Great Loop Project

Overview

Coordinating the completion of two shanty boats for the Great Loop journey - a 6,000-mile circular waterway adventure around the Great Lakes and eastern US waterways.

The Great Loop

The Great Loop is a circular waterway of approximately 6,000 miles that connects:

• Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario
• Inland waterways: Erie Canal, Hudson River, Champlain Canal, etc.
• Eastern seaboard: St. Lawrence River, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
• Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: Through Florida and Gulf Coast states
• Western connections: Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Ohio River system

Typical duration: 1-2 seasons (depending on pace and stops)

Vessels

Primary Vessel: 16x40 Shanty Boat

• Dimensions: 16ft × 40ft
• Purpose: Main living quarters and primary transport
• Repository: https://gitea.loperfamily.com/Sage_Software/16x40-Shanty-Boat
• Status: Project initialized - awaiting detailed requirements

Companion Vessel: 8x16 Shanty Boat

• Dimensions: 8ft × 16ft
• Purpose: Day boat, backup accommodation, or potential upgrade project
• Repository: https://gitea.loperfamily.com/Sage_Software/8x16-Shanty-Boat
• Status: Project initialized - awaiting detailed requirements

Project Structure

Great-Loop/
├── README.md           # This file
├── progress.md         # Project progress tracker
├── route-planning/     # Route research and planning
├── permits/           # Documentation for permits and regulations
├── budget/            # Budget tracking and estimates
└── [other subdirectories]

Related Projects

• 16x40 Shanty Boat - Primary Great Loop vessel
  • Repository: https://gitea.loperfamily.com/Sage_Software/16x40-Shanty-Boat
• 8x16 Shanty Boat - Small companion vessel
  • Repository: https://gitea.loperfamily.com/Sage_Software/8x16-Shanty-Boat

Project Goals

1. Complete both shanty boat projects with seaworthy, safe vessels
2. Plan and execute the Great Loop journey with family
3. Create a memorable adventure for the entire family
4. Document the journey for future reference and inspiration

Key Considerations

• Boat construction: Both vessels need to be seaworthy and safe
• Power systems: Electric, diesel, or hybrid traction
• Living accommodations: Self-contained systems for extended travel
• Budget: Significant investment required for two vessels
• Timeline: Multi-year project from construction through journey completion
• Family involvement: All children will experience this adventure
• Safety: Proper navigation equipment, communication systems, safety gear

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Project created: April 11, 2026