Open Gulf sailing

[Jacob Donnell]

I have a 26 foot Ranger that I sail on lake travis quite often. I am needing to move to Lake Jackson, TX, which is about 10 minutes from the gulf of mexico. I am wondering if the boat is "stout" enough to sail in the open gulf. I will appreciate any insights or advice that anyone can give me, as I am pretty ignorant about the structural soundness of the boat.

[menestheus15689]

you will be ok with that boat around lake jackson freeport area !their are alot smaller boats in the area

[bwave]

I sail a Ranger 26 out of Sarasota. Your Ranger is a great boat for Coastal Cruising in the Gulf. The key is to watch your weather window. It's never the wind it's always the waves. We sailed a couple of weeks ago in seas of 4' to 6' in 25 knots. Entire sail was downwind and the ride was comfortable and dry. If we were beating into the wind and seas we would have been wet and a little beat up. The boat can take more than you can. Always check your rigging carefully before you head out.