Vic Smith wrote:
On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:00:28 +0000, IanM
wrote:

Vic Smith wrote:

You do much sailing?
Some :-) Couple of thou NM weekending this year and few afternoons
dinghy racing as well.

That's a bit (-:

I'm thinking of getting a 26' when(if) I move to Florida, else a 24"
skiff. The sailboat would probably be a Mac 26x/m, much scorned
in sailing circles. Not sure yet, but the scorn factor won't be in
play. After all, I'm always driving Chevys.
They aren't so bad as a fair weather lake boat,lots of room, light
enough to trail easily and the speed can be handy if you gotta make port
before the weather breaks, but you'll find the Mac 26es limiting if you
get serious. Lot of potential problems, and when you've checked/fixed
the worst of them you'll be rather poorer but the boat wont be worth a
lot more . . .
OTOH better a boat you can sail regularly than a marina queen eating up
your entire boat budget in berth fees.

The Compromise strikes again. I'm pretty aware of it's limitations.
I'd never spend much trying to make it sail better, because a sow's
ear won't make a silk purse. There are some standing rigging upgrades
recommended by owners. If I ever get serious about "sailing" I'd just
get a different boat. The space and shallow draft are what I like,
since I enjoy overnight fishing.
When compared in cost to a cabined powerboat for that, it shines.
Still don't know about fishing from that small cockpit though, which
is why the skiff is my alternative. The Mac sails are a bonus, and I
have enjoyed moving with the wind. Not much for speed anyway.
I'd have thought the high topsides and backstay would hamper you more
than the cockpit size, but I haven't done enough rod fishing to be sure ...


We have a Contessa 26 in a marina. Saves a little bit on the insurance
and a lot on lost/drowned gear getting stuff to the boat compared to a
swinging mooring. We figure we're not *that* far off even by the time
you figure in the convenience of having power for maintenance etc.

I looked a bit into the Contessa 26, and it looks a sturdy boat.
Was it under you for all those miles?
Yep, though I should admit that we did a hell of a lot of motoring in
calms and some in heavy weather.