Launched her for the first time , a few questions

[Gypsy]

We put our 2000 26X in for the first time , even though we have owned her for a year now.

Although we practiced raising the mast several times in the yard , doing it on a rocking boat proved to be quite different . It went off to one side and fell one time , but fortunately no damage was done .
Finally got it raised .

The boat is VERY squirrelly , driving at slow speeds , She is all over the river . The steering does improve with speed . I did discover that putting the rudders down at slow speeds drastically improved and I mean drastically , improved the steering . Is this normal ? Does everyone run with the rudders down at 5mph ?

The top speed running agaisnt the river current , was about 9.5 mph . We weren't looking to plane , but I assumed it would have a top speed of more than 10mph. Perhaps a prop change ? I can reach max RPMs (6,000) pretty quick and easy
I am running a Honda 50

Although I estimated 10 mpg , I wonder if a prop change would help improve this even more , if it didn't give me more speed. Not really looking for more than hull speed , but I do want max effiecency.

Spent two nights aboard and very happy with the accomadations .
Bigger toilet and shower on the to-do list .

Discovered that the Mac anchor law is true ,
"If it fits in the anchor locker , its to small to hold the boat"

All answers and comments welcomed .

[atzserv]

Yes, run with rudders and some daggerboard at slower speeds for control! I have an M model so my daggerbosrd is straight up and down but the X model guys can tell you how much daggerboard you need to help out.

Gary

[atzserv]

The mast issue is again another difference from what I understand from the X and the M. I have babystays that help with that sway from side to side while raising. If on the water and it is kind of rough raising can still be a handful. I have heard of an M mast raising on an X in the posts , so do some research and get the best situation for the mast raising. The guys on here will be an invaluable resource. if there is a mast raising system just for the X inquire about the M setup as far as babystays for support.

Gary

[Russ]

Congrats!

Although we practiced raising the mast several times in the yard , doing it on a rocking boat proved to be quite different . It went off to one side and fell one time , but fortunately no damage was done .
Finally got it raised .

I raise mine while on the trailer in the yard. It's MUCH easier in my opinion. Do you have a mast raising system? The "baby stays" will keep the mast straight while raising.
If you raise it while on land, make sure the path to the ramp doesn't have any overhead power lines or trees.

The boat is VERY squirrelly , driving at slow speeds , She is all over the river . The steering does improve with speed . I did discover that putting the rudders down at slow speeds drastically improved and I mean drastically , improved the steering . Is this normal ? Does everyone run with the rudders down at 5mph ?

Under 7mph I always have one or two rudders down. While docking I have all fins (centerboard and rudders) down. The Mac is a flat bottomed boat without any keel to keep it on track.
At low speed without rudders, the Mac steers poorly.
Of course at high speed take all fins up and she will handle fine. In fact, it is dangerous to keep them down at high speeds.

The top speed running agaisnt the river current , was about 9.5 mph . We weren't looking to plane , but I assumed it would have a top speed of more than 10mph. Perhaps a prop change ? I can reach max RPMs (6,000) pretty quick and easy
I am running a Honda 50

What were you using to measure? Was the water ballast in?
It is possible your prop is undersized.

Although I estimated 10 mpg , I wonder if a prop change would help improve this even more , if it didn't give me more speed. Not really looking for more than hull speed , but I do want max effiecency.

Well of course. The Mac is a semi-planing boat and will go faster than displacement hull speed. What size prop is on there now?

Spend two nights aboard and very happy with the accomadations .
Bigger toilet and shower on the to-do list .

Bigger toilet in what way? Our stock porta potty seems adequate for what it is but I've heard some people mount them higher on a "shelf".
Shower might be harder to pull off on a Mac. Many have done it, but it takes effort. We have a portable sunshower in the cockpit. It works well. It's amazing how simply washing your head can refresh you.

--Russ

[Gypsy]

Yes , I had the ballast tank full , at all times. From what I have read here and other places , you should NEVER run with the ballast tank empty ? is this true ?

I don't know what size prop is on there , but from my powerboat experience , if the boat reaches max rpm quickly , generally speaking , the prop is to small .

I wish that I could raise the mast while still on the trailer , but there is a power line over our ramp .

We plan to either get a poclein toilet or a 5 gallon port a potty . Either way get a little more height
on it.
The shower will be a sunshower connected into the head and a sump/bilgepump underneath .

I modified the Vee berth to a queen size , by extending it out even with the dinette seat . It sleeps nice and by day we can plug the dinette seat back , back into its two holes . We had cushions made to match the new bed size.

I plan to move the bow light , and put an anchor roller/guide over the hole , that will hold the anchor.
Right now its hanging on the railing .

[Russ]

Yes , I had the ballast tank full , at all times. From what I have read here and other places , you should NEVER run with the ballast tank empty ? is this true ?

I would never SAIL with an empty ballast tank, although some have.
Motoring empty is fine and will achieve best speed. If you find yourself in bad weather, I would fill the tanks for sure.

I don't know what size prop is on there , but from my powerboat experience , if the boat reaches max rpm quickly , generally speaking , the prop is to small .

Agreed. Maybe you can find a shop that will allow you to try a larger prop and as long as you don't ding it up, return it if it's the wrong size.
Search for Honda and prop and you will find many posts on this subject.

I wish that I could raise the mast while still on the trailer , but there is a power line over our ramp .

Well, that's that. Strange place to put a ramp/power line. Someone is going to get hurt one day.

We plan to either get a poclein toilet or a 5 gallon port a potty . Either way get a little more height
on it.

Yea, I'm considering this also.

The shower will be a sunshower connected into the head and a sump/bilgepump underneath .

Search the mods. This has been done. Easier not to blaze a trail and learn from those who have been there.