New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
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JaxMacX
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:21 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Jacksonville
New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
Hello all, we just purchased a 2002 MacX from a great guy in Sanford. We will be mainly sailing around Jacksonville. The boat needs a few minor repairs to the hull and deck. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the Jacksonville area? What about best sailing areas between St. Augustine and Amelia Island or up the St. Johns? Lastly, are there any active Macgregor groups in Jacksonville? Thanks ahead of time!
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chipveres
- Engineer
- Posts: 170
- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:53 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 22
- Location: Dania, FL
Re: New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
Welcome to the Mac family! Lake Monroe (where your boat just came from) and Lake George are both prime inland sailing territory. Each has a marina in case you would like to trailer your boat there, rather than sailing upstream. Your city has a West Marine store. I would go there and ask the oldest sailor I found where he would take a fiberglass boat for repair. That is, if you do not feel like doing it yourself. Most Mac owners do their own repairs to keep the cost down.
Chip V.
S/V Sand Dollar
Dania FL
"Always needs sanding, always costs a dollar."
Chip V.
S/V Sand Dollar
Dania FL
"Always needs sanding, always costs a dollar."
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JaxMacX
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:21 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Jacksonville
Re: New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
Yeah... I don't know anything about fiberglass repair. Thanks for the tips!
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Be Free
- Admiral
- Posts: 1975
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Re: New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
Welcome to the board.
I've spent a lot of time on the St. Johns and can give you some pointers when you are ready. Between the Acosta Bridge and Palatka it's wide and very easy to sail. Palatka to the south end of Lake George is a little harder but I'd still sail it any time. From Lake George to Sanford is difficult to sail but it's possible as long as you are not in a hurry. Most of that stretch is much easier under power.
You can anchor out just about anywhere along the way and you will usually have the river to yourself during the week (not so much on the weekend).
There are four draw bridges along that stretch of the river. The railroad bridge south of Palatka is up unless there is a train coming. The rest are always closed so you will have ask for an opening. Astor and DeLand usually open quickly except on the weekend. The railroad bridge on the north end of Lake Monroe can be a long wait any time.
I've spent a lot of time on the St. Johns and can give you some pointers when you are ready. Between the Acosta Bridge and Palatka it's wide and very easy to sail. Palatka to the south end of Lake George is a little harder but I'd still sail it any time. From Lake George to Sanford is difficult to sail but it's possible as long as you are not in a hurry. Most of that stretch is much easier under power.
You can anchor out just about anywhere along the way and you will usually have the river to yourself during the week (not so much on the weekend).
There are four draw bridges along that stretch of the river. The railroad bridge south of Palatka is up unless there is a train coming. The rest are always closed so you will have ask for an opening. Astor and DeLand usually open quickly except on the weekend. The railroad bridge on the north end of Lake Monroe can be a long wait any time.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
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dlandersson
- Admiral
- Posts: 5012
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Michigan City
Re: New MacX owner in Jacksonville, FL
"a great guy in Sanford" - next day:
JaxMacX wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:46 pm Hello all, we just purchased a 2002 MacX from a great guy in Sanford. We will be mainly sailing around Jacksonville. The boat needs a few minor repairs to the hull and deck. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the Jacksonville area? What about best sailing areas between St. Augustine and Amelia Island or up the St. Johns? Lastly, are there any active Macgregor groups in Jacksonville? Thanks ahead of time!