arks
Lieutenant Commander
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2002
- Messages
- 1,936
Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake
I'm no sailboat expert but spent a good part of my youth learning about them.
The MacGregor 26 is a 'hybrid' sailboat. IMO that means it isn't a great sailboat OR powerboat. The hull is rated for something like 50HP, and uses water ballast for sailing stability. The Hunter would sail much better. Again, this is just my opinion.
To begin with, do they both have complete rigging (sails, mast, boom, rudder, c-board)? And- just as important- what condition are they in? That stuff can get mighty expensive. Also, you've gotta make sure the stays are in good shape and anchored firmly to the mast and deck- if one pulls out at the wrong time you could lose the rigging. Repairing anything at the top of a stepped mast can be a lesson in frustration; don't ask me how I know....
Believe it or not, sailboats need as much- if not more- maintenance than a powerboat, it's just in a different way. Bad things can happen in a hurry to improperly maintained sailboats. Example- what do you think would happen if the centerboard decided to separate itself from the hull when you're on a hard reach? This kind of thing happens to boats that aren't maintained.
Anyway, I think you get the idea. If you're willing to put in the time/expense, sailing can be a WHOLE LOT of fun. But it ain't as cheap as you might think.
Lastly, before jumping into one of these you've gotta have a good plan as to where/how you're going to keep it. Can you trailer the MacG with your current ride? The bare hull weighs 2400#. Add the rigging and trailer and you'll be close to 4K. As far as a slip, even an island slip @ HdG will run about $650/year. Yeah, a mooring would be 'free' but there are other issues with that scenario.
I'm not trying to convince you NOT to get a sailboat Bowman, I just want you to know and understand some of the considereations.
Rob
I'm no sailboat expert but spent a good part of my youth learning about them.
The MacGregor 26 is a 'hybrid' sailboat. IMO that means it isn't a great sailboat OR powerboat. The hull is rated for something like 50HP, and uses water ballast for sailing stability. The Hunter would sail much better. Again, this is just my opinion.
To begin with, do they both have complete rigging (sails, mast, boom, rudder, c-board)? And- just as important- what condition are they in? That stuff can get mighty expensive. Also, you've gotta make sure the stays are in good shape and anchored firmly to the mast and deck- if one pulls out at the wrong time you could lose the rigging. Repairing anything at the top of a stepped mast can be a lesson in frustration; don't ask me how I know....
Believe it or not, sailboats need as much- if not more- maintenance than a powerboat, it's just in a different way. Bad things can happen in a hurry to improperly maintained sailboats. Example- what do you think would happen if the centerboard decided to separate itself from the hull when you're on a hard reach? This kind of thing happens to boats that aren't maintained.
Anyway, I think you get the idea. If you're willing to put in the time/expense, sailing can be a WHOLE LOT of fun. But it ain't as cheap as you might think.
Lastly, before jumping into one of these you've gotta have a good plan as to where/how you're going to keep it. Can you trailer the MacG with your current ride? The bare hull weighs 2400#. Add the rigging and trailer and you'll be close to 4K. As far as a slip, even an island slip @ HdG will run about $650/year. Yeah, a mooring would be 'free' but there are other issues with that scenario.
I'm not trying to convince you NOT to get a sailboat Bowman, I just want you to know and understand some of the considereations.
Rob
