Great Loop Tool
Great Loop Route Decision Tree
Most route stress comes from choices that stay fuzzy too long. Enter a few facts and this tool gives you a route profile, the likely tradeoffs, and the exact things to verify next.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Planning aid only. Verify locks, bridge clearances, customs rules, insurance limits, weather, marina availability, and current route conditions.
Build your route profile
Recommended planning flow
Major route forks to research
Canada vs U.S.-only
Canada can be a highlight, but it adds customs/admin, insurance, timing, remote-service, pet paperwork, and air-draft questions.
Erie vs Champlain
Canal status, air draft, locks, scenery, schedule, and Canada plans all shape the right answer.
Okeechobee vs coastal/Big Bend
Depth, locks, weather windows, boat readiness, crew comfort, and insurance limits matter more than route romance.
Marina-heavy vs anchoring-heavy
This affects budget, reservations, dinghy use, power, laundry, pets, social rhythm, and weather flexibility.