On Sun, 3 Apr 2011 09:24:27 -0400, "MMC" wrote:

"Vic Smith" wrote in message

Haven't been in one myself, but would like to take a look.

--Vic
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So do it. Find a Mac 26 owner in your area and go for a ride. Sailors are
usually happy to introduce new people to sailing.
If you find you like the boat (and sailing) then there is no reason not to
start NOW. If the boat is too pricey, get something else and at least learn
and enjoy the sport until you can get the boat you want.
There are a bunch of boats that fit on trailers and you don't have to live
in FL to be a sailor, some of the most beautiful sailing is not on salt
water. And fresh water is MUCH kinder to all the metal pieces/parts that go
on boats.


All in due time, or never.
Nowhere I want to boat up here. Can't hardly imagine even getting on
a boat without fishing being at least a possibility.
No good fishing up here, and none I would eat.
Don't care to fish for "sport" per se.
The "sports" boating killed the fishing up here.
I'm not a "sports boater." I'm a fish-eating fisherman.
Never liked burning gas. When fishing was good up here I'd row more
than motor.
Besides, once I fished salt water and tasted some grouper, sand perch,
red fish and sheepshead, I never wanted to fish fresh again.
Reason I like the "idea" of the Mac is mostly so I could fish
overnight, maybe for a week at a time.
Fry up some fish right on the boat.
Then fish some more. Sleep, fish, cook some more fish, sleep.
Maybe do some other things too.
Do that for a week, come home for a week, then repeat.
The Mac is a light, inexpensive and roomy boat and gets good mileage
when powered at 5 knots. Sails are just a bonus for when gas hits 6
bucks.
Might be enjoyable sailing on a reach or downwind, but I'll probably
mostly leave beating to the others.
Had my share of that crossing a rough Lake Michigan once as crew on
much bigger and better boat than a Mac.
Miserable. But it was also near freezing. so maybe I'm prejudiced.
Anyway, you have a good point about getting a ride.
I'm going to be down in Florida in a few months for vacation and I'm
going to see about that.
Might tip the scales with my wife to agree to move down there.
She loves to fish and boat. And fries up some mean fish fillets.
So thanks for prodding me!

--Vic