We are proud to be one of the partners helping Beneteau Powerboats outfit a Swift Trawler 34 for the voyage around the Great Loop, the popular circumnavigation route of the Eastern U.S. The boat, named The Greatest Loop, will make the passage starting May 15, 2012, from Annapolis, Maryland, and return in September 2012.

The trip is designed to show the seaworthiness and comfort of Beneteau Powerboats in particular and promote the cruising lifestyle in general. We are supplying a 7.5 kW MDKBJ marine generator, rated at 1100 amps and converted to run at 60 Hz. The generator will power all the appliances, controls and other electrical loads on the boat.

This Quiet Diesel model has the highest power density of any housed set in the Cummins Onan product line. Based on wattage at full load and the volume of the generator, the unit delivers 26% more power per unit volume compared to competitive generators. This advantage in power density extends to other models as well. For example, even compared with larger 7 kW 50 Hz generators from other manufacturers, the Cummins Onan 6 kW 50 Hz delivers 24% more power per generator volume. By offering more power in a smaller package, designers and boat owners have more space available for other necessities and amenities.

Cummins Onan marine generators are exceptionally quiet with minimal vibration. Plus they are extremely robust and backed by the world’s largest global support network. Beneteau has chosen to equip both its sailboats and powerboats with Cummins Onan generators. The Greatest Loop also uses a Cummins Marine engine.

As described by the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), the Great Loop is the “continuous waterway that encompasses the eastern portion of North America including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland.” The entire route can range from 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the particular options chosen. Most Great Loopers make the passage counterclockwise, to take advantage of favorable river currents. The most popular kind of boat used for the trip is a recreational trawler, such as Beneteau’s The Greatest Loop.

According to Beneteau, the Swift Trawler 34 is a performance-based cruising boat offering exceptional fuel efficiency, stability and maneuverability. With a very sea-worthy hull, and plenty of living space, the Swift Trawler 34 is designed for the ocean and life at anchor. Its size and clever features make the Swift Trawler 34 very easy to handle, solo or as a couple.

The Greatest Loop, hull 202, was built at one of Beneteau’s trawler factories in Challans, France, and arrived in the U.S. on March 23, 2012. She is currently being outfitted with the latest equipment supplied by Beneteau partners Cummins, Cummins Onan, Raymarine and Dometic Marine. Other industry partners lending support for the journey include America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, MarinaLife, SGB Finance and Annapolis Yacht Sales, in addition to other Beneteau dealers around the country.

Beneteau is known worldwide for its sleek design, quality construction and innovation in the manufacturing of seaworthy sailing and power yachts. The Beneteau company began more than 125 years ago when Benjamin Bénéteau started building fishing trawlers in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France. Today, the company continues under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau’s granddaughter, Madame Annette-Bénéteau Roux. Beneteau has grown to twenty manufacturing facilities in France, Italy and the United States. Another production facility for powerboats is about to start operations in Brazil.

Marine publications throughout North America and Europe will be aboard The Greatest Loop for specific segments of the journey to document and share their experience with their readers. Or if you’re interested in following her journey yourself, you can participate in the expedition at The Greatest Loop Website or The Greatest Loop Facebook page.

Besides supplying the generator, we’ll be participating in events and gatherings along the route, as well as monitoring the performance of our Quiet Diesel generator. More information on the 7.5 kW generator and our role in the voyage is available at now.cumminspower.com/beneteau/.

But be sure to also keep an eye out for more blog posts from us that will keep you updated as the adventure gets underway as well as all along the way. We can’t wait to cast off!