Just thought I'd check in, provide some thoughts, and avail myself of the collective wisdom and expertise found only here.
We bought our 2005 last September, had it transported from Virginia to Texas, worked on it through the winter and finally got title and registration worked out. From all we could tell, it had been sitting outside for a decade or so; lots of polishing and restoration. Was delighted to have revived the motor, but sails and running rigging had to be replaced.
We've had it in the water day sailing 3 times at Canyon Lake (about 30 minutes from here), twice under power only with the mast down and once with our virgin sails. Last weekend we took it out to Corpus Christi, put it in a slip and sailed 2 days (once in ~16kt winds with 4' seas and the following day in 8-10kt winds, calm seas. Installed new bunks on the trailer while we had it in the water.
Observations:
- Our mast doesn't rotate properly. I've read through some other forum posts here and found others had issues with lubrication and fixed rigging being out of tune such that it put torque on the mast. I think our problem is the latter; will find a Loos gauge and to that work.
- High freeboard makes the 26M hull a sail in its own right. Really touchy with crosswinds at low speed trying to come back to the trailer or slip. Just learning curve for us.
- Lee Helm. Could be the way we have it tuned, but loosing the wheel caused the to turn downwind rather quickly. All my other boats have had a slight weather helm, which I was always told was a good safety characteristic, especially in MOB situations. Will make sure to stay on the boat.
- Running Rigging Interference. At several points of tack, the main and jib sheets interfered quite a bit. I think this is a function of the traveler being mounted in the companionway. Wonder if others have moved/improved theirs. If I recall, the has no traveler and the main sheet connects to the helm post?
- Sluggish Steering. I have an appreciation now for what it is to have the motor connected to the rudder steering while under sail. Will invest in the BWY quick disconnect. Is that still the recommended solution?
- I have yet to master the Mac "bump" maneuver with the trailer. Seems to slot into the bow cushion well, but when we pull it out of the water and up the ramp that turns into 3-4 inches with no way of cranking it in. I've tried the "bump" with the winch disconnected several times but it doesn't seem to nudge the boat forward. Perhaps I am not aggressive enough. We use an extra large cargo strap just aft of the trailer axle to ensure it doesn't go anywhere. Also purchased a HF electric marine winch that I plan to mount in a better location to secure the boat on trailer.
- Trailering is temperamental. I've had no issue taking the boat down winding roads to our local lake with my old beater pickup. We rented a newer pickup for the trip to Corpus (wanting greater reliability and A/C). The trailer suffered from quite a bit of wag and sway. The hitch height on the rental was perhaps 2" more elevated than on my truck. Driving the rental back without the trailer, I can say that it also had a more lively suspension. Open to suggestions.
We put ours in enclosed storage out in Corpus and intend to go back every weekend we can this summer.