Hey all!

[Scottie_P]

Just wanted to say hi and give a quick introduction.

I retired from the US Army last year and have been looking for something to keep me busy after work. The wife and I finally decided to buy a cheap boat and learn how to sail. We both grew up on the Gulf Coast and spent a lot of time on/around small fishing boats but this is the first time we have laid hands on a sailboat.

We bought a stripped down Macgregor 22' that appears to have been used for racing at the local lake. The interior is barebones, just a bench and cushions, so I have plenty of work ahead of me before it's ready to hit the water.

Once we get the boat cleaned up and back in working order we plan to learn to sail at the local lake and possibly do some harbor hopping around Panama City or Destin. We eventually want to work our way up to some coastal cruising but between my job and nearest coast being 2 hours away, we don't expect to do much more than an overnight trip somewhere for a long while.

[HopCar]

Welcome aboard and thank you for your service to our country!
I know we'll all be interested in what you do to the boat and with it.

What ever you do on this forum, don't ask about anchors!
The answer is always the same. Your anchor is too small, it's the wrong kind and you don't have enough chain.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard!

[Prairie Chicken]

Welcome to the crew! Enjoy the ride (and don't ask about anchors--see above).

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Scottie P.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF Scottie!

You're gunna wish you did this years ago, but the catching up factor is crazy fast....

Hope you have as much fun as it sounds you're capable of, and don't hesitate to post questions...!

Why a Mac, and not a small catamaran?
(reads exactly and translates verbatim... don't ask about... )

PS not far... MS here...

[boatman61]

Welcome to Cf..

[oldragbaggers]

Welcome, and thank you for your service.

Be careful. Fixing up old boats can become as addicting as sailing them.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Thanks for your service and good luck on your boat project.

[Scottie_P]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I was just going to ask about anchors...nope.

@HappyMdRSailor - I went with the Mac because it was cheap and it was there. Finding Cats for sale in my area is easier said than done. For now, we have something we can learn what we like/dislike and if my buddy at work has anything to say about it, I'll definitely have to check out a few Cats before I buy anything else. What part of MS? I was born in Pascagoula and raised in Hattiesburg.

Thanks again!

Scottie

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by Scottie_P

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I was just going to ask about anchors...nope.

@HappyMdRSailor - I went with the Mac because it was cheap and it was there. Finding Cats for sale in my area is easier said than done. For now, we have something we can learn what we like/dislike and if my buddy at work has anything to say about it, I'll definitely have to check out a few Cats before I buy anything else. What part of MS? I was born in Pascagoula and raised in Hattiesburg.

Thanks again!

Scottie

Hey Scottie,
Happy was just joshen ya! He wanted to get the old monohull vs catamaran debate going again. That's the other argument that gets everyone up in arms. Don't discuss "anchors" and "catamarans vs monohulls." Kind of like talking religion and politics or Army vs Navy.
Anyway if you need an anchor for your boat since it is very light I'd recommend a light fortress aluminum anchor that can be stowed on the bow pulpit. Just get a good 3 fathoms of 5/16" galvanized chain and about 100 feet of 1/2" 3 strand nylon line to go with it.
Ok now. That opened up a can of worms.

[Scottie_P]

No worries here John. I'm a few months away from taking her out and have much more to worry about right now than an anchor. I've had the boat in the driveway for about two weeks now and already had to kill 3 wasp nests.

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by Scottie_P

No worries here John. I'm a few months away from taking her out and have much more to worry about right now than an anchor. I've had the boat in the driveway for about two weeks now and already had to kill 3 wasp nests.

I've had to chase carpenter bees, fire ants, termites and other nasty critters before so I know about that stuff. Hope you can get to the other projects and get her ready and sailing soon.
If you haven't had basic sailing lessons I'd recommend it for you and your wife if she's willing. Look into the book "Start Sailing Right!" or any other basic sailing books. Study up on rules of the road and the safety sections.
Hope the weather cooperates with you.
kind regards,

[D&D]

Greetings and welcome to CF!

Wishing you good health, fair winds and following seas always...

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Scottie_P

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I was just going to ask about anchors...nope.

@HappyMdRSailor - I went with the Mac because it was cheap and it was there. Finding Cats for sale in my area is easier said than done. For now, we have something we can learn what we like/dislike and if my buddy at work has anything to say about it, I'll definitely have to check out a few Cats before I buy anything else. What part of MS? I was born in Pascagoula and raised in Hattiesburg.

Thanks again!

Scottie

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Hey Scottie,
Happy was just joshen ya! He wanted to get the old monohull vs catamaran debate going again. That's the other argument that gets everyone up in arms. Don't discuss "anchors" and "catamarans vs monohulls." Kind of like talking religion and politics or Army vs Navy.
Anyway if you need an anchor for your boat since it is very light I'd recommend a light fortress aluminum anchor that can be stowed on the bow pulpit. Just get a good 3 fathoms of 5/16" galvanized chain and about 100 feet of 1/2" 3 strand nylon line to go with it.
Ok now. That opened up a can of worms.

Scottie,

SkipJ has the intended joke... you'll see soon enough!

Mac's a GREAT boat for a firster... 'Specially, specifically, and primarily.... cause it's what you got!!!

Up N. in Corinth, near Pickwick/Ten Tom... Girl has lived here her whole life... me, only a few years... CA boy....

You're gunna have a blast... Make safety items and basic sailing.... a priority... Don't let small crap stop ya from wettin' the hull... Get on out!