Nathan, Here are your questions and my response. 1. How experienced a sailor must one be to complete the loop safely? I don't recommend anyone take up boating without first completing a US Coast Guard approved training class. These are often presented for a nominal fee by the Power Squadron and other boating activities. I wouldn't recommend you start the trip until you have some experience in boating in general. It is not a good idea to try to learn boating while making the Great Loop. 2. What recommendations would people make for selecting a boat? The Great Loop Cruise (the Great Circle Loop) can be made by boats of any size and shape. It has been completed by people in canoes and even a Jet Ski. However, to be comfortable and not "just complete the Loop" I would recommend a vessel of at least 30 feet for two people that is seaworthy. By that I mean a trawler, powerboat or more seaworthy houseboat like Bluewater. It can be completed by sailboats and much smaller craft, but comfort becomes a problem. 3. If time were an absolute non-issue, and you were starting the loop in St. Paul, Minnesota, how grand of a trip could one plan? If time were not a problem, I would start in St Paul about Labor Day and head south. Try to arrive in Florida by Nov 1. Spend Nov to April enjoying the Keys or Bahamas and start north about Apr 1. Erie Canal by June 10. Trent Severn by July 1. Chicago by Sep 1. Return home by Oct 15. 4. How much should a person expect to spend completing the loop? I'm sure it varies, but ball park figures would be great. You can spend as much or as little as you want on the trip. Not including the cost of the boat the main factors are fuel, meals and marinas. We did the trip with a fuel efficient trawler for $800. People I know I taking a gas hog around and have budgeted $25,000 for fuel. (good estimate) As you can see fuel costs make a big difference. If you stay in a marina every night and have a 36' boat your cost for marina stays will be about $16,000. (Based on an average of $1.15/ft per night for over a year. If you anchor out every night your marina stays will be $0. Realistically you must decide how important marina stays are for you. Your food costs will be exactly what you spend now, except for how often you eat out. If you eat out 3 times a day every day, figure about $20,000 for one person. We usually eat out about once per week as we are on a limited budget. The only additional cost you might experience over normal day to day living would be Charts and Cruising guides (about $1000). I know these costs are rough figures but may give you basic cost you are looking for. I address the expenses in much greater detail in my book, The Great Circle Loop (see my web page below). Skipper Bob Web page: Http://SkipperBob.home.att.net