Resource library search

What does it really take to replace a boat’s generator with lithium batteries, and can you cruise the Great Loop without relying on a generator? On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re joined by current Looper and AGLCA Admiral Sponsor Cathy Aull, who shares a how the failure of the generator aboard Aspasia, her Meridian 341, led her to rethink the boat’s entire power system. Rather than replacing the generator, Cathy designed and installed a 48-volt lithium battery system with an inverter, solar and alternator charging. She walks us through the research and calculations behind the conversion, how she determined which power demands were truly essential aboard, and the trade-offs involved—including why running air conditioning continuously wasn't one of her requirements. Cathy also shares what she has learned now that she’s actively cruising with the system: how she keeps her batteries charged underway and at anchor, how long she can comfortably stay off-grid, what she would do differently, the importance of properly sized wiring, fuses and other safety measures, and why a smaller generator or high-output alternator could still make sense as part of a lithium setup. If you're considering lithium batteries, trying to reduce generator use, or simply wondering what an alternative power setup could look like aboard a Great Loop boat, this episode offers a real-world look at one Looper's experience, from the initial decision and installation, to actually living with the system underway.

Lithium batteries are a hot topic! Every time the idea of converting your boat from lead acid to lithium batteries comes up on the Great Loop forum or Facebook group, controversy ensues. Are lithium batteries safe for Looping boats? Will you realize a return on your investment if you upgrade to lithium? This week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast covers lithium batteries. Gold Looper Mike Bell is our guest. He helps explain the technology behind lithium batteries, what types of cruisers might benefit from the conversion to lithium, and answers some of the questions regarding safety issues. Join us for this enlightening discussion on lithium batteries on the Loop.

Join us as Eric Martin, our current Harbor Host of the Year and Manager at Donovan's Shady Harbor, provides tips on what to expect when needing work done at a boatyard while on the Great Loop. Eric will include suggestions on what parts to carry with you, how to go about planning for scheduled maintenance, and what to do when you need unexpected or emergency repairs.

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.

Considering winter storage for your Great Loop boat? Tom Pirro and John Lombardi from Winter Harbor Marina talk about winter storage. They share how boats are prepared for heated storage and relaunched in spring. They also share tips on winterizing boats that will be cold stored.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Jay Kraft of Trawlers Great Lakes joins us to give some suggestions on maintenance tasks aboard that can be done by the boat owner. From oil changes to belts and impeller replacements, you can save thousands of dollars with DIY maintenance.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Keith Ruse, President of Deltaville Boatyard, talks about preventative maintenance on your Great Loop boat. Keith is an American Boat & Yacht Council Certified Master Technician and on this episode, we cover oil and filter changes.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Tom Hale tells us about different types of marine sanitation devices. Tom also clears up misconceptions about No Discharge Zones (NDZs), what they are, and where they are located.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Tom Hale joins us to cover a topic straight from our Members Discussion Forum -- Sacrificial Anodes. Aluminum or Zinc? Which is better for your type of cruising? To bond or not to bond? Find the answers on this week's episode.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, John Pitney returns to share another of his check licsts/procedures. This week, we're covering the difference between salvage and towing and sharing important information to ensure you know which of these a tow company is about to perform on your boat. We'll also give suggestions on preparing to be towed, as well as towing another boat.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, we'll discuss what to do to prepare your fresh water boat for the salt water found on parts on the Great Loop route. Our guests, Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell, will share tips about your engine coolant, anodes, and the age old question of whether fresh water boats hold their value better than salt water boats.

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, marine systems expert Steve D'Antonio tells us why we shouldn't go easy on our diesel engines and explains the damage that can happen when running at a light load for extended periods of time.

What color is your engine oil? Join us as Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services tell us what to look for to determine if your fuel and oil are contaminated. We'll include causes and cures for several common engine oil and transmission fluid problems.