In a desperate act of financial irresponsibility, I bought a used boat this weekend. It was only $1,500 as compared to the prices boats can reach, but it was also the fulfillment of a dream sparked many years ago when sailing off the coast of California with friends to the Anacapa Islands. I did it twice, actually, and those two trips were the most amazing things I had experienced up till then, and still rank among the highest even now. I did do something I was once sure I never would, though. I bought a Macgregor. This one is not the hybrid motor-sailor that Macgregor is notorious for, however. It is the 21-foot model they built their business on long before that. And now one is mine.
This boat was first sold as a 1970 model, so we are almost the same age. It is a trailer sailor, and practical for the water opportunities here in Idaho. It is not the liveaboard boat I have always dreamed of, and does not even have a galley, toilette, or other amenities. In fact, the salon is not even big enough for me to sit upright in. Sigh, so be it. But it is big enough to sail like the boats I have longed to own, and hopefully will stay upright in a fair wind because of it.
The boat with my little tractor hiding behind it.
This particular boat needs a lot of work. It has the common keel problems found on this type. The last owner painted it with house paint. The rigging requires some work. But to be fair, it could probably go in the water right now and provide a fun day of sailing as is. When sold new, Macgregor advertised the shoal draft of the boat at 12 inches, and with the keel extended, it was 5 and a half feet. With a 400-pound keel reaching to that depth, and the mast standing as can be seen, roughly 25 feet above the deck, that ought to provide a decently balanced boat! This craft also has safety lines all around the deck providing a little added security for moving about under way. No fenders were included, so there is some shopping to do there. Also, the lifejackets sent along with were water-skier vests, which will never do, so chest buoyant jackets with head support are on the way.
I’d be surprised if this thing gets into the water this year. I might, just to see how it fares, and if there are any serious leaks I have not yet spotted. The keel promises to keep me busy. I also would like the opportunity to come up with some sort of shade on deck where the salon is so small. The boat has no electrical system at all and could do with a VHF and maybe even a chart plotting screen. It certainly needs a compass. It looks like someone patched up where one once was. Someone must have come to rely on GPS only for navigation. I have a handheld dead reckoning compass in my desk. Perhaps it needs to go to the boat to live now.
The vessel bears no name. I think the last owner called it Serenity, though nothing is written even in Sharpie on the hull. Poseidon perhaps will give permission for something like The Peasant’s Yacht? I think Missus did when she laughed and said “yes” while the family was discussing possible names the day before yesterday.
Where to begin with her? Anywhere. There is much to do. Perhaps just assure she is water-worthy, then do a shakedown to assess the fitness of the boat and her captain.