This boat has been sitting for 8 years in a barn yard and had a cheap tarp covering it. Well the tarp worked for the first year and let everything in the following 7. The boat has potential, but I had to take out all of the styrofoam because it smelled terrible, not to mention the acorns and nests buried in it. Anyway, I need sails, could someone tell me where to get them and what they might cost? Also, what would this boat be worth with a trailer? The cushions are ok, need good cleaning, there is a movable sink that I took out. No porta potty,, it has a pop top, but the canvas is shot. The mast connects to something on the deck, but it is missing, so anyone, please help, I have no idea what I'm doing, but what to sail badly. I did spend 15 hours scrubbing the inside and outside. Thanks, Jerry
Just picked up a 1981 25 ft Macgregor
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you have a long road ahead
I'm not sure what condition your boat is in from your post. It sure sounds like the interior is trashed from the weather/acorns/nests/etc. How is the exterior? Any cracks? Any rust? Does the deck hardware work OK? When you rub your finger over the hull, does it leave a white chalky deposit on your finger? Since it sounds like the condition is below average (due to being neglected for 7 years) and since you're missing some parts (mast step, sails), I would say the boat is probably worth $2000. However, I need to warn you of how big a job you have ahead of you, depending on your standards and goals. Just to get it operational, you're probably going to be spending $1000 and 6 months of weekends. And that's if you just ignore the interior. Are you a fairly experienced sailor? Have you owned/maintained a sailboat before? If you answered no to both questions, I think you might want to consider finding a boat in ready-to-sail condition instead of the one you have. The learning curve is very steep for a newbie trying to restore an old boat. On the other hand, if you have the gumption to stick with it through the hard work and long hours, then it'll be a very rewarding project. I had no idea how much work and money I'd end up spending on my 1982 Mac 21. I still haven't been able to sail it much after 18 months of owning it. But then again, I want it to sail better than it did when it came out of the factory. If you just want to sail, period, then see the time and money estimate above. Before I bought my boat and started realizing how much work even a "good condition" boat needs, I wondered why people shelled out $20k + for a newer boat this size. Now I know. If I had ponied up the dough, I could have spent 95% of my time sailing. But instead, of all the time I've spent on my boat, more than 95% of it has been spent on maintainance and refurbishing. New sails from a good sailmaker will cost you ~$1200. Cruising Direct is a good source for cost-effective quality sails; http://www.cruisingdirect.com . Used sails can save you 50% or more, but buyer beware. The performance and ease of handling of used sails can be significantly less than 50% of new ones.
I'm not sure what condition your boat is in from your post. It sure sounds like the interior is trashed from the weather/acorns/nests/etc. How is the exterior? Any cracks? Any rust? Does the deck hardware work OK? When you rub your finger over the hull, does it leave a white chalky deposit on your finger? Since it sounds like the condition is below average (due to being neglected for 7 years) and since you're missing some parts (mast step, sails), I would say the boat is probably worth $2000. However, I need to warn you of how big a job you have ahead of you, depending on your standards and goals. Just to get it operational, you're probably going to be spending $1000 and 6 months of weekends. And that's if you just ignore the interior. Are you a fairly experienced sailor? Have you owned/maintained a sailboat before? If you answered no to both questions, I think you might want to consider finding a boat in ready-to-sail condition instead of the one you have. The learning curve is very steep for a newbie trying to restore an old boat. On the other hand, if you have the gumption to stick with it through the hard work and long hours, then it'll be a very rewarding project. I had no idea how much work and money I'd end up spending on my 1982 Mac 21. I still haven't been able to sail it much after 18 months of owning it. But then again, I want it to sail better than it did when it came out of the factory. If you just want to sail, period, then see the time and money estimate above. Before I bought my boat and started realizing how much work even a "good condition" boat needs, I wondered why people shelled out $20k + for a newer boat this size. Now I know. If I had ponied up the dough, I could have spent 95% of my time sailing. But instead, of all the time I've spent on my boat, more than 95% of it has been spent on maintainance and refurbishing. New sails from a good sailmaker will cost you ~$1200. Cruising Direct is a good source for cost-effective quality sails; http://www.cruisingdirect.com . Used sails can save you 50% or more, but buyer beware. The performance and ease of handling of used sails can be significantly less than 50% of new ones.
sails real cheap
I bought a used jib from Minneys surplaus sails for $175.00,,,and very happy with it,I and sailing and redoing a 74 Mac 25 that hasn't been in the water for 14 years,also check with Sail Exchange both are very helpful good luck,and you must check the keel crank,cable,crank and bolt
I bought a used jib from Minneys surplaus sails for $175.00,,,and very happy with it,I and sailing and redoing a 74 Mac 25 that hasn't been in the water for 14 years,also check with Sail Exchange both are very helpful good luck,and you must check the keel crank,cable,crank and bolt
Thanks guys
Yea, it is overwhelming, but I enjoy bringing back to life things that have been neglected. I have restored my 1977 Honda GL 1000, a 76 MG midget. But this is a great site and hopefully I can accomplish this task. Is there a bone yard for Macs around here? Where do I find a mast step for this model. How do I tell exactly what year it is? I think it was repainted. It is mustard yellow down to the water line, blue below water line. White on top with the mustard color on seats and the walking area. Thanks, Jerry
Yea, it is overwhelming, but I enjoy bringing back to life things that have been neglected. I have restored my 1977 Honda GL 1000, a 76 MG midget. But this is a great site and hopefully I can accomplish this task. Is there a bone yard for Macs around here? Where do I find a mast step for this model. How do I tell exactly what year it is? I think it was repainted. It is mustard yellow down to the water line, blue below water line. White on top with the mustard color on seats and the walking area. Thanks, Jerry
You can do it!
Boats can get to looking pretty bad sitting unused, but if its a fresh water boat, it will probably clean up pretty good. If you cant find a mast step, you can build on, its nothing fancy. Find someones M25 to look at and compare. You can find the year model in the hull id number on the exterior of the transom, I think its the last two digits. I have never seen a yellow M25, so it must have been painted, but thats ok. Mine was painted on the deck and inside. I saved up and ordered a new mainsail this year, $700 from FX sails. I still have the old one. I think we all spend lots of time fixing up the old boats. Its part of it. Good luck
Boats can get to looking pretty bad sitting unused, but if its a fresh water boat, it will probably clean up pretty good. If you cant find a mast step, you can build on, its nothing fancy. Find someones M25 to look at and compare. You can find the year model in the hull id number on the exterior of the transom, I think its the last two digits. I have never seen a yellow M25, so it must have been painted, but thats ok. Mine was painted on the deck and inside. I saved up and ordered a new mainsail this year, $700 from FX sails. I still have the old one. I think we all spend lots of time fixing up the old boats. Its part of it. Good luck
Thanks again,
Wow, I enjoy reading all your support! Before I put too much money into the boat, I was thinking of putting new tires on the trailer, and take the boat over to the lake, put it in the water, see if it leaks, check the keel,(it did go up and down the few inches that the trailer would allow) and see how it floats. Is this a good Idea? Where can I find a diagram on how all the wires support the mast? What is the rubber thing sticking out the back ( there is a small hole that goes through the transom under it) What size motor do you recommend to push this boat around when not under sail? Thanks for all your support, Jerry
Wow, I enjoy reading all your support! Before I put too much money into the boat, I was thinking of putting new tires on the trailer, and take the boat over to the lake, put it in the water, see if it leaks, check the keel,(it did go up and down the few inches that the trailer would allow) and see how it floats. Is this a good Idea? Where can I find a diagram on how all the wires support the mast? What is the rubber thing sticking out the back ( there is a small hole that goes through the transom under it) What size motor do you recommend to push this boat around when not under sail? Thanks for all your support, Jerry
Hey Jerry.
If you can work on an MG without getting all red and puffy, fixing up an old MacGregor will be a breeze. I replaced my mast step with a hinged one from BWY. I'd be glad to send you my old one to help your project get started. Let me know at javis#nvinet.com Also, when the boat is on the trailer, it's best to lower the keel so that it is supported by the trailer and not by the boat.
If you can work on an MG without getting all red and puffy, fixing up an old MacGregor will be a breeze. I replaced my mast step with a hinged one from BWY. I'd be glad to send you my old one to help your project get started. Let me know at javis#nvinet.com Also, when the boat is on the trailer, it's best to lower the keel so that it is supported by the trailer and not by the boat.
oops
The name is vwjon not midget. There's one more for the old anxiety closet. Let me know if you need that bracket.
The name is vwjon not midget. There's one more for the old anxiety closet. Let me know if you need that bracket.
Thanks
Yes, that would be great vwjon. I tried your email address and it didn't go through. My email is jmcaneney@infoblvd. net Thanks again, Jerry
Yes, that would be great vwjon. I tried your email address and it didn't go through. My email is jmcaneney@infoblvd. net Thanks again, Jerry
picture
I have some pictures of the boat, I tried to drag it over this but it won't work, how do I post a pic. Jerry
I have some pictures of the boat, I tried to drag it over this but it won't work, how do I post a pic. Jerry
go for it
Quote" I had to take out all of the styrofoam I was thinking of putting new tires on the trailer, and take the boat over to the lake, put it in the water, see if it leaks End quote" Check your bilge pump is working or don't stray far from the trailer. On my Venture 25 the PO had removed the clamp on the potty intake under the fore berth. Just lucky I noticed it. Good luck.
Quote" I had to take out all of the styrofoam I was thinking of putting new tires on the trailer, and take the boat over to the lake, put it in the water, see if it leaks End quote" Check your bilge pump is working or don't stray far from the trailer. On my Venture 25 the PO had removed the clamp on the potty intake under the fore berth. Just lucky I noticed it. Good luck.
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