Sault Ste. Marie and macs in north channel

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ris
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Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:27 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Frostproof Florida

Sault Ste. Marie and macs in north channel

Post by ris »

We have met 3 Mac owners up in Georgian Bay and the North Channel. Had a nice time chatting and looking at each other’s boats. We will be on the Canadian side of the Soo from Evening of 14 through 18 Aug. Several day trips planned. Then heading down Lake Huron side of Michigan down to Ashtubla on Lake Erie. Send a pm if you would like to meet up.
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Todd
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: New Mexico

Re: Sault Ste. Marie and macs in north channel

Post by Todd »

Ris, when you are trawlering around in the water do you still fill the ballast?
DaveC426913
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Location: Toronto Canada
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Re: Sault Ste. Marie and macs in north channel

Post by DaveC426913 »

If you make your way to Lake Ontario, drop me a line! Lots of us here!



(Watch that last rapids though - it's a doozy!)
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ris
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Frostproof Florida

Re: Sault Ste. Marie and macs in north channel

Post by ris »

Tigeddis the answer to your question is sometimes. With no rudders and a self added skeg on the back 42 inches of the boat the boat will track very well on autopilot when the ballast is empty. If we fill the ballast it will not track on autopilot. Our boat has about 1000 lbs of stuff since we are doing the loop so we have a bit of weight in the bottom of the boat but no mast above. We do fill the ballast tank when the waves hit us and we start rolling a bit. Usually this is around 2 ft waves from the beam and toward the aft. Also when there is a lot of chop the full ballast stops the bounce. When you are motoring 4 or 5 hours a day 2 or 3 time or more a week an autopilot is very nice. Hope this helps.
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