You captured my problem exactly. At least I feel like I am in good company. My marina wasn't deep enough to leave the centerboard down so I had all of the issues you describe, including climbing in the well to handle the throttle and gar shift. I have been scouring the internet and local used market...

Those cross winds are a beast. For sure that centerboard will be night and day for you in the winds. Keeps the boat from drifting as much and greatly increases steering capability. Definitely start there and see what that gets you. Single handing is awesome. A bit freeing and relaxing too because y...

I am going to look into the trolling motor - I like that idea, I agree - around other people's boats (into and out of slip) - I want steerage at as low a speed as possible. Thanks for the pictures. My rudder didn't get quite that high - from the picture that rudder looks like it would be out of the ...

Thanks for all of the replies! I agree - practice, practice, practice - and I will continue to do so. You are also correct I had the centerboard up (and shouldn't have) in preparation for putting it on the trailer (that could have and should have been raised after I tied up at the launch). It sounds...

Yesterday I was hauling my boat out for the winter. A 26s with what I think is the original rudder, has an up haul and down-haul rope on it. As I was Navigating from the slip to the launch I was fighting current and winds and was having difficulty controlling the tiller, the outboard tiller, the out...

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. That answers my question.

Looking for further clarification on if bottom paint will help my situation. I have a 1994 MacGregor 26S that I keep in a slip on a fresh water lake in Minnesota. Last season was my first with her, and I had cleaned and waxed the hull before putting her in the water. By mid summer there was a signif...