first time owner of a sailboat

[technicalman]

Netflix has a lot of sailing and boating videos that are full of good information which may be helpful.

I currently have in my queue:
Powerboat navigation
100 boating mistakes
Improve Your sailing skills
100 sailing mistakes
handling and anchoring
annapolis book of seamanship


There's a lot of other video's there too like for fishing. I was very surprised to find videos like this there.

[cub21rak]

Well, I have a few updates on my boat. I took it to a shop to work on the motor and replace the forward/reverse and throttle cables. They tried to start the motor before they had done any work to it and after 10 years sitting in PO backyard it had started after just 2 pulls! It ran rough but ran. So they had worked on the carb and now it runs great (I haven't had it running but they said its a good motor.) So the motor work and replacing the cables cost me $290. Not too bad for a boat that was given to me for free after sitting for 10 years. So now I am having new windows cut and will put them in sometime this week. I have lots and lots of scrubbing to do because she is very dirty. Also have to buy the ropes for the sails, replace the rails on the top and the guides for the opening to go inside. Change the cables on both winches, the handle for the rudder then see if the electrical wiring is still in usable condition. Looking forward to all these projects to do cause it will be great to look back at what she once looked like.
Ryan

[FinallySailing]

Just to add to the list of videos : Check out http://www.iskipper.net . Have fun with your boat (on and off the water) !!!

[cub21rak]

thanks for that site. o started watching some of those vids this morning. very informative and i plan on watching them all

[Jersey16]

Congrats on your boat. I am also the new owner of an old boat. I've been around boats my entire life (20+ years USCG and USCG reserve) but never a sailboat, although I've towed a few. I recently took a liking to a big slow boat that my family and I could enjoy on the river.

After a lot of reading on this site and sailing texas (one of the best sites ever) I decided on a Mac 25. I found one for 1500 on a trailer with a good motor. New to sailing I decided to take her out without the mast and sails to get to know the trailer, motor and handling. My family and I had a great time on her that day, and I was pleasantly surprised how she handled, the room and comfort for the little ones we had, and I've driven my share of boats. Great boat.

Now I'm about to tackle the mast. I understand what the slotted section is for, but I dont know what the open bolt hole at the top of the mast step is for.

At any rate, good luck with your boat, great price. Even if you can only manage to take her out with just the engine to get used to the trailer and handling characteristics its well worth the ride in my opinion.

Jersey 16

[second wind too]

Welcome to sailing. Like someone said earlier, "I can't imagine someone NOT liking to sail. Last February I bought a 2006 26M which was used for Charter and was in need of some TLC. Nothing serious, but a severe cleaning and replacing of some standing rigging and some running rigging. I spent 12 hours cleaning the interior taking EVERYTHING not bolted down out and cleaning from the bottom of the bildge to the headliner. A great way to inspect your boat, getting to know where all the through-Hulls are and inspecting them. I tightened a bolt or wo on the steering mechanisim, inspected the Batteries, etc. I suppose I should have done all that before I bought the boat, but it was the only late model Mac 26M for sale in Thailand at the time and I got a pretty good price by Thailand standards.

I really enjoy going to the boat for an hour or two and tinkering around. Gets me to know my boat better and adds to the "pride of ownership". Oh yeah, it's also fun to sail.

Good luck and enjoy

[cub21rak]

yay!!!!
i took my first sailing lessons at the hammond marina yesterday and also ordered my halyards through macgregorowners.com!!! ill be on the water with you all in no time!!!! see you there!

[jschrade]

I would recommend replacing all of the standing rigging before going out: forestay, shrouds (back stay?). Demasting is not fun and tends to be an almost standard event on old boats brought back into service. Ensure that the forestay clevis/cotter pin is taped to ensure the anchor line does not pull it out (experience).

Good Luck to you.

Jim

[Freedom77]

Congrats on your new yacht. Welcome to the Legion of the Damned!! What a great deal. Free is always good. Been sailing for 4o+ years. We had a '71 V-222. First, check around your local area and see if you have a sailing/yacht club. Sailors generally are some of the nicest most helpful people around and will give you great advice, although there are always a few elitist snobs. Bludewater yachts in Seattle Wa specializes in Venture/Mac stuff and are always helpful. 1-800-688-8626. Is you keel cast iron or fiberglass covered? If the boat has been sitting that long you may have some maintenance issues. H&L Marine in California can supply you with teak replacements or you can buy teak and mill them yourself. I could go on for days. We're all here to help, just ask. AS mentioned take your time and it will pay off. Fair Winds and Full Sails...