Best AGLCA Podcasts (2025)

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2025 Gulf Crossing-YOU Make the Call 35:01

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1d ago35:01

35:01

AGLCA is all about Loopers helping Loopers—and YOU Make the Call is a perfect example of that spirit in action. Each fall/winter, this daily post helps Loopers determine when conditions are right for their Gulf crossing. In this episode, Tsali Bentley joins us to explain what goes into each YOU Make the Call update, where you can find it, and why h…

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Story of Our Loop: A Father & Son on the Loop 40:33

9d ago40:33

40:33

This week on the podcast, we continue our “Story of Our Loop” series with a special father-son edition! Richard and Jacob recently completed the Great Loop together, and they’re joining us to share their incredible journey. Hear how they chose their boat, the highlights of their adventure, and what they gained—both individually and as a family—by t…

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Day Shapes 21:36

15d ago21:36

21:36

USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated Quick Reference guide to the NavRules. https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdfBy Robert Rice, Kimberly Russo

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All About Marinas 29:39

22d ago29:39

29:39

This week's episode is all about marinas. Based on listener suggestions, the Home Port Crew shares insight on how to select marinas when cruising the Great Loop, how and when to make marina reservations, and how to find long term slips or storage for your boat before, during, or after the Great Loop.The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a life…

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Cruising from Paducah to Mobile 39:46

29d ago39:46

39:46

There is an error in this episode. We discuss the Ohio River being the only inland river where Loopers going counter-clockwise (the more tyical direction) are upbound. That is incorrect. Loopers are also upbound on the Cumberland River (if they take that route) and the Tennessee River. Our apologies for the error.…

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Navigation Lights for the Great Loop 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

Resources USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated Quick Reference guide to the NavRules. https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdfBy Robert Rice, Kimberly Russo

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Completing the Loop Aboad 3 Different Boats 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

There's been a lot of talk lately about Looping in record time, but how about completing the Loop over almost 13 years? And, what if you could compare a trawler, a powercat, and a motor yacht as liveaboard Looping boats? Bruce & Hilary recently completed the Great Loop after more than 12 years, and over that time, they did Loop segments aboard a Si…

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Cruising from Chicago to Paducah 48:54

2M ago48:54

48:54

As Loopers prepare to head down the inland rivers, the Great Loop Radio podcast this week covers the part of the Great Loop route from Chicago, IL to Paducah, KY. This route section includes the Illinois Waterway, Mississippi River, and Ohio River. Wes and Amy Litsey join us to share the details. If you’re looking for more, AGLCA members can check …

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Lithium Batteries for the Great Loop 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

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 p…

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A Record Setting Great Loop Adventure 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

Chances are you've heard about 71-year-old Robert Youens who recently completed the Great Loop on his jon boat, Ageless Wanderer, in just over 19 days. On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Robert joins us to share the story of his adventure. We'll talk about why he decided to try to break a Great Loop speed record and how his jou…

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Working Aboard 38:00

3M ago38:00

38:00

More and more people are working aboard while doing the Great Loop. Why wait until retirement to cruise the Great Loop if you can do your job remotely? This week's episode features Alison Major, author of "Remote Work Afloat". Alison is a Gold Looper and founder of Loop Life Academy, an AGLCA sponsor. Join us as we discuss tips for setting yourself…

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Life After the Loop with Rev & Sam 33:16

3M ago33:16

33:16

What do you do after you've finished the Loop? Post-Loop blues is a real thing! For Rev & Sam, they turned Life After the Loop into a business where they help others fulfill their Great Loop dreams, and they also continue boating in new and different settings. Listen this week as we catch up with Rev & Sam and hear all about their Life After the Lo…

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Sound Signals 41:02

3M ago41:02

41:02

Episode resources: USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated Quick Reference guide to the NavRules: https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdfBy Robert Rice, Kimberly Russo

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What to Expect When Dealing with a Boatyard 39:35

4M ago39:35

39:35

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…

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Story of Our Loop: Darlene & Mike-Lopping 10 days on/4 days off 33:39

4M ago33:39

33:39

We continue our Story of Our Loop series this week with our guests, Mike & Darlene. They did the Loop in a non-traditional way by traveling home every other weekend. They'll share how they made the frequent trips home work, how they arranged travel, and how their way of Looping may have changed their overall experience. Mike & Darlene provide inspi…

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AGLCA's Sponsor Program 21:22

4M ago21:22

21:22

Details about our sponsor program: https://www.greatloop.org/sponsors Refer a sponsor: [email protected] or submit a form hereBy Kimberly Russo, Karen Nettles

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Story of our Loop-Malcolm & Rachel, Mainship 390 34:06

5M ago34:06

34:06

Our popular "Story of our Loop" series returns this week as we feature Malcom & Rachel from "Stay Cool", a Mainship 390 that completed the Great Loop in 2023. Malcolm and Rachel share why their chose their boat, the details of their adventure, how they stayed in compliance with regualtions as Canadians traveling for an extended period time in the U…

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Local Notice to Mariners 28:04

5M ago28:04

28:04

Local Notice to Mariners are something that should be in every Looper's toolbox. Checking these reports can give insight into the local issues you may encounter on each movement of your boat on the Great Loop. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to discuss where to find Local Notice to Mariners and how you can use them to be more prepared for…

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Being Prepared If Someone Falls in the Water 46:24

5M ago46:24

46:24

Resources Here are a couple of articles from BoatUS on this problem Testing Crew Overboard Maneuvers - https://www.boatus.org/findings/41 Getting that person back aboard is harder than you think. - https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2012/october/man-overboard-rescue-for-powerboats MOB tips - https://www.boatus.org/crew-overb…

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The Lake Champlain Route Option 46:48

5M ago46:48

46:48

With the Erie Canal undergoing repairs between Locks E16 and E17, that route is not yet open to Loopers needing to transit the area to continue the Great Loop route. The Lake Champlain route option is a popular choice in most years, but even more Loopers are considering it this year instead of waiting for the Erie Canal to fully open. This week, AG…

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Great Loop Locking Tips 41:56

5M ago41:56

41:56

AGLCA members can download the handout discussed. It is available in our Resource Library on the www.GreatLoop.org website.By Kimberly Russo, Tsali Bentley, Jacque Bentey

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The Erie Canal's Bicentennial 40:16

6M ago40:16

40:16

Update on the New York Canals! Join us as Shane Mahar, Director of Public Engagement – Canals at the New York Power Authority & New York State Canal Corporation, discusses the status of the Canals, and the delayed opening of most sections, on what was expected to be opening day system-wide. We'll also discuss the Erie Canal's Bicentennial celebrati…

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Anti-Anchoring Bill Passes Florida Legislature 26:00

6M ago26:00

26:00

Learn more at about HB 481, why it's bad for boating, and how to get involved in our veto campaign: Website: https://boatersrightscoalition.org/veto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoatersRightsCoalition The actual bill: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/481/BillText/er/PDF Steps you can take now: Help us fund the effort: https://www.greatl…

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Great Loop Myths Busted! 41:49

6M ago41:49

41:49

If you enjoyed our episode a few weeks back on "Looper Lore", then you'll appreciate this episode as we bust some Great Loop myths. Kim & Ted from Pony are our guests as we explore some of those Looper sayings, or pieces of advice, that you might want to reconsider when planning and cruising your own Great Loop adventure.The Great Loop is the boati…

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Planning for the Cost of Looping 30:55

7M ago30:55

30:55

How do you know how much boat you can afford? How can you be sure you'll have enough money left after the Loop for the rest of your retirement? And how can you make sure the money you've saved for the Loop goes as far as possible? Join us for this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast as Cathy Aull, Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones, …

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Florida Anchoring Law Update 26:39

7M ago26:39

26:39

The Boaters' Rights Advocacy Coalition is a group of dedicated boaters associations representing more than 20,000 members committed to advocating for the rights of all active cruisers and boaters. Our mission is to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable access to our public waterways. Here's how you can help protect anchoring on Florida's waterway…

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7 Questions to Ask Locals on the Loop 32:15

7M ago32:15

32:15

When Foster & Susan did the Great Loop, they decided not to follow the pack to the "usual" Looper stops. Instead, they asked 7 questions to locals around the Loop that helped them find the hidden gems, the waterways less traveled, and ultimately, make the Loop their own. Join us this week as Foster & Susan share their 7 questions that led them to t…

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Looper Lore 43:21

7M ago43:21

43:21

Most Loopers have their favorite sayings that apply to the Great Loop. This week, we share some of the best "Looper Lore" that you'll hear during docktails and other discussions on the Great Loop. Tsali and Jacque Bentley, platinum Loopers and AGLCA award winners, are my guests this week as we reveal and explain some of the favorite Looper Lore sub…

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Looping in Segments 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals no…

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Boating Safety Course Requirements 40:07

8M ago40:07

40:07

Some states along the Great Loop Route require even transiting boaters to have taken a safe boating course. This means that every Looper should have taken a NASBLA approved course. This epsiode of our podcast talks about which states require a course for transiting boaters, what's covered in the courses, and where you can take one.The Great Loop is…

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A Side Trip on the St. Johns River 29:45

8M ago29:45

29:45

As this year's fleet of Loopers gets ready to head up the east coast of Florida, a side trip on the St. Johns River will be on the cruising plan of many. This week, Tim & Diane Vandersall join us to share details on this pristine river that's teeming with wildlife. They'll talk about navigating the river, the places they stopped along the way, the …

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Anti-Anchoring Bills in Florida 30:15

8M ago30:15

30:15

Two bills filed in Florida would further limit anchoring, and one bill would create free permits to anchor for more than 14 days. This week's podcast explains the history of the issue, gives the details of the bills, and shares why AGLCA supports one and opposes two. Most importantly, please help us fund our efforts on your behalf to protect anchor…

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Story of our Loop: Scott, Lauren & Sully - Krogen Express 52 41:20

9M ago41:20

41:20

Our "Story of Our Loop" series continues this week with Scott Wake sharing the details of his Great Loop adventure aboard his Krogen Express 52 with his wife, Lauren, and dog, Sully. Some of you may have followed Sully Does the Loop on social media. Scott shares how they made the Loop work for them before retiring, including how Lauren traveled bet…

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2025 Update: Loop Completion Stats 33:24

9M ago33:24

33:24

This week we share stats about boats completing the Great Loop in 2024. Brent Bowlin of Great Loop Yacht Sales will be our guest as we unveil our list of top 10 boat makes that crossed their wakes last year, the average boat size, and the overall number of Loop completions reported to AGLCA.Visit our sponsor, Great Loop Yacht Sales, at www.GreatLoo…

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2025 Update: Marine Insurance 33:10

9M ago33:10

33:10

For several years, obtaining insurance has been one of the bigger challenges in buying a Great Loop boat. This week, Jon Horton of Jack Martin & Associates returns to our podcast to update us on what to expect in 2025. Is it becoming easier to get insurance your Great Loop boat? Listen to find out!The Great Loop is a waterway route followed by "Loo…

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2025 Update: The Boat Buying Market 42:53

10M ago42:53

42:53

What can we expect when buying or selling a Great Loop boat in 2025? Michael Martin from Great Loop Yacht Sales join us with details on the current market and information on how the boat buying process works. If you're planning to buy a boat for the Great Loop, be sure to catch this episode.The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cr…

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2025 Update: Financing Your Great Loop Boat 33:40

10M ago33:40

33:40

This week we kick off our "2025 Update" series where we'll report on different parts of the process for buying a Great Loop boat. In the coming weeks we'll talk about the current state of the Great Loop boat market, marine insurance, and surveys. This week, Cindy Lewis of Sterling Associates is our guest. Cindy shares her expertise and covers what …

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2025 Update: The Pre-Purchase Survey 45:27

10M ago45:27

45:27

As our 2025 update to our boat buying series continues, Scott Miller of Miller Marine Consulting joins us to talk about the importance of a pre-purchase survey on your chosen Great Loop boat. Our discussion includes details on how to choose a surveyor and what to expect both during and after the survey. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a …

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AGLCA Looks Ahead to 2025 31:30

10M ago31:30

31:30

This week the Home Port Crew talks about what's new at AGLCA for 2025! Learn about new things coming up, existing efforts that are changing, and upcoming deadlines for participating in events, fleet shirts, stats, and more! America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own b…

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Story of Our Loop: Coming from Overseas to do the Great Loop 28:05

11M ago28:05

28:05

As interest in the Great Loop grows overseas, this episode features Clive and Anne from Australia. They share the story of their Great Loop aboard their Mainship 390, including all the details on how they were able to abide by customs and immigration laws whle buying their boat and cruising the 6,000 miles of the Great Loop. The Great Loop Route is…

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Planning Your Great Loop Stops 33:13

12M ago33:13

33:13

You know where the Great Loop route goes (if not, check out our map or our FAQs), but how do you decide which cities and towns to visit along the way? Join us as April Smith aboard One Eye Dog shares how she plans their stops during their long-distance cruises including the Great Loop. The Great Loop is a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S., and p…

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Teamwork & Communication While Docking 33:58

12M ago33:58

33:58

Docking and other close-quarters maneuvering can be some of the most stressful parts of a day of boating on the Great Loop. Join us as experienced boater and current Looper, Elaine Stern, shares some of the things she wishes someone had told her when she first started boating that can improve teamwork and communication while docking. The Great Loop…

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Converting a Diesel Trawler to Electric 39:44

12M ago39:44

39:44

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 our 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…

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Our Aging System of Locks 37:30

1y ago37:30

37:30

Join us as we discuss the recent issues at the Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River with Cline Jones, Executive Director of the Tennessee River Valley Association and the Tennessee-Cumberland Waterways Council. Cline provides information on past and current issues with this lock and why we should be concerned about similar problems that could happen …

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Story of our Loop: Bob & Mary-Ranger Tug 27 34:04

1y ago34:04

34:04

This week we share another installment of our popular series where Gold Loopers share the stories of their Great Loop adventure. In this episode, Bob & Mary, who were new to boating when they decided they wanted to cruise the Great Loop, share the details of their Ranger R-27 and why it was the prefect Great Loop boat for them. They also tell us ab…

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AGLCA Sponsor of the Year is Heritage Harbor Marina 28:50

1y ago28:50

28:50

Heritage Harbor Marina on the Illinois River is AGLCA's Sponsor of the Year! Find out why Loopers selected this marina as the sponsor most deserving of this award as we interview Jeff Heimsoth and Bryce & Samantha Wallace. Many thanks to the entire Heritage Harbor community for their outstanding support of Loopers! America's Great Loop is the boati…

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AGLCA Has Something for Everyone! 30:18

1y ago30:18

30:18

We often get questions about what's included in AGLCA membership, so in response, this episode talks about what America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides to anyone interested in the Great Loop. We also give details on what membership offers to those who are still planning, those who are currently cruising, and those who have completed the…

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Story of Our Loop: Aubrey & Terri-Aspen C108 Power Cat 39:51

1y ago39:51

39:51

We continue our popular "Story of Our Loop" series this week with Gold Loopers Terri & Aubrey Smoot sharing the tales of their Great Loop adventure aboard their Aspen C108 Power Cat, "ShoreBilly Too". Often described as the adventure of a lifetime, America's Great Loop boasts a 'low risk, high reward' travel experience. Boaters journey over 5,000 m…

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Great Loop Side Trips 45:57

1y ago45:57

45:57

Ever wonder how far you can cruise on different rivers off the main Great Loop route? Join us this week as David Fuller, a frequent AGLCA speaker, talks about the many side trips you can take as part of your Great Loop adventure. The Great Loop Route is a 6,000-mile nautical adventure that takes you through some of North America's greatest cities, …

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Marina Reservations in Michigan 35:54

1y ago35:54

35:54

AGLCA members cruising in Michigan this season reported some challenges with the reservation system used by many marinas, so this week, we talk to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about the marina reservation process to get some tips on finding and reserving a slip. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie…