Blue Water and myths
The last response that rated a Mac a "fine lake boat" but not "capable" of blue water travel gave ample warning but smacks of hysteria and lack of information. The associated link I have provided gives excellent mathematical ratios and calculations to determine "blue water" worthiness. I've also noticed that we have, on this forum, spoken from major assumptions. The original question leaves us guessing as to whether this Mac 26 is a "D", "S", "X", or "M" and thus its age. Motors (size), poptops, reefing, mast rotation, radios, radar reflectors,electronic gear, compasses and GPS plotters, etc. all have a bearing on the ability of the boat to do the job it is called upon to do. That, as others have said, along with room for supplies (regular and emergency). The general condition of the boat has not been addressed nor its maintainence. Who did it and, just as important, how often and how well? Will that person be aboard to do the same if an emergency arises? That being said, I have a 1990 26S on which I love to go out on the Gulf. I maintain it constantly and feel it is completely capable of making a "blue water passage" should I decide to do so. HOWEVER.....to our novice seafarers, let me encourage you, if you have not done so already, go take the opportunity to venture out onto the Gulf a ways and take a good look. You'll find a lot of water out there and you'll begin to realize what a tiny speck you are out there versus the potential forces of nature. I'm a pretty fair sailor, have a boat I trust, and love being on the Gulf, BUT.... I'd think long and hard about doing what you are contemplating. I'm glad you showed the good sense to come to a forum like this, where you can get a lot of varying opinions. I hope you've not gotten more than you wanted, but will, rather, continue to sail and learn. That's what we all are doing constantly........unless we are dead....from the neck up!
The last response that rated a Mac a "fine lake boat" but not "capable" of blue water travel gave ample warning but smacks of hysteria and lack of information. The associated link I have provided gives excellent mathematical ratios and calculations to determine "blue water" worthiness. I've also noticed that we have, on this forum, spoken from major assumptions. The original question leaves us guessing as to whether this Mac 26 is a "D", "S", "X", or "M" and thus its age. Motors (size), poptops, reefing, mast rotation, radios, radar reflectors,electronic gear, compasses and GPS plotters, etc. all have a bearing on the ability of the boat to do the job it is called upon to do. That, as others have said, along with room for supplies (regular and emergency). The general condition of the boat has not been addressed nor its maintainence. Who did it and, just as important, how often and how well? Will that person be aboard to do the same if an emergency arises? That being said, I have a 1990 26S on which I love to go out on the Gulf. I maintain it constantly and feel it is completely capable of making a "blue water passage" should I decide to do so. HOWEVER.....to our novice seafarers, let me encourage you, if you have not done so already, go take the opportunity to venture out onto the Gulf a ways and take a good look. You'll find a lot of water out there and you'll begin to realize what a tiny speck you are out there versus the potential forces of nature. I'm a pretty fair sailor, have a boat I trust, and love being on the Gulf, BUT.... I'd think long and hard about doing what you are contemplating. I'm glad you showed the good sense to come to a forum like this, where you can get a lot of varying opinions. I hope you've not gotten more than you wanted, but will, rather, continue to sail and learn. That's what we all are doing constantly........unless we are dead....from the neck up!