16 foot Jon Boat attempts the Great loop speed record.

T

thataway

Active member
The "Ageless Wander" has attempted a number of adventures with his 16 foot modified Jon Boat. He lelt Pensacola Pass on Saturday, July 12, morning at about 7:30 AM, and arrived in Fort Myers on Sunday Evening. By the next morning he was offshore off the East Coast of Florida, with the intent of riding the Gulf Stream current up. Last night apparently there was a gear failure with his tiller pilot steering the 60 hp tiller steered outboard Tohatsu outboard. He set off from Cape Canaveral this morning, and seems to have some issues today. The record is 19 day, 19 hours and 50 minutes, set by a 28 foot boat in 2024. Currently a 41' express go fast is also attempting the record. In one video the "Ageless Wanderer tells why he believes that he can beat this 3 engine go fast, with 4 crew aboard. Apparently he has done the Inland Passage, so boating in AK, and an aborted attempt to do the "North West Passage". A C Dory 16' cruiser would have been a much better boat, if he wanted a small boat. The smallest to do the great loop is a 12' PWC. Several 16 foot aluminum boats have done the Great Loop, crewed by two Gals in their 20's who were the daughters of the owners of "DuroBoat"

Here is a link to his U Tube channel.. Start with the tour of his boat, and then the one on why he thinks he can beat the 41 go fast boat....

Here is the link to his Garmin tracking app.. There is also a facebook page, but so far it does not seem to be much information. This is also being followed closely on The Hull Truth.

I think this is an extremely bad idea--and it seems to be shaking out today, with his attempt to run many miles out in the Atlantic to try and pick up the Gulf Stream, and get a "push"--problem is that instead of running at 20 to 30 mph, he has been running at 5 to 17 mph--much at 10 or so miles per hour. Apparently he sleeps when under way at night--or did so on the trip from Pensacola to Fort Meyers....Not a good idea--only an AIS reciever and a 7" Simrad chart plotter with depth sounder and side scan. He has 400 mile range with multiple gas cans, lining the interior of the alumnum jon boat. He has some type of tarp tent; not sure if it is under the Bimini or the Bimni is part of it. No EPIRB or PLB mentioned. No fixed VHF radio--probably a hand held VHF, but I didn't see it mentioned in his gear.

Please give your comments, and enjoy! God watches over Fools and young Children.
 
This is a problem with "doing the Loop": people who regard it as something to "check off a list" or make it a competition. In this particular instance, the guy sounds like a candidate for a Darwin Award.

Having boat cruised for the absolute joy of it, I'm a believer in taking time to enjoy the journey, not just rack up the miles or see who can do it the fastest. But, that is my take on it.

You may remember me writing about the gentleman who wanted to complete the ICW in his C-Dory, running it to its ending point at the Port Isabel Turning Basin (NOT the Port of Brownsville, like some seem to think). He contacted me and I told him I would give him cruising information for the GICW and places to anchor or finding a dock in the portion between Galveston Island and Port Isabel, and interesting stops along the way... he didn't use any of it. He just wanted to complete that section of the ICW. He arrived in Port Isabel days earlier than what he told me and expected me to drop what I was doing to "get him to a rental car company (50 miles away) so he could go back to Louisiana to get his truck and trailer." I did, and put his boat at our dock. He was back the next day (no notice) wanting to know how to get into our gated community so he could pick up his boat and head for home.

To each his own, but I don't see any pleasure in just making miles, whether by boat or land vehicle. This situation seems more foolhardy than just making miles.
 
You ask for comments, Bob! Besides enjoying a wide variety of boating, I am also a long-distance trail hiker, and we usually would say "hike your own hike" when people start commenting on or criticizing an individuals plans and gear for hiking/camping. I think the same concept may hold true here except that a powered boat can be very dangerous to other people when not properly handled, and it certainly is NOT being handled well if a single occupant is sleeping while underway, tired, or not fully aware. My future plans may include a Great Loop, but I certainly won't be trying to set any speed records. I want to enjoy and savor every minute on the water and make those trips as safe as possible for everyone!
 
Both Jim an Rob are spot on. Thanks for the comments. You want to enjoy your crusing, and stop at the interesting spots on the way! That is the way we try and cruise: long distance or short-C Dory trips or the 62 foot Ketch. That is what has allowed us to cruise from Icy Straits AK, to Maine and Canadian border, and stop in most harbors, with the exception of the Bay of Campche to Brownsville or some of dangerous (piarates or civil unrest) in Central America.

The "Ageless Wanderer" stopped for the night at Ward's Sandbank, at the opening of St Johns River last night--and is headed up river toward Jacksonville this morning--looked like initially going to Mayport basin, and then turned and going at variable speed up river to the South. ? Gear failure yesterday?? or giving up and not continuing??? Or something else--from personal issues (safety or physical??) to a bad system failure. Time will tell.
 
He pulled into Mayport Marina, went to West Marine, and bought a new seat- that was installed. There is a live camera focused on his boat at the marina. There also appears to be some re-inforcing of the auto pilot mount--the resolution is not all that good, and part is hiden behind a piling.

In our sailboats when we used a tiller pilot, the mount was very robust and could withstand 100 lbs of force if necessary--although the actual force was less. It was a bronze or SS fitting thru bolted thru fiberglass at the cockpit edges.

Apparently he plans to continue--I hope it is in the ICW--and he can slow down and enjoy--but his enjoyment seems to be in preparation and doing a challange.
 
Doing the Great Loop in a Jon boat when you can take your time and pick your weather days would be a reasonable rough adventure.

Doing the Great Loop in a Jon boat trying to break a speed record is a bit insane. At least with a boat that small, he is only likely to be a danger to himself. My back hurts just thinking of the pounding that type of boat would inflict on its occupant in any rough water. He will be lucky if the boat does not sink from being awash in bad choppy seas somewhere. As foolhardy as I think he is, I wish him good weather and good luck.

I actually have more issue with the 41 foot boat trying to break the speed record. The wake from that boat will be significant. I doubt that boat will practice good, safe, polite seamanship and slow down when going by docks and small boats. I see a danger to others who are unfortunate enough to be in close proximity in narrow waterways as this boat races by.

Just my 2 cents.
-Jeff-
 
He got away from the marina about an hour ago, and last I looked was heading up the ICW at 30+ mph.

Your concern is valid about the wake--however if on plane it will be less than if plowing at 12 mph or so. It is a Contender and is a deep V. Not as effecient as lower dead rise boats. I would much rather that a 41 Contender pass me at as fast as plane as possible...not slow down. Wake is much less.

For reference, the 41 foot Contender express with 4 aboard, left on 9 July from Just South of Key Largo, and currently is on Lake Michigan--about halfway or more through the loop. Plus they are not taking the Ookeechobee waterway short cut across Florida but going back to Key Largo area. There is no way the Ageless Wanderer can equal or beat that time.
 
He is now running at 15 to 25 mph in a maze of low islands and shoals, several hours after dark. His running lights are very minimal, and the all around light is blocked by his body (it is about 18" up off the top of his outboard. He cannot run safely on auto pilot here--and he would have to be tiller steering.

He has a small hand held spot light for "night vision"... This part of the ICW is difficult enough during the full light of day. There are many twists and turns. Hopefully all of the Aids to Navigation are lit and in pace.
 
Well I love crazy stuff like this. I love cruising or driving to just look around but some times I like the challenge of speed and endurance. Drove a Honda 1800 civil from Jacksonville N.C. to Dallas straight thru. 24hours behind the wheel to see my brother. slept for 10 hours when I got there. Did 29 palm to Northern Idaho in 18 hours straight to see my grand parents. Its really not that hard.

Another guy last years set a sped record to raise money for a charity , cancer I think, in a center console boat. I just think its a fun way to see how far you can push yourself and equipment. Far worse ways to spend your time and if its not your thing... Don't watch but please don't run your suck telling other people how superior you are for doing it different. If I had the time I would do it. Some people Run jet skis to Alaska up the inside passage. So paddle board. Both are cool.
 
He fell asleep and ran his boat around at speed.

Who didn't see that coming?

Great Loop Jon Boat
Mistakes were made.
I screwed up, not enough rest and ate too much during the day resulting in me falling asleep at the tiller. I failed me and you and put myself and others in danger. I apologize and it won't happen again.
Fortunately I slide 30' in a marsh with tall reeds. No damage to me, the boat or motor. I'm not sure what flew forward to hit it, but the screen of my chart plotter was destroyed.
My team got right to it, finding a group of local followers that would come drag my boat out of the woods.
It seemed like it only took minutes for two boats to show up. I had clared a walkway. We looked it over together and came to agree that the 7 full fuel tanks need to be removed.
Once the tanks were removed my boat came out with a relatively gentle pull. We reinstalled the fuel tank and off we went.
Quinton Clark had pulled the rescue team together from his home in St Louis. It seamed like moments later he found an identical chartplotter at a Bass Proshop on my route tomorrow.
So many awesome things happened... hopefully the Great People of today will post their story of our meeting, but I'm putting this phone down and getting some sleep.
Enjoy the photos, there maybe questions... I'm going to bed.
Click to expand...
 
Years ago, while sitting around a campfire, we tried to come up with the silliest waste-of-time "physical endeavor" that might get one some publicity. We settled on backpacking the Pacific Crest trail on a unicycle. Turns out there are a lot of variations on the theme. The most recent I've seen involve standup paddle boards. Like the unicycle, they are a little silly in their own right. Traditionally (to accentuate the silliness), clowns ride unicycles while juggling. But because they have to paddle, clowns on SUPs have to come up with something to replace the juggling.

We had waited for slack at Blind Channel during a downpour. Came through and had a favorable current. But about 3 miles away, we came across a person on a SUP going against the current with what appeared to be a Coleman cooler balanced on their board. The shoreline between him and Blind Channel is inhospitable, to say the least, and the foul current would be increasing for several hours. And it was still raining cats and dogs. And getting dark.

Maybe he set a new record. I say "he" because women don't seem to be afflicted with the "hey guys, watch this" mentality. But his "achievement" would be sort of like doing the Loop in 6 days in an aluminum tender. Maybe I just don't get it.
 
starcrafttom":23oe09r3 said:
I just checked and hes up by myrtle beach. hope he makes it.
Click to expand...

I'm wondering what he is going to do on the canals (e.g. Erie=10mph mostly). If he takes the Canadian route I think it is 6mph.
 
He put up a whole spreadsheet on it. I only use Facebook for groups and marketplace, but it's on there:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021197 ... 563937428/

Excerpt (and after that is a lock-by-lock with his estimate of speed etc-- I think he thinks he can go faster than the bigger boats because he's in a low-wake boat)

Erie Canal Spread Sheet - Clarification Of Legal Speed
(you may have seen this, I also posted on member only group)
I put together a detailed spreadsheet of the Erie Canal. I hope you find it helpful. I will attach photos of the spreadsheet.
I did some research and found guidance on speed limits publish by the New York Canal Corporation. I also found a "Notice to Mariners" which further clarifies how fast a vessel can travel in the NY Canal System.
It explains:
"SPEEDS ARE MORE OF A GENERAL GUIDANCE"
The document further explains: "Because vessel configurations vary, the speed thresholds at which different wake characteristics occur vary from vessel to vessel."
Basically if your vessel puts out a 3' wake at 10 mph, you will need to travel much slower that the posted 10 mph speed limit. Conversely a light weight vessel with a planning hull may go faster if it can still meet required wake characteristics of the zone and location it's traveling.
Search the following on Google and you will find the information.
Boating-Information/Canal-Alerts/Message?id=9991059
 
He had the rational of no wake, since a 16 foot boat. But I suspect he was warned by some LEO, because he has been staying at 5 mph/knots or "no wake" in most "no Wake areas". I can guarantee that there are plenty of Florida Marine Patrol who would bust him for over 5 knots in a "no wake" area.

He is having a steep learning curve, despite his many trips in small Jon boats.

Currently had bedded down, rather than crossing Pamlico Sound--a wise move!! There is no way he can set a new record. But he is hell bent on....going. So rather than enjoying the Loop and the many great places he has already sped thru--he continues to run at 25 to occ 30+ mph.

Meanwhile, Lady Lor, the 41' Contender Express keeps reeling of the miles. She just went thru Kentucky Lock and is headed for Pickwick, that lock and then after a few miles, is on her way down the Ten Tombigbee waterway by tomorrow morning--not sure where she is picking up fuel--but yesterday she had to wait 4 hours for a fuel dock to open. Lady Lor has 4 crew, standing watches, had radar, and I think FLIR, so has two on watch at night anc continues to run 24 hours a day--while off watch gets sleep, cooks and eats etc. Much more civilized! Organized, and sensible.
 
Some notes from his FB posts to date-- check out his range (!!)

* My fuel capacity allows me 680 miles range at wide open throttle and 924 miles at an optimal cruising speed of 24 mph.

* On my America's Great Loop I intend to do it as quickly as I possibly can. I'm hoping to complete AGL in 25 to 30 days, establishing several records while doing it. I will double my 2,405 mile record distance, but I hope to set a Solo Speed Record for AGL. The current multi man crew and overall record is 19 day, 19 hours and 50 minutes set in a 28' boat with a large single outboard and 3 man crew. Being me... I would love to push the big boat record... but hey... I'll be in a 16' tiller steer Jon Boat 😂.

* Sections I haven't seen before include, The Hudson River, Erie Canal, Great Lakes and Illinois River. I really look forward to seeing those sections. I will rarely step foot from my vessel during this trip. I will start with full provisions only needing to take on water and fuel. I will make one quick outhaul for engine maintenance along the way.

* I'm so looking forward to the Erie Canal! After pushing myself hard from Pensacola to the Hudson I will be looking forward to arriving at my first lock closure. 13 to 15 hours to refuel, get a shower, eat a meal in a restaurant and 9 hours sleep! Recharging to cross the Great Lakes and make the long trek South. I'm hoping to make it to the locks as the first one opens and spend no more than 2 nights in the locks.

* I've decided to go for the overall record of Americas Great Loop. The current record is 19 days, 19 hours and 50 minutes. It was set by a 28' Canyon Bay with a 400 hp Mercury and a three man crew, they brought on a fresh crew member in Chicago to take them through the rivers on their way back to the Gulf.
It may sound insane to think of a 71 year old man, alone in a 16' Weldbilt Jon Boat with a 60hp Tohatsu can complete the loop faster. I have done a detailed analysis of the record boat and the crew. I have analyzed every minute of their trip. I considered their start date / location and weather conditions they experienced. I am confident I can get it done. It will require reasonable weather and no surprise in the locks. Given this I'll get it done.
 
Voila! Witness "extreme boating" which involves

* illusionary "fun" activity actually brutal in reality
* sensationalism, high risk w/egocentric reward to participant
* high probability of participant repressed death wish
* risk for first responders when needed financed by taxpayers
* minimal/moderate entertainment value for most observers
* minimal benefit to the average joe

Aye.
Grandpa used to say, "When you go looking for trouble, eventually, you find it."
 
He spent the night anchored in a cove, near Oriental. He made a mistake and backtracked on Pamlico Sound--then all of the way to Oregan Inlet--apparently changed his mind about running inside, or got lost?. Fueled up and headed out Oregan Inlet--he probably has the fuel to make it to Sandy Hook/mouth of Hudson River by tomorrow...We will see how he does on this trip. Hopefully he is not run down or some other catastrophic failing. Doing this he is crossing the traffic lanes into the Chesapeake and Deleware bays, which be busy with all sorts of commercial traffic....Time will tell.
 
Hi Bob,

We’re absolutely positive that we’re having a better time than he is… at Starved Rock marina at 96 degrees in the cockpit with a heat advisory, but 74 degrees and 50% humidity inside with the 15k Coleman AC on. I think he should get one. If we break the record for the longest time to complete our loop, we’ll be happy. If we don’t, we’ll be happy. Albemarle was our roughest day (forecast wrong) but Pamlico was calm. You never know, and the forecasters never KNOW. Other boat choices would make more sense to me.
John
 
Well he is 20 miles offshore of Virginia beach now. Must be flat seas or a rough ride. Looks like he's going to skip the Chesapeake bay all together
 
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