21' Macgregor - 1969: Broken Mast, What to Do?

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Sail77

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Jul 24, 2009
4
Hunter 23.5 Melvern Lake
New to the site...

My Dad and I bought a 1969 Mac 21' from a family friend about 12 years ago. Have had some great memories over the years. Unfortunately, while trailering the boat from the launch area the mast got caught on tree branch and I ended up snapping the mast. Horrified and angry...

My question:

Should I pursue trying to find a mast? From what I can tell this may be very dificult and costly task. Not sure it is worth the time or money. Not even sure where I could get one. Maybe its time for a newer boat?

Any advice is welcome.
 
Oct 24, 2008
424
Macgregor 25 (1984) Wildomar, So. Cal.
wow - tough call. Exactly HOW attached are you to this boat??
Blue Water Yachts carries a replacement mast, but they want close to $600 for it, and that does not include shipping.
As for a newer boat, I guess that would depend on your budget. I would think you could find a "newer" Mac starting in the $1500 - $3000 range. Sometimes you come across a great deal.
Someone in Lake Jacomo is selling a 1971 Venture for $1600 - the Criagslit ad number is 1284728360.
 

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
The mast is a standard section, see if you can find a stick from something similar or larger and transfer, cut down, or relocate what you need to make it work.
 
M

Mike Cee

Broken mast repair

I was able to repair my broken mast by sawing out the portion of the mast that was disfigured by the break, and buttwelding back together. The welder charged me $75. Was also able to find a used mast with rigging on ebay for $400 and another mast for $100 which had to be shipped about 400 miles.
New to the site...

My Dad and I bought a 1969 Mac 21' from a family friend about 12 years ago. Have had some great memories over the years. Unfortunately, while trailering the boat from the launch area the mast got caught on tree branch and I ended up snapping the mast. Horrified and angry...

My question:

Should I pursue trying to find a mast? From what I can tell this may be very dificult and costly task. Not sure it is worth the time or money. Not even sure where I could get one. Maybe its time for a newer boat?

Any advice is welcome.
 
Apr 30, 2006
610
Macgregor 26s Kemah, TX
The mast on my former boat broke in two. How? That's another story. The insurance company had it welded together and it held up for over 10 years.
 

Sail77

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Jul 24, 2009
4
Hunter 23.5 Melvern Lake
Thank you for the advice. I think I'll try and repair it with a cut/replace/weld technique mentioned in a few of the prior posts. Sounds like a decent challenge ;) I was unaware that the one could do so and still maintain the structural integrity necessary. Maybe a straight weld could do the trick? Finding a Mast and having it shipped to my location (eastern kansas) may be a little too expensive for my current budget especially given the age and wear on the current boat.

That being said I may have to keep my eye out for a good deal on a "newer boat". My dad is getting a little older and I'm thinking a more convenient and amenity filled boat may be much more enjoyable. possibly a 26. Year???
 
Oct 23, 2008
138
Macgregor v22 Tacoma
Welding should never be done on a mast. The repair should be done with an interior sleeve, epoxy and rivets.
 
Jul 15, 2009
6
2 21 Lake Olathe, Ks
There is a guy that posted in Classified for a Venture that he was parting out. I talked to him about sails but I think he may part with the mast. He was back east so I dont know how much freight would get you. His name is David Johnson davidjohnson@talkamerica.net
 
Jul 15, 2009
6
2 21 Lake Olathe, Ks
Oops, just checked, David Johnson's ad is for a 1972 Venture 22'. I would doubt it fits. Sorry. By the way, I see your at Melvern. I am in Olathe and sail out at Clinton some times. I have a '71 Venture 21. Nice to see another Venture 21 in Kansas. Might run into each other (well, not literaly) some time. Let me know how you come out on this.
bricon 123 @ comcast . net (ignore spaces, trying to fool the email "bots"
 
Oct 23, 2008
138
Macgregor v22 Tacoma
I believe the mast section is the same for a 21 and 22. The 22 may have a longer mast but that would be easy to remedy. I don't see why with minimal work you couldn't make it work.
 
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