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We've had the mast up. The side stays on the fulcrum (mast raising apparatus) aren't tight until the mast is almost vertical.

The front sail is on a runner which is the front stay as well. Had to bag the furler to stop it banging around.

Getting ready for the maiden voyage. Going without the boom vang & will let down the bimini while sailing until we can work out how to have it up without hitting the boom.

Ended up using velcro peel and stick for the fly screens. The stick-on was hard to sew as the stick kept jamming up the needle.

Are there any tricks with the launch & retrieve?

Kind Rgds
Dave

Are there any tricks with the launch & retrieve?

Until you get use to the 'unique' handling characteristics of the Mac, i would try to find a ramp that doesn't require you to drive it on and off. One with a pontoon parallel with the ramp is best so you can walk her on and off the trailer.

Wind on the nose as well, if you can! It is hard to retrieve in a strong cross wind.

Cameron

I Agree with Cameron. The ramp in the marina http://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&ll=- ... 5&t=h&z=18 is a very good one to start with. Actually our first launch was from this ramp and we spent our first night in the marina. The ramp can get a bit busy but we didn't really have any issues and even though it doesn't have a nice walk off pontoon so I got wet and walked the boat onto the trailer.

I am happy to spend a day with you to run you through the ropes if you wish... PM me if you wish

cheers
Dave

Mate,

"Are there any tricks with launch and retrieve?"

Please, email Dave, 'n take him up on his offer.

You will learn heaps by having him there, and it will enhance the day for you and your crew.

Good luck, 'n have a good sail.

Tks
C ya,
Clemo.

Dear Newbee,

From another " newbee" and "dave " to boot. Welcome to Mac Sailors down under.

Using a pontoon to begin with and walking the boat on & off is good advice. I tried it the other way with a bit of a side wind on my first launch and although I did not cause any damage to the hull it was a near thing. Get the feel of the boat and how it steers under power with minimal or no DB and choose your moment and place, if you can.

Having someone with you would be great. Happy sailing.

Berber boy (Dave)

Do your trailers have the additional goal posts? These really make a big difference in getting the boat back on the trailer in a crosswind. I was told you can always tie some ropes from the rear goal posts to the front of the trailer, to help stopping the boat drifting off the trailer.

rockman wrote:Do your trailers have the additional goal posts? These really make a big difference in getting the boat back on the trailer in a crosswind. I was told you can always tie some ropes from the rear goal posts to the front of the trailer, to help stopping the boat drifting off the trailer.

There is always a cross wind at VMR Sandgate where I keep my Mac and no pontoon.We manage using a bow and stern line and one person (me) thoroughly immersed.Looking forward to the day a pontoon is built!

Thanks for advice regarding launch & retrieve. We have mastered the launch ok. (recd a well done from onlooker). It's the retrieve that can be daunting with the side wind and tidal pull.

I have some alloy pipe that may be able to be bent into 2 additional guides as per Simon's point. Perhaps bolt on with some wood.

In the mean time I am attaching some PVC pipe onto the inside of the trailer "V" to prevent the gelcoat on the hull becoming damaged from hitting the alloy beams. I have also covered the daggerboard wire stop on the trailer with PVC pipe.

We really like the idea of driving on, (dry butt) so our mods will be focused on this principle.


Thanks & Kind Rgds
Dave

PS saw our first other Mac at the 2 sand blows on Moreton Island west coast south of Tangalooma Sat 17.10. Was a white hull.