Stepping the mast on a Mac 19

Sep 23, 2015
3
MacGregor 19 Az
Hi, I'm looking at several boats to replace my 26S. One of the considerations, as I'm up in age, is stepping the mast. I have seen people do it, but I was wondering how long and heavy is it? I know most boats have the mast raising system, but I have found them somewhat troublesome and rickety. And along the same line, has anyone used a vehicle ( truck) to raise the mast or al least stabilize it when raising?

Any other general concerns about the Mac 19? I need a boat that can beach on a shore, any other boats that size out there, maybe the Hunter 23.5? Can you comment.
thanks for any input.
 
Feb 27, 2004
155
SunTracker 18 DLX PartyBarge Hoover Reservoir - Columbus OH
Hunter also made a 19' water ballast model around the time the Mac 19 was being produced. The Hunter mast raising system is fairly easy to use and provides pretty good stability. I still raise the mast by myself, although not nearly as quickly as I did 10 years ago :)