R-31 CB and Great Loop

[HookedUp]

I'm considering buying a R-31 CB to do the Great Loop. Lots of questions of course, but I thought I'd begin by asking for general advice. I will probably be doing it single handed. Many years of boating/fishing, but have only overnighted on my boats a few times and they didn't have stoves. Only 1 had a refrigerator and it was only used for water and drinks, so my experience is limited on doing a trip like this and looking for all the information I can get.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

I’m cruising the Great Loop in sections in my 2012 R27, mostly single hand. I just finished a single-hand 969 statute mile section from Green Bay in Wisconsin to Lake Barkley in Kentucky. That put me over the halfway mark to loop completion.

Lots of Ranger Tugs have cruised the loop. I’’m not sure what specific information you’re seeking, but an R31CB would be a great boat in which to make the trip. The helm door will make transiting locks and docking single-hand a lot easier from the helm in the cabin. Using the CB for those maneuvers single-hand would be difficult, but I have zero experience with a CB. Maybe someone who does can chime in with their thoughts on that matter.

Having a galley on the boat will make life much better for times at anchor or in a marina without nearby food options. If you don’t know how to cook, learn to make some basic meals. Being well-fed helps your frame of mind and helps overcome downsides of the loop. Having a nice lunch was one way I passed the time on a couple multi-hour delays to transit locks on my recent trip. Lock delays are all part of the experience.

I suggest joining America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association (AGLCA) and reading their forum to bone-up on the highs and lows of such an endeavor. Since you don’t seem to have any significant overnight cruising experience, you should try seeking out ways to do so. You might find that living on a boat is not your cup of tea.

 

[mikee30]

I have a 31CB and find it very accommodating for single person cruising. When wind, current or both exceed 7 knots (Beaufort, NC comes to mind), docking requires significant coordination with the shore crew. I have two refrigerators, the wine cooler and they are sufficient for a good week of travel. Especially if I’ve got a few dinty moore and idahoan products in the cupboard. I did purchase a stand alone ice maker for cocktails. Wouldn’t travel without that item ever again. For my dinghy I have an 8’ Tacacat and a Torquedo. Both are in the starboard hold until I need them for mooring ball, etc. Underway, back they go most times depending on next use.
Hope this sounds encouraging.

 

[JMarshallR25]

Hoppy Trails is doing the Loop in a 31CB on YouTube. It’s a good channel. The husband reminds me of Rick Steves, the original travel vlogger.

 

[HookedUp]

Thanks all. I do know how to cook a bit. Just find cooking for 1 a bit of a challenge as stores have very little food for one person, but I just started cooking for 1 a couple of months ago so I'll get the hang of it. I'll look for the video on YouTube. And mikee30, I'm thinking along the same lines for a dingy. I like having the back of the boat open, for viewing, and for fishing. I do want more knowledge about docking the 31CB. I've had a 27'x10' boat before and with 2 engines I could generally put it within a few inches of the dock although it might take more time with a swift current or winds. Guessing due to the height the 31CB is prone to go where the wind blows it when docking?
I was out all day today Cobia fishing and after we each caught one with someone on the rod, another on the wheel and another with a large net I'm beginning to realize my limitations with large fish. Might have gotten by with 2 people and an autopilot, but by myself I don't see how I could have landed it and the law requires a net, not a gaff for Cobia. I guess my fishing will be limited if alone. No sense bringing my large tuna equipment and I'd hoped to fish for tuna in the Gulf. I don't want to injure fish I can't get in the boat.

 

[AGLyme]

I purchased my first boat a year ago… a 31cb. I keep “Sweetie” at a marina that is exposed to wind, tides and river current (Connecticut River).

I take it out by myself a lot. My dock is a fixed vs a floating one so I leave my lines attached to the pylons. The boat is relatively light and tall so wind is a factor. There is always a breeze. Going back home, I enter a thin slot of water after I leave the river - and the current goes right through the slot - I get zero relief…

The key is to “plan ahead” (study and adjust for tide + river current + wind) and always stay in motion as the rudder is small. Above all, I learned that the stern thrusters “guide” the boat, they are no match for the 1.5 mph current. Best way to turn the boat while going slowly is to pop the throttle / prop wash against the rudder several times. The boat pushes over.

And thank God for the side door - I aim the boat for a line within reach of the door… grab it and tie it off - and then tie the boat off either in the stem or bow first depending which way the current is flowing.

I’ve been in tight spots by myself and the 31 cb is a great handling boat if one stays ahead of the factors.

Extremely comfortable too.

 

[HookedUp]

AGLyme, I appreciate your input. It is different than with dual engines and I guess I'll have to learn it as I go along. The dealer has offered to spend time with me to lessen the learning curve and hopefully we'll cover docking.
I'm looking forward to the purchase. Just have to sell a few things before heading to the loop (car, boat, house, etc.) Figure it would be better if I didn't have those to worry about while on the loop. Can buy new ones when I decide to settle down (if I ever do).

 

[AGLyme]

HookedUp - I bought the 31 cb for parts of the loop… however I am now working full time again (retirement was a failure)… and I reckoned in the worst case re the few low bridge challenges I can lower the mast (easy) and make it thru no problems. Worst case - I can lower the “CB”…. No other flybridge boat has that capability.

My wife hated boating … but the “cb” became an instant asset because she loves sitting up there with her pals and as she puts it “love the wind in my face”.

Sweetie has been a big hit with friends and family due to its layout and comfort in and out… I love staying overnight - the genset + air con were life savers recently…

And if I can dock (well) - anyone can. My dock conditions are kinda bad but I didn’t know it at the time… so I had to learn really fast. Finesse is the key. Impatience is the enemy - and that side Helm door is key.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Just have to sell a few things before heading to the loop (car, boat, house, etc.) Figure it would be better if I didn't have those to worry about while on the loop. Can buy new ones when I decide to settle down (if I ever do).

Do some insurance shopping before selling your car and house and taking off on your boat. If ever you want to rent a car while cruising, not having any primary auto insurance may create issues. Non-owner auto liability policies can be purchased to cover damage to other vehicles and injuries to people in them, but they don’t cover the car you are driving. For that, you’d have to buy the collision damage waiver from the rental company. If you’re driving a borrowed or courtesy car, I guess you self-insure.

If you sell your house and desire personal liability insurance for circumstances other than driving an auto, you will have to purchase it. Most folks’ personal liability insurance is bundled with their homeowners insurance.

 

[HookedUp]

Caspers Cruiser,
Thanks, hadn't thought about car rentals and I had planned to do some. I already have an insurance lined up for the boat and as long as I don't cancel it before I insure the boat I'm okay according to my agent. I will have to discuss personal liability with them as I don't see it on the proposed insurance policy. Thanks for bringing this up.