Firstly,
A very good evening, morning, afternoon, of whatever time you might read this request, of such a ridiculous and clueless subject content, that it is plain to see that I am the complete beginner of anything nautical. I apologise to future friends, immediately.
I am the proud owner of a MacGregor 26X, in reasonable condition and being wonderfully new to these things (or indeed any kind of boat, the last was a shortened narrow boat 28 years ago), if I want to batten down the hatches from inside the boat, how do I do it? Am I right in thinking that the vertical sort of sliding 'door' is lowered/attached first and I then slide close the overhead hatch?
Next question (this is where folks put on their extremely dark sunglasses and start giggling uncontrollably), If the boat was at sea, say single handedly, what is the recommended method of getting out from the cabin (coffin), quickly please?
With great regards and I look forward to all sorts of replies.
Left hand down a little.
David
Left hand down a little
David
David,
Welcome!
You are very correct regarding the washboard and hatch. As far as getting out of the aft berth, there is no graceful way of doing this on my 26m. Perhaps others have worked something out.
David
26m, "Logan's Run"
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Hahaha, yes a big welcome to the fold David.
I've been spending a lot of time getting in and out of the aft berth recently as I prepare to launch. I've temporarily removed one of the fire extinguishers as I was fed up with banging my head on it every time I reversed out.
As you've no doubt realised Mac ownership comes with a steep initial learning curve. But don't be put off, with the help of these guys it only needs perseverance and you'll quickly be reaping the benefits of the most amazing boat afloat.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
I have used cable ties to strap my extinguishers under the companionway steps. The ties are attached to the extinguisher's holder/clamp/frame? Keeps them handy and out of the way.
Having dumped stuff on the rear berth, 'cos it's easy, getting in and out ends up being a bit of a scramble and a wriggle. I quite like dossing down on that bit opposite the 'heads'.
I learn something new every time I clamber aboard which is part of the fun but I do wish I knew everything from time to time as it would make life easier.
I have an M, not an X
Simon
Sowenna (26M), Bradwell, Essex.
Ohhh David, your posting brought a smile to my face!! I too am a virgin to the aft bunk and at 6'6" look at it on every excursion of cleaning and modification. In short I was to embarrassed to ask the question!! I have considered things like: Yoga classes or "Amazon one click" for books on the Great Houdini. Only real conclusion I've come to is that I'm going to modify my steps to allow for a "Space Capsule" style entry. I believe Sir Richard Branson will soon be offering weekend trips with Mac style accommodation!!
All the very best
Andy Massie. Mac 26M - Jack Sound
All
To David, Mike and Andrew and indeed others who are pondering the imponderable, thank you so much for your early and interesting responses, everything from educating me to the naming of things, without 'telling-me', (thank you for your stunning politeness) such as the term 'washboard', through to comments of perseverance, Mr Branson, removal of fire extinguisher and embarrassing question asking. All responses are indeed utterly and completely excellent and I truly thank you all.
I'm sitting here like a Cheshire cat, all smiles and beautiful (though the latter is a complete and utter lie), thinking of my new found love of a Macgregor 26X, parked on a trailer in Scotland, with good stuff that I didn't know it has, (a proper gas cooker plus four hobs, on a gimbal), but also with unfortunately bad stuff, such as a nonexistent and now ripped out 240v system, no battery charging, no inverter, no, well anything useful in the mains department.
There are also some 12v panels with broken switches that need work/replacement.
The outboard (50HP Yamaha) has a broken 'earth' strap, between components, which I can't see where it has detached from. Now this is the most noddy of noddy earth straps that I've ever seen, so I assume its just a method of stopping perhaps electrical interference between bits of metal?
This is the problem with people like me, I ask the stupidest of questions!
I thank you all for your time and consideration and indeed replies :-)
Left hand down a little
David
Sorry new to this. Did this message successfully 'post'?
Left hand down a little
David
Yep, if you can see the messages on the web page then they are there!
If you're concerned about email notifications, it doesn't email you about your own posts, as that would be superfluous. Also, when notifications are sent out it can take a couple of hours, sometimes more, for all emails to be sent. This is because there is a limit on how many emails per hour we are allowed to send.
Thanks for your contributions, I've really enjoyed reading them!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thinking about it washboard removal speed might be enhanced by a small handle fixed to the inside and similarly the inside of the sliding hatch to match outside knob. I don't have this since I have my patented sheet of plastic folded and taped to allow sail battons to slot in to the groove that the washboard fits into. This is easily pushed out in event of emergency. I use it also to prevent rain ingress when sailing .
Others have made split washboard especially for the larger x companionway.
Alternatively for those who are desperate and like to live dangerously there is the straddle technique!
Roly
Aranah 26m
Haha, I think you will have to post a video demonstating the straddle technique Roly, it boggles the mind:)
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Not sure whether the Mac was the inspiration behind the Japanese sleep capsule hotels or the other way round - http://9bytz.com/japanese-sleep-pod-hotels/
Pages