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I've been talking about buying a boat for years and, after doing all the research, I came to the conclusion that the was the boat for us. Unfortunately, a boat was never high enough on our list of priorities to ever be more than a "maybe some day" item .

Well that day has finally arrived! We recently recently purchased a 2005 ! It came with a Yamaha 50, furling Genoa, Lazy Jacks, and a depth finder.

We've had "Persistance" (not the official name yet, I'm just trying it out) in the water exactly one time so far and we had a great time. The wife wants to take things slow so we just figured out how to get it in and out of the water with a few hours of motoring around in between. The next time out we actually plan to use the sails!

We plan to keep it in a slip at the local marina next season when we are not off some where else. Eventually, once we have figured out how to sail, we would like to take some extended cruises on the great lakes or maybe even make it to some coastal areas.

In the meantime, like any typical MacGregor owner, we have started compiling a list of mods that we want to add. I've been reading the forums and browsing through the mod sections so I've picked up lots of great ideas!

My long winded question ... the only instrument on the entire boat is a depth finder. What other instruments or gauges do I really need? I'm thinking that I should at least have a tachometer or something!

Congratulations & welcome aboard!

Really should have (top two):

Compass & tachometer

Oops! I do have a compass! (I just haven't had a chance to use it yet!)

Thanks!

Do you have a VHF radio? I'd put that near the top of the list. Also, a handheld GPS with charting can be found pretty cheaply on craigslist - just make sure it has charts for your area. If you're thinking of cruising on the Great Lakes, the Trailer/Sailor Association - http://www.trailersailors.org/ - has a multiple week cruise in the North Channel of Lake Huron in July with part of the time specifically designed for new cruisers. It's a beautiful area, they are friendly folk, and you have the confidence of traveling with experience sailors.

...and a henweigh.

K9Kampers wrote:...and a henweigh.

fresh or frozen?

Jim, thanks for the suggestion! We've been camping in Michigan for years and are looking forward to seeing it from the water! I read an article about the North Channel recently and it is definitely on my "must sail" list!

I've been looking at VHS and GPS units but I don't know enough about either to make an informed decision. Any suggestion regarding handheld vs. mounted, features or models?

Mounted colour GPS with all the extras is really the best way to go. It will give you all the info you need and hook up with an auto pilot, a weather station your sonar and anything else you will equip your boat with. It is a major investment though. If your to get a handheld don't get the cheapest one. The newer handhelds are really better than the old ones in many ways. Just google and see.
Q1

I've been looking at VHS and GPS units but I don't know enough about either to make an informed decision. Any suggestion regarding handheld vs. mounted, features or models?

VHS is so '80's. You're better off looking at DVD.

GPS - I have a handheld Garmin and don't really use it that much. I prefer chart & compass, but do look at it more for boat speed & backup. Not downplaying the value of GPS technology, but I'm just more old school at this point.

VHF - started with a handheld that came with the boat. Upgraded to a fixed mount with stanchion mounted antenna.

Thanks! As long as we're keeping it old school, maybe I should look at LPs!

I had been looking at the Cobra MRS75B fixed mount. Seems to have a lot of features for not a lot of money. Also looking at the Garmin 421 chartplotter, but it is a bit of an investment and I want to make sure I get what I need.

Good news is I am not going any where too far from home till I learn my way around the boat!

Welcome.
Boating can be one of the most enjoyable things in life. But as a strong advocate for education, let me make a pitch for a boating course. The USPS offers dirt cheap (they are all volunteers) courses that are recognized by all states. Check out this link. Both you and your wife will feel more comfortable with some education behind you. This winter would be a great time to do this.

TOYS:
Yea, a tach is okay but I really don't look at that. A compass is nice, but useless if you don't know how to read a chart (see above). My favorite toy is the color GPS chartplotter. I don't need it, but it's fun. It provides speed (over the ground), all kinds of fun information including depth. A VHF is a cheap piece of safety equipment.

My wife and I were talking today and decided the best mod we did was our Magma grill. This morning we had biscuits in it and this afternoon pizza. All miles from any other human being.

Enjoy the boat and make it yours.


--Russ

K9Kampers wrote:...and a henweigh.

I'd have to agree a henweigh is one of the most importiant items you can have

Mods are a function of how you wish to enjoy your boat. I prefer to keep it simple primarily to maximize sailing potential. Every racer knows that weight is the enemy of performance. And of course, if you don’t buy it, it won’t cost you!

That said, safety comes first. Beyond the legal basics, I have added GPS, VHF (handheld) radio, paper charts and compass. When cruising big in the San Juan Islands, I carry a backup handheld GPS. Both pedestal mounted and handheld GPS are programmed with matching waypoints from paper charts. In fog, GPS and compass are essential. Out of sight of land, at night or in the fog, a compass is the best tool for stearing a course.

I can’t imagine long trips without a tachometer to aid fuel management. My other mods consist of a stern rail BBQ, single burner Origo, marine AM/FM/CD sound system and 18W solar cell. With LED cabin lights, a simple exchange of the stock incandescent lights, I don’t need shore power.

Whenever I sail offshore, either racing or helping with a delivery, my handheld GPS and VHF radio are always in my bag. When racing as crew on a friend’s boat in May, my GPS was the primary navigation device from Destruction Island to the finish line at Victoria harbor after engine problems made it impossible to charge the ship's batteries. Waypoints and tracks from previous trips were invaluable. It’s great to own gear that can serve double duty.

K9Kampers wrote:...and a henweigh.

I agree a henweigh is critical for a newbie

Rick

Are you going to be inland lake or Lake Erie sailing??

I cant see needing a GPS unless you are heading out on Erie offshore. That is a pretty serious sailing lake - you have to watch your weather carefully. Remember if you are sailing in April on Erie, the lake can be thought of as hydrochloric acid if you sink without an immersion suit.

The henweigh should be the first thing on your list of course.