Captain Phoenix, Interesting you bring up a Boxter and the Mac. I strangely own both however I have a 26X. I would more compare my 26X to a small RV on water. Cheap and comfortable but no sports car. And that is a good thing for what it is. I would pic the Beneteau for cruising if I didn't have to t...

The Admiral and I are contemplating a trip to Lake Powell later this year. Has anyone had experience on this lake? Thanks in advance, Terry

I have a 95 X and didn't like how much room was between pulpit and stern mast support. I built something out of 4X4 pine with a carpet "V" to hold the mast in place near the deck plate. It doesn't bounce as much and takes pressure off of the mast. Not a hard mod to do. If anyone wants pics...

Richard,

In a race at Granby, Dan beat me soundly so you are not alone...
I did take him on a Catalina 250 though on another day, barely....

Terry

I have had good luck at Ace, Lowes, and Home Depot. Go to the specialty hardware section. Usually tons of bins of all kinds of odds and ends.

I added turnbuckles to my upper and mid stays 3 years ago. I like the way I can adjust them. Just my 2 cents. I removed the baby stays as I think the are pretty much useless, and I can raise the mast using a mod here that puts me in front of the mast.

I have done the same with cheap lines. They do look pretty for the first year or two. I use them as reefing lines for the main. Good value and I don't mind replacing them for the service they provide.

I tend to agree with a 3rd reef (i.e. smaller sail). I like the idea I can sail out of a situation. I know the motor is there, but these are sailboats and should help get us through things. I just read "Storm Tactics" by Lin and Larry Pardy and it was interesting how they weather storms by...

The biggest problem I ran into with the Mac bump was being timid. I had to nearly lock up my Jeep Cherokee brakes to make it work. Just my experience. Just make sure all the water is out of the ballast tanks. I didn't have to soap the bunks or do anything special. Just hit hard on the brakes and hav...

I am pragmatic. I reduce sail on the one that is easiest for me. Since I have my foresail on a roller, I do that first. A couple of years ago I put in a single line reef for the mainsail. That works ok, but takes a few minutes to get the main wrapped up. I am trying a 2 line reefing system this year...

I had my internal gears on the jack disintegrate. I never cared for the setup anyway. I just removed the whole assembly. It took a while with an angle grinder. I smoothed it done to the frame, painted over and put a universal type jack with wheel. I am pretty happy with the setup, just make sure you...

Bill, I am completely happy with mine, I can't imagine how you can improve them. Do you have a picture of your upgrade?
Thanks,
Terry

Mike, is this available for the 26x?
Terry

Compromise, If someone hits 8 knots often, or more like stated 10 knots, I would like to know how he does it under sail. I have recorded GPS speed over 100's of hours. I have have hit 8 knots once while racing. This was on lakes so no tides. I would love to know how one gets going that fast. Just cu...

As we deal with vastly differing winds here in Colorado, I have learned to reef early. My X seems to like and perform best at winds around 12 MPH with full sails. When it gets above 15 I reef, as it gusts to 25 rapidly. Just my experience. When it gets beyond 30 MPH I go barepole and let the motor t...