BOAT SPECIFICATIONS AND AMENITIES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
(1) Length: Ideally between 34 to 45 feet. Big enough for comfort, but not too big for the areas you will be cruising.
(2) Air height (height above water): You must be able to clear 19 feet 1 inch to do the Loop (the absolute limit at Chicago, with a high-water pool level), but ideally under 17 feet for the Champlain route (charted at 15-1/2 feet for flood stage) and to go thru downtown Chicago. So, 15-1/2 to 16-1/2 feet is ideal.
(3) Draft: 42 to 48 inches or less is ideal. Must be less than 60 inches on the Champlain route, 72 inches on the Heritage Canals, and you must sign a waiver if over 5-1/2 feet.
(4) Beam: Under 14 feet if possible. 12-1/2 feet is ideal to fit into most boat slips; otherwise, expect to be on a T-head, if available.
(5) House water capacity: 150 to 200 gallons is ideal (a minimum of 100 gallons).
(6) Holding tank (black water) capacity: 40 to 80 gallons is ideal (minimum 30 gallons).
(7) Electrical power: twin 30 amp versus one 50 amp. is recommended. Split on the boat from essential to non-essential (i.e. air conditioning as a non-essential on a separate circuit). Be prepared to live with a single 30 amp service and even one 15 amp service in a lot of places (buy one or two 30 amp female down to 15 amp male reducers).
(8) Accessibility: the ability to get to both the bow and stern easily, with wide walkways and good access from the helm to both the port and starboard sides of the boat for locking purposes.
(9) Anchors: two bow anchor system with both a Danforth and a Plow/Bruce anchor is ideal for the varying bottom types and/or for a twin 60 degree anchor placement. At least one anchor rode should have chain the length of the boat.
(10) A good water filter system (charcoal and sediment for all water taken aboard) and also a Nature Pure or Sea Gull water purifier at least at the galley sink and also for the ice maker if so equipped.
(11) If TV and video entertainment are important, consider a "marine" satellite TV antenna, VCR and DVD system for your boat (also recommended for Weather Channel).
(12) Recommended is a large saloon with at least two recliner/lounge-type seats. Many trawlers only have an L-shaped seating around the galley table in a galley/saloon area which doesn't fit very many lifestyles from a living room comfort perspective.
(13) A hard top bridge enclosure if possible (no need for a flying bridge). A pilothouse design with good side vision is ideal. If there is a canvas bridge enclosure, it should be as waterproof as possible unless the vessel has a lower station. A raised bridge or raised deck cruiser is also a good option versus a flying bridge.
(14) Having a washer and dryer or combination unit aboard (110 volt if possible) is ideal. If not, have lots of quarters for marina/town facilities, when available.
(15) Storage: The amount of storage is very important. The sheer volume of paper in the way of charts and guide books for the Loop is considerable. We actually shipped home charts and guide books along the way to gain more room (for gifts and souvenirs purchased). You can't bank on buying these navigation items along the way. Clothes, for hot, cool, and wet, take up a lot more room than normal summer boating wear. Food and staples supplies for a couple of weeks takes a lot more room than a week or two of cruising in your normal boating area where you know the locations of all the good stores and eateries. Cleaning supplies and all the extra gear and engine fluids stored in your dock box need to be taken aboard. Then there are the spare parts and engine manuals. Also, don't forget the office supplies such as a computer, printer, paper, envelopes, stamps, notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.
(16) Have an innerspring mattress made for your stateroom bed. A wise investment over a foam rubber mattress, particularly on hot summer nights. A good night's sleep is paramount. Remember, the bed and pillow you sleep on aboard must be as comfortable as the one you left at home!
(17) Last but certainly not least is the question of engine power. If your sole long-range cruising objective is to do the Great Loop and then become weekenders, occasional vacation cruisers or even snow birds, then the investment of an additional $75,000 to $100,000 or more for diesel engine(s) and generator may not be worth the added cost, and in fact might be an unwise investment for resale purposes.
If on the other hand, you plan on selling the old homestead and becoming long-range cruising liveaboards, definitely go for the big diesels which you may be able to amortize over an 8- to-10-year period of cruising.
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