Draft, Height, Range, and the “Goldilocks Zone”
One of the most common questions from future Loopers is simple:
“What’s the best boat for the Great Loop?”
The honest answer is: there is no perfect boat — but there are non-negotiable limits that every successful Loop boat must meet. Understanding these limits early will save you money, frustration, and in some cases, prevent a failed Loop attempt.
This article focuses on the real-world constraints, not sales brochures.
Air Draft: The Hard Stop Most People Miss
The Great Loop has one fixed obstacle you cannot bypass:
the 19’6” bridge on the Illinois River.
If your boat is taller than that:
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You cannot complete the traditional Loop
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Sailboats must unstep masts
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Powerboats often lower radar arches, antennas, or bimini frames
This single measurement eliminates many otherwise capable boats.
This topic is covered in depth in our video: “What Kind of Boat Do You Really Need for the Great Loop?”
Water Draft: Why Less Than 5 Feet Matters
While deeper boats can complete the Loop, experience shows:
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5 feet or less is strongly recommended
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4 feet is the sweet spot
A shallow draft allows:
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More anchoring options
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Safer passage through ICW trouble spots
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Access to side trips most Loopers miss
Deeper boats force stricter route choices and higher stress in low-water conditions.
Fuel Range: Stress Is Expensive
Fuel docks are not evenly spaced on inland rivers. There are stretches where:
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Fuel is scarce
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Detours are costly
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Weather may force longer runs
A minimum range of 250 miles provides flexibility and peace of mind.
Many Loopers underestimate how mentally draining fuel anxiety becomes over months on the water.
Fuel planning and real-world consumption is discussed in our long-range cruising and efficiency videos.
Size vs. Simplicity
Most successful Loop boats fall between 24 and 40 feet. Larger boats:
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Cost more to dock
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Are harder to lock through
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Reduce anchoring flexibility
Smaller, simpler boats often complete the Loop with less stress and lower cost, even if they lack luxury.
Bottom Line
The “best” Great Loop boat is:
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Short enough to clear 19’6”
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Shallow enough to explore
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Efficient enough to relax
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Simple enough to maintain underway
Comfort matters — but confidence matters more.
Meet Captain Mike
I’m Captain Mike — a lifelong boater and the voice behind the Good Time Adventures YouTube channel.
I created the channel to share what really happens out on the water — not just the highlights, but the decisions, mistakes, fixes, and lessons that don’t show up in glossy brochures. From Great Loop planning to comfort, safety, boat systems, and mindset, my goal is simple: help boaters be better prepared and less stressed when they cast off.
If you want to see these topics in action — along with real trips, real fixes, and real decisions — you can follow along on my YouTube channel here:
👉 [https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainMike1965]
