Hi all,
Well we just completed our move to Cornwall over the weekend and I'm in discussions with a local hard landscaper with a view to (among other things) setting up my new driveway to accommodate the hoped for 26M.
We are planning to incorporate twin concrete runways for the trailer wheels and obviously their positioning is vital.
Can anyone please let me know the width of the standard UK trailer wheels - i.e.. the dimension between the outside edge of the tyres; the gap between the inside edges would also be useful, if only as a double check.
Also, according to the diagram I'm using, from the web, the overall length I need to find space for ( ie. from tow-hitch to raised prop blade) is around 10.5M. Does this sound correct?
I'm going to be cutting down trees, installing new gates etc etc to accommodate the 26M so I'm looking to be accurate.
Many thanks for your assistance with this.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Hi Mike,
I just had to measure up my trailer for parking the boat & trailer at a marina, and the overall width (including mudguards which are an inch or two wider than the wheels) is 2.15 metres or about 7 ft. give or take an inch. For what it's worth, I measured the length with the engine upright rather than 45 degrees, and it's 9.2 metres; so your estimate of 10.5 metres with engine raised should be more than enough, of course allowing for access room.
Hope this helps,
John
Many thanks John, to be honest I'd assumed that the wheels would be wider than the boat so I'm glad I asked.
Also, I think the specs diagram I was working on for the rig length is probably from the USA so it's good to know ours is shorter as I'm pretty cramped for space; hence all the questions:).
I'm currently working on a diagram for our landscaper to work from. The rig will be part towed, part winched straight onto a new driveway, through a new gate (avoids any fiddling about). The gravelled driveway will conceal concrete runways for the trailer's tyres which can be quickly swept prior to use and returned to normal driveway appearance afterwards. (cunning idea from my landscaper - a dinghy man, so on my side).
I was originally trying to work out some scheme for concealing the rig from prying eyes but I'm starting to realise that I might as well try to quietly house a herd of elephants.
Anyway, will keep posting how it all progresses. I don't think I'm going to be getting my 26m this season but I'm certainly on the lookout as we have a boat/caravan storage facility just down the road from us now.
Thanks again John and I look forward to meeting you in the summer if you make it down to Falmouth, I really appreciate your offer as it will go a long way to getting the Missus onside.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
I should point out Mike, that the de-rigged mast does extend over the stern of the boat by a couple of feet when attached to the forestay mounting; it is obviously at an angle and in my case does not affect my parking space at my storage location (it overhangs the fence). If this is an issue, you could always detach it from the forestay mount and move the whole mast towards the front of the trailer, securing it on the pulpit instead.
If I am in Falmouth I will definitely let you know, and hopefully get together for a sail :) .
Many thanks John!
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
To add to john's comments about the mast overhang, you also need to consider the much greater overhang required if you want to raise the mast. You will want to be able to raise the mast on your driveway for all kinds of reasons: practice (!), playing with the rig, making mods, etc. Before it can be raised the mast has to be walked back until the foot is at the step. The mast head is then about 30' further back than the step, which I think is about 12' back from the stern. If the boat's parked stern to the house you need to bear this space in mind.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks John, excellent point, especially as I was originally planning to back it in toward the house. I have now decided to part tow/part winch it in, bow first, so your point justifies this decision.
I must remember to ask the landscaper to install a suitably strong post for the winching in.
By the way all this talk of "practising rigging and mods" is really whetting my appetite, I have dreamt of owning a 26 for 2 years now :)
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Mike, I'd like to add to that really useful advice from Rick regarding mast-raising. You do need a lot of space at the back, and make sure there are no overhanging cables, wires, or washing lines. It can spoil your whole day if you electrocute yourself from an overhead power-line, or cut off your phone line ;)
We have raised the mast with the boat on the trailer using the mast-raising kit, must be about 8-10 times now, and have now developed a technique which now allows me to do it single-handed. I did get my wife to assist by holding the mast down as it's moved stern-wards, but after nearly launching her into the next field like a trebuchet she's not keen to get too involved these days. Soon I'll be doing it before launching with people watching, and it'll probably go to rat-sh*t!
Anyway, if you need some advice please feel to contact me.
Thanks John, that's a very good point, looking up we are surrounded by electric and telecoms cables so I'll have to get my tape measure out and see...
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50