Hi, I have a mac 26M on a pontoon mooring in Southampton. I am planning to sail this weekend and shall be away the next 2 but would be happy to demonste in November , weather permitting...Soton water is fairly shealtered anyway.
Hi All,
Well it has happened! Our first trip in a Macgregor!
Must admit we were blown away (no pun intended) both with Milestone II and her very knowledgable owner, Rick Jones.
Full write up to follow...........................
Looking forward to your thoughts Andrew.
I'm now commited and am in the process of buying a 2009 M, so will comment further once I have the boat at home and have had a chance to have a good look through her. The trouble with buying at this time of year is the length of time until next spring and the sailing "season".
On another topic, I need to look for an inflatable tender, and would appreciate any advice on what size would work well, where people stow them, and any other hints and tips I should know.
Re-reading my earlier post, I mentioned the need for tips on launching, thinking about it, I suspect that the difficult bit is actually recovering the boat....does anyone have any thoughts please?
Nice to see you're taking the plunge Paul!
I can't comment on inflatables as I don't have one (not a proper one anyway), but I can make a few suggestions about launch and recovery.
You're right, recovery is harder, in so far as getting the boat onto the trailer in the water is concerned. The hardest part about launching is usually reversing the boat down the ramp. (It's much easier with the empty trailer when you go to recover because you can see where you're going better.)
A couple of home-made trailer accessories are worth having. First, make some extensions to the stern guide posts so they can be seen when the trailer's in the water. Some lengths of white plastic plumbing pipe that will drop over are ideal. They need to be best part of 2m. long. Secondly, it's useful to rig a rope to form a V-guide from the stern posts to the bow buffer. This helps guide the boat in if it skews as it's coming onto the trailer.
When launching - assuming two hands are available - after getting the boat lined up on the ramp, with the trailer wheels already in the water, one person climbs on the boat over bow. Then reverse in far enough to be able to lower the motor and rudders but without the boat floating free. Start the motor, and while it's warming up go back to the bow ladder and release the winch strap plus safety rope (I don't like to rely on just the strap to the bow eye, it's pretty catastrophic if it fails!). Then back to the cockpit, put the motor into slow astern, and have the car driver reverse very slowly until the boat just floats free. You need a loud shout to let the driver know, who should immediately stop. As soon as the boat clears the trailer, drop the dagger board to give you control, and drive the boat to the holding pontoon.
The car driver should note the exact position of the car relative to the edge of the water (e.g. water level with door pillar, or whatever). This is important for when you recover. Then park the trailer and enjoy a good sail!
To prepare for recovery, reverse the trailer to the depth you noted when launching.On the boat, assuming you have ballast in, open the stern ballast valve and the vent in the cockpit (it's easier to do it now than when you're on the trailer).
You can then drive the boat slowly but steadily in a straight line onto the trailer. It helps if you can make a clear straight run, and give yourself plenty of time and space. The hardest is when you have a side wind, or worse side current. You should have the dagger board partway down to help give control, but you must pull it up hard just before reaching the trailer! Another hand on the boat can be useful there. (The X has a slight advantage having a swing centerboard, since it will just retract from part-lowered as it encounters the trailer.) If you've got it right, you should come to rest on the bow bunk without slamming into the bow vee. A quick reverse blip on the motor just before this point can help cut the momentum too, but not too much because you do want to wedge the boat on the bunk.
With ballast in, the boat will be slightly lower in the water when you recover than when you launch, so the trailer position that allowed you to float free when launching will have you just stuck on the bow bunk when recovering.
Quickly go to the bow, climb down the ladder, and attach the winch strap. Then winch the boat up tight to the rubber bumper, and attach the safety rope. Back to the cockpit, and raise the rudders and motor. The car driver can now slowly haul the boat out of the water, and then stop while the boat is still on the ramp while the ballast drains - this only takes a couple of minutes. Then you can drive onto level ground and recovery is complete.
Easy really :)
—
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks for taking the time to detail that Rick, it is exactly what I, and I suspect many others will find very useful, in fact I shall print it out and leave it in the boat as an 'aid memoir' for the first few times I use it.
I forgot to mention that I have now put a face to the name, it's always much easier to write, when you can see the person you are writing to [or about!].
Well done Paul on ordering your boat. Wish you and your family fair winds, good times and safe sailing.
You are really going to have some fantastic times on the gorgeous South Devon coast.
After our great day out on Milestone, Rick suggested that I send in a little write up to Jon, the editor of the association newsletter.
It would be fantastic to read of your experiences of your new vessel, if you get time in between sailing trips!
What is your Mac to be named?
regards
Andy
My experience is a little unusual and possibly unique, nevertheless, it would probably make a good read, so maybe when the boat is ready, next spring I may well relate my experiences if they will be of interest.
As far as the boats name is concerned, whilst not certain yet, my wife and I have discussed this. My surname is Jacobs, and buying this boat proves that I am probably crackers, so maybe "Crackerjack" will do?
I am looking forward to reading about your experience Andrew.
Paul.
Hi Paul
With regards to your inflatable tender question. I bought a 2.3m air floor inflatable that I've actually used once but have been very pleased with nevertheless. My wife and I don't use the rear berth so I put the starboard mattress on top of the portside mattress and use the vacant starboard side for storage of the inflatable, table and 4 chairs, BBQ, lifejackets, etc..., etc... We carry just about everything except a candelabra. If we moor on a riverbank and decide to have a BBQ people are often amazed at what we bring out of a 26' boat. That rear berth really is invaluable for storage. I also bought a 4HP outboard for the dinghy. Too big for the dinghy but will push my 26X if ever an emergency arose. I keep it stored externally in the vacant space on a purpose made SS bracket above the boarding ladder. I also have another bracket for storing the outboard inside when away from the boat. I have yet a further bracket this sits on the boarding ladder in an instant to take the outboard in an emergency. I'm pleased to say that I have never used it. If you would like further information, E-Mail;
That sounds convenient Alan, it sounds as if the under cockpit area is too good to sleep in. I wonder which berths people find the best and most convenient to use?
Paul - sorry we've missed replying to your earlier posts. We seem to have been busy with all sorts of other things, Mac related and otherwise.
Picking up on a couple of random points:-
We sleep under the aft berth. It's long, it's wide and the ceiling is very low. What is it suited for? Well, two human beings with their eyes shut. I think access in and out is different in the M than in the X. Our X has a hinged ladder so I can get in and out of the starboard side but it does involve techniques similar to limbo dancing. Hey, don't laugh, it's a cinch and it keeps the joints from seizing up. The "crew" is able to get in and out of the port side with some degree of elegance more akin to the factory photos. The vee berth is used for storage - most stuff is in the plastic boxes that can be stacked and shuffled around in reasonable comfort and for aesthetics it is all hidden behind some whopping big cushions (feminine touch there) !
As regards the dinghy, we went for a 2.3 air deck - easy on the knees when you chuck yourself in. We went for the roundtail version which I have found can be rolled up into a shape that will fit under the helm seat. I don't think the solid transom versions will fit in this way. I don't know about the M where the space may be narrower.
The main thing is that the Mac is so versatile and so many of us get pleasure in using our boats in ways that suit each of us.
We look forward to reading about your exploits!
Mike and the "crew", Bobbie
Hi, I have a mac 26M on a pontoon mooring in Southampton. I am planning to sail this weekend and shall be away the next 2 but would be happy to demonste in November , weather permitting...Soton water is fairly shealtered anyway.
Roly Simpson
Hi All,
Well it has happened! Our first trip in a Macgregor!
Must admit we were blown away (no pun intended) both with Milestone II and her very knowledgable owner, Rick Jones.
Full write up to follow...........................
Looking forward to your thoughts Andrew.
I'm now commited and am in the process of buying a 2009 M, so will comment further once I have the boat at home and have had a chance to have a good look through her. The trouble with buying at this time of year is the length of time until next spring and the sailing "season".
On another topic, I need to look for an inflatable tender, and would appreciate any advice on what size would work well, where people stow them, and any other hints and tips I should know.
Re-reading my earlier post, I mentioned the need for tips on launching, thinking about it, I suspect that the difficult bit is actually recovering the boat....does anyone have any thoughts please?
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Nice to see you're taking the plunge Paul!
I can't comment on inflatables as I don't have one (not a proper one anyway), but I can make a few suggestions about launch and recovery.
You're right, recovery is harder, in so far as getting the boat onto the trailer in the water is concerned. The hardest part about launching is usually reversing the boat down the ramp. (It's much easier with the empty trailer when you go to recover because you can see where you're going better.)
A couple of home-made trailer accessories are worth having. First, make some extensions to the stern guide posts so they can be seen when the trailer's in the water. Some lengths of white plastic plumbing pipe that will drop over are ideal. They need to be best part of 2m. long. Secondly, it's useful to rig a rope to form a V-guide from the stern posts to the bow buffer. This helps guide the boat in if it skews as it's coming onto the trailer.
When launching - assuming two hands are available - after getting the boat lined up on the ramp, with the trailer wheels already in the water, one person climbs on the boat over bow. Then reverse in far enough to be able to lower the motor and rudders but without the boat floating free. Start the motor, and while it's warming up go back to the bow ladder and release the winch strap plus safety rope (I don't like to rely on just the strap to the bow eye, it's pretty catastrophic if it fails!). Then back to the cockpit, put the motor into slow astern, and have the car driver reverse very slowly until the boat just floats free. You need a loud shout to let the driver know, who should immediately stop. As soon as the boat clears the trailer, drop the dagger board to give you control, and drive the boat to the holding pontoon.
The car driver should note the exact position of the car relative to the edge of the water (e.g. water level with door pillar, or whatever). This is important for when you recover. Then park the trailer and enjoy a good sail!
To prepare for recovery, reverse the trailer to the depth you noted when launching.On the boat, assuming you have ballast in, open the stern ballast valve and the vent in the cockpit (it's easier to do it now than when you're on the trailer).
You can then drive the boat slowly but steadily in a straight line onto the trailer. It helps if you can make a clear straight run, and give yourself plenty of time and space. The hardest is when you have a side wind, or worse side current. You should have the dagger board partway down to help give control, but you must pull it up hard just before reaching the trailer! Another hand on the boat can be useful there. (The X has a slight advantage having a swing centerboard, since it will just retract from part-lowered as it encounters the trailer.) If you've got it right, you should come to rest on the bow bunk without slamming into the bow vee. A quick reverse blip on the motor just before this point can help cut the momentum too, but not too much because you do want to wedge the boat on the bunk.
With ballast in, the boat will be slightly lower in the water when you recover than when you launch, so the trailer position that allowed you to float free when launching will have you just stuck on the bow bunk when recovering.
Quickly go to the bow, climb down the ladder, and attach the winch strap. Then winch the boat up tight to the rubber bumper, and attach the safety rope. Back to the cockpit, and raise the rudders and motor. The car driver can now slowly haul the boat out of the water, and then stop while the boat is still on the ramp while the ballast drains - this only takes a couple of minutes. Then you can drive onto level ground and recovery is complete.
Easy really :)
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks for taking the time to detail that Rick, it is exactly what I, and I suspect many others will find very useful, in fact I shall print it out and leave it in the boat as an 'aid memoir' for the first few times I use it.
I forgot to mention that I have now put a face to the name, it's always much easier to write, when you can see the person you are writing to [or about!].
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Well done Paul on ordering your boat. Wish you and your family fair winds, good times and safe sailing.
You are really going to have some fantastic times on the gorgeous South Devon coast.
After our great day out on Milestone, Rick suggested that I send in a little write up to Jon, the editor of the association newsletter.
It would be fantastic to read of your experiences of your new vessel, if you get time in between sailing trips!
What is your Mac to be named?
regards
Andy
My experience is a little unusual and possibly unique, nevertheless, it would probably make a good read, so maybe when the boat is ready, next spring I may well relate my experiences if they will be of interest.
As far as the boats name is concerned, whilst not certain yet, my wife and I have discussed this. My surname is Jacobs, and buying this boat proves that I am probably crackers, so maybe "Crackerjack" will do?
I am looking forward to reading about your experience Andrew.
Paul.
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Hi Paul
With regards to your inflatable tender question. I bought a 2.3m air floor inflatable that I've actually used once but have been very pleased with nevertheless. My wife and I don't use the rear berth so I put the starboard mattress on top of the portside mattress and use the vacant starboard side for storage of the inflatable, table and 4 chairs, BBQ, lifejackets, etc..., etc... We carry just about everything except a candelabra. If we moor on a riverbank and decide to have a BBQ people are often amazed at what we bring out of a 26' boat. That rear berth really is invaluable for storage. I also bought a 4HP outboard for the dinghy. Too big for the dinghy but will push my 26X if ever an emergency arose. I keep it stored externally in the vacant space on a purpose made SS bracket above the boarding ladder. I also have another bracket for storing the outboard inside when away from the boat. I have yet a further bracket this sits on the boarding ladder in an instant to take the outboard in an emergency. I'm pleased to say that I have never used it. If you would like further information, E-Mail;
. Hope this helps.
Alan Anthony
That sounds convenient Alan, it sounds as if the under cockpit area is too good to sleep in. I wonder which berths people find the best and most convenient to use?
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Paul - sorry we've missed replying to your earlier posts. We seem to have been busy with all sorts of other things, Mac related and otherwise.
Picking up on a couple of random points:-
We sleep under the aft berth. It's long, it's wide and the ceiling is very low. What is it suited for? Well, two human beings with their eyes shut. I think access in and out is different in the M than in the X. Our X has a hinged ladder so I can get in and out of the starboard side but it does involve techniques similar to limbo dancing. Hey, don't laugh, it's a cinch and it keeps the joints from seizing up. The "crew" is able to get in and out of the port side with some degree of elegance more akin to the factory photos. The vee berth is used for storage - most stuff is in the plastic boxes that can be stacked and shuffled around in reasonable comfort and for aesthetics it is all hidden behind some whopping big cushions (feminine touch there) !
As regards the dinghy, we went for a 2.3 air deck - easy on the knees when you chuck yourself in. We went for the roundtail version which I have found can be rolled up into a shape that will fit under the helm seat. I don't think the solid transom versions will fit in this way. I don't know about the M where the space may be narrower.
The main thing is that the Mac is so versatile and so many of us get pleasure in using our boats in ways that suit each of us.
We look forward to reading about your exploits!
Mike and the "crew", Bobbie
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