John Hauck Completes the Great Loop Twice in His Early 80s

John Hauck first completed the Great Loop at age 80, and now, at 82, the former Cobra helicopter gunship pilot has done it again. Hauck made his second circuit in 2021 aboard his compact but capable Rosborough RF-246, affectionately named Grumpy. His accomplishment attracted attention both for his age and for the efficiency with which he traveled the route.

Hauck launched his 2021 journey from Demopolis, Alabama, and completed the Loop in 132 days. Traveling at a brisk cruise speed, Grumpy was able to cover the same route far more quickly than many larger, slower trawlers. Hauck pointed out that if he had been traveling at a typical trawler pace—roughly one-third of Grumpy’s speed—the voyage would likely have stretched to more than a year. He summed up his experience simply: he enjoyed his first Great Loop, and he enjoyed the second one even more.

Grumpy is a 2003 Rosborough RF-246 powered by twin counter-rotating Mercury 150-hp EFI four-stroke outboards. Hauck praised the setup, noting the advantages of a smaller, faster boat for covering long distances. While smaller boats demand more frequent attention to weather and fuel planning, they reward owners with the ability to move efficiently and to see more water in less time. For Hauck, maintaining a 23 mph cruise speed meant that stretches of open water could feel long and a bit monotonous, but the overall pace kept his itinerary flexible and engaging.

Like any long voyage, Hauck’s Loop had its challenges. He experienced an autopilot failure and had to have some engine work done during the trip. Despite those mechanical stumbles, he spoke highly of the boat’s reliability and his comfort living aboard a 25-foot vessel full time. “Once I got settled in, I found it extremely easy to adjust and live 24/7 on a 25-foot boat,” he wrote, expressing pride in Grumpy and satisfaction with the practical aspects of life aboard a small, well-equipped cruiser.

Hauck’s story highlights several appealing aspects of attempting the Great Loop: the sense of adventure, the satisfaction of navigating diverse waterways, and the personal adaptability required to live aboard for extended periods. For many Loopers, the journey is as much about the people and the small discoveries along the way as it is about completing the route itself. Hauck’s repeated success illustrates how preparation, a reliable boat, and a willingness to adapt to mechanical or weather-related setbacks can make the voyage rewarding at any age.

Choosing a compact, nimble boat like the RF-246 changes the character of the trip. Where trawler owners may prefer slower, steadier days and the comforts of larger accommodations, owners of high-cruise-speed boats accept more frequent fuel stops and a faster tempo in exchange for covering greater distances in less time. Hauck embraced that trade-off and found that the faster pace suited his goals and energy level. He described some long runs at 23 mph as occasionally tedious, yet overall he emphasized that the fun of the Loop outweighed the occasional boredom.

Hauck’s double accomplishment has inspired many in the cruising community, demonstrating that age need not be a barrier to ambitious voyages. His background as a helicopter pilot likely contributed to his comfort handling machinery, navigating, and responding to unexpected issues. Still, his experience reinforces an accessible message for prospective Loopers: with careful planning, a dependable boat, and readiness to handle inevitable maintenance, the Great Loop remains an achievable and deeply rewarding adventure.

For those interested in following Hauck’s journey or learning more about his experience, he shared updates under the name “Grumpy Does the Great Loop 2021” on social media. His posts offer a firsthand look at life aboard a small cruiser completing one of North America’s most iconic boating routes.