Like others have said, first time out solo was comical with the maneuvering. I launched like a pro and motored over the courtesy dock like a pro. The family came down to board, all is looking good. Already had 3 questions from by standers about the boat, it is elegant looking when in the water. Released the dock lines, tried a little prop water, with very little success. Of course everyone is watching you, way worst than being on the first tee at a golf course. I have difficulty turning, mainly because I am apprehensive about going too fast, almost hit the slips but pull out just in time, saved some face there and gained some confidence back.
The day before my son and I had gone out with the dealer for a demo, so this was really the first time out with the boat alone. I havent boated in over 20 years, so I was rusty (more mental than lack of skill).
We motored out about 2 to 3 miles, at 6K rpms with 6 on board and full ballast we did about 12 mph and did get on plane. At 6K we average about 6 mph. Not bad for cruising. The crew consisted of me and my wife, our 3 teenage daughters and son plus an 11 year old and an infant, I figure the 11 yo and infant make another person coming to a total of 6 instead of 7. I have sailed several times before and had always loved it. I had only take the wife and the 11 yo sail about 6 months ago to ensure she would enjoy it before going out and purchasing the Mac. She loved it, the relaxing quiet of it is an easy sell, no pun intended
My 17 yo son absolutely loves it, which was very impressive to me. Still does and cant wait to get back out on the water.
Back to the first time out: we decided to take it east the first time out so we stopped the motor, put the rudders down, put the board down about 3/4th. Rolled opened the genoa and went for a beam reach. We started to move but not very fast (I guess the wind to be 5 to 10 but closer to 5). Then I realized I had not pulled the motor up, I did that and we started to take off. We were cruising a nice 4 to 5 mph, and the whole family loved it. The teenage girls loved the fact that we were moving without the noise from the engine. Needless to say it was a big hit.
We didnt want to push it so we just sailed with the headsail. Get to know the boat. After 4 hours they were ready to go back (wanted to beat night) so it was really nice motoring back to the marina at a quick pace.
We dropped everyone off at the courtesy dock (just the teenage boy and I stayed behind to load and unrig). That was a good thing.
Now was the time for me to load the boat. Of course the DVD shows this to be simple but when the dealer did it, I kept hearing his words in my head, I usually walk the boat up on the trailer, but Ill give it a shot, just there is some wind thatll push us but Ill turn at the last moment. which he did, and did pretty well.
Now it was my turn, well, this was comical, I mean, here is this guy, with a brand new (beautiful I must say) boat looking like a fool trying to control the boat. I would turn, and the bow would turn, but the boat would just keep going in the same direction, just no being led by the bow. I even motor out of the marina and tried to come back in at a straight angle. After enough attempts and being crowed the days fool at the ramp I came to the conclusion that I wasnt going to be able to do this. Then I thought, hey, just walk it up. I motor at a decent clip to the edge of the dock and then powered in reverse to stop, son jumped off and we walked in on the trailer. That was so easy, dont know why I didnt do that to begin with. The key, make sure you drown the trail down the the goal post caps, that way the boat float right on top. Then have your helper keep it straight as you pull out to ensure the boat settles evenly on the trailer, a breeze!
Well, as they say, live and learn.
This board has been so helpful, wish I had found it before I went out. But the second time out this past weekend was no problem. With the rudders down you have so much control. As long as you keep it under 6 mph you are good. I was much better at the ramp, which was packed because we went to another place that was way more busy, so thanks for the rudder tips, really helps at slow speeds. Next Ill be trying a little dagger. This was the Butler Chain of Lakes, very pretty place with lots of mansions on the water (Tiger Woods, etc.).
I live in Orlando, so if any of you do lets chat about places to go.
Sorry this was so long.
