sailor here fresh off maiden voyage in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida (Charlotte Harbor).This is my first post although I have been lurking here for over a year and have read over 1000 messages. So the first thing I want to do is thank everyone that has posted information and opinions as it has all been extremely helpful to me in the process of choosing a boat and equipping it correctly.
I found a 2006 M boat that had been sitting in a garage for a few years. The boat had been in the water a few times but never sailed. The boat came with all the essentials but I added a stereo, bottom coating, a Garmin model 421 chart plotter with depth sounder and a bungee type lazy jack from sailcare.com The Lazy jack works great and simply wraps around the mast when not in use making it easy to put the sail cover on without any modification. The boat was brokered by Super Sports Marine and John arranged for an experienced Mac sailor to give me an initial indoctrination session which is their policy on all boat sales. That was worth it’s weight in gold.
My initial impression of the boat was that it was a bit easier to handle and more responsive then I was lead to believe. Maybe that was because I have been driving a 23 foot pontoon boat around all summer
My previous sailing experience was on day sailors, my last being a Catalina 16.5. I found the transition to the bigger boat so far not to be too challenging. The biggest issues for me is for single hand sailing is to remember to have everything in the cockpit that you plan on using ahead of time as leaving the helm to go below is not a good option. I have the CDI furling system which works great and sail slugs on the main but leaving the helm to climb up on the cabin top to lower the main is a little bit uncomfortable for me right now. Got to get the first mate down here soon.The Honda 50 does just fine. It’s quiet and runs very smooth, while sipping only a small amount of fuel. I can achieve 13 knots (GPS) at full throttle and 10 at 2/3rds throttle which is all the performance I need. The motor has a 4 blade prop which seems to be the best match for this engine.
The only negative I have is the blue paint which scratches very easy. Some submerged barnacles on a piling did a number on the side of the boat before I discovered and removed them
If I ever had another one I would choose the white haul. Would love to hook up with any other Mac owners in the SW Florida area.
good sailing to all . . .
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