Great Loop Radio Podcast

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re talking about something every Looper will face—but not everyone fully understands—tides and currents. Join us as we welcome Captain Craig Allain of Captain Craig's Boat Services for a practical, real-world conversation about how moving water can impact your Great Loop adventure. From the big tidal swings to Georgia and south Carolina to tricky marina approaches, Captain Craig breaks down: -Where Loopers are most likely to encounter the largest tide changes -How currents affect boat handling in close quarters -Smart strategies for anchoring in tidal waters -Tips for tying up at marinas when water levels are changing Whether you’re still planning your Loop or already underway, understanding tides and currents can make the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful docking. Captain Craig shares confidence-building advice that will help you work with the water instead of fighting it.

Your VHF radio might be the most underrated piece of gear on your Great Loop—but it can make all the difference when it comes to safety, navigation, and communicating with other boats, bridges, and locks while on the water. This week, John Herlig from The Boat Galley joins us to break down the essentials: when to use the VHF, which channels matter, and the simple habits that can keep you safer and more confident underway. Whether you’re new to boating or just need a refresher, this episode will help you get the most out of this vital onboard tool.

Thinking about tackling the Great Loop but not sure if the lifestyle—or the boat—is right for you? Buying a Looping boat is a big commitment, and many future Loopers want a way to try before they buy. In this episode, we talk with three AGLCA sponsors who offer unique ways to experience the Great Loop firsthand—before making that major investment. From joining a Looper who offers cruises aboard their own vessel, to attending “Trawler School” and earning a certification, to chartering along some of the Loop’s most iconic waterways, you’ll discover several hands-on ways to see what Looping is really like. Tune in to explore your options for testing the waters of the Great Loop lifestyle!

Day Shapes are required by the rules of navigation to be displayed under certain circumstances, but recreational vessels seem to rarely use them. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to tell us all about Day Shapes, what they mean, and when to use them.

Most Loopers choose not to cruise at night, but sometimes lock delays or long runs make it necessary. Robert Rice is back this week to explain the proper lights to display at night, as well as what the lights on other vessels and on aids to navigation are telling us.

Local Notice to Mariners are something that should be in every Looper's toolbox. Checking these reports can give insight into the local issues you may encounter on each movement of your boat on the Great Loop. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to discuss where to find Local Notice to Mariners and how you can use them to be more prepared for the Great Loop.

As this season's Looper fleet approaches the New York Canals, this episode provides a timely lesson on how to handle all of those locks on the Great Loop. Platinum Loopers, Tsali & Jacque Bentley, join us this week with tips on locking on the Great Loop.

You know where the Great Loop route goes (if not, check out our map or our FAQs), but how do you decide which cities and towns to visit along the way? Join us as April Smith aboard One Eye Dog shares how she plans their stops during their long-distance cruises including the Great Loop.

Docking and other close-quarters maneuvering can be some of the most stressful parts of a day of boating on the Great Loop. Join us as experienced boater and current Looper, Elaine Stern, shares some of the things she wishes someone had told her when she first started boating that can improve teamwork and communication while docking.

What does it take to do the Great Loop without fossil fuels? Bryan Verhulp is underway on the Great Loop aboard his trawler that he converted from diesel-powered to electric. Find out how he made the conversion, including the mechanical components (both those he removed and those installed), the cost, and the vessel's performance so far on the Loop.

Join us as we discuss the recent issues at the Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River with Cline Jones, Executive Director of the Tennessee River Valley Association and the Tennessee-Cumberland Waterways Council. Cline provides information on past and current issues with this lock and why we should be concerned about similar problems that could happen throughout the nation's system of locks. We'll also explain the economic impact of locking delays on the commercial sector, and what Loopers can do to help get much needed lock maintenance and replacements funded.

Ever wondered if you should get a vessel safety check on your boat before starting the Great Loop? Rob Rice joins us on this episode to talk about vessel safety exams. We'll cover what they are, why you should get one, and how to schedule it.

This week we talk about watching your wake. It's important for all Great Loopers to practice safe and courteous boating! The biggest error we see in this area is boats not slowing enough in no wake zones, minimum wake zones, and when passing other boats, docks, marinas, and other shoreside infrastructure. We break it all down for you this week with our guest, Brian Brown. Brian is a Gold Looper who had a career in the marine industry. Join us for this important episode.

The Gulf of Mexico crossing brings apprehension for many Loopers as they prepare for the Great Loop's longest open water crossing and seek a suitable weather window. Assistance is available to AGLCA members! Dave Fuller, former AGLCA Volunteer of the Year, and Tsali Bentley, AGLCA's current Harbor Host of the Year, are our guests this week. They'll walk us through "YOU Make the Call". This daily report is Dave's brainchild, and Dave & Tsali will explain what goes into this weather resource designed to help Loopers decide what weather window suits them best, and what crossing route they should take. We'll cover a 170-mile daylight crossing from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs, an overnight crossing for the same route, and the "Big Bend" option which is a series of shorter hops closer to the coastline. Listen to learn more about this helpful resource available to our members.

On this week's episode, current Looper Dan Pease shares his unique perspective on dealing with commercial traffic on the Great Loop. Dan is a former tow captain who joins us from his Looping boat currently in Florida. Dan will share what you should know about communicating with tow captains based on his commercial experience and his time on the rivers during his own Great Loop adventure.

The America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association Home Port Crew tackles some of the special considerations and skills to master before cruising the Florida segments of the Great Loop. Our discussion includes information on: Marina Reservations The Gulf Crossing Sojourners Permit/Temporary Registration Required Everglades Boating Course Courteous Passing/Minding Your Wake and more as we discuss the resources available in the Segments area of the www.GreatLoop.org website.

Loopers on the inland rivers this year have experienced lock closures, low water levels, and a few other obstacles, but they have persevered! Planning, organization, and attitude make all the difference! Join the Home Port Crew as we share what you need to know about this year's journey on the inland rivers and what those still in the Great Loop planning stages can learn from these events.

Find out why Nebo is a Looper favorite app! Nebo is part automated log book and part social sharing app. Loopers use it to find one another on the water, send messages, and share information while we cruise. Stephen WInter, Nebo's Managing Director, is our guest.

The AGLCA Home Port Crew fills you in on what to expect as the 120-day lock closure on the Illinois Waterway comes to and end and traffic starts moving. Looper Flotillas are expecting to start through the area on October 1st. This episode helps you understand the process of locking through after re-opening and explains how AGLCA helps our members get through this challenge. The concepts explained will help not only this year's Loopers waiting to come through the area, but is also good information for future Loopers who might experience similar closures.