The Best and the Worst of the Great Loop

Planning to cruise America's Great Loop? Captain Paul Bates has completed the Great Loop several times and shares the lessons he learned along the way, from where to start the Loop to how much fuel range a Great Loop boat needs now that fuel stops on the inland rivers are fewer and farther apart. We also cover what the Great Loop costs today, which equipment matters on a Great Loop trawler, and the red flags Paul watches for when Loopers are shopping for a boat.

In this episode of Full Displacement, Maryline Bossar of Current Yachts sits down with Paul for a second conversation. Paul explains why he often tells clients to start the Loop where they buy the boat, how seasons and lock schedules shape the route, and why a flexible plan beats a fixed schedule every time. He weighs in on radar versus AIS, bow and stern thrusters versus stabilizers, air conditioning, laundry aboard, engine room access, and how to find a mechanic when something breaks mid-Loop.

The biggest buying mistake Paul sees: Loopers buy the bedroom instead of the boat. With hundreds of locks and dozens of new marinas to dock in, a boat that is easy to handle will shape your Loop more than the size of the master stateroom.

Budget figures discussed in this episode are Paul's own estimates from his experience. Your costs will depend on your boat, your cruising speed, and how often you stay in marinas.

Resources & Contact

📞 Contact Captain Paul: https://currentyachts.com/resources/directory/captain-paul-bates
⏯️ Watch the first episode of Full Displacement with Captain Paul: https://youtu.be/4AoukcIQJaY
⬇️ Download our Great Loop Boat Buying checklist: https://currentyachts.com/resources/downloads/great-loop-boat-buying-checklist
⚓️ Talk to Current Yachts about buyer representation: https://currentyachts.com/buy
🛥️ Sell your yacht with Current Yachts: https://currentyachts.com/sell/why-list
📆 Find Current Yachts at both shows. Tell us you're coming and book time with our team: https://currentyachts.com/events

Notes and updates:

📡 Bahamas AIS rule: the requirement that took effect July 1, 2025 applies to foreign vessels 50 feet and over (Paul mentions 40 feet in the conversation). Check the current rules with Bahamas Customs before you go.

🧭 Erie Canal season: the 2026 navigation season runs May 15 to October 14. Dates change year to year, so confirm with the New York State Canal Corporation when planning.

Who is Current Yachts?

We are a different kind of yacht brokerage. We guide buyers and sellers to better decisions with market insights, transparency, and client representation. Our team is present in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Annapolis, Maryland. Our licensed and bonded professional brokers assist our clients every step of the way.
🎥 Our podcast Full Displacement helps educate yacht sellers and buyers, and shares what is happening in the yacht brokerage market: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcE3-wOQgN8C7VGybRHBjzf9uZsr6tPs
⚓️ Discover the Current Yachts difference at https://currentyachts.com/

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