1986 Mac 25

[Grumps]

I just bought a 1986 Mac 25. It has been on a trailer for several years and the bottom has pushed in where the trailer bunks meet the aft portion of the hull. I haven’t lifted the boat off the trailer yet, but has anyone had a similar situation? Will it return to its normal shape once the boat is off the trailer or is the hull ruined?

 

[Leeward Rail]

Will it return to its normal shape once the boat is off the trailer or is the hull ruined?

Why no just take it off the trailer and try it?
You will get a 100% accurate answer by doing so, instead a bunch of people who can't physically inspect the boat from making guesses.

After all without knowing how long the boat has been like that (you don't even know) , if there are signs of cracking etc.. We would have no idea... And either way it would still be a guess.

Having seen fiberglass boats abandoned on trailers for years, with their cockpits full of snow and water, I would guess you are OK.

But why guess? Inspect the boat for holes so it won't sink.. And launch the boat.

My question would be.. Why didn't the bunks support the Hull correctly?

 

[Grumps]

Will it return to its normal shape once the boat is off the trailer or is the hull ruined?

Why no just take it off the trailer and try it?
You will get a 100% accurate answer by doing so, instead a bunch of people who can't physically inspect the boat from making guesses.

After all without knowing how long the boat has been like that (you don't even know) , if there are signs of cracking etc.. We would have no idea... And either way it would still be a guess.

Having seen fiberglass boats abandoned on trailers for years, with their cockpits full of snow and water, I would guess you are OK.

But why guess? Inspect the boat for holes so it won't sink.. And launch the boat.

No reason to be a tail end. I just picked it up yesterday and haven’t had time. If you aren’t going to be helpful, don’t reply.

 

[Leeward Rail]

No reason to be a tail end. I just picked it up yesterday and haven’t had time. If you aren’t going to be helpful, don’t reply.

I am being helpful. Launch it and find out. I told you it would likely be fine.. If I wanted be a jerk I wouldn't have bothered replying.

You will notice I answered both your questions, in my reply.

Edit. You don't see me calling you names.

 

[JBP-PA]

It may come back to its normal shape, but even if not it can still be fixed. Fiberglass can always be fixed. I don't think the 25 was a water ballast, but if it was, make sure the tanks are empty, that could have caused it. Also if the cockpit or hull were flooded and full of water, the extra weight could have caused the problem.
You need to figure out some way to get the weight off the bunks, but I'd be reluctant to put it in the water until you get a chance to inspect and repair it as necessary.

 

[Grumps]

It may come back to its normal shape, but even if not it can still be fixed. Fiberglass can always be fixed. I don't think the 25 was a water ballast, but if it was, make sure the tanks are empty, that could have caused it. Also if the cockpit or hull were flooded and full of water, the extra weight could have caused the problem.
You need to figure out some way to get the weight off the bunks, but I'd be reluctant to put it in the water until you get a chance to inspect and repair it as necessary.

Thanks. There isn’t any water ballasts, but it appears that the previous own let the cockpit fill with water. I’m going to lift it off the trail once I drain all the water from the bilge area. Hopefully it will return to its original shape. I guess if it has the same issue when it’s back on the trailer I can try adding a stringer to stiffen it up.

 

[LloydB]

Drain it and float it is the only way that you will find out how much the hull will flex back after being stored on the trailer overweight for who knows how long. Since the bilge is holding water that tells you that that part won't leak so you can launch it to check for leaks while it is next to the trailer as is it usually best float the sailboat off the trailer than slide it off. My Mac oil canned when it sat too long and it seemed to come back into shape mostly.

 

[Grumps]

Drain it and float it is the only way that you will find out how much the hull will flex back after being stored on the trailer overweight for who knows how long. Since the bilge is holding water that tells you that that part won't leak so you can launch it to check for leaks while it is next to the trailer as is it usually best float the sailboat off the trailer than slide it off. My Mac oil canned when it sat too long and it seemed to come back into shape mostly.

Thanks. Hope to be able to check it out this weekend.

 

[justsomeguy]

My M25 also oil-canned a bit while on the trailer. Didn't make any difference in her sailing ability.

 

[Grumps]

My M25 also oil-canned a bit while on the trailer. Didn't make any difference in her sailing ability.

Thanks. This is my second Mac 25. I’m currently doing quite a bit of work on the first one. It hasn’t ever oil canned before, but that might be more of a credit to her 4 bunk trailer spreading out the weight. May put the second one on the 4 bunk trailer and see if that straightens her out. Thanks again