Robert Youens Prepares New Great Loop Attempt
Alexandra
The Weldbilt 2370MV hull is scheduled to be shipped to St. Louis for installation of fuel tanks, a highrise bow, center-console systems, a sleeper compartment, hydraulic steering, and electrical trim tabs before moving on to Arkansas for paint and electronics and finally returning to Texas for final commissioning.
Project timeline and transport chain
Logistics for the 2026 build follow a strict sequence to maintain structural integrity and ensure systems compatibility across multiple workshops: hull fabrication → inland freight to St. Louis → mechanical and fuel systems installation → road transfer to Arkansas for paint and electronics → final delivery to Texas for sea trials. The supply chain includes long-lead items such as the 140 hp Tohatsu outboard, a custom 25" extra‑long shaft, and specialist aluminum reinforcement materials.
Key milestones
- Hull completion and structural inspection at Weldbilt facility
- Shipping to St. Louis for fuel-tank fitting and console assembly
- Transfer to Mighty White Marine (Arkansas) for paint scheme and electronics
- Return to Texas for propulsion installation and final sea trials
- Public appearances at Toronto and Miami boat shows prior to the 2026 attempt
Background: the 2025 benchmark and the new objective
In August 2025, Robert Youens completed a full Great Loop circumnavigation of North America in 19 days, 13 hours, 1 minute aboard a 16' Jon boat powered by a 60 hp Tohatsu outboard. The route traversed the Great Lakes, Illinois River, Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic seaboard — a roughly 6,000‑mile (9,700 km) course. That run bested the previous record by six hours and earned Youens the gold burgee.
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Why the new attempt matters
Youens plans to pursue the platinum burgee — a two‑time Looper distinction — with an ambitious goal of completing the Loop in 12 days and with a co-captain, Steve Hernden (Tortuga Steve). The switch from a 16' craft to a more seaworthy 23' Weldbilt 2370MV with a 7'8" (93") beam, reinforced internal structure, and a higher-output outboard is aimed at increasing sustained speed and crew safety during continuous operations.
Technical specification snapshot
| Item | 2025 Boat | 2026 Weldbilt 2370MV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 16' | 23' |
| Beam | 7' | 7'8" (93") |
| Engine | 60 hp Tohatsu | 140 hp Tohatsu, 25" shaft |
| Hull reinforcement | Standard | Extra ribs, triple full-length keelsons, box-tubing transom |
| Living arrangements | Minimal | Tiny sleeping compartment, center console sleeper |
Structural and safety upgrades
The Weldbilt hull features extra ribs, triple full‑length internal keelsons, and an over‑built transom with box tubing and double transom knees. An impact zone forward is heavily reinforced to absorb repeated slamming, and an ice skid added to the center keel will improve durability when encountering floating timber and debris on inland waterways. These choices reflect an operational model of continuous, 24/7 high‑speed transit and the need to manage fatigue, maintenance windows, and fuel logistics.
Operational considerations for continuous runs
Attempting a 12‑day continuous Loop shifts emphasis from leisure cruising to expedition logistics: fuel caching and range planning, crew rotations, engine maintenance schedules, and port availability for rapid resupply. The choice of a 140 hp outboard with a long shaft addresses prop performance in varied sea states and shallow passages, while the reinforced hull reduces risk from river debris and wave impacts. Freight legs between fabrication and outfitting yards add complexity to schedule risk management.
Checklist for an unlimited-speed record run
- Verified fuel capacity and rapid refueling plan
- Redundant power and navigation systems
- Structural inspection after each major leg
- Pre‑planned crew relief and medical contingency
- Port and lock clearances aligned with transit schedule
What this trend means for charter, rental, and marinas
Speed‑run attempts such as this generate public interest that can indirectly boost coastal tourism and demand for unique boating experiences. For the charter and rental market, there are a few takeaways: operators may see increased inquiries for rugged day‑boats and expedition charters; marinas along the Loop could benefit from higher transient traffic; and providers of specialist equipment, like high‑shaft outboards and reinforced hull features, may find new niche demand. That said, most holiday renters and charter clients prioritize comfort over speed, preferring yachts and cruisers with amenities for multi‑day leisure.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.
Events and public engagement
Before the 2026 attempt, Youens will engage with the boating community as a keynote speaker at the Toronto International Boat Show (Jan 17–18) and the Miami International Boat Show (featured address on Feb 13). These appearances serve both promotional and logistical functions, allowing sponsors, suppliers, and potential crew to align on timelines and parts deliveries.
Call to action and forecast (Planning)
Short forecast: this specific record chase is a niche story with limited direct impact on global tourism maps, but it raises visibility for the Great Loop and the ports that service it. However, it remains important to enthusiasts and service providers since GetBoat aims to stay updated with developments that affect boating choices and charter availability. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
The Great Loop narrative highlights several compelling elements: record‑setting endurance voyages, new engineering approaches to small‑boat seaworthiness, and the logistical choreography required to outfit and move a specialized vessel across workshops and states. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process: one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life, and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: Robert Youens moves from a 16' Jon boat and a 60 hp Tohatsu to a reinforced 23' Weldbilt 2370MV with a 140 hp Tohatsu and substantial structural upgrades as he targets a 12‑day Great Loop run. The build and multi‑stop outfitting logistics underline the transport and supply‑chain demands of such an expedition. For the boating public, this story fuels interest in expedition-style charters and highlights the importance of fuel planning, marina services, and robust equipment. Whether you seek a yacht charter, a day boat for the gulf or lake, or a longer sailing or yachting adventure, platforms that emphasize transparency — make, model, ratings, and clear booking details — simplify the choice between rent, sale, or charter. Embrace the sea, the captain’s craft, and a well‑planned itinerary — choose freedom on the water.
