Jack380AC
Member
- Jan 28, 2008
- 878
- Boat Info
- 2000 380 Aft Cabin
- Engines
- Twin 454 Mag MPI Horizon MerCruiser
John, what is the clearance height you need on your 420AC? I have yet to measure my 380AC. I suspect they are similar.
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Check youtube for some videos of the marine railway and the lift locks.... Nothing short of amazing!!
And I agree on the fuel costs being un-realized. I think that's currently where I'm stuck in the decision making process. Diesels in a 380DA seems to add 20-25K (or more) to the gas powered price tag.
Really single diesel trawler? I just can't imagine going that slow for so long. It would drive me nuts.
The Loop can be done in just about any boat that falls within the physical limitations of air and water draft of the route you choose to complete your journey. The largest we have seen out here are power boats in the 55' range and the smallest has been a 24' sailboat. There are and will be larger and smaller, gas and diesel, all you have to do is plan and go.
For those thinking of looping, if you haven't already, join the AGLCA. When it begins to seem as though you will be able to realize your dream, I would suggest attending an AGLCA rendezvous. The spring rendezvous is held on the east coast (2017 will be in New Bern NC near the end of April) and the fall rendezvous is usually held at Joe Wheeler state park in Rogersville AL on the Tennessee River mid October. These events are where and when they are because the loopers are "migrating" through those areas at those times, and the location has a marina and a hotel so Current Loopers are there with their boats and planning Loopers can come for a 4 day "vacation" and learn a great deal about looping. The days are filled with seminars for loopers and separate seminars for planners. Afterwards there are activities that range from entertainment to "Looper crawls", this is where loopers open our boats for inspection. It's the ultimate boat show for folks wanting to loop. You can see all different kinds of boats currently looping, outfitted to loop and we are living on them, Great stuff for those that are boatless or looking to buy a different boat to loop. Some of the planner seminars cover how to buy a looper boat, insurance, reluctant spouses, what to expect in costs, galley 101, boat maintenance, etc. etc. The best part is it's all great fun.
If you want to do the loop, plan and do it.
www.greatloop.org
www.ourcaptainschoice.blogspot.com/
We plan to do the Loop when I retire, in about 5 years, God willing... My wife would like to do it with a group. I would like to do it on a bigger boat, we will see what is available as the time approaches... I will put a shout out a year out, to see if any other CSR people planning to do the Loop at that time...
Also if you are considering doing the Loop there is a group of us on the America's Great Loop Cruiser's Association. AGLCA.
I would say 95 % of the Loopers on there are doing or have done the loop in different ways.
Registration is minimal and the info is second to none for doing the Loop.
I can't imagine gas. Diesels are so efficient and better mileage. Twins are our choice. The larger the boat the more power needed. If your upgrading your 38 I'd say go diesel. Much better power for the dollar.