You can drain the tanks by planing over 6 knots. Its a bit of a paradox, given
that there are so many safety warnings about running with tanks empty,
especially at speed.


"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...

| Even loaded down and with some chop, he can still make a run for home
faster
| than any sailboat of aprox. the same size. If he miscalculates, blows his
tanks
| and then gets caught unbalasted, he'll regret it.

You can't "blow" the ballast tanks on a Mac.... they must be drained
manually from the trailer or with a pump. The vessel cannot pound to
weather. I have passed Mac's under sail to weather while they were under
power. The boat will porpoise and dive in steep waves. Taking a wave
broadside is an exhilarating "near death" experience on a Mac. They must
quarter the wave train and remain at steerage way speeds to avoid swamping.
Been There ...Done That.



| Understand, Wally, I have no respect for the Mac line. BUT, I won't say
that it
| can't make SOME owners happy within it's narrow limits. To argue those
limits
| becomes somewhat futile when you don't know the owner or his variables.
| As I said, I wish Jim good luck with his boat.

The boat is suitable for protected waters... preferably inland.....
riverways and small lakes. Their only selling features were trailerable,
cheap and multi-use weekenders. They do not belong on the ocean or on a
large lake. The current asking price of 32 k is beyond ridiculous.

CM