Sea Worthy? Ideas and thoughts

[corkscrew]

OK, I hear lots of people say that mac is simply a lake and river boat. I am wondering how sea worthy it world be? I just saw two interesting stories that make me wonder. The first was a man in a 22 ft rowboat that went from sapin to the carribean in 7 months. and trhe next (http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/8908099) is a group of men that built a sail boat outr of trash and are halfway across the pacific. I mean I would guess if you mad the mac hatches water tight and added extra bilges...I would expect it be pretty safe.???

So, could mac sail to bermuda safely? Bahamas? Through the eastern carribean islands (say from bahamas down through the virgin islands)? Around halifx/new foundland/labrador?

So....for discussion sake.........

If you "HAD" to sail the carribean, across the atlantic, or around the pacific.....and could make.....say....five mods....what would they be?

[MARK PASSMORE]

I would first remove the rear birth cusions. That would give a few extra inches of storage for Miller Lite.

[Hardcrab]

First on my list would be setting up an extra berth and stowage area for the shrink.
I might find I'd need professional, but gentle, couch time several times each day.

[Retcoastie]

I would think the Mac's light weight and small size would make it a real hazard on a long voyage. The Mac would handle most seas like an empty plastic bottle is almost unsinkable. The problem would be the motion. That Mac would bob and twist and roll and turn so much your body would be stressed. The meat would pull away from your bones. Even sitting down all the time, your butt would come apart. The other thing is storage of supplies. I think you would run out of water and food before your completed a long ocean voyage.

With that being said, I believe the Mac could make about any off shore voyage up to about two weeks. After that, your would need assistance.

[corkscrew]

I would probably do the following (thoughts?)

1.) Fresh Batteries and Maybe a solar panel to keep this powered
2.) Extra bilge pumps, try and get it to around 3000 GPH
3.) Better companionway and front hatch - more water tight.
4.) Maybe some sort of system to convert sea water to fresh water?
5.) A big life raft - seriously.....extra wires, tools, caulk, fixer upper supplies

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Maddmike is planning a trip from the coasts of Calif. to Hawaii in his Mac-X, Zenos Arrow. Im not sure of all the Mods already done, but he has sailed, motored, and lived aboard his Mac off and on for years successfully.

Personally, I think the Mac is tougher than many give it credit. But, I definately would not do any blue water sailing in my "X" -- comfort is too much fun in protected waters.

[Hamin' X]

maddmike, Where are you?

[hart]

There's a discussion around here somewhere about the definition of bluewater sailing that's relevant to this thread I think. If you haven't read it yet I'd do a search, it's very informative.

With that in mind, I'm now comfortable enough to take my X out into the Gulf of Mexico in nice weather. I wouldn't sail it straight from Pensacola to Tampico in it, but along the coast for me and my experience level it's fine.

One of the many reasons I bought the X was the ability to trailer it down to Homestead and sail to the Bahamas. That's one of my dreams. It's been done many times and there's some great reading out there (and on this site) about the journey. I'd have no problem island hopping in a properly equipped X in the right weather conditions. What's properly equipped? I'm still researching.

Mike has done some extensive and major modifications to Zeno's Arrow. Do a search on his boat name and you'll find lots of reading on it. Good stuff.

I was just thinking about how much these boats bob around yesterday. I was trying to keep up with a 30 something Catalina yesterday when a few powerboats came by. His boat just sliced right through the waves while my X got knocked around like a kickball at recess.

[James V]

Coastal within easy access to safe harbor if the weather window closes in.

Not blue water, it will break up. Staying close enough to duck in when it starts to blow is best. I have been in some thunder storms where the only direction to go was into the wind. I would not have wanted to be in any waves with it. Coast Guard called me up on VHF to see if I was OK. Nobody else around.

Bahamas, Sure, just wait for good enough weather. Lots of us have done it.

[bastonjock]

I am contenplating crossing the North Sea next may in the company of other small craft,the distance is 78nm accross.If i decide to do it, i will carry out the following mods first

!/Beef up the center board
2/fit ida sailor rudders
3/fit VHF
4/Hire an Epirb
5/increase my fuel capacity to at least 24 gallons
6/Take C130 King along with me for the converstion

James how long did it take you to cross to the Bahamas and how much fuel did you use? Im trying to work out consumption/speed rates

[Buzz]

Here is a bloke going around the world in a 19 footer http://www.meder.hu I think I would rather go in a Mac than his boat. True his boat has a fixed keel but not much and the water line is looks a little over a foot to his deck. I think his rigging is a little weak too.

[James V]

Crossing over was about 12 hrs and less than 10 gals. However from Bimini to the Berry Islands was 16 hrs and about 15 gals, into the wind and waves all the way. An autopilot is money well spent.

I have 2 12 gals tanks, a 5 gal and a 1 gal for the dinghy. I have used the 5 gal to fill the 12 gals 2 times. 1 time I had to.

Before attempting any true blue water please look at Blue Water 26 foot boats like the Dana, Nor'sea, Cape Dory, Flicka. Person Aeries. They are very different boats to the MacGregor.

[Kelly Hanson East]

So, could mac sail to (insert destination) safely?

In the past, these threads have attracted trolls and have ended up ugly.

Whilst trying hard not to offend, the answer to your question is no.

When you are in a position to ask "Can I (not the boat) sail to (your destination) safely ?? and you can answer that question yourself, then the answer is yes.

"Its the skipper, not the boat"

MIke jumped off for Hawaii a few days ago, btw. I live vicariously through him.

[Love MACs]

Someone was just commenting on the fact that Mike had not posted lately and whether he had started his trip or not. Ure post answers that, or did I just miss his sendoff I hope he can post some during the trip but sure he will once he makes Hawaii Wishing him fair weather, calm seas and full sails.



Allan

[Bransher]

The short answer to your question...........

Could a Mac sail to Bermuda safely?
Maybe.

Would it be wise to try it?
No!