How to tune MacGregor 25 rigging

[Harold9244]

My recently bought 1982 Mac 25 has rigging that is in need of tuning. The Mac 25 manual I have is rudimentary at best in its instruction. Do you have any information on the appropriate settings for a tensioner and how to go about tuning this boat more precisely?Also, I have started racing the Mac 25 at our local Shreveport Yacht Club. I am getting hammered by the local Catalina 22 fleet, perhaps in part because of the aforementioned poor tuning. I find the mainsheet very awkward to handle in its present configuration with a turning block and cam cleat at the port stern, especially when heeled over and seated on the starboard side. Sheeting from a traveler with cleating at the traveler and off the boom works well on Catalina 22s. Are there any caveats to this setup for a Mac 25 that you know of? I realize the traveler bar/slide will have to be above the tiller, which is flush with the transom. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Pelicaneer]

Mainsheet traveler, etc.:

You will most certainly do better, or at least be more comfortable with a more conventional rig for the mainsheet. On our Mac 26, Dave installed a cross cockpit semi-bulkhead about half way from the forward end of the tiller to the companionway. It consisted of a laminated strip across, about 1 1/2 x 2 to support a 4' track. And wedges, like shelf brackets bolted to the fronts of the cockpit seats and to the crossbar. Solid enough to stand on, or to take the strain of the traveler. Then the mainsheet block/cleat fitting was shackled to a car which slid on this track. We could have installed a super-duper mainsheet system, but opted for simple spring loaded stoppers to center the car or allow it to travel a specified distance. Thus, the mainsheet is always where we can find it. Either skipper or crew can always reach it. And when there is no wind, it can be center or even hauled upwind. When the wind howls, we just ease the traveler and the boat will stand upright and drive forward instead of rolling. This rig even helps with vanging, however I would not omit having a good boom vang. This should apply to the Mac 25 too.If you don't have adjustable jib sheets, look into that, so the cars can move forward and back to trim the jib appropriately. If you can install Barber Haulers to help on reaches, so much the better.

 

[Bob V]

MacGregor 25 drop keel

Hey Harold! Does your manual say anything about how the winch on the drop keel works. I just got back from looking at a friends 25 and am confused by the lack of a release on the drop keel winch. would like to be able to help him out. You can contact me by e-mail or through this site. Thanks. rovan99@nycap.rr.com

 

[Paul]

No release!

That winch should have a brake on it; when you grind in the "out" direction it will let the keel down with a friction brake. It is not the same as a trailor winch.

 

[Harold9244]

Mac 25 keel winch

Hi Bob! Mac boats with iron keels are at least 12 yrs old, and have a winch made by Dutton-Lainson Co., Hashing, Nebraska (Model DLB800). This is NOT like a trailer winch. This winch is called a brakewinch because there is a brake incorporated into it that will prevent the handle from spinning. If the handle is not turned by hand, the keel will not move. You must manually turn the handle to raise or lower the keel, and there is no "lock" to trip to free the winch to move the keel up or down. Some people are putting in trailer winches, but this is dangerous because it is possible for the handle to get away from the operator and spin. Getting hit by the spinning handle can cause serious injury. I know all this because I recently researched the winch and replaced it with an identical winch from Northern Tool (Item # 129682, $42.99). I hope this helps.Harold