New Member but an Old Goat

If you follow sailboat, fresh water, long distance racing you will understand the honor I feel having been accepted into the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats. Having completed 25 Bayview Yacht Club’s Port Huron to Mackinac Island races, plus a race from Massachusetts to Bermuda and numerous other Lake Michigan and Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair races . . . . well, I think I am retired from sailboat racing.

Now my thoughts turn to cruising my 2 bed, 2 bath floating condo — a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40DS. I had planned to own a trawler by now but we have not progressed beyond this cruising configured, comfortable sloop rigged sailboat.

“Barefeet” does not go under bridges with less than 56’ clearance, and she needs at least 5’ water depth. So, the Erie Canal is a take-down-the-mast hassle and the Great Loop is equally challenging. 7.5 knots tops the cruising speed under power; under sail we can see 8s.

Accordingly, y’all will see me sniffing around trawler, fast trawler and express cruiser articles, comments and questions. “The Force” is calling me.

Greetings,
Welcome aboard.

My neighbor is currently negotiating the purchase of a Jeanneau powerboat.

Perhaps just remove the mast for a bigger piece of metal under the deck!

One of our friends has a Jeanneau powerboat on order; influenced somewhat by their good times on our sailboat. I am currently neutral on that brand of powerboats — need to inspect and play on their boat once it gets here.

The Jeanneau advertisements and marketing literature presents favorably — but it should!

Welcome aboard.

Welcome aboard from one "old goat" to another (Island goat sailing society - Chicago to Mac). We took the plunge last fall and picked up a Katey Krogan manatee. I haven't given up the racing yet though. I have a few more until I hit 50 races.

Good luck on your search. There is a good looking mainship 390 in the classified for about 85k. Which might be a good price for a nice boat...

Welcome. I remember how much I liked the 40DS when they were introduced. I'm not sure what your interests are, but lots of folks loop in boats like yours quite successfully.

You'll find lots of good guidance here. I got into this when I bought an old Mainship 34 a couple of years ago after a lifetime of sailing. Wasn't sure exactly what to expect at the time, but having traveled 3500 miles around four great lakes and all the canals I can say I'm super happy with the move to a power boat. It's a great way to travel.

Welcome to the forum! I stayed in Grosse Pointe county park marina last June for a few nights while doing the Great Loop. Very nice community park and recreation center with extremely friendly and welcoming people. Quite an active group of sailboat racers. Fun to watch the evening races while they dodge the 1,000' freighters and the occasional cloud bursts.

Hope you find what you are looking for here.

Ted

Welcome to the bright side.
Nothing is more comforting than the sound of a diesel.

Welcome

SailorPat, I grew up in your area.... GPW