There are many RV & Boat yards around Ocala that I have seen....just Google it. Also around Tampa. I had always used Bahia Beach Marina's yard, south of Tampa in Ruskin. Its a nice friendly facility with good prices and St Pete's a sail across the Bay.

I've sailed the FI sound out of Mystic for years....great area....with lots to do...and good sailing...good food, etc.. Can get crowded on weekends & holidays! I have not used the ramp, but it has been improved over past years....nice wide ramp and good water....Mac should not have any problem ....

Flying Cloud
2000 x
Trail sail New England & SW FL between Rexford, NY and Punta Gorda, FL homes

Years ago I made up 4 heavy chains with a metal plate linked to one end and a quick link on the other. I sleeved the chain with bicycle tube and the plate with vinyl edge to protect the topsides. When I'm in the middle of a lighting storm I deploy them hanging overboard from each stay. The side, for...

When I rebuilt my 1956 classic sloop I removed a lot of old dried copper automotive wire the previous owners had used over the years. The copper was black with corrosion inside the insulation. Boats are in a harsh marine environment and wiring is subject to heat build up and the constant movement wh...

Wind Chime, I'm interested in your swim ladder....it's not the standard narrow short ladder most Macs have...I'm looking to do something like that. Do you know what manufacture made it? What is the width & length? How is it mounted at transom? Looks like it would make it much easier to get in an...

Retrieving anchor .........95% of the time I just pull in by hand....but if there is strong wind and I am singlehand, I just ease the Merc 50 into forward for a sec to get some forward movement, quickly walk forward and start pulling up rode, get bow directly over anchor and retreive it.....If I hav...

The line looks like a cheap nylon braid like the ones you find in plastic bag at Home Depot. They will never wind well. Try a yacht braid Sta-Set line from a marine supplier like West Marine. It will stay straight and lay in nice as you take in on the furler.

When Jumping off from Beaufort....the Gulf is about 150nm wide....its best to get across that fast and clear another 200nm SE just to clear the area where the storms are more frequent before turning south. If you leave on NW front you will make good time east ......blow right across it......you don'...

No need to drop the mast....timing is helpful...so pace yourself....monitor the bridge channel .....always make your request to the bridge tender....many bridges are "On Demand" only.....friendly & polite goes a long way as you make your way.....be ready to do "donuts"....goo...

Sailed out of Mystic & Watch Hill Pass for 10 years with my keelboat......Block is about 10 nm run sw off Point Judith....time the slack off the flood out... with fine weather & favorable winds makes enjoyable sail...no problem for Mac....sailor needs to be experienced for changes in sea con...

Dave, Looks like a fun group...really like some of those classy small boats. I have an Oday 17....can be fun sail. I won't make the Mar 21...but will keep an eye on the cruise schedule...I should join the group! I'm a member of the New England Trailer Sailors....but have yet to do a cruise with them...

Dave B, I bought a little place over in Punta Gorda june 06...for a winter home.....just got back from there after couple weeks .....I have a Mac2000X....we love sailing all over the area....favorite spot is still Pelican Cove and Cayo Costa.... for a few days anchored out. Mary & I had been tra...

What works for me.... may not necessarily work for others...??? In the past 12 years of cruising new england coastal area I only had two occasions when my motor died. Each time it was on approach to a marina. One, I was able to sail with jib only.... up into a marina dockside.....to make the needed ...

Not a crazy idea..... Lin & Larry Pardy... the famous "purist" sailing couple... have been getting in and out of harbors & tight spots for 25 years using sweeps to scull on their 30' boat Taleisin. The boat has no engine..... They have a two piece oar that they store lashed to the ...