How many people onboard

[Russ]

Okay, so how many people can you safely and comfortably carry onboard a Mac?

I'm interested in having guest onboard and wondering how many is safe and/or comforatable.

[Trouts Dream]

I like the saying
6 for cocktails
4 for dinner
2 for sleeping

Mostly it depends on how well folks get along and if they like camping. My sister and brother-in-law are not 'camping' folks and one night was enough for them. My son and girlfriend like camping and after 4 days with 4 people on board, we were still getting along.

The best answer is. It depends.

[Shane]

Russ,

I expect that 'It depends' is going to be answer of the majority here.

For our first year, we elected to make it a season of family only -as we got comfortable with the boat, boating, and our skill set. Family for us means me & the admiral and 2 female swabbies; 10 & 12. All of us would be on the slender side of average.

Week long trips with alternate nights docked have been very enjoyable, although when the weather forces everyone into the cabin for long periods during the day it starts to get a little 'gym locker' like

We're adding a full cockpit enclosure this season, so that will double our usable space in wet weather. While you could sleep 6 like they tell you, I can't imagine the syncronized dance that would have to occur come morning time

However, our plan for this season was/is allowing the girls to take turns bringing one friend for some of our trips. If it's' the older daughter (14) they may elect to pitch a tent -and that's okay, but 5 is certainly do-able. (Although me w/4 females aboard may be enough to send me to the dinghy with a good book, a few cold ones, all on a LONG painter!

The biggest issue in my book is useful & efficient storage & stocking. Check out Duane's site. A lot of helpful info and resources. IIRC 3 boys growin like weeds, 2 dogs, and they've logged some serious time & distance.

Hope that helps.

Regards,
Shane

[Retcoastie]

I've had seven but only for a short sail in proteced water.

[March]

Two people can take full advantage of all comforts on board overnight (I have spent a lot of time solo, but two is better) Three works as well, overnight. From thence, curve goes down.

The highest number of people that spent the night aboard was seven: five kids below, and two adults in the cockpit when my son turned 12. We managed.

Six people in the cockpit is the highest limit for dinner

[TAW02]

I think it all depends apon likes/dislikes/personalities and the like, as to 'how many' guests you can entertain aboard an X or M.

Loading up your pickup truck with copious numbers of chihauhas and pit bulls would be an example ... I think.

[eric3a]

..

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Weve had no problems sailing with up to 4 adults, and 2 chiildren locally on Galveston Bay. The boat doesnt feel crowded, and everyone seems comfortable & safe. Its great all-day fun. The ballast is kept filled. We never have this large a crew when winds are high, or weather is unpredictable.
We've havent overnighted on the Mac with more than Two (2) adults. Quite comfortable & fun overall, in my opinion.

[Night Sailor]

Well, I think all of the important factors have been mentioned above, like weather, ballast, motor or sail, length of trip in miles or time, friendliness, family or friends, and gender.

I would like to add this. For daysails or perhaps a one weekender overnight, four non-obese adults and three kids is our limit based on a criteria I set: an adult is any person that weighs over 100 lbs. I consider 100lbs is significant moveable ballast weight on our X.

Have we actually sailed with the limit on board? Nope. Not yet. But I'm sure it's coming eventually.

Back in my young and foolish days we sailed a V-222 in 25 knot winds with 11 adults on board. It did a good job for us and we all had fun. Not sure I"d do that again except in an emergency.

[jasper]

4 in the cockpit is more than enough at any time. I have had 5 on board, but it is a pain when tacking, gybing etc. The less bodies the better when sailing, I am comfortable with just 2 or 3.

[eric3a]

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[albion]

In the Owners Instructions it states WHEN BALLAST TANK IS FULL no more than 6 persons or 960lbs. WHEN BALLAST TANK IS EMPTY no more than 4 persons or 640 lbs,crew weight centered from side to side,all sails removed, engine power only,no one on cabin top or foredeck,waves less than 1 foot.

[eric3a]

..

[albion]

no more than 6 persons or 960lbs.

i.e. no more than 4 adult American males ?

Good point about reminding us to read the manual!
Eric

Or some American teenage girls.