experience with mack pack as alt to doyle stackpak

[bob]

i've been considering installing a doyle stackpak on my legend 40.5....i've recently heard of the mack pack as an alternative, which is a less expensive system...has anyone had experience with the mack pack, particularly with the larger legend models?...thanks in advance for any responses...

 

[Pete Vente]

On my 37c

I recently (1-1/2 months ago) installed the mackpack on my 37c. I simply called them with the measurements they ask for on their web site and the sent me the mackpack with alll the fittings and an amatuer home video on how to install it. Total cost was $540. Installation took about 2 hours, with the most difficult being the attachment of the small blocks 2/3 of the way up the mast. With the exception of someone pulling me up the mast, I did it myself (and that's saying something !!).I really don't know how I've lived without it. No more mainsail covers to deal with, no more sail ties. Dropping the main and zipping her up takes about 1-2 minutes. My father -in-law has the mackpack on his Hardin 45 ketch, and he has it on his main, mizzen, and staysail !

 

[Ed Schenck]

Sure Pete, now you.....

tell me, right after I bought lazyjacks for my H37C. They're in the basement until I find someone to go up the mast. I know who could do it but he's in Florida.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Another question.

Do either the Mack Pack or Stackpak "hide" the lazyjacks or are they up all the time? I bought a set of lazyjacks that can be pulled back to the mast so as not to interfere with sail shape. Should I not be concerned with this on a "cruising" boat?

 

[Pete Vente]

Can bring them to the mast

Ed,You can bring the jacks forward to the mast. There is enough extra jack length to be able to do this. As a cruiser who doesn't do much trimming anyway, I generally don't bother unless I'm way downwind. Pete

 

[Jim]

What is the Mack Pack

I'm familiar with Lazy Jacks but what is the Mack pack and where do you get it?

 

[Pete Vente]

Re: What is the mackpack

Jim,The mackpack is a combination sail cover and lazyjack system such that when you drop the main, it falls right into the sail cover. Zip it up and your done. If you have full-battened mainsails, they fall in the cover cleanly without spilling over (if you know what I mean). The sailcover stays attached at all times, even when sailing, although you can drop it down and roll it up along the boom if so inclined. You can get much more info from the mack website (www.macksails.com). They also make sails, but I have no experience with them.