I'am I too old

[Sloop John B]

Hey, forget the poets. Age is a problem with the Mac as far as rigging and derigging. In 98 degree temperatures it is fatiguing.

The biggest draw back of age is the loss of agility in the legs. This affects your balance, or rather keeping your balance. I find myself up by the pushpit with an eight foot drop to the concrete tarmac and the boat shaking under my feet. The lifelines are down so I can shove the mast back toward the step. I wouldnt try this at my age if I had so much as one can of beer.

Its so bad, the Mate and I will not launch unless were going out for several days (to make it worthwhile). Trying to find a weather window for this is the only problem since theres no job to be at, and its okay to skip church if youre out at sea.

[Scott]

and its okay to skip church if youre out at sea.

Count on Sloop to coin my new creedo.

Now just gotta get the wifes buyin!!

[Craig LaForce]

I like that one also. Actually to me being on the water IS the church. Nothing cleans and rejuvinates my soul better. The gulls fly by to say hi, the breeze caresses the sails, lifts my spirits and the rythum of the waves casts a hypnotic spell that makes everything good with the world and my place in it.

And then a fly bites you on the ankle and a jet skier wakes you from your serenity.

If your balance is good, and you can crawl across the carpet 20 feet and walk a few miles, I say go for it. But, there are other boats that might give a more stable, safer platform for you. Going up top can be a little tricky if the wind and wavers are up. The top of the boat is not flat or all that stable in waves.
For longer cruising I would maybe look at an O'day in the 28-32 foot range. Not as easy to trailer, but once in the water, a better cruiser. As long as you are in decent health, I guess the mac would work.

[Idle Time]

Jim is 66 and I'm 62...Im actually more willing to step the mast etc...and we usually stay out for 3 or more days also. If only going for the day...probably wouldnt bother....I usually spend the day before getting the boat cleaned and ready (inside)...then pack the cooler just before we load up to go...I take care of the cleanout when we get home. Guess the boat is really my toy....I just drag him along. But his age has nothing to do with it. He'd just rather spend his time in the shop on his restoration.

You could find a marina with an area to leave your boat with the mast up. Then you just hook up ...launch...and retrieve when done....No stepping and unstepping.....we did that...but I like the boat in the yard where I can spend time in it.

Not too old...

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I've found getting back to sailing in my mid-60s great "mid-life" fun

As I follow this thread, its nice seeing so many others in their mid-60s (and older) enjoying sailing. Marina accomodations in my area are nicely located--near church, shopping, restaurants, fishing, great sights, and conveniences. Its almost as convenient as being home, but more fun.

[Robert]

OLD is a mind set.
..
Instead of: "I am 67 years Old!
..
Say: "I have 67 years already and all the time in the world to enjoy!"

[goddardw]

Dear Al:

I'm 71 Al and sail our Mac 25 on Clear Lake in Northern California. Clear lake is 100 mi north of San Francisco and has a 100 mi shoreline with dozens of great anchoring sites. To date, we have logged 2,346 mi by GPS track and been out 134 days. We generally cruise 4 days mid week every other week year long.

Single handing the Mac is a snap and the pop-top makes confortable hot weather sailing and great evenings. Our Mac trailers home after each trip for re-supplies while in the back yard.

[Herschel]

I think your question is a sound one. Without discounting the attitude factor, which is, of course, important, I think there are a lot of variables for us 60-somethings to consider. I have had a 26X for 2 1/2 years. I am 61. I live and boat in central Florida. I bought my Mac used, and the previous owner had added several helpful upgrades, but I found moving up from Hobie cats was a challenge the first year. Learning electrical, plumbing, engine systems, and trailering dynamics for a boat the size of the 26X were new. My wife, also a sailor for many decades, and I soon tired of daysailing that invovled rigging and unrigging the boat in the hot Florida sun. Contrary to the easy docking video I received from the MacGregor factory, I found getting the boat on the trailer with the engine was tricky. I now only float it on so I can manually control its positioning. I also decided to rent a slip and keep it at a marina, but that introduces new issues, also. Bottom paint for one. Overall, I am glad I made the move to my "dream boat"; I just didn't realize that the impact of age, living a full professional and family life, and the increased complexity of the boat would be such an adjustment. I, have, however, adjusted, and am very happy with my Mac. I initially thought I would sail my Mac in Tampa Bay, but I have elected to stay closer to home in the fresh water St. Johns River system of lakes and channels. I have been happy that I started in the relatively sheltered freshwater systems. As I continue to master the use of the Mac and its systems (and when I can afford a larger tow vehicle) I will venture into salt water. For now, the lakes and river are just fine. Matching your cruises to your skill level and knowing your physical limitations, especially in summer heat, is, I think, very important. That is where I notice the effects of aging the most. I have also found good checklists very helpful in remembering all the steps required for a safe "getting underway" and "docking". Good sailing, Herschel

[Catigale]

and its okay to skip church if youre out at sea.

THe Admiral is Catholic and believes you can skip church for sea and one other activity

[mtc]

Al,

Not really sure if age ever is an indication of anything, except perhaps quality of wines.

I once saw this on one of those create-a-signs outside a church, "You're only old when you have run out of things to do."

So, if you have plans, direction, and means - go for it!

Michael

[waternwaves]

WEll, seems to be the right time, and this may be the right boat...........


Ebay boat

[Rolf]

I'm 41, and I have to agree with Sloop to a certain extent. That is a serious drop to the pavement, I've found myself close to slipping/losing balance a number of times. I've already concluded a slipped boat will be more practical once I'm 60+. If you can't afford it by then, you haven't been saving your pennies. That said, if you FEEL young enough to rig and launch, you probably are. BTW, has anyone here ever fallen off the trailered Mac?
Rolf

[Catigale]

Now THAT would hurt...

[Tony D-26X_SusieQ]

I'm 41, and I have to agree with Sloop to a certain extent. That is a serious drop to the pavement. BTW, has anyone here ever fallen off the trailered Mac?
Rolf

I have to admit that I took that fall this past spring. I had just finished rigging the boat to launch for the first time this year. I was dissmounting off the stern when the handhold I was using (A friction grip bar that I have clamped on the seat back to hold a life sling.) came off in my hand and I took a header off the back to the ground. To make matters worse, there was another boat parked behind me and the trailor tung connected with my collar bone and broke my fall. Instead of a nice leasurly sail I spent the afternoon in the emergancy room in one h__l of a lot of pain. The good news is I didn't break anything but I was in a lot of pain for almost a month. I heartily recomend using one of the ladders to climb down from the Mac. It is not as fast but a lot more comfortable.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Tony D-26X quote:

I heartily recomend using one of the ladders to climb down from the Mac. It is not as fast but a lot more comfortable. [/quote]

That's why I installed a stainless grab bar on back of my X, no problems now getting on or off the Mac when its on the trailer. Swim ladder is now much more safer. I almost learned the "hard way" too previously grabbing hold to anything, even the transom "running light"