• Tentative Start Date For The Great Loop 2024

    Here is map of the tentative starting schedule for season 2, 2024 of the Great Loop. I wrapped up my adventures in the summer of 2022 in Chesapeake, VA, and my plan is to transport Good Times 2.0 to that region to embark on season 2.

    My initial plan is to dedicate 3 to 4 weeks to exploring the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River area. Afterward, I'll make a swift journey along the New Jersey shore and allocate some time to experience the charm of the New York City area.

    My next destination will be the Hudson River, where I'll travel north to Albany, NY, and from there, I'll veer westward into the Erie Canal. While making my way through the Erie Canal, I'll take the opportunity to stop and explore various cities along the way, making the most of this unique experience.

    Lake Ontario will mark my entry into the Great Lakes region. As I continue my journey, I'll be consulting maps and seeking input from the YouTube community to uncover the must-visit sites and hidden gems in the Great Lakes area.

    If you would like to follow along on season 2 of the Great Loop my YouTube channel and click below to subscribe so you don't miss the fun.

    Good Time Adventures

     

     

  • Captain Mike has embarked on a new project by acquiring a boat to resume his Great Loop journey, which he initiated in 2021. During that leg of the trip, he commanded a much larger vessel, the Carver 32' Aft Cabin. While spacious, operating it single-handedly proved to be a formidable challenge. In 2022, Captain Mike reluctantly sold the Carver due to health issues. Following a period of recovery, he felt ready to continue his journey, contemplating his preferences for his next vessel.

    His foremost criterion was that the boat needed to be trailerable to allow him to pick up where he left off for season 2. He also envisioned a smaller boat that would serve as a project vessel, showcasing what's achievable on a tighter budget for those aspiring to undertake the Great Loop. Ultimately, Captain Mike settled on a severely neglected 1988 Bayliner 2450 Ciera. Originally designed as a weekend getaway boat, Captain Mike recognized that numerous modifications would be required to transform it into a suitable light cruiser.

    Follow along with Captain Mike on this exciting project and witness the remarkable end result. As Captain Mike aptly puts it, "it's gonna be a good time."

     

    Click Here to see the video.

  • The Great Loop: An Epic Boating Adventure

    The Great Loop is a captivating journey that beckons adventure enthusiasts and boaters alike. This remarkable waterway route, also known as the Great Circle Route, forms a continuous loop that circumnavigates the eastern part of North America. Stretching over 6,000 miles, this incredible voyage takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences, making it one of the most epic boating adventures in the world.

    Navigating the Great Loop:

    The Great Loop typically begins and ends in the eastern United States, often in cities like Chicago, Illinois, or Mobile, Alabama. From there, boaters embark on a journey that takes them through a series of interconnected waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. This comprehensive route allows you to explore a vast array of natural wonders, from the serene waters of the Florida Keys to the stunning vistas of the Canadian wilderness.

    Cultural Diversity:

    One of the most captivating aspects of the Great Loop is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the regions you traverse. Along the way, you'll encounter charming coastal towns, bustling cities, and remote villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the local way of life. Whether you're savoring Creole cuisine in Louisiana, visiting historic sites in Charleston, or experiencing the vibrant music scene in Nashville, there's no shortage of cultural experiences to enjoy.

    Natural Beauty:

    Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the Great Loop's ever-changing landscapes. From the lush marshes of the Everglades to the rugged beauty of the Thousand Islands, the route is a paradise for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species, while anglers can try their luck in the numerous fishing grounds. The loop also takes you through some of the most stunning national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in North America.

    Challenges and Rewards:

    While the Great Loop is undoubtedly a thrilling adventure, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Navigating locks, handling varying water conditions, and dealing with changing weather patterns are all part of the experience. However, these challenges are outweighed by the rewards of witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the water, forging lasting friendships with fellow boaters, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

    Community and Camaraderie:

    One of the most remarkable aspects of the Great Loop is the sense of community and camaraderie among loopers (as participants are affectionately called). Many boaters embark on this adventure, and it's not uncommon to form lasting bonds with fellow travelers, sharing stories, tips, and advice along the way. The Great Loop Association serves as a hub for loopers to connect, share experiences, and offer support.

    In conclusion, the Great Loop is an awe-inspiring boating odyssey that offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It's a journey that challenges and rewards in equal measure, and it's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on those who undertake it. Whether you're an experienced boater or a novice looking for a thrilling voyage, the Great Loop beckons as an epic and unforgettable adventure.

    Captian Mike Steen will be starting back the summer of 2024 on his second leg of the adventure. Click Here to following along on his YouTube channel.

     

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This is the first video in this new series. I purchased a 1988 Bayliner 2455 for $600.00. This is the boat. I will use in the next leg of the trip on the Great Loop. It was in rough condition, and in this video, we start the clean up. Just a good cleaning makes the boat look entirely different. Follow along and see the restoration to include new carpet, engine, cabinets, hard top, solar panels, and more. #greatloop #boatingadventure #boatingadventure

 

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In 2021, I embarked on a journey along the Great Loop, covering 1500 miles of the 6000-mile route from Tampa, Florida to Chesapeake, VA. During this leg of the trip, I spent nearly 7 months aboard my vessel, but encountered engine troubles upon reaching Chesapeake and had to halt my voyage.

Later in 2022, I faced a severe illness that nearly took my life. Convinced that I would never return to the water due to my health, I made the decision to sell my boat. However, after experiencing a miraculous recovery in 2023, my passion for adventure reignited.

My original boat, the Good Times OG, was a 32-foot Carver Aft cabin with a flybridge. Since I often traveled solo, I sought a smaller, trailerable vessel to resume my journey from Chesapeake. After a brief search, I stumbled upon what seemed like the perfect boat—a $600 find that required extensive restoration from top to bottom.

Despite its condition, this project was precisely what I was seeking. As the owner of the YouTube channel "Good Times Adventures," I am a USCG-certified boat captain and skilled boat remodeler. I've taken on similar restoration projects in the past, including the original Good Times, which was a hurricane-damaged vessel that I successfully restored and completed part of the Great Loop with.

Today, I'm nearing the completion of the restoration of "Good Times 2.0." After a few shake down cruises, I'll set off once more to conquer the remaining 4500 miles of the Great Loop. Join me on my journey by subscribing to my channel using the link below. I promise you an exciting and rewarding adventure!

[Link to subscribe to the Good Times Adventures YouTube channel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF7oc3te_oA

 
 
 
 
 

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If you're in search of a reliable company specializing in marine engine rebuilds, you've found the right source. I recently shared a video highlighting a South Florida-based company renowned for its expertise in this field. Their services extend globally, and the pricing is remarkably competitive. For example, a remanufactured Mercruiser 5.7 can be yours starting at just $2200.00, plus shipping.

As a passionate boater myself, I've recently acquired my seventh rebuilt engine from this company. It's worth noting that I am not affiliated with them in any sponsored capacity; I simply continue to choose their services due to consistently positive experiences. To learn more, check out the detailed insights provided in my YouTube video, and find their contact information in the link below.

Click Here

Details

I have been working on a new project boat for the Great Loop. I started the Great Loop 2 years ago on my Carver 32' twin engine motor yacht. After getting very ill, I had to sell it. I had made the trip from Tampa, Florida to Chesapeake, VA before the illness started. After I got healed from God, I bought a smaller more manageable boat, a Bayliner 2450 Siera project boat. During the engine removal phase of the project, I accidentally dropped the engine through the bottom of the boat. You can see the video by clicking below. 

https://youtu.be/09_mawDZdMc

 

 

 

 

 

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