Looking to purchase a main sail for my 1974 Macgregor

Apr 13, 2018
12
Macgregor Venture 25 Catskill NY
I am hoping that someone can help me find a main sail for my 1974 MacGregor. All suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Feb 28, 2018
39
MacGregor 25 Orlando
So many options for you! Looking for new or used? I know my headsail was trash when I got the boat (took the sail to a recommended loft, and he gave me the bad news), and since I didn't want to spend the money for a new headsail - plenty of other stuff to fix - I got a used sail to get me out on the water for about $100. At least that way, I wouldn't cry if the boat turned out to be a bad purchase!

Anyway, here are some choices:
New Sails - Bluewater Yachts - http://shop.bwyachts.com/category-s/352.htm
New Sails - Sail Warehouse - http://thesailwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=storeframe.html&cart_id=
New Sails - Pe ak Sails - https://www.peaksailsna.com/macgregor/macgregor-25/
Used Sails - Masthead Sails - https://mastheadsailinggear.com/used-sails/

By the way, the guys at Masthead are GREAT to work with. I actually called them with my sail measurements, and he went thru his inventory and found me a sail that would get me out on the water. Very knowledgeable and friendly.

Speaking of the measurements for my sails, the only way I knew what they were was because I took a drive out to Tampa with my sail to the loft because I wanted both an evaluation, and a bit of education about my sails (first boat), and he was kind enough to give me the measurements of the sails, so I sounded half intelligent when I was talking to people. Some of the sites you needed to the numbers to search for sails, so if you don't know what size you're looking for, let me know, and I can post the numbers for my sails.

Good luck, and happy shopping!!!


-Peter
 

RussC

.
Sep 11, 2015
1,578
Merit 22- Oregon lakes
Only one choice in my mind. Blue Water Yachts almost always has them in stock ready to ship for the 25 and they supply an excellent sail at a good price, with support to match.
.02
 
Apr 13, 2018
12
Macgregor Venture 25 Catskill NY
While we are on the subject of the main sail. This is the top of my mast. What are your thoughts on the set up for the halyard? The current set up looks a bit weak to me. Any suggestion for improvement/replacement? I am also interested in installing an anchoring light but can not figure out how I can install using the current set up.


Top of mast detail.jpg
Top of the mast.jpg
IMG_6685.jpg
 
Feb 28, 2018
39
MacGregor 25 Orlando
Russ, is the red line a topping lift?

Erik, how big is your halyard? That block looks huge! I think given my druthers I would want the block in line with center of the mast. Maybe see if the block fits between the ears of the masthead, drill it, and put a bolt thru? If you don't need the full height on the mast, a tang or mast strap might work (I think that's what I have - now I am going to have to look when I'm at the boat next!)
http://www.sailcare.com/mast-boom-fittings.shtml
http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3453-1v0.htm

Or even get a simple sheave, and mount it in the masthead. So many possibilities. How do you want it to look? It even looks like a nice setup if you want to make the halyard be internal to the mast. Eventually I want to have my halyards do that - way bigger fish to fry on my boat, though. Of course, planning is half the fun!

-Peter
 
Feb 28, 2018
39
MacGregor 25 Orlando
You could do the anchor light similar to how the Stingy Sailor did his
https://stingysailor.com/2014/08/31/anchor-light-solution-2/

You could even get another L bracket, fit it on the other side of the mast, and mount the light on a stick to that, and have the power come out of the mast thru a hole like your antenna cable does. Just have to make sure the stick brings the light above the masthead so it shines 360*
 
Apr 13, 2018
12
Macgregor Venture 25 Catskill NY
Interesting possibilities. I had not considered the halyard internal to the mast option. Maybe I will sail with it in this configuration this year to get my sea legs. The bigger issue next year is that I am going to want to anchor overnight and need to mount a light up there. I do not see how I can put a light up there in this configuration. Timebandits set up is sweet: Next year project I think.
 
Apr 13, 2018
12
Macgregor Venture 25 Catskill NY
Peter ..
Excellent resource with "Stingy Sailor" THIS is definitely next years project. Much appreciated.

Erik
 
Feb 28, 2018
39
MacGregor 25 Orlando
Technically, the anchor light doesn't have to be at the masthead - in fact, there are some good arguments against having it all the way up there. They do sell an anchor light that I think plugs into a cigarette lighter that is designed to be hauled part way up. You could even simply just run a small line thru where your back stay connects to the masthead and back down, and tie off the light whatever height you'd like! I know Perko makes one, but couldn't find it on Amazon. This one might do it, though:
https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Utilit..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=M6NHTBC8TD587F777JM4

Yeah, Stingy is a great resource. But you're right - sail it for a season doing only the things you need to do for her to be seaworthy. As you get used to one another, your desires will likely change. And besides, working on the boat is half the fun. Okay, maybe a third. At least, that's how I'm approaching mine - my To Do List is already way long!

Have fun!

-Peter
 
Feb 28, 2018
39
MacGregor 25 Orlando
Yet again....thanks Peter. Your are a font of wisdom. =)
Wisdom - don't get accused of that often. I have just spent WAY too many evenings browsing websites for things I can do/buy for the boat. It's a fun little project that I've just barely scratched the surface on! Glad it's coming in handy!

I'm still jealous of - what did Timebandit call it? - your chicken head!
 
Apr 13, 2018
12
Macgregor Venture 25 Catskill NY
Yes, "chicken head"....very funny. The internal halyard is an interesting idea that I am going to be mulling over. The cool thing about this boat is that it is relatively simple. A wonderful platform in which to learn and experiment. Seriously.....thank you.
 
Last edited:
Jun 3, 2004
1,863
Macgregor 25 So. Cal.
By the way, you can just run a lantern up the fore stay for an anchor light, be sure it has enuff fuel to last the night.
If you are in a crowded anchorage just run it up 10 feet or so the power boaters will see it.
 
Mar 5, 2018
1
Rhodes 19 Tashmoo
Look up the business practices of Peake Sails w/ BBB and Yelp. They move constantly and have few, if any, good reviews.