A guide to cruising rivers along the Great Loop in the United States, from Lake Michigan to Kentucky Lake. Covering over 800 miles of navigable inland rivers from Lake Michigan to Kentucky Lake, this book guides cruisers through America’s heartland. In eleven regional chapters, Capt. Rick Rhodes explores the entire navigable sections of the Chicago, Calumet, Des Plaines, and Illinois rivers, as well as parts of the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee. Topics specific to inland cruising, such as negotiating floods safely and sharing rivers with commercial traffic, are addressed here. Also, by featuring numerous historical anecdotes and other river lore, Cruising Guide from Lake Michigan to Kentucky Lake gives insight into the region's past along with current restaurant and entertainment options. Like all of Pelican’s cruising guide series, this book contains up-to-date and thoroughly researched information about the area, including: Five NOAA chart excerpts Twenty-one sketch charts Ninety-one marinas Fifty-three fuel locations More than thirty cities & towns Thirty-three GPS way points Fifteen locks Over 170 bridges 140 launches and ramps Hundreds of phone numbers

From the slow-moving Manatee River to the wide-open spans of Tampa Bay to the multitude of islands and inlets between Cape Sable and Naples, Western Florida offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of the eastern coast. Cruising Guide to Western Florida leaves nothing unexplored in the waters from Flamingo to the Big Bend. Thoroughly researched and updated firsthand by the author, this comprehensive guide is the most detailed source available on the facilities and waters of the Sunshine State's western shore. It contains current information on "Navigation data "Anchorage locales along the entire shore"Fuel depots and docks"Marinas"Shoreside dining and other attractions"Historic sites As in his previous books, Claiborne Young furnishes dozens of invaluable maps, photographs, and chart references. He includes specific waypoints for anchorages and marinas, as well as ratings for transient docking fees. Intriguing historical profiles and coastal folklore give visitors the flavor of the region. Sections on unsafe areas and shoals help cruisers avoid dangerous waters. ABOUT THE AUTHORClaiborne S. Young's books for Pelican have become the gold standard for cruising guides. A resident of Burlington, North Carolina, Young and his wife spend their time exploring the waterways of southeastern United States and gathering priceless information on each area. Young also edits the on-line cruising newsletter The Salty Southeast Cruiser's Net.

Young's warm and conversational writing style gives even a landlubber a comfortable trip through the navigational intricacies of sailing the coastal waters en route to the shoreside attractions that beckon all travelers. -- Touring America

After almost 40 years of marriage and boating together, Captain George and Pat Hospodar completed a yearlong Great Loop odyssey aboard their boat, “Reflection”. This trip resulted in their first book, Reflection on America’s Great Loop, a personal, light-hearted, real-life account of the couple’s travels while circumnavigating the waters of the United States and Canada. Their newest book, The Great Loop Experience – from Concept to Completion, is a comprehensive guide written to help others plan, prepare, and successfully execute their own Great Loop adventures. It also addresses the questions that these authors/lecturers are most frequently asked by future “Loopers”. Some of the many topics covered include: selecting and equipping your boat, choosing your route, financial considerations and trip costs, managing your onboard life, vessel security, Customs and border crossings, boating protocol, locking procedures, safely negotiating the waterways, open-water crossings, and great stops along the way. This how-to guide not only informs and educates you, but also hopes to inspire those who want to one day make this wonderful journey! The Great Loop Experience has the information you need so that you can confidently and knowledge- ably cast off your lines for your own exhilarating Great Loop adventure!

This, the second edition of A Guide to Planning and Cruising the Great Circle Route Around the Eastern USA, documents a motor yacht "cruise of a lifetime," the 5,400-mile circumnavigation of the Eastern United States. Author Bick Remmey refers to this voyage as the longest one-way inland cruise possible in the US. Bick shares the details of his 5 years of planning and 18 weeks of journeying with his wife aboard their 36-foot aft-cabin motor yacht Nittany Navy. The cruise took Bick and Jeri through several of the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, across the Gulf of Mexico, up the coast of Florida, north through the Intercoastal Waterway, up the Jersey Shore, and finally back to home port in Avalon, New Jersey. Bicks experiences provide invaluable planning and cruising information for anyone considering this voyage."Bick's book contains considerable information for anyone planning this trip. Each leg of the cruise is detailed, along with information about facilities and attractions, and what charts are necessary." Stan Osowski, The Trenton Times