The Looper's Companion Guide: Cruising America's Great Loop

The Looper’s Companion Guide by Capt. John is the #1 best-selling handbook for boaters navigating America’s Great Loop—and for good reason. Built on decades of firsthand experience cruising the Loop, Capt. John distills real-world knowledge into a clear, practical, and highly trusted guide that delivers unmatched value for both first-time and veteran Loopers. You get Capt. John's tips & suggestions based on actual lessons learned on the water, not theory, or hype - making this an indispensable resource you can trust and actually use. This comprehensive guide brings together each day's route planning, safety strategies, harbor and lock guidance, maps, photos, seasonal timing, and it is all presented in an easy-to-follow format that answers the questions most guides overlook. Readers consistently praise its clarity, depth, and focus on preparation, risk reduction, and confident decision-making before departure. The Looper’s Companion Guide serves as both a roadmap and a steady voice of experience at your side. It reduces anxiety, increases safety, saves you money, and transforms this long-distance voyage into an achievable fun and enjoyable adventure. If you are a safe boater in a safe, suitable boat, you don’t need to be anxious about cruising America’s Great Loop—you simply need to be prepared. And no one prepares future Loopers better than Capt. John. This fully updated 2026 edition marks the latest version of a guide that has been the #1 best-selling, top-rated, 5-star reviewed Great Loop book for ten consecutive years. First published in 2016, it is a three-time “Book of the Year” award winner and the go-to reference for Loopers serious about wanting to complete this voyage safely, comfortably, confidently—and affordably. You won't just be satisfied with this purchase. You will be thrilled and amazed at all this book offers and what you learn—and be grateful for, even before purchase a boat or cast off in the one you already own. James Peoples, Director, The Great Loop Information Center, LLC.