Exploring the US by Sea Ray

[rcon]

I had some itinerant traveler friends, they've converted an old coach to an RV to travel around Oz, out on the boat the other day and talk turned to the market for boats like the 300DAs. They were quiet interested in the idea of the ICW, Chesapeake Bay and the great lakes and asked if I knew of any resources describing a "how to" approach to exploring such waterways on a cruiser. They are not boat'ers, but are very practical people and capable of turning their hand to most things.

Anyone got a resource or somewhere to start that tells of what is possible and perhaps some tips on how to acquire a cruiser at one end and dispose of it at the other?

Whilst this is just a thought bubble at this stage, it is also some thing my partner is keen for us to try in a few years (I show her all the photos of the waterways you guys boat on!) so I've got an ulterior motive to start researching at some point.

 

[MonacoMike]

Just do a Google search on the "Great Loop" and you will be amazed at the resources available.

MM

 

[rcon]

Perfect. Thanks for the steer.

 

[wetpaint]

This is the leading site for blogs, information, etc.

http://www.greatloop.org

 

[Gimme Time]

Anyone intrested in doing the Great Loop and especially someone that has little boating knowledge should buy the paper back book by Ron & Eva Stob, "Honey let's Get a Boat". Tells about their entire experience about looking for a boat, buying a boat in Florida and then doing the Great Loop including pictures and details.

We went out and boat our boat and spend 45+ weekends a year on our boat. With the enconomy we haven't pulled the trigger on the entire loop but we did buy Gimme Time in N. Miami Beach and kept her there for 8 months getting to know her. Big move up for us from a 20' ski boat to a small municipality in the enginer room when you go down below and starting looking at three engines, electrical power plant, water systems, waste system and all the other stuff to learn.

Bought Gimme Time up to Deltaville, VA in April 08 and have enjoyed every minute on her. Looking to do the rest of the loop sometime in the near future we hope. Great book for someone to start with as they were land lock and then sold their boat once the finished their dream.

John