INPUT question????

[DeClutter]

My friend has a 43 sundeck and would like to have input about single handling the loop?

 

[READY]

Very broad question. If they have been single handing already and boat is properly equipped then they should know if they are comfortable. I have not done it but I would suggest the primary "new" challenge vs normal cruising for many might be the many locks.
Not a requirement but a bow and stern thruster with remote would be very helpful.

Suggest they join GLCA and directly do the research. For this site a more detailed question about concerns as well as info on the boat and their experience will get better responses.

 

[CharlieO.]

My friend has a 43 sundeck and would like to have input about single handling the loop?

I still consider myself a new boater, I would want bow and stern thrusters for the locks and fuels docks, and anchoring out a lot with a good dinghy setup.

 

[kthoennes]

Doing the Loop is such a huge topic that I'd recommend watching lots of YouTube videos posted by those who are doing it, or recently done it. Years ago when we bought our first bigger boat and started thinking about the Loop someday, YouTube blogs (or "vlogs") by Loopers weren't nearly as common as they are now, but now there are piles of them out there. In fact watching videos and reading a lot eventually made us decide to skip the bottom half, concluding that we could spend the rest of our lives just from Duluth and "over the top" to say Chesapeake Bay, and never get to the bottom half. I've always thought though that even if I could single-hand (although locks sure don't look easy to solo), if my wife and maybe our boys aren't with me, that would be a lonely trip. I'm no Moitessier or Joshua Slocum.

 

[Comodave]

Doing it solo I would want bow and stern thrusters with a wireless remote. Too easy for the boat to blow off the docks and lock walls while you are moving from helm to side deck to handle lines. With the remote and thrusters you can bring it back to the dock or wall pretty easily.

 

[Crux]

Check out our very own member Jeff F , and his extensive online page Boating Adventures

I think he's one of the most widely and frequently traveled folks around.

 

[Jeff F]

What sort of input is your friend looking for?

I've looped 3 times solo, and there are always a few folks doing it in various types of boat. Joining AGLCA is probably a good start.

 

[High Wire]

If I were doing it I would want good access from the helm to the deck where you handle lines. Some boats have horrible access.

 

[Cargile]

Suggest you watch the YouTube channel "Checkmate". Gentleman in his 70's single handedly doing the Great Loop. I believe the boat is a Meridian 45. I have watched many of the episodes and find them educating and entertaining.

 

[Nepidae]

As usual, a lot was left out.
Your friend, how much boating experiences has he had? During our 8yr Loop we encountered whirlpools on the Mississippi. Would he know what to do in that case?
Does he know rules of the road? The tows will not be understanding if he causes issues while confronting or trying to pass without knowing what he/she is doing or what the signals are.
Does your friend know 1st aid and how to perform it on himself? To me, that would be the biggest issue with a singlehanded trip, an accident that incapacitates you.
BTW, we don't have thrusters or a generator and did 1/2 the Loop before we had solar installed.
The Loop is not an easy trip, very beautiful, exciting and dangerous.
We did our Loop in stages, cruising from May to Oct and that allowed us to really see the trip and experience a lot of what the fast cruisers miss.
PLUS, it is nicer if you can share it with someone who can assist with lines, etc.
IF you need and would like to have a crew, try Find a Crew.com and see if you can find someone to join you.
Goo luck.