Lowering the Mast and MacGregor on the sea

[Dan Moore]

I am looking to buy a MacGregor 26D or 26S and would like to know how low the mast raising/lowering system can get the mast. I will be keeping mine in the water and will have to go through a culvert which is roughly 7-8' between the waterline and culvert ceiling so I need to get the mast down pretty low to clear. How easy is it to use the mast system on the MacGregor?Has anyone used their 26D or 26S on the open seas? Once I've gotten used to it on the lake, I would like to take it out in the ocean and would like some input from anyone who has done so as to how well they hold up in the larger wake.Also, is there any difference between the 26D and 26S except the release date from MacGregor?Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

 

[Mike]

Mast

I think what you are asking is temporarily lowering the mast not taking it down for storage? If this is what you mean the mast will be attached at the bottom and levered back across the aft of your boat while you go under the culvert. The angle of the mast will be pretty shallow, the deciding factor will be where the mast is resting near the back of the boat, consider the railing height. Taking a wild ass guess I am pretty confident that you will be able to go under an 8 foot culvert with the mast down.As far as the ocean part of your question, I guess that depends on what you mean by ocean, and how big your balls are. A bay? 50 miles out? This is a great boat but just keep in mind the stresses and factors that can increase geometrically on the boat in weather at sea.

 

[Kevin Barry]

Mast lowering

Hey, Keep in mind that you have to release the forestay to lower the mast. This means going to the foredeck when approaching the bridge to release the stay, and then returning afterwards to reattach. Also, what do you do with the stay (or furler) once you release it. With the roller furling, I know I would have to lash it to the mast to keep it from falling overboard. Just a few thoughts to consider.

 

[Bob Maddocks]

Lowering the Mast/MacGregor on the Sea

I think when the mast is lowered to the maximum lowest position, it would clear the height you have mentioned. But not by much.I have a 26D and was strongly advised by my surveyor that a MacGregor simply is not designed for the conditions that may arise from open water. He stated the boat is constructed in a light manner to facilitate easy towing and handling in and out of the water. In doing so, some of the strength that may be expected in other boats of a similiar size is not present.As to the difference between a 26D and 26S, the "D" stands for a daggerboard keel which is put in the water from midship in a vertical manner for about 4 feet. The "S" stands for a swing-keel. Neither type of keel is "weighted" since both models have a water ballast tank. You will find that earlier versions of MacGregor eg. 25 feet and less actually have a very heavy weighted swing keel.

 

[archie]

is the mac seaworthy?

have you contacted the mac builders ?i am also a new mac owner and was impressed with the performance of the craft in the video which they supply. would they build a boat that would not stand up to the extremes of the pacific? i believe he ( the builder ) mentioned 30 knot winds i was recently talking to another owner of a 26d mac and he related a story where he was driven on the rocks by winds and was sure his craft had sustained some punctures in the hull. much to his amazement there were only some scouring. only damage was later discovered to be on the keel.light as it may be , i believe the mac to be constructed on the safe side rather then the weak side. the company has too much to lose, . it must be overstructured.