Another new buyer

[meekwa]

My wife and I have finally decided to purchase a 2008 26M this spring and have read the postings on this site to gain a lot of information. Some of the terms and mods will probably make more sense to us once we have our boat and have a few sails under our belts. We plan to have the following setup: jib with roller furler, halyards aft with slugs, mast raising system, boarding ladder, shore power, bimini and either a 50 or 70 hp motor depending on cost. We also want to have some form of head and I don't relish the idea of a simple pota potti. A lot of you have talked about one that can be pumped out. Can this be installed by the manufacturer and is this the best option? Where do the vents and plumbing go. All I am familiar with are those that are in my friend's motor homes and 5th-weels. I also want to install some solar panels to recharge batteries In Canada, Canadian Tire has some folding ones that seem to work well. Being ex-army I am used to camping and roughing it but it is time for a few creature comforts.

[Trouts Dream]

I am based in Calgary and sail/store my boat at ghost lake.
Whereabouts in Alberta are you located.
We may be able to hook up and go over mods at my boat

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Being ex-army I am used to camping and roughing it but it is time for a few creature comforts.

We found the Mac quite comfortable and adequate room--definately beats a tent.

Congratulations on the plans for a new 2008 Mac M I would suggest the aluminum trailer, instead of the "prone to rust" traditional iron trailer. And dont forget to have a boat (pier) hook on board-- they're essential in docking in my opinion.

Happy Sailing.

[Terry]

meekwa:
The porta-pottie is not all that bad, just make sure you get the one with the larger base/holding tank. It seems to me that installing the pumpout is more trouble than it is worth, I have no problem with emptying the pottie, but I guess each to thier own. My wife insisted on electric water and that was a pain but it makes her happy so I put it in.
Wether you go 50, 60 or 70 HP just be sure you can swing a 14" prop as it does make a difference.
I have been eyeballing those solar pannels at Canadian Tire and just may spring for one soon, they are on sale but I think I will wait for a better sale at a later time since I don't need it today.
Be sure to get the aluminum trailer and do not take delivery unless it is aluminum, mine ('03) is already showing its' wear.
Be prepared, you will spend several more thousand dollars on toys for your toy (electronics etc) and then there is all the stuff you need for extended cruising. I spend a few thousand per year on mine.
There is no end to the fun you will have on your new boat and you just might find it is the best money you ever spent.

[Catigale]

IN that fresh clean, Canadian agua rust wont be a problem on that trailer even if its steel. Mine has lasted 6 seasons of fresh without repainting needed....

[eric3a]

..

[beene]

Welcome aboard meekwa

Just a heads up for an OB motor, I bought mine from iboats.com for $3299.

CLICK HERE

OR


MY PERSONAL FAVORITE

G

[PatrickS]

My wife and I have finally decided to purchase a 2008 26M this spring and have read the postings on this site to gain a lot of information. Some of the terms and mods will probably make more sense to us once we have our boat and have a few sails under our belts. ...

Congratulations.

Be aware, though, that for some, once you start modifying, you can't stop.

I got my 26X two months ago, thinking it was "perfect", but since then I:

Ran all lines aft to cockpit.
Installed single line reefing and downhaul.
Installed sail slugs to mainsail.
Installed sail cradle to boom.
Installed bungee segments to rudder lines.
Installed anchor roller and Bulwagga anchor on bow.
Replaced bow navigational combo light to two side lights.
Installed anchor light at stern.
Replaced adjustable chainplates on shrouds with turnbuckles.
Installed lighted compass.
Installed Lowrance depth/waterspeed/fishfinder.
Installed GPS reciever.
Replaced numerous bolts and clevis pins with quick release pins.
Installed grab rail to helm pedestal.
Installed cup holders.
Modified mast raising pole to serve as roller furler support.
Installed alcohol stove to galley.
Installed several fans in interior.
Replaced electrical panel with larger panel with battery guage.
Installed several 12V outlets throughout interior.
Installed light in head.
Replaced "mini" portapotti with high capacity potty.
Installed removable swim ladder to starboard side.
Installed wire baskets and gear hammocks in interior.
Installed foam padding under mattresses.
Installed grab handle on front of companionway hatch.
Installed hatch spring support to front hatch.
Installed 13 gallon fuel tank centered under captains seat.
Replaced stock 3 blade prop with 4 blade Vortex prop.
Installed "poor man's" bungee helm brake.
Installed side rollers on trailer.
Installed side post lights and PVC guards on rear guide posts.

… now for the autopilot …


I blame this web site of course

[nemo]

The little porta pottys are great for emergency. We had a running joke in family regarding who was going to be the first to have to use it. No one wanted the honor, and we made it for almost 3 years. Until this past weekend, my little girl just couldn't wait. It was simple to clean up - we didn't even use the chemicals for her little piddle.

There are 2 reasons why your boat should have one. Number one.. and number two.

[Catigale]

Our 5 gallon PP has worked well for us on seven day trips with 3 1/2 people on board. I get a lot of piddle since I make my girls drink a lot of water when we are out cruising - worried about dehydration of course.

On the Cape, we go 3 miles out in the middle of the week and dump the PP with a macerator - just open a valve and flick a switch. You could also just remove the tank and haul it upstairs and dump it of course.

Holding tanks are great until they leak......

[TAW02]

Holding tanks are great until they leak......

Not to mention the added plumbing. Though it is hard to tell, boats do flex a bit in the water along with anything attached to bulkheads such as pipes and clamps. The less of it you have the better off you are.

I've had both fixed sanitary and portable heads on board my boats. I personally prefer porta-potties for not only the ease of use (tote them ashore and flush them in ordinary toilets) at anytime. And your boat never smells like a parks and recreation restroom! Once a fixed head starts to smell it is rather difficult to repair and get rid of the smell.

Just make sure your porta-pottie is securely mounted so that it doesn't wander about while sailing.

[nemo]

Catigale makes a great point about drinking enough water. Makes me a bit envious about being able to take longer trips - we're usually not out more than a couple hours at a time, and usually coming back into shore to rotate passengers. I long for some *real* cruising.

[meekwa]

You guys are quick to respond. Thanks for the input. However, it does prove the point that a boat is a hole in the water that one continually pours money into. But I am sure it will be more than worth it.

[Terry]

However, it does prove the point that a boat is a hole in the water that one continually pours money into.

I could say something similar about Golf!
And a few other sports/hobbies as well!
It is all about spending the fruits of your labour on the pursuits of your life!

[Divecoz]

However, it does prove the point that a boat is a hole in the water that one continually pours money into.

I could say something similar about Golf!
And a few other sports/hobbies as well!
It is all about spending the fruits of your labour on the pursuits of your life!

Add Scuba and Skiing too. add Woodworking and Motorcycles, Sports Cars and Hot Rods and list never stops.