10 Essential Gear Picks for Sailing the Great Loop

Embarking on the Great Loop is a legendary 6,000-mile journey that takes boaters through a massive playground of canals, rivers, and open coastal waters. Navigating this diverse route requires transition skills, self-reliance, and gear that can handle both the muddy bottom of an inland river and the choppy waters of the Great Lakes. Equipping a vessel with the right tools ensures this bucket-list adventure remains a safe, memorable cruise rather than a stressful exercise in damage control.

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Crucial Boat Preparations Before Starting the Great Loop

Before pointing the bow toward the Great Loop, a boat must undergo rigorous physical preparations to handle the route’s unique constraints. Height limitations are the first major hurdle, as the lowest fixed bridge on the route (near Chicago) sits at exactly 19 feet, 6 inches. Sailboats must have a tabernacle or a reliable plan to step the mast and carry it on deck, while powerboats must ensure antennas, biminis, and radar arches can fold down quickly.

Draft is another critical factor, with a recommended maximum draft of 5 feet (ideally less than 4 feet) to avoid grounding in the shallow channels of the Champlain Canal, the Florida Keys, or the shifting shoals of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Running gear, including propellers, shafts, and rudders, must be inspected and serviced, and carrying a spare set of props and belts is non-negotiable.

Additionally, fresh water and waste capacity require careful calculation. Long stretches between pump-out stations mean holding tanks must be in peak condition, with seals and macerators thoroughly tested. Preparing a boat for the Loop isn’t just about safety; it is about ensuring the vessel can physically fit through the boundaries of America’s inland waterways.

Marine Chartplotter – Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv

Navigating the Great Loop requires constant vigilance across shallow rivers, commercial shipping lanes, and winding canals. A primary chartplotter acts as the central brain of the helm, displaying critical depth contours, AIS targets, and channel markers in real time to prevent grounding.

The Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv stands out for this epic voyage because of its high-resolution IPS display, which remains perfectly readable in direct sunlight, even with polarized sunglasses. It integrates seamlessly with Garmin’s highly detailed BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps, providing a seamless transition as the route shifts from saltwater to freshwater. The unit features built-in sonar capabilities and pairs effortlessly with radar and autopilot systems, which are essential when fog rolls in on the Great Lakes.

Users must budget for the physical space this 12-inch screen occupies on the helm console and ensure the boat’s alternator can support its power draw. Regular software updates are necessary to keep lock schedules and channel shifts accurate.

• Screen Size: 12-inch high-resolution IPS display
• Map Compatibility: BlueChart g3 and LakeVü g3 with Navionics data
• Connectivity: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Wi-Fi, and Garmin Marine Network

This unit is perfect for cruisers who want a reliable, highly integrated navigation hub that minimizes screen squinting during long days at the helm. It is not the right choice for budget-conscious dayboaters who only navigate familiar local lakes and prefer basic tablet-based navigation.

VHF Marine Radio – Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix

Clear communication is a safety lifeline when sharing narrow channels with commercial barge traffic on the Western Rivers or requesting openings from bridge tenders. A fixed-mount VHF radio is the standard method for coordinating passing agreements and receiving severe weather alerts.

The Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix is a powerhouse that combines a Class D DSC VHF radio with an integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver. Having AIS targets displayed directly on the radio screen allows cruisers to see the names, speeds, and trajectories of massive commercial towboats long before they appear around a river bend. It also features a built-in GPS receiver and NMEA 2000 connectivity, making it easy to share target data directly with the main chartplotter.

To maximize the range of this 25-watt radio, it must be paired with a high-quality, properly tuned 8-foot fiberglass VHF antenna. Cruisers must register for an MMSI number before starting the trip to enable the radio’s life-saving digital selective calling features.

• Transmit Power: 25 Watts / 1 Watt
• Key Features: Integrated AIS receiver, built-in GPS, NMEA 2000 compatible
• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 submersible (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)

This radio is indispensable for Loopers navigating busy commercial shipping corridors where knowing a barge’s name to call them on Channel 13 is crucial. It is overkill for casual weekenders who never leave small, enclosed recreational lakes.

Heavy Duty Boat Anchor – Mantus M1 Anchor

When weather deteriorates or engine trouble strikes, a reliable anchor is the ultimate insurance policy. On the Great Loop, an anchor must hold in an incredibly wide variety of bottom types, including thick mud, loose sand, heavy clay, and rocky riverbeds.

The Mantus M1 Anchor is a scoop-style, high-performance anchor designed to set instantly and hold firm in the most challenging bottoms. Its sharp nose slices through weeds and hard pack, while the wide roll-bar ensures the anchor always lands in the optimum position to penetrate the seabed. This rapid-setting ability is particularly vital in high-current river anchorages where dragging even a few feet can result in a collision with a bridge pier or channel marker.

Because of its aggressive roll-bar design, the Mantus M1 may require a bow roller modification or a specialized anchor roller to self-launch and stow cleanly. Cruisers must match the anchor weight to their boat’s displacement and ensure the ground tackle includes a sufficient length of heavy chain.

• Design: Single-part roll-bar, scoop-style spade
• Material: Hot-dipped galvanized steel (stainless steel options available)
• Best Bottom Types: Mud, sand, clay, and gravel

This anchor is the gold standard for long-distance cruisers who plan to anchor out frequently in unpredictable river currents. It is not ideal for boats with narrow, enclosed anchor lockers that cannot accommodate the tall clearance of the roll-bar.

Boat Fender – Taylor Made Super Gard Fenders

The Great Loop features over 100 locks, where concrete walls covered in rough algae, barnacles, and jagged rebar will quickly chew up unprotected fiberglass. Fenders act as critical sacrificial barriers between the boat’s gelcoat and these harsh concrete structures.

Taylor Made Super Gard Fenders are constructed from marine-grade vinyl that resists cracking, splitting, and UV damage over months of exposure. They feature double-molded ends for extra strength at the eyelets, preventing the fender from ripping free when subjected to heavy friction against lock walls. The ribbed sides minimize rolling, helping the fender stay positioned exactly where protection is needed most.

For the Great Loop, cruisers should upsize their fenders by one or two sizes to handle the surge and turbulence inside locks. It is highly recommended to use fender boards—wooden planks suspended horizontally over two fenders—to prevent the concrete from grabbing and tearing the vinyl.

• Material: Heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl
• Design: Ribbed sides with reinforced eyelets on both ends
• Recommended Size: Minimum 8.5″ x 26″ for boats up to 35 feet

These fenders are essential for any Looper who wants reliable protection through the lock-heavy sections of the Erie Canal or Trent-Severn Waterway. They are not necessary for boaters who only dock at modern slipways with soft rubber bumper stripping.

Handheld VHF Radio – Icom IC-M94D Marine Transceiver

While a fixed-mount VHF handles long-range communications, a handheld VHF provides portability and redundancy. It is used on deck during locking operations to talk to the helm, in the dinghy during shore excursions, or as a backup if the main house batteries fail.

The Icom IC-M94D is a handheld VHF radio with an integrated AIS receiver. This means crew members standing on deck or riding in the dinghy can monitor ship traffic directly from their wrists. It also features Class H DSC distress calling and a built-in GPS, ensuring that pressing the emergency button transmits precise coordinates to rescue authorities.

This unit floats and flashes when dropped in the water, making it easy to retrieve during a night transit. Cruisers should keep the charging cradle mounted near the helm to ensure the battery remains topped off before long locks.

• Transmit Power: 6 Watts
• Key Features: Integrated AIS receiver, built-in GPS, DSC functionality, Float’n Flash
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of typical operation

This is a premium safety tool for active crew members who need to maintain situational awareness outside the cabin. It is not needed for casual dayboaters who never lose sight of the launch ramp.

Marine Binoculars – Steiner Navigator 7×50

Identifying distant daybeacons, spotting floating debris, and scanning shorelines for hidden marina entrances are daily tasks on the Loop. High-quality marine optics make the difference between a confident course correction and a sudden, stressful grounding.

The Steiner Navigator 7×50 is designed specifically for the motion of a rolling boat deck. The 7x magnification is the industry sweet spot, offering enough power to read channel numbers from afar while maintaining a stable image that does not shake violently with the swell. The 50mm objective lenses let in an incredible amount of light, providing bright, high-contrast images during dawn, dusk, or foggy river transits.

These binoculars feature an individual eyepiece focus system, which means once they are adjusted to the user’s eyes, everything from 20 yards to infinity remains sharp without needing refocusing. They are nitrogen-pressurized to prevent internal fogging and feature a rugged, slip-resistant NBR rubber housing.

• Magnification: 7x
• Objective Lens: 50 mm
• Field of View: 128 meters at 1000 meters
• Waterproof Depth: Down to 5 meters

These optics are perfect for navigators who value rapid, clear target identification in low-light conditions. They are not the best choice for lightweight backpackers due to their substantial, heavy-duty build.

Digital Depth Sounder – HawkEye DepthTrax 1B

Grounding is the most common mishap on the Great Loop, where shoals can shift overnight in river bends. Having a dedicated, highly accurate depth sounder provides immediate feedback on water depth, serving as a critical sanity check against GPS charts.

The HawkEye DepthTrax 1B is a dedicated depth sounder that delivers reliable, instantaneous readings at speeds up to 60 mph. Its algorithmic programming filters out false readings from weeds and sediment, which is a common issue in muddy river channels. The high-contrast, backlit display is easy to read at a glance, and it features customizable shallow and deep water alarms to alert the captain before a grounding occurs.

This unit can be mounted in-dash and supports transom, glued-in-hull, or thru-hull transducer installations. Cruisers must ensure the transducer is installed in a location with clean water flow, free of air bubbles or engine turbulence, to maintain accurate readings.

• Depth Range: 2.5 to 200 feet
• Display: Backlit LCD
• Transducer Type: Thru-hull or transom-mount options

This is a must-have backup or primary depth display for captains who want a dedicated screen constantly showing water depth without cluttering the main chartplotter. It is not suitable for anglers looking for advanced 3D fish-finding graphics.

Inflatable PFD – Mustang Survival MIT 150

Wearing a traditional, bulky foam life jacket for hours on end is uncomfortable, leading to complacency and non-compliance. An inflatable personal flotation device (PFD) offers a low-profile, lightweight alternative that keeps crew members safe without restricting movement during lock handlings or line tossing.

The Mustang Survival MIT 150 features a membrane in-flight technology inflation chamber that folds down smaller and offers a lighter feel than traditional inflatables. It provides 38 lbs of buoyancy when inflated, which is more than enough to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in choppy water. The simple, clean design minimizes snag hazards, which is critical when working around winches, cleats, and lock ropes.

This PFD utilizes an automatic inflation system that requires regular inspection and re-arming after deployment. Cruisers must keep spare re-arming kits onboard, as damp environments can occasionally cause older water-activated bobbins to degrade.

• Buoyancy: 38 lbs (150 N)
• Inflation Type: Automatic (water contact) with manual backup handle
• Material: 420-denier nylon outer shell

This is the perfect PFD for active crew members who need all-day comfort while working on deck or in locks. It is not suitable for high-speed water sports or white-water paddling, where instant impact protection is required.

Cruising Guidebook – Waterway Guide Great Loop Edition

Electronics can fail, but paper guidebooks remain reliable sources of local knowledge. They offer crucial context about bridge clearances, lock procedures, marina amenities, anchorage quality, and local navigation hazards that charts alone cannot convey.

The Waterway Guide Great Loop Edition is widely considered a key planning asset for loopers, packed with mile-by-mile navigation details, lock locations, and marina listings. It features clear layout maps that highlight fuel stops, pump-out stations, and safe anchorages along the entire route. The spiral binding allows it to lay flat on the navigation table or helm station for easy reference while steering.

Because navigation rules, phone numbers, and marina ownership change regularly, buying the most current annual edition is critical for accuracy. Cruisers should read the upcoming sections the night before to plan fuel stops and bridge openings ahead of time.

• Format: Spiral-bound softcover
• Coverage: Entire Great Loop route including side trips
• Key Features: Mile-by-mile data, marina listings, anchorage ratings, local history

This guidebook is essential for anyone planning or executing the Great Loop who wants to reduce navigational anxiety and discover local stops. It is not necessary for boaters who only cruise local, well-known waterways close to home.

Inflatable Dinghy – Newport Vessels Dana Sport Tender

An inflatable dinghy is a cruising boat’s car, used for taking dogs ashore, fetching groceries, exploring shallow creeks, and setting secondary anchors. Without a reliable dinghy, crews are limited to staying at expensive marinas instead of enjoying quiet, scenic anchorages.

The Newport Vessels Dana Sport Tender is a robust, 8-foot, 10-inch inflatable dinghy built with triple-layered 1100 Denier PVC. Its inflatable V-hull provides excellent tracking and stability, allowing it to plane easily with a small outboard motor. The marine-wood floorboards provide a solid, stable platform for stepping in and out of the dinghy, which is crucial when carrying groceries or climbing onto slippery docks.

The PVC fabric is highly durable but requires protection from prolonged UV exposure, so using a canvas cover or applying UV protectant spray is recommended. Cruisers must evaluate how they will stow and launch the dinghy—either on davits, on the swim platform, or deflated in a locker.

• Length: 8 feet, 10 inches
• Material: 1100 Denier UV-resistant PVC
• Capacity: 3 Persons / 1,067 lbs max load
• Max Engine Rating: 10 HP

This tender is perfect for cruising couples who need a rugged, stable, and easily planed utility boat for daily shore runs. It is not the right choice for large families needing to transport more than three adults at a time.

How to Manage Lock Transits Safely on the Great Loop

Navigating locks is one of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of the Great Loop, requiring coordination, patience, and the right technique. As a boat enters a lock chamber, the crew must be prepared for turbulent currents and sudden wind shifts created by the massive volume of water moving inside. The golden rule of locking is never tie the boat securely to the lock wall or cleats. Instead, lines must be wrapped around the lock’s vertical cables, pipes, or floating bollards and held by hand, allowing the crew to ease or tension the line as the water level rises or falls.

Proper gear placement is vital during this process. Fenders must be deployed on the correct side of the vessel, adjusted to the height of the lock wall, and backed up with a horizontal fender board to prevent the concrete from catching the fender’s top edge. Wearable PFDs are mandatory for all crew members on deck during transits, and wearing work gloves is highly recommended to protect hands from slimy, barnacle-encrusted ropes or cables.

Communication between the helm and the deck crew must remain calm and clear, utilizing handheld VHF radios or simple, pre-determined hand signals to combat the noise of rushing water and diesel engines. By approaching each lock with patience, keeping lines adjustable, and protecting the hull with heavy-duty fendering, transits become smooth, routine maneuvers rather than high-stress events.

Conclusion

Sailing the Great Loop is an incredible, life-changing journey that demands preparation, patience, and the right equipment to handle its diverse waterways. Equipping a vessel with these ten essential gear picks ensures that navigation remains precise, lock transits stay controlled, and safety remains paramount. With the right foundation beneath the hull and reliable gear on deck, the Great Loop shifts from an intimidating challenge to the cruising adventure of a lifetime.