There are skipper's that will beat you in their "M".
The same skipper can sail your "X" and beat his "M".
The only way to learn how to sail to the best of your
boat's ability, is to race in a club.
Otherwise, your a cruiser, which is no bad life either.

Take a look at my "Special Deal" post in the general discussion.
A photo of how I mounted my bimini.
Bob

I posted a photo of how I mounted my bimini.
Check, "Special Deal", general discussion.

This is a photo with the top up. you can see the clearance. I put two extra bales under the boom to spread the load. I could sail pretty close to the wind with this rig. IN THE SHADE !! or out of the rain ! http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Sundowner26X/Macpictures009.jpg Fixed picture links to...

The bimini is from WM, I don't remember the exact width or length, but I did not want rainwater falling in the cockpit, so i put the attachments outside the cockpit, with sliders so it could be adjusted, fore and aft. I attached dome snaps across the front of the bimini to snap on a clear vinyl wind...

Hopefully a coupla photos of the mainsheet traveler. It's 1 1/2 " wide by 3/16 " SS strap. I used 1/8" alum from HD to make the template, a machine shop bent it to my specs, theres about a inch clearance over the sliding hatch. Traveler track was from WM, i had the slider and stops in...

Check Mac 26X classified, 7 days only, expires 4/25/2011

Wow ! Now you all are getting a sleigh ride across the banks !
You should be in Chub Cay before dark. The Mac flies downwind !
We used to have to anchor south of NW Channel light.
bob

Chinook, My wife and I were walking on the beach here in Vero this morning and I was hoping you started across this morning, perfect conditions ! How in the world could you travel thousands of miles and pick the perfect day to cross the Gulfstream, in March !! One of the most windy months. We've mad...

I put a 26 gal bladder in the most forward access in the V-berth. Ran the filler hose up thru the forward end of the V-berth, outside of the anchor locker.. Tough, but doable. Then the supply line runs to a pump mounted just forward of the galley sink under that seat. Oh yes, I'm talking about a 26X...

Met your friend Mike at the boat ramp last week,in Ft. Pierce, we were launching our boat for a test run, after not been run for almost two years. I had replaced all the old gas, and had it serviced. Ran good, about 21 MPH. In anticipation of selling. Dang it !! Anyway, Mike came walking up and said...

Just wondering, how long are you float planning for this cruise ?
I have lots of ideas.
Bob

We've used all of these inlets also. Ft. Pierce is your best shot from West End, you'll have the advantage of the gulfstream and hopefully, east or se wind, do not attempt this crossing in ANY northerly wind. We live in Vero Beach, just a few miles north of Ft. Pierce. Need anything give me a call. ...

Sno Bowl toilet cleaner can be found in most grocery stores.
Test small area first.

Found a 2000 Chevvy Tahoe, a coupla months ago. 53 thousand miles, like new, all the bells and whistles. Ran a Carfax, sure enough, one owner, regular maint. Didn't really want to get rid of my Cherohee 4X4, but it did have a little trouble on grades. And was starting to "dollar' me to death ! ...