NEED HELP PLEASE !!! -- Louisville KY area

[mckenzie]

Hi, well i did it purchased a 26x.had the trailer break an axle on the way home ,had to have the boat trailered home on a roll back truck,bought a new venture trailer . it floats had it in the water sunday motor works, had the mast up and main sail up, i don't know how to us the genoa sail with the rollar furling device, didn't sail the boat why, i don't know anything about sailing or boats, very limited boat experience , would love a local to share some of there knowledge, it gets better i am leaving to go to the keys sunday with the 26x. as you can tell i like to jumping with both feet

[kmclemore]

Well, that's gonna be a trial by fire. Might want to start out a bit slower and do a few local lakes first?

I'm not in KY, but perhaps someone here is?

[Dragos Filimon]

Hmm, funny my trailer broke at the entrance of sailing club when I first brought the boat.
If you never sailed before try in very light wind, like 5-7 mph. To learn how to move the boat by sails is very easy, but is a lot to learn to make it efficiently. Can be learnt on the go, but your safety has to come first.

[Russ]

Please don't take the boat to the keys.
You have more to learn. It's likely your state requires a boating course. Florida also has many regs.

The venture trailer? Is it rated high enough for the load?

You're scaring me. Don't jump in a this pool with both feet. It's deep and no lifeguards.
Take your time and get educated.

Then have lots of fun.

[Do+fus1]

We, the Admiral and I, bought our 26x in February, re did the wiring and other stuff. Took it out a couple of weeks ago with my brother who has sailed in the past. The winds were light, the air was hot. Then we took it out last Thursday, light winds to no wind. Pulled up on beach and spent the night. There are some good videos on YouTube, check them out and take it slow. The manual gives some good suggestion for first timers. Good luck and have fun. Is it normal to be a little nervous the first couple of times?

[Russ]

Also. Make sure your boat and life insurance is paid up.

4th of July weekend. I'm not going near my boat and I've been sailing for 40 years. Not a good time to be on or near the water.

I'm sitting on my boat right now at anchor. Came out here yesterday. Going home before the crazies get here.


Don't be THAT guy.

[mckenzie]

thanks foe the replies , I'm taking the boat , i will be very crefull keeping site of shore etc ,checking weather and have plenty of gas , i was hoping someone in louisville could spare an hour or 2 of there time thanks

[Obelix]

We don't go out on the Memorial Day, the 4th of July or the Labor day weekends. Too many crazies with way to much beer on the water, here in FL.

Obelix

[Retcoastie]

Sent you a PM.

Ken

[mckenzie]

hello Retcoastie it would be great to get together my phone # xxx-xxx-xxxx , don't know how to PM.

[mckenzie]

Sent you a PM.

Ken

please email me, alan(put user name here)@me.com i cannot pm as yet new member thanks alan

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[Russ]

thanks foe the replies , I'm taking the boat , i will be very crefull keeping site of shore etc ,checking weather and have plenty of gas , i was hoping someone in louisville could spare an hour or 2 of there time thanks

Yea.... I don't know why I try. I should know when to spot a determined person. There is no way after telling family and friends you are going to the keys with the new boat you'd leave it home.

Okay....consider this.

You stated a "venture trailer".
I hope that is a brand name and not a trailer from a Macgregor Venture which was a substantially smaller (lighter) boat. I also hope it was rated with enough capacity. Asphalt roads in the south as you know are like a hot stove and overloaded rubber tires don't fare well together. Is your tow vehicle up to a big load? Transmission cooler (It's Florida in July) and check all tires and pressures. Most people replace Mac trailers with dual axle trailers for a reason.

You stated: "i don't know anything about sailing or boats, very limited boat experience"
Do you have trailering experience. How many trailers do I see without crossed chains, incorrect tongue loading wagging down the road. This is a long trip.....on the 4th of July weekend.
Do you have a ramp reserved in the keys. Typically, these areas are very busy and often require a reservation (to park the empty trailer) etc. Where are you going to keep the boat when not floating?
Florida has many more regs than KY. They are particular fussy about your toilet situation. The authorities OFTEN board vessels looking for correct documentation, inspections and yes your toilet must conform to their regs. 4th of July weekend, expect EXTRA law enforcement out there.
Do you have all your safety gear? Life jackets for each berth/passenger? Fire extinguishers. compass, signal devices, bell whistle, dock lines.
Florida is also known as thunderstorm alley. Much different to be caught even close to shore in a boat then on land in a Tstorm.
Do you know how to handle gasoline and its fumes on a boat? Heavier than air fumes (like gasoline) and propane will sink to the bottom of the boat where there is no escape. One spark and boom.
4th of July week (it starts Thursday and goes for a week) will include drunk and crazy people. Are you prepared to avoid a collision with a drunk captain?

I don't mean to be raining on your fun. I'm merely trying to explain that this is not a canoe on a lake trip you are planning. It's a serious deal and your family could possibly hate you and the boat forever if it encounters problems. Not a good way to get your feet wet in sailing or boating. Here..take this test and see how you do.
http://www.usps.org/nsbt/modules.htm

I know no matter what, you are taking this boat to Florida. Please post your experiences when you get back. I hope you have a wonderful time and nothing goes wrong. I just don't see that happening.

Please respond to Retcoastie. Take him up on advice.

[ALX357]

The Mac 26X is a marginal blue-water boat ... only EXPERIENCED sailors should be sailing or motoring in the ocean with it.
'Doesn't matter that you intend to keep in sight of land, because wind and currents can get out of control fast. Even using the sails can be dangerous .... capsize, boom swinging accidental jibes, broken stays, falling mast, ..... the Mac26X is not known to be equipped with a strong enough rig for the abuse of heavy waves and ocean winds, at the hands of those without the experience.

You are potentially and likely risking the lives of your family. Get some inland lake experience first.

Courage and caution are not enough substitute for good judgement and experience. At least John-John flew by himself, on his last flight.

[Signaleer]

Dude, I know how you feel and what you want but if you are not an experienced mariner you are being selfish and putting not only yourself at risk but many others. You don't understand the risk you are taking. I would hope you would take the advice from the experienced sailors of which you asked advice. No, we aren't trying to keep you down, we aren't really trying to stop your adventure. Most of us don't want you putting us, you, your loved ones, property, and public services at risk. We are all in some sense responsible for each other, if only to not put other's at risk. And with your attitude, you are. Someday maybe you'll respect that.

[Gazmn]

Hi Mckenzie,
Welcome to the Mac Brethren. Happy Belated Fathers Day & 4th to all

We're a friendly bunch - I'm sure you've been lurking for some time - that is, before taking a "both feet plunge", in a new to you Mac.

What part of Florida are you traveling to? Also Please post in your Login ur motor & local waters, if you haven't already.

I drove down to the Keys 2X & hope to again this Winter. That's a Great Thing about our boat's ability & your purchase choice.

WATCH THE DEPTHS... It's a shallow State - perhaps in more ways than one
But it is THE BEST Boating State

So, Be Careful. Make memories - not funeral arrangements.
Lots of pics & an entry in the Destinations section.

I go during the NE Winters. & in Jan / Feb I found my winds at 20Kts & on the nose as my first trip mantra & occasional on my second trip. Have Fun But- Be a Diligent Captain - So everyone else can have fun and memories. Give a Shout out to where you're going. We got a few FL Brothers that can possibly help you out, or give you Local Captain Knowledge. & Knowledge is Key in Da Keys...

Detail what you're planning to bring, do etc.
I go on vrbo.com, rent a house with a dock & goodies, & enjoy on & off the water life

Russ gave you good brotherly advice. & RetC has also made himself known to you. Take us up on our invitations & insights. These Guys Have Never Steered Me Wrong. Even if I didn't fully agree with them, they have Always given me good points to consider.

I also have a Venture [sep Co] Trailer. But mine is a Tandem axle & in need of a Major Overhaul before my 1400 Mi Winter trip
If you have to get trailer service down there. The law is Brakes on All Wheels