Resources That We Use
 Here are the items that we purchased for doing America’s Great Loop. And just so you know, as an Amazon Associate we can earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). So, thank you! Visit our store here.
The Basics
 These are the basic boating products that we purchased to get started on the Loop.
Headsets
We absolutely cannot live without these headsets! We use them for docking, anchoring, and more. We even use them when Sam needs to go down into the engine room. Can you tell? We use them a lot!
Life Jacket
Our life jackets automatically inflate when you hit the water. Don’t go out to dock or go through locks without this very important item.
CO2 Pack
You need a CO2 cylinder for each of the life jackets that you have. It’s also a good idea to have an extra on hand for each. You never know when you might need a replacement and you don’t want to have to wait for it.
Fenders
Your fenders are going to get beaten up in the locks. We were excited to find these on Amazon and got 4 for a very reasonable price. We got the 10 x 28 inch but get the size and color that fits your boat.
Fast Fenders
Rev uses these to quickly move the fenders up or down. When coming into a dock, you must adjust them to the height, so your boat doesn’t get damaged. They come in different sizes so get the ones that fit the size of your railing.
Locking Line
This is the line that Rev uses for the sole purpose of locking. It’s stored separately from the dock lines so that it will be ready when needed. Grab 2 as some locks require 2 crewmembers to attend to the cables, pipes or ropes in the locks.
SOS Beacon
We have this up in the bridge. It is an Electronic SOS Distress Kit. It is a signaling device that counts as one required by the Coast Guard. You can use it in lieu of a flare gun and flares. And this one comes with a flag and a whistle!
Gloves
Rev uses these gloves for docking and locking and anytime she works with the lines. They are perfect for warmer temperatures and will protect your hands.
Warm Gloves
If you happen to go through locks when the temperatures are chilly, you really need a good pair of work gloves that will keep your hands warm. These will work nicely.
Boat Pole/Hook
You will need a few boat poles in handy places around your boat. We use them in the locks, to put lines around pilings when docking and to avoid other boats or walls that may be headed our direction.
Knife
Rev has a knife handy whenever doing the locks just in case a line gets caught. If it does happen in the lock, a simple cut on a tight line will give you instant success.
Machete
Sam keeps this machete in the bridge in case my line gets caught while locking and we need to be free in an instant. I keep a knife handy but it’s good to have something that will handle the job.
Handheld VHF Radio
We use this as a backup VHF radio. When we are underway, Sam keeps it on 16 and then monitors other channels on the main radio for tow barges, marinas, etc. We also take it when we use the dinghy.
Whistles
Both of us have attached these floating safety whistles to our life jackets. You never know when you may need to be rescued. This will help.
Flag Staff
We put two of these on the front railing of the bow. In Canada, we fly a Canadian pennant on one. They are specific for the size of your railings so measure before ordering. If you find one for a 1 ½ inch railing, let us know!
American Flag
We proudly fly a large American Flag on the back of the Here’s To Us!! We have to replace it about every six months. USA! USA! USA!
Quarantine Flag
We display this Quarantine Flag when required. The Quarantine Flag is to be flown when entering another country. Once we checked into Canada, we replaced it with the Canadian flag.
Canadian Flag
After being cleared to go into Canada, we replace the Quarantine Flag with the Canadian Flag. This is a sign of respect that we show while cruising around their country.
Distress Flag
You never know when you might need this. It is a day signal only but especially effective in bright sunlight. The flag is most distinctive when waved on something such as a paddle, boat pole or flown from a mast.
First Aid Kit
You will need a first aid kit on your boat because you know, we are human. And things happen. We started out with a kit like this and then added to it. Rev has this ready whenever Sam goes to the engine room!
Boat Maintenance
To keep our boat in great shape, we use these items.
Wet/Dry Vac
We cannot tell you how many times we have used this wet/dry vacuum – certainly more than we expected. It has come in handy for cleaning out the bilges and for unexpected spills/leaks. It’s very useful to have on board.
Liquid Transfer Pump
Sam uses this to pump liquids. Can be used from water out of the bilge, transferring coolant and many other uses (2.2 gallons per minute); plus it is easy and fun to use.
Battery Filler
This is a battery jug water filler with an automatic shut off when the cells are full. Sam uses this to keep the batteries topped off.
Battery Charger
Sam uses this whenever he needs it. It’s a combination 12 and 24 volt charger. Very handy and small but versatile. Great to have for when you need it.
Oil Analysis Kit
Sam uses these oil analysis kits and takes a sample of the oil before changing it. You need one for each engine/generator. He sends it off to the lab and the results come back within a week via email.
Oil Analysis Pump
Sam uses this to ensure a good clean sample of oil from the engines to fill the WIX bottles and send to ALS for analysis. It is simple to use and does not leave a mess.
Oil Change Pump
Sam uses this to suction out the Transmission Oil for changes. We have a Reverso for the main engines and the generator, but this little portable unit makes it easy to get the fluid out of the transmissions, then pump in new fluid as well.
Spill Pads
We have these spill pads on hand every time we take on diesel fuel. EVERY TIME. Sam also puts them under the engine to spot leaks. Spills happen. Be prepared.
Water Filters
When we take on water at a marina, we always use a filter. We screw one of these filters directly to the spigot on the dock. Then, we screw our hose into the other end of the filter to fill our tanks.
Flow Meter
We use this flow meter to measure just how much water we are putting on the boat. We screw our hose into the top and then place the other end directly into the water hole on the boat. Reads gallons or liters.
Water Hose
We use this hose for putting fresh water on board, washing the boat and rinsing the salt water off when needed. This hose comes in different sizes so get a size that will allow you to reach all around your boat.
Commando
When our black water holding tanks need a thorough cleaning, this is what we use. Sam drops one in each toilet and flushes 5 times and fills holding tanks at least 3/4 full of water. Let it sit 24-36 hours and then pump out.
Noflex Digestor/Odor Control
Sam puts this in the heads to control the odor. This just might fix your mysterious boat smell!
Marine Epoxy Putty
Great stuff for repairs. You just take what you need and mix it by hand. Put the rest back in the container for next use.
Bongo Ties
We use these ties for so many things from securing doors in rough water to holding up the hose when adding water to the boat.
Power Adapters
Make sure you have the right power adapters BEFORE starting your Great Loop. This is especially important for those traveling into Canada. Double check male and female connections in the descriptions to make sure it matches what you need for your boat.
Power Station
If you don’t have an inverter to meet your needs for AC power, this is a great, cost-effective substitute. It allows you to power and charge your devices and use other ‘light draw AC’ powered appliances (such as a coffee maker) without running your generator.
Splitter
This is what we used for a 50 amp boat connect to a pedestal that has two 30 amp receptacles.
Dog Bone
This is what we used to connect our single 50 amp boat to a single 30 amp receptacle.
15 amp
Use this to connect a 30 amp shore cord to a 15 amp receptacle.
50 ft. 50 amp Extension
We used this when our 60 foot cord on the boat was not long enough. We added this to extend to the power pedestal.
25 ft. 30 amp Extension
Use this to connect to 30 amp pedestals that are far apart. (May need two)
12 ft. 30 amp Extension
Use this to connect to 30 amp pedestals that are far apart. (May need two)
Our Favorites
Here are some items that we love!
Berkey
This Berkey Water Filtration System is how we get clean drinking water onboard. No more buying water bottles and gallon jugs!
Air Fryer
We use this air fryer all the time. We can cook steak, chicken, fish and heat up restaurant leftovers. Must have!
Single Cup Kerig
This single cup Keurig changed our lives on the boat! We no longer wasted water or coffee like we did using the 12-cup coffee maker onboard.
Security Lights
Sam put all four of these solar-powered, outdoor, waterproof, motion sensor lights around our boat. We never felt unsafe while docked, but it never hurts to shine a little light on the situation.
Door Alarm
For added security, we have these door alarms. The sound is deafening and will certainly be a deterrent. If you ever need to dock in a place you are unsure of, these will give you peace of mind.
Cup Cozy (small)
We use these all the time! They are handy to have and move around and definitely a life saver when underway.
Cup Cozy (large)
Can you tell we really like these? Sam keeps the small one up at the helm. I use the larger one in the Lido Deck. Extra places for glasses when entertaining!
Rechargeable and Battery Fan
We only have one of these right now but I am going to get more! When it is hot and you are anchoring or docking and have no power, you really need battery operated fans. Yes, plural. FANS!
Dyson Fan
And if you love your wife and her temperature level is set to extra hot at times, you need one of these. I’m not even kidding. This fan uses little power (on low settings) and is a life saver.
Instant Pot
Rev uses this all the time. It’s quick and she is able to make a few meals for when we are anchoring or want to stay on the boat instead of going out to eat.
Induction Cooktop
Rev uses this on many occasions as a backup stove top. It only works with pots and pans that have a magnetic surface like cast iron. It’s great to cook steaks or chicken on the Lido Deck instead of inside.
Travel Size Printer
This is the perfect travel size printer when space is limited. It’s rechargeable and inkless. Paper rolls included.
Binoculars
You need a good pair of binoculars while underway to spot channel markers or crab pots or anything else you need to see. We use ours every time we move the boat.
Monoculars
We also use these monoculars everytime we went out. It just helps to have a backup anytime you are searching for something in the distance.
Spotlight
We kept this rechargeable spotlight in the bridge and it is amazing how many times we used it. It’s handy for checking lines, the anchor and who knows what at night.
Mini light
Sam kept this micro lantern and flashlight up in the bridge. It has a lithium ion battery and is USB rechargeable.
Thermacell
This is a very handy item to keep mosquitos and other crazy flying insects away. You have to have a lot of ventilation so use on the bridge or an open deck. You will need extra butane and scented mat refills.
Bug Zapper
We picked one of these up at the Dollarama in Campbellford, ON Canada. I had really low expectations but it worked fantastic on deer flies, bees and regular flies. It was a lifesaver!
Dot’s Pretzels
The very first time we tried these pretzels, we were hooked! If you are going to have docktails, then Dot’s are a must-have! Get your packs today. Even if you aren’t on the loop!
RAM Mount
When we upgraded our electronics, Sam wanted something that was ergonomic and adjustable. This sturdy mount accommodates most plotters and is adjustable.
Bullhorn
This is great powerful must for emergencies. Has a microphone, siren, adjustable volume and is rechargeable. Keep it near the helm!
Proportional Divider
This is really a cool too! It is like having a calculator and dividers all in one. Set your speed, then span the distance on your chart, then get distance on one end, time on the other end! It’s magic for those of you who like paper charts!
Cart
We roll this cart into town for groceries, supplies or anything we can’t carry. It holds a lot!