Gulf of Mexico crossing in January

[B Noble]

I have been invited by a friend crew (with 2 other novices) on his Macgregor 26 for some island hopping across the Gulf of Mexico in January. We are all fairly new at sailing and I’m wondering if this is a safe trip with no one having any blue water experience.Thank you all for your comments. I read this GREAT forum everyday and pickup a lot of useful information from you all.BobSV Miss Lisa

 

[Honeyman]

At least...

you'll be out of hurricane season, however not to offend any Macgregor owners, I don't think the boat itself is up to a "crossing". If you had time to "coastal hop" staying close to shore where you could duck-in in bad weather, but that would take forever. The Gulf of Mexico can be a VERY unforgiving place when those winter cold fronts start moving through every 3-7 days. You don't say where you would start from or which islands. Start in Tampa, the Keys, or Miami and stay in the Keys, no problem. Start in Galveston, Corpus Christi or Brownsville and head to the Keys or Mexico, no I don't think so.

 

[Darren9582]

Where is your hopping off point?

That is the question. I wouldn't attempt a major crossing across the gulf in the Mac. I would also only do coastal hopping myself (in my H 260) and would share that as my advice to anyone on a similar boat.

 

[Rick Webb]

ICW no Problem, Anything else is Nuts

Actually with a good weather report day passages along the outside are posible. The Big Bend can be treacherous talk to others and buddy boat from Ceder Key to Carrabelle. There are a number of books and guides available check the library.

 

[Rick Webb]

Should Add if Your Headed this way

Things between Mobile and Panama City are far from normal in places so do not count on the guides to be accurate. Be sure to call and check before you plan on stopping anywhere.

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Assumption of Risk

Hi Bob,Smaller boats than the Mac have made long ocean voyages as have inexperienced sailors. They have good weather and they are lucky and they learn from their experiences. Some of them also don't come back.When you choose to sail on a large body of water in winter, you assume some risk. When you take a small boat designed for lake and bay sailing out onto blue water, you assume some risk. When you take on a significant cruise as an inexperienced sailor with other inexperienced sailors, you assume some risk.Maybe it would be all right, but maybe it wouldn't and you would need to accept the consequences of the risks you would assume.My recommendation would be to take on more challenging cruises incrementally, growing in experience, boat capability and assumption of risk without taking on too much at once.Hope this helps.Gary WyngardenS/V Wanderlust h37.5

 

[william]

I'll call ahead!

Check out my novice crew on a 33' Cal=useless, that's just on a two hour cape cod bay crossing. But if you're going out deep sea with a 26' Mac, I'll call the Coast Guard or Sea Tow ahead of time so they can bring you in safe. Other than your lack of sea experience, knowledge, or a sea-worthy boat- think about spending a weekend in a small tent with these people BEFORE you commit.

 

[Mark]

I live on the Gulf

I live on the Gulf of Mexico and even though I have gained some experience in my H23 over the last four years, "island hopping" would be an isanely bad idea. I challenged the elements and common sense once, and found myself in 4' seas and 30kt winds. I was plenty scared and very lucky, and have never been that foolish again.  Gain experience before you challenge the Gulf of Mexico it is a very unforgivng place.Mark

 

[JC on Bainbridge]

Scary thought.

Gulf of Mexico isn't quite blue water, but pretty close. It has a lot of similar characteristics. Also, storms may come up pretty quick. I think like many other people have already said, you need to go with an experienced crew.Didn't really want to burst your bubble, but safety should come first.

 

[B Noble]

This is the kind of input I’m looking for. Thanks

Hopping off at either the Keys, or Corpus Christi heading for ??”The Bahamas”

 

[Franklin]

speed

From what I've been told, these Macgregor boats have the ability to plane under power and can go quiet fast compared to a normal sailboat. As a friend said, they are a powerboat with a stick.What this means is that you can get a little farther out from safe harbor as long as you have enough fuel to make safe harbor in case you have to run and duck. With that boat, definately need means of a good weather report on a daily basis.Can a Macgregor handle the strong current of the gulf stream...that I don't know.As others posted...a little experience is best of little coastal trips. Charts, cruiser guides and lots of "Murry's Law" planning will need to be studied.Basically, I wouldn't say that boat can handle bad weather so you will want to make sure your not out there during it and what to do if things happen because of the lack of strength of the boat.

 

[Herb Parsons]

Planing Under Power

"From what I've been told, these Macgregor boats have the ability to plane under power... "MacGregor recommends against running the boat without water ballast if there are four or more occupants. The boat won't plane with the water ballast full.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Maybe, maybe not.

Some items to think about, likea. can a boat of that size carry enough safety gear for all crew members aboard? b.being novices, do you have enough experence to handle 4o+ mph winds during squalls? c. what is the plan in place of a liferaft? d.what is the fuel capacity and milage range when the mast is torn off in the 40+ squall.I have sailed the boat you are thinking of using, and I just returned from 2 years of living aboard and sialing in the waters you are going to. We were on an Island Packet 38 and there were many times we were caught in violent conditions during those "good weather windows" and there is no way I would do what you are planing, but I'm fond of the "brass ones" and want to stick around a little longer.Go wiht your eyes open and good luck. Ray

 

[Jerry Clark H356 SV Persistence]

Heat and hypothermia

Going across the Gulf in a Mac26 is not something I would do. The previous posts have been full of warnings for you and the crew and you should take heed of them. Near freezing condions can occur near the north FL shoreline and sometimes down into central FL. In a norther, the waves and winds can be quite tough to deal with. Add cold weather, and the inability to heat yourself up and you may be taxed beyond your physical limits. If you do this trip, nake sure you carry an EPRIB! Your odds of needing it are fairly high.

 

[Richard]

"powerboat with a stick"

To say that mac's are a powerboat with a stick is a very broad, ignorant statement. Aside from obvious SAILS on the newer mac's; there are many older mac's that, with a different hull shape and much smaller motor, are pure sailors. It seems that a large part of being human is an attempt to reap status/"good humor vibes" from others[percieved]relative inferiority. Indeed most humor involves the discomfort of others, or trashing people of another culture or philosophy. As a mac owner who has had many, many great sails in various lakes, off the coast of South Carolina, panhandle of Fla., and Tampa. Anchored with a good glass of wine with a fine female while the city lights twinkle after a great day of SAILING (many times passing larger but heavier sailboats)I find the crass comments about mac's irritating and tiresome. There is no way at this point in my life I could own one of the more expensive boats out there. Without a trailer sailor I would not been able have the numerous moments of exploratory joy my boat has yielded.In most cases, by trashing anothers pursuits you are simply attempting to obtain a superficial sense of superiority relative to others, as well as highlighting your ignorance.

 

[newly anonymous]

the only problem with the Magreggor...

...is there's not enough room to carry a big enough life raft. This will be especially true with a crew of three

 

[Richard]

"grain of salt"

I just read what I wrote ("pwerboat with a stick"). Though I find it valid....I was probably a bit too sensitive (it's been one of those days). I guess you can take what I wrote "with a grain of salt"; just like I should have before my reply. When all is said and done, even with all the different types of boats with unique abilities, we're all lucky to have found something that brings great experiences and challenges. Here's to sailing! No matter what the rig.Richard

 

[Richard]

"grain of salt"

I just read my reply "powerboat with a stick", and think I was probably a bit too sensitive. Maybe Take my reply with a grain of salt, like I should have done before I wrote.When all is said and done we are all lucky to have found something so exciting and challenging. Here's to sailing! No matter what rig you drive...Richard

 

[Franklin]

Richard

I didn't mean to downplay Macs. Just stating what I heard. Yes, I am ignorant when it comes to Macs.

 

[Jentine]

The Gulf of Mexico is BLUE WATER!

If you value your life, you will not leave sight of land in a MacGregor. It is a fine lake boat but it is not capable to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. If your goal is to sail the Intracoastal Waterway, that is another story. The ICW is not open water and you have the opportunity to duck in to a safe harbor should the weather deteriorate. Northers reach very far south in the winter. You could leave shore in fine weather and find yourself not only in deep water, but in deep s____. Your life is not worth an experience when none of you have any.Jim