock your pantry, you will be shocked at the cost of these supplies. Everything is flown in or shipped from somewhere else, and the costs ramp up accordingly.</p>
<p>To check on the latest helpful suggestions for the rest of us, I contacted Hugh Scarth and Maria Boudreau, a Canadian couple who are the new owners of White Pearl, a <a href="../../../../New-Hampton-Yachts-For-Sale/">Hampton 55</a> PHMY, safely anchored in Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, in the Florida Keys. The couple waits patiently, along with dozens of other sail and power boats, for a favorable weather window to cross the Gulf Stream over to the Bahamas. There is no need to get beat up from contrary winds and waves. Waiting it out is what prudent cruisers do.</p>
<p>Long time sailors, Hugh told me they prefer to anchor out most of the time, rather than hop from marina to marina, which is more typical of the motoryacht lifestyle. Even though the Hampton 55 is well suited for their needs in terms of space and livability, they felt it necessary to make some changes to better fit the boat for life on the hook.</p>
<p>(Seen below: Hugh and Maria on White Pearl.)</p>
<p><img title="yacht owners" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/yacht-owners.jpg?cb=060A1CFD-D8F3-9FBF-1D46DD280D8F1A20" alt="yacht owners" width="400" height="472" /></p>
<p>They ditched the original 40-lb anchor and replaced it with an 88-lb Rocna, a much better choice for anchoring security. Hugh said they also recently installed a 1280-watt solar array to charge the house batteries while at anchor. Most motoryachts are power hungry beasts that come equipped with full-size domestic appliances and systems that require a constant supply of electrical power, far more than the typical cruising sailboat or trawler set up for self-sufficiency away from marinas.</p>
<p>“The boat came with a spare alternator, props, starter motor, a cruising kit for the generator, water pump, complete set of tools, and filters,” Hugh told me. “All this is extremely expensive, but you’ve got to have it. I am not a mechanic, but I can do some of it myself.”</p>
<p>Maria found checklists on Pinterest that served as templates to remind her of provisions she would need. She already knows what lasts in the climate of the Bahamas and Caribbean. Meat is always frozen, so the boat has a freezer stocked with all the meat they might need on the trip. (In their experience, meat is generally not of the highest quality if you can even find it, so it is best to bring your own.)</p>
<p>Pets are not a problem for cruising the Bahamas, according to Hugh, if the paperwork is in order. Stock up on all your pet food, however, as you will not likely find it on grocery shelves.</p>
<p>They purchase their canned goods, such as tomatoes and vegetables, while in the U.S., as well as all baking and cooking supplies that Maria anticipates needing, including flour and sugar. Same with toothpaste, paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Once in the Bahamas, some of these products will be few and far between outside of major towns and chartering centers. And expensive.</p>
<p>Maria found it difficult in the past to replenish galley spices and recommends packing all the spices one might need for the duration. She loves curry, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, and makes sure she has plenty on the boat. “Better looking at it than looking for it!” She also stocked 16 pounds of butter in the freezer. She never ran out.</p>
<p>The ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk we find in stores today has a long shelf life, and is a better bet than regular milk. Box milk is also a great backup, especially if you put it in the fridge the night before.</p>
<p>Fresh produce and bread are easily replenished in most towns in the islands, so there is less of a worry about running out. But other food you take for granted, such as peanut butter, are best bought ahead of time, as it is less likely to be found on the shelves of smaller grocery stores. And if you do find it, it will be very expensive.</p>
<p>One should stock up with all sizes of Ziploc bags, as anything that can go stale once opened needs to be in a Ziploc bag.</p>
<p>Buy lots of beer and wine. They are considered a luxury and are taxed heavily. The social aspects of cruising in paradise leads to frequent sundowners, cruisers coming together for drinks and snacks while discussing the problems of the world and waiting for the Green Flash. It is common for cruisers to bring appetizers to these gatherings, especially if the hosts provide the beer and wine.</p>
<p>To emphasize the social elements of cruising, Hugh and Maria agree that one should bring more food and liquor than you might otherwise carry. Potato chips are very expensive in the Bahamas, so stock up. Same with Granola bars and other snacks.</p>
<p>Any family or friends asked to join for a portion of the cruise are expected to contribute. “We’re not a hotel,” Hugh joked. But the idea of guests aboard really doesn’t happen frequently, as most friends you’ll encounter are found in the anchorage, on their own boats. Hugh recommends making boat cards, as they come in very handy when you meet other cruisers. Complete with a picture of the owners and the boat but leave the back of the card blank for comments.</p>
<p>Hugh and Maria make a list of where everything is in the boat. Remembering where things are is important and sometimes it’s hard to remember. Make a diagram of where things are as well as an inventory.</p>
<p>(Seen Below: How much is too much? This fridge is fully stocked to feed a crew.)</p>
<p><img title="provisions in fridge on yacht" src="../../../../photos/articles/correct/provisions-for-yacht-cruising.jpg?cb=060A1D01-EA31-5204-E9E0F8B5F47AB269" alt="provisions in fridge on yacht" width="400" height="511" /></p>
<p>Besides food and drink provisioning, Hugh, a retired surgeon, suggests bringing along extra eyeglasses, antibiotics and all medicines, prescription and generic, as well as sunscreen and Tylenol. A boat’s first-aid kit can be easily supplemented with additional medicines and lotions, bandages, and items specific to your situation. Talk to your family doctor for suggestions. Hugh recommends having a supply of Steri-Strips and Dermabond or other liquid bandage products in the first-aid kit.</p>
<p>With respect to the concept of a motoryacht as a self-sufficient cruising boat, Hugh tries to find a happy medium for generator use, balancing use of the electric stove and oven with other activities that require the generator. The couple uses a small butane camping stove in the morning to make coffee instead of firing up the ship’s generator. Good idea.</p>
<p>(I plan a future article on how to set up a motoryacht as a cruising boat, one that can live away from marina umbilical cords. It should be an interesting exercise.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Also read Bill's articles: <a href="../../../../news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-alaskan-edition">Provisioning Your Yacht For Alaska Cruising</a> and <a href="../../../../news/notes-about-cruising-the-south-pacific">Notes About Cruising & Provisioning In The South Pacific</a></strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As to the mechanical side of provisioning, one suggestion offered is to hire a professional mechanic to come aboard and go over all systems. Hugh found the exercise hugely helpful, as the mechanic found 12 separate sacrificial anodes in the boat, including two in the fin stabilizers. Hugh was then able to purchase the correct supply of zincs, impellers, and other spares before he left. This is a great idea.</p>
<p>One requirement that Hugh and Maria insist on is installing a watermaker on the boat. “You just have to have a watermaker if you are going to the Bahamas,” Hugh said. Otherwise it becomes an unnecessary focus to ration water, which is just so not necessary these days. This is cruising, not camping.</p>
<p>And Hugh says it is a good idea to bring cash, especially in the Bahamas. “Not all vendors take credit cards,” he said, “and ATMs are almost non-existent.” Bring backup credit cards from another bank or account in case your normal cards are somehow compromised.</p>
<p>When their long cruise on White Pearl comes to an end, the couple plan to haul their Hampton 55 in Grenada for the off season.</p>
<p>I offer a few additional suggestions, learned from experience.</p>
<p>If you drink plenty of water, as you should when cruising, you may be a fan of sparkling water like I am. I find it more interesting than drinking plain water all day long. But I do not recommend stocking up with cases and cases of liter bottles of seltzer, for the obvious reasons of storage and creating significant single-use plastic waste.</p>
<p>Instead I recommend you purchase a SodaStream machine (https://sodastream.com/), which creates sparkling water using carbonating cylinders. One cylinder is enough for about 60 liters of seltzer. SodaStream also sells numerous flavored drops and mixes that can be added to the seltzer, although I often mix it with pineapple or other fruit juices.</p>
<p>I also suggest you consider a bread machine for your galley. The smell of freshly baked bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, and it is so easy these days using those countertop machines from Sunbeam, Cuisinart, and others. A three month’s supply of yeast comes in a jar and stores easily. Your crew will be all smiles whenever the cook bakes interesting breads, buns, and pastry.</p>
<p>By now, White Pearl is over the horizon, her crew living the dream. Fair winds and following seas, Hugh and Maria. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.</p>
<p>We’ll enjoy hearing all about your adventures when you get back from paradise!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.boatbvi.com/" target="_blank">Boat BVI </a>provides top line crewed sailing and power vessels in the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Our follow-up with the White Pearl can be read here: <a href="../../../../news/catching-up-with-white-pearl">Catching Up With White Pearl</a></strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="../../../../news/extend-your-sailing-life">Extend Your Sailing Life</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/coming-to-the-dark-side-moving-from-a-sailboat-to-a-trawler">Moving From A Sailboat To A Trawler</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/yearly-engine-service-and-beyond">Yearly Engine Service And Beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/sometimes-its-all-about-simplicity">Sometimes It's All About Simplicity</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-bucket-a-true-story">The Bucket: A True Story</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/essential-supplies-for-extended-cruising">Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-exhausting-need-to-keep-up">The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/have-a-backup-plan">Have A Backup Plan!</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/northern-marine-exhaust-systems-are-better-by-design">Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/cruising-boats-come-of-age">Cruising Boats Come Of Age</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/changing-rituals">Changing Rituals</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/did-wisdom-come-to-the-ancient-mariner">Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/going-world-cruising-not-so-fast">Going World Cruising? Not So Fast</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/what-engines-are-in-your-boat">What Engines Are In Your Boat?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/letting-go-but-still-in-control">Letting Go But Still In Control</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/learning-to-handle-a-new-boat">Learning To Handle A New Boat</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/improving-the-user-experience">Improving The User Experience</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-paradigm-shift-in-cruising" target="_blank">A Paradigm Shift In Cruising</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/consider-buddy-boating">Consider Buddy Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-matter-of-staying-safe-while-boating">A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/i-am-going-cruising-should-i-carry-a-gun">Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-boaters-three-to-five-year-plan">A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/the-evolution-of-the-trawler-yacht">The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/getting-ready-for-the-great-loop">Getting Ready For The Great Loop</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/a-winning-great-loop-strategy">A Winning Great Loop Strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../../news/tips-for-cruising-south-or-preparing-for-the-great-loop">Tips For Cruising South</a></li>
</ul> |
Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas & Caribbean Edition |
|
Cruising Tips |
1 |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
Getting your boat ready to spend the winter in the Bahamas or Caribbean means making sure its adequately stocked. |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
yacht-provisioning-for-cruising.jpg |
2020-01-21 00:00:00.0 |
3 |
provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition |
[empty string] |
[empty string] |
https://www.seattleyachts.com/news/provisioning-your-yacht-for-extended-cruising-bahamas-caribbean-edition |
[empty string] |
Cruising Tips |
[empty string] |
40 |
[empty string] |
|