Mac 22 rigging questions

[newsailor72]

New to me 84 mac 22, got mast up , is the mast supposed to have two more holes for another long bolt to secure itself to the base? See pics

Are shrouds supposed to go on the outside of the lifeline

 

[SteveHughessails]

Nice, exciting. Our Mac25 is the same as yours, only one bolt used. Our shrouds are on the outside of the lifelines.

 

[newsailor72]

If I put another bolt there, any problems or pitfalls with that? Just feels safer that way

 

[JBP-PA]

No, there is no way another bolt there would hold the mast up. If you ever forgot to take it out it would quickly bend the tabernacle. Don't do it.

The holes in the tabernacle are probably for a bail to attach a boom vang.

 

[Joe]

If I put another bolt there, any problems or pitfalls with that? Just feels safer that way

It won't hurt, but it won't really provide any advantage. If the mast starts to sway during lifting or lowering the leverage will simply bend the sides of the tabernacle and could even dislodge it from the deck. Swaying can be a problem if you're alone and don't have someone to hold the mast while it's being winched up or down. To control the swaying you'll want to rig a pair of wire or tubular struts for the sides. I used my beach cat's adjustable trapeze lines for this, so you'll have to come up with something else that is easily installed and removed. Just make sure the outboard anchor points are on the same plane as the pivot point on the tabernacle. FYI, the tubular struts look clunky, so make sure they're easily removed if you go that route. Anyway, there are plenty of YouTube vids on mast raising.... do a little search "mast raising system for a Mac 22" And you'll get some good ideas.

 

[newsailor72]

Is this a normal cut out in the keel or is it from wear and tear, if it's the latter, what's the fix?

 

[JBP-PA]

The notch is normal. I suspect it provides clearance for the cable tube.

 

[newsailor72]

Is the forestay at the correct attach point, the two curvy piece of metal seem very flimsy, or is there supposed to be a D ring on those two holes where the forestay attaches

 

[SteveHughessails]

Looks fine to me. Do you have a mast light? It’s possible those holes are for it.

 

[newsailor72]

Is the mast bottom supposed to rest on the tabernacle, I couldn't get it to go that far, there's a small gap right now. is mast raked too far back

 

[SteveHughessails]

I agree with you; it does look like a good amount of aft rake. I would loosen the backstay tighten the forestay. Then I would check the tension of all the standing rigging. If they all felt nice and tight and the rigging all looked good, make sure the mast is straight no bend side to side, find some water.
Once you’re on the water sailing the vessel you will learn how the rudder feels and if you need to make finer adjustments with mast rake. Check your leeward rigging when on each port tack and starboard tack. If slack is evident, tighten. Shrouds, backstay you shouldn’t need to loosen, the forestay you will. Take a measurement of the length of it, each time you step the mast you will be able to get it close each time.