Macgregor 25 masthead

[Royal20602]

I have just purchased a 1983 Macgregor 25 swing keel that is need of some TLC. I have spent the past several days doing a major clean up on the hull and the cabin interior. The boat is sound but is in need of a refit of the running gear. I have been able to find most of what is required on Ebay and other sites.What I have not been able to find is a clear picture of what the masthead should look like. The previous owner has juryrigged the mast head and I think that some of the critical parts are missing, but I don't know just exactly what.Would any one have a good close-up picture or drawing of the masthead and a source of parts to refit the mast head. Your help will get this boat in to it's natural element.

 

[Capn Mike23705]

Rerigging

One or two things to remember about rerigging:NEVER go to a heavier size cable unless you are aware how your boat will handle the extra wieght aloft. NEVER use cable clamps to secure the wire rope when refitting. Use Nicropress Fittings, doubled up at each end and use the proper swedging tool. (And please don't used galvinized wire rope. It will end up making a mess of everthing that it touches and it will rust internally, Be safe and use Stainless Steel). Or use many of the self terminating fittings available today.The masthead comes in many configurations. Mine is two pieces of aluminum angle with the sheaves mounted between the vertical legs while the horizontal legs of the masthead are mounted to the mast top cap. There is a Cross bolt in front for the Fore Stay (This is unusual as most Mac 25s have 3/4 rig for the jib) and just below (about 8") are tangs on each side for the outer shrouds. The inner shrouds connect to a tang where the spreaders join the mast. If I pull down the mast this week end I will post a photo.About that extra wieght aloft, check this out:length for length, a 5/32 inch diameter wire rope will wiegh 56% more than the same type of wire rope in 1/8th inch diameter.Thats 1/32" increase in diameter. And up there in the rigging the wieght does make a difference. Don't want to be topheavy you know. It's a boat not a Barbie Doll.Good Luck,Mike