Resource library search

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.

On this week's Great Loop Radio podcast we'll be discussing engine room fire suppression systems with AGLCA members Blair Bugher and Curt Corda. Blair will talk about some of the features and techincal information about these systems, and Curt will share his personal experiences with an engine room fire.

Are you confident in your maintenance skills? Do it yourself Maintenance aboard your boat can make the difference between cruising or waiting for the repairs to be completed while you are stuck at the dock. Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services share details about the systems you have aboard your boat and teach you which ones you can maintain yourself. This episode of Great Loop Radio includes: Engine Cooling systems Fuel Filtering System Depth Gauge Offset Air Conditioners and Heat Pump Auto Pilot Electronic Compass

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Loopers and long range cruisers, John & Judy Gill, join us to discuss how to ensure you have clean, odor-free, high quality drinking water aboard your boat. You'll hear details on installing and maintaining a water purification system aboard that will enable you to stop carrying heavy and hard-to-store bottled water.