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Keeping your boat in good working order is essential for a successful Great Loop adventure, but which maintenance tasks can you tackle yourself, and when should you call in the professionals? This week on Great Loop Radio, we're joined by John Fitzgerald of Saunders Yachtworks to discuss practical boat maintenance tips for Loopers. From oil changes and spare parts to sacrificial anodes and preparing for saltwater cruising, John shares advice to help you keep your boat running smoothly. We'll also cover when to seek professional help, how to choose a reputable boatyard, and why planning ahead for maintenance can save you time and frustration along the Loop.

In this episode of our Story of My Loop series, we talk with Gold Looper Marcel LaFond, who completed the Great Loop primarily solo aboard a 26-foot MacGregor sailboat. Marcel shares how he made the adventure possible on a budget, the challenges of cruising alone while managing Parkinson’s disease, and the importance of knowing when to wait for better conditions. From anchoring along the rivers to the encouragement of fellow Loopers, hear Marcel’s reflections on the unexpected demands, memorable moments, and rewards of completing the Great Loop.

Great Loop etiquette goes beyond what happens on the water! In Part 2 of our conversation about boating etiquette, AGLCA welcomes back Platinum Loopers Jacque and Tsali Bentley to discuss the unwritten rules and everyday courtesies that make cruising more enjoyable for everyone. From Docktails and boat cards to marina manners, dinghy storage, and traveling with pets, we cover the little things that make a big difference. We also discuss sharing marina amenities, courtesy flags, social media etiquette, and navigating interactions with fellow boaters. Whether you're planning your Great Loop adventure or already underway, this episode is full of practical advice for being a considerate cruiser and making the most of the Looper community. What unwritten rules of boating etiquette have you learned along the way? Share your tips in the comments!

What does it really take to replace a boat’s generator with lithium batteries, and can you cruise the Great Loop without relying on a generator? On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re joined by current Looper and AGLCA Admiral Sponsor Cathy Aull, who shares a how the failure of the generator aboard Aspasia, her Meridian 341, led her to rethink the boat’s entire power system. Rather than replacing the generator, Cathy designed and installed a 48-volt lithium battery system with an inverter, solar and alternator charging. She walks us through the research and calculations behind the conversion, how she determined which power demands were truly essential aboard, and the trade-offs involved—including why running air conditioning continuously wasn't one of her requirements. Cathy also shares what she has learned now that she’s actively cruising with the system: how she keeps her batteries charged underway and at anchor, how long she can comfortably stay off-grid, what she would do differently, the importance of properly sized wiring, fuses and other safety measures, and why a smaller generator or high-output alternator could still make sense as part of a lithium setup. If you're considering lithium batteries, trying to reduce generator use, or simply wondering what an alternative power setup could look like aboard a Great Loop boat, this episode offers a real-world look at one Looper's experience, from the initial decision and installation, to actually living with the system underway.