MacGregorSailors.com

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Fairwinds brings up a good observation.

I love my x's motoring abilities and sheltered water sailing, but I have found open ocean sailing outside LA harbor can be a bit uncomfortable with any amount of swell and chop.

The mac holds direction well, but the MOTION fairwinds mentions is definitely intensified due to sailing ON TOP of the water rather than through it like a heavier rounded hull, even with water ballast. Loading her down helps a bit also.

On a strong downwind reach the effect is minimized, but still might bother a restless crew (I personally enjoy it).

Thanks for sharing Costa's story.
Rolf

Hi Fairwinds,

Thanks for the info on insurance. I understand about needing Mexican insurance for vehicle and trailed boat, as well as liability on the water. I'll try checking out a rider for boat coverage. Little nervous about going bare, but if it is unavailable or prohibitively $y, my desire to explore that area would probably win out. We would put in at San Carlos, near Guaymos, and likely cruise north, checking out the many coves and anchorages there. We'd like to cross over to the Baja side, and depending on weather and ability to find a buddy boat, would consider a crossing, either via the midway islands or by the shortest crossing point. I'm thinking the preferred cruising months for that area would be between late February and the first part of May.

We have modified our boat considerably, to adapt her better for extended cruising. We carry a pair of 12 gallon fuel tanks, and I've built a stern platform which provides space for 15 additional gallons in plastic gas cans. We had a Wallis stove/heater installed, which is great, especially in cooler waters. We've also added the full surround, which enlarges the boat in rainy or cold weather. I installed a 9 gallon rigid plastic water tank and electric pump next to the sink, with exterior fill, which is great. I've installed drawers and storage improvements in the galley area. Added an anchor roller to the bow, and carry two completely rigged anchors and rodes. We carry a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries for house battery in addition to starting battery, plus an installed battery charger and a digital volt meter. Lots of other little mods for comfort and convenience.

Annoyances are few. We tend to stretch the boat's capabilities and accept the tightness of quarters and all that goes with that, in exchange for trailerability. Lightness of construction and finish shortcomings are likewise accepted as fair exchange when considering the cost of the boat. We're doing things with this boat that we couldn't otherwise afford. My only real annoyances involve unexpected mechanical/electrical problems. Sometimes the stove fails to light. Our Nissan 50 hp TLDI outboard has an annoying habit of running roughly at low rpm, like when entering and departing marinas. That's about it. We've enjoyed many happy days exploring with our MacGregor, and hope for many more.

Fairwinds,

Sorry to see your boat like that and am glad no one was hurt.

What is the name of that Nor'Sea 27 following you in the "happier times" photo? It looks like one I've seen on Lake Granby in Colorado.

Daniel

Also sorry to hear about the loss of your boat... and, sadly, it does rather look beyond repair.

I wonder if anyone noticed what's in the background of this photo from Fairwind's link?

That Nor'sea is "Mindseye". She has sailed the Mediterranean, From the Chesapeake to Halifax, Seattle to Alaska twice, but never on Lake Granby. Her home port is Tempe, Arizona.

A blue hull and two rudders sticking up in the air..I wonder what that could be..

All of us get careless at times....and who knows how many things we have done that, without our even knowing, put us inches/seconds away from disaster.

I was leaving this anchorage (Pirates Cove in Pismo Beach, Ca)
(TD is the far out boat with the Blue Hull)

an anchorage I have been in literally 100 times. I wasn't paying attention motoring THIRD DAY at 7kts when all of a sudden 10ft off the starboard bow was a rock awash in white water! I "knew" it was there, has seen it 100's of times...but was careless and it cost me a brand new pair of SHORTS!

Lori looked at me...I looked at her...and right then and there we knew we came within 10ft of running THIRD DAY right up on a rock, knocking a hole in her hull and having a full fledged Cruise ending Disaster!

It was a needed Wake-up call to the seriousness of taking a boat out in the sea, even in water that I have been in since I was 2yrs old.

No wonder you were so calm calling 'hard a starboard' when we almost hit that can in Feb......

rocks...YIKES

Catigale wrote:No wonder you were so calm calling 'hard a starboard' when we almost hit that can in Feb......

rocks...YIKES

The Phrase to know....

"That will Buff Right Out"



(in our own defense...it was pitch black and the can was unlit....