My 26X Maid of Kent (2000 build) is spending her first winter on the water on a fore-and-aft mooring near Poole, having spent most of her life on the trailer.
Does anyone do the same? Any experiences to be aware of?
The boat is visited regularly, and apart from bilge water collecting, all seems well.
Any advice/information would be useful, thanks!
Hi Philip, I have always pulled out for worst of winter but once after s late Autumn storm my mast was down due to failure of forestay barrel fitting . Ensure you put a second line tight to forward cleats for peace of mind.
Also the Macgregor tries to sail itself so used about. The fore and aft will help this but have plenty of lines and try to prevent them rubbing the gunnels, rudders and outboard. Note there will be a shift intension with tidal height and flow. Ensure chains are good and that your insurance covers winter on the water.
Turn your engine over regular and you may need to bring a starter battery to the boat since the fixed one will likely go off in the cold.
Enjoy a bracing winter trip around the harbour or bay !
Hi Philip, first of all thanks for your comments re the Magazine - appreciated. Re winter on the water: we had a Mac and a SeaWolf on Windermere for 10 years, 12 months of the year. Some of the best visits were between October and March when it's always quieter on the water. You just have to keep a close eye on the weather. Ours was a swinging mooring and making sure the strops and chain were well maintained was important for peace of mind. I'm not sure how grimey your boat gets but I used to allocate significant cleaning time - a shiny gel coat, good for the heart and good for the soul. Have a good time on the water and send us a report, you might inspire others to follow suit.
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Hi Phillip,
Just to join the chorus, my boat is on a fore and aft mooring on the river Towy from April to October primarily due to my 'seasonal' type of insurance which states that cover outside these months is on a 'Third Party' basis only, your insurance maybe different of course.
On another note, let me add my congratulations to Quentin for an excellent magazine.
Regards to all
Robin
Hi all, thanks for responding - it's always good to know what others do! The boat is within CCTV range of the clubhouse, and there is a daily security check, so if anything is amiss I'd get a phone call.
Quentin: hoping to have a couple of things you might find of interest soon.