There have been several postings giving good information on this issue.  Two
points need to be made clear:

1 In the US Canadian registered vessels and Canadian "boater" citizens
are treated differently from  other non US boats and non-US citizens.  If
you are not a Canadian and are coming to the US do not think that the rules
that apply to Canadians apply to you.

2 Non US citizens (and non-Canadians) have to comply with both vessel
and immigration regulations.  Normally when a person travels between any of
the industrialized nations the required visa is waived and a 90 day
(normally) visa waiver is issued at the airport.  For at least several
countries coming to the United States by personal boat negates the visa
waiver program and the individual must obtain an actual visa.  I believe
these must be applied for in advance of coming to the US at US consulates
around the world.

I would also like to add that while it is possible to do the great loop
solely within the United States, you should consider entering Canada for a
portion of the loop as there are some excellent places to visit just to the
north of the US portion of the loop.  Of course this involves clearing into
and out of Canada and returning to the US.  Even if this is not your plan
you should prepare for an entry into Canada because it is possible the
western Erie Canal will be closed or the bridges will be too low for your
boat and you will need sail Canadian waters to get to Lake Erie or Lake
Huron.

The complexity in the US is strange to me because we are in the Caribbean
and clear in and out of different countries on almost a weekly basis,
without much trouble.  We hear from Brits and Germans of the problems they
have in visiting the US by boat because of the advance VISA requirement.
This is more complex here than in Europe because the US embassy for the
Eastern Caribbean is in Barbados for the entire region and Barbados is way
out of the way for most boats.

Marty Campanella
Bay Pelican KK42

There are plenty of wrinkles, and it pays to do due diligence before
assuming anything.

It also pays to make sure the info comes from the horse's mouth and not
the other end.

Even when getting information from government phone lines, it pays to
ask names and let it be known that you are making notes.

I've had conversations with government departments by phone in which I
felt I had received an answer, but when wrapping up the conversation and
asking the person's name, found myself suddenly being transferred to
someone else.

That person gave me new info that conflicted with what I had been told
and was about to act on, and I was very glad I had had the presence of
mind to ask for a name to quote when acting on the advice.

If it is a matter that might be be critical, like visas, permits,
regulations, etc.  it is vital to be able to identify where you got the
advice on which you are proceeding.

No good sailor would proceed on the basis of just one fix in the fog,
either, and so it is with navigating through the regulatory maze.
Multiple sources of information should be sought -- and compared for
complete agreement.