Great Loop or any other Long Distance Cruise in a 21EC

[TGTUG]

I am curious if anyone has done any long distance cruising in a 21EC? I am good at being a minimalist with gear but wonder if two people and two small dogs would go bonko cruising maybe two months a year with a couple week break in the middle? I read about the guys going to Alaska and that would be easy with only one person on board each boat. Any thoughts?

 

[JamesTXSD]

Every couple is different. How are you two (and the dogs) on long car trips? Most boat cruising, especially on smaller boats, isn't endless hours on the water - you find great places to anchor or dock and go exploring. When the weather turns bad, that is when you find out how you do in confined places.

I used to joke with people who asked about how we were able to cruise for months at a time on a smaller boat, and would say, "Lock yourselves in the bathroom for the weekend. Bring in a cushion to sleep on, and have something to cook with... that will get you started. Of course, when the weather turns bad and you're on a boat, there isn't any way to simulate that with your stationary bathroom." 😉

Some people couldn't imagine traveling together on a 40' boat.

My wife and I have been together since we were in high school. We motorcycle camped when we were younger. Traveled extensively in a couple different campervans. Moved up to bigger motorhomes, cruised on smaller boats (from 17 1/2 feet to 27 feet). With a properly configured 21 (including a camperback to add living space to the cockpit), I would think it is doable... for us. You'd have to weigh your situation to know if it would work for you.

Good luck with the "journey" and the decisions,
Jim B.

 

[TGTUG]

That is a very good picture you paint! I would think the camper back would be a must for livable space. My wife does not like rough water at all so I am contemplating as much ICW, river, lake, and protected coastal cruising as I can find without any major ocean stretches. The 21EC is too slow and too small to go very far from protected water in my opinion. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

BG

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

You're a wise man BG, boating always goes better when we take our spouses concerns and needs into consideration. Jim B's advice is spot on and with your contemplated float plan you'll be just fine. My only additional advice is to not have too ridged of a schedule, that's when things can get ugly from a cruising perspective and your boat will seem even smaller.

Jim F

 

[Irish Mist]

The no rigid schedual I think is #1 . You can always leave the boat for a night and get a room for a break.. And you can always stop if it gets too bad , and go home.. I say go for it, maybe try a week long cruise in your area.. The loop as I understand it is just a bunch of short day cruises... All connected together.. Good luck and enjoy 🙂

 

[daviduphoff]

My wife and I spent a week last summer on our 21. No issues with us but at about day four we we were ready to find a crate for our two miniature schnauzers and strap them to the swim platform. When we were underway they were fine. When we were moored they were constantly underfoot.

 

[TGTUG]

We have two Cairn Terriers that won't get too far from us. They are used to having their own space in our king bed at home (mostly in our way) so there will have to be different arrangements in a 21EC!