Information On Cruising The Great Loop

Join us as Chris Kealey of the Canada Border Services Agency explains the procedure to follow when arriving in Ontario by boat. 

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Boat U.S. Vice President of Public Affairs, Scott Croft, shares details about  boating infrastructure grants (BIG) just awarded for facilities that cater to transient boaters.  We also discuss two important current issues, electric shock drowning and keeping your outboard and electronics safe from theft.

This week's episode is a rebroadcast of two episodes that originally aired in 2016 covering cruising both sides of Lake Michigan. Foster Schucker and Susan Wilson cover cruising the Wisconsin side, while Pat & George Hospodar cover the Michigan side.

Join us as Chad Buchner, Manager of Canal Operations for the Trent-Severn Waterway, tells us what to expect along this historic canal as they prepare to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. 

A new transient dock will soon open in Paducah, Kentucky, providing a much needed fuel stop for Loopers.  Paducah's Director of Park Services, Mark Thompson, will be our guest on this episode to tell us more about the new facility and what services will be offered there.

AGLCA members, Captains Ed & Sue Kelly, are two prairie-raised Iowans who sold everything, bought a boat, and sailed off into retirement.  Sounds familiar to many Great Loopers, but this couple's first Great Loop was not in North America.  It was the Great Loop of Europe!  Listen to learn about this fascinating 6,000 mile trip aboard their 40' catamaran.  

It's National Safe Boating Week and Rachel Johnson, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council, is our guest!  Rachel will share information on staying safe on the water, including tips on finding the right life jacket, the importance of safe boating courses, technology that can help keep you safe, and more!

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell share tips on what to consider when searching for your perfect boat. They'll teach you how to KNOW whether a boat is perfect for you, including tips on considerations for  budget, guests aboard, engine room access, boat handling, and more.  

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Cindy Lewis of Sterling Associates gives tips on how to finance your dream boat.  Cindy was one of the most highly rated speakers at our recent Spring Rendezvous, and she'll cover everything from requirements for obtaining financing to tax benefits and consequences, plus much more.

This week's episode of Great Loop Radio features a discussion with Tom Van Benschoten of Waterside Marina in Norfolk.  The waterfront area of Norfolk has undergone a complete revitalization with the new Waterside District set to open.  The marina has also completed several improvements and more are planned.  Join us to learn more about this new not-to-be-missed destination for Loopers.

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, marine systems expert Steve D'Antonio tells us why we shouldn't go easy on our diesel engines and explains the damage that can happen when running at a light load for extended periods of time.

Join us on this week's Great Loop Radio podcast for a discussion on the Erie Canal and its bicentennial celebration.? Our guest is Steven Gosset of the New York Power Authority.  The NYPA assumed ownership of the NY State Canal Corporation, including the Erie Canal, earlier this year.

Join us as Jim Healy discusses AIS, what it is, and how to use it.  He'll also cover best practices for when to use (and not use) this technology.

Several recreational boating associations have come together to ensure that boaters' rights to anchor in Florida's public waterways are preserved.  The coalition has retained Jerry Paul of Capitol Access to lobby on our behalf.  Join us for this episode of Great Loop Radio as Jerry, along with Mike Bodin of the Marine Trawler Owners Association, gives us an update on the current status of the bills filed in Florida.

Join us for this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast with guests 10-year old Lucas Pronk and 7-year-old Marcos Pronk.  The boys will share details of their Great Loop adventure so far and talk about some of their highlights.  We'll also talk about a new program AGLCA is introducing to facilitate the sharing of information among special interest groups like families doing the Loop.

What color is your engine oil?  Join us as Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services tell us what to look for to determine if your fuel and oil are contaminated.  We'll include causes and cures for several common engine oil and transmission fluid problems.

Loopers will be heading up the Atlantic Intracoastal soon as they migrate north.  Join us as Brad Pickel, Director of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, gives us current information on the status of the Waterway after Hurricane Matthew and how changes in Washington will effect the waterway.

This week's Great Loop Radio podcast will provide a status update on the Dismal Swamp Canal which is currently closed due to damage sustained during Hurricane Matthew.  Our guest is Donna Stewart, the Director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. 

There's been a popular discussion about dinghies in this forum? recently, so we thought it would be nice to cover that topic on our Great Loop Radio podcast this week.  Capts. Chris & Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services will join us to discuss types of dinghies, outboard engines, required safety equipment, and where to stow your dinghy.

Kim Russo and Janice Kromer discuss the additional features and benefits AGLCA released in 2016 and share information on what we're working on for 2017.  Listen to learn more about the Association's new developments for both members and non-members.