MacGregor 25 Transom Access?

[ChockFullOnuts222]

I just pulled out my new-to-me 1983 M25 today, and took inventory of the work she needs before launching for the season. Among the items that need attention are bent rudder pintles and a rickety motor mount. I have a replacement motor mount, and can straighten out the pintles; but I can't figure out how to get to the hardware. The hull liner blocks off access to the inside of the transom. I really don't want to separate the topside from the hull to get to the hardware. Do you guys have any ideas for how to get at the inside of the transom?

 

[caguy]

Go in through the starboard laz. Remove stryrofoam. At 215# it was tough getting in and nearly impossible getting out.

 

[ChockFullOnuts222]

Thanks for the reply. Is the starboard Laz that little fake-wood panel on the starboard side (below the cockpit seat hatch)? (I think it's held in with 3 SS Phillips screws) Looks like I'm in for an experience with this one, then.

 

[vwjon Mac25]

Here's mine

I installed this coaming box when I added a swim ladder. This also gave me access to the motor mount, cleats and stern rail.

 

[Timo42]

Crawling in from the cabin is fun, don't do it on a hot day, or the firemen will give you all the access you need. Small children can be bribed. I put speakers in the rear above the seats for limited access. When you pull the foam blocks out, wrap them with thick clear plastic sheet and duct tape, keeps the boat much cleaner.

 

[Duderboy]

4 years ago I went in for many of the same reasons. I'm 165#'s and 5'11''. It was tight but once I squeezed under the middle cockpit from starboard to port, there was room to work. I replaced the outboard and rudder back supports. make sure someone knows you're in there and have a fan curculate the air! God's speed... I was happy to be out of there.

 

[ChockFullOnuts222]

Thanks for the great input, guys!

That coaming box looks like a really good idea. I believe you guys when you say that you've been back in there before; but man, it sure doesn't look like there's room enough to maneuver once you're in there.

While I'm at it with the other work, I was thinking about running a fuel line through that area at the same time. I don't want to keep the fuel tank out on deck, and was thinking about putting it down in the starboard lazarette (cockpit hatch). That's going to be a long fuel hose, though. Do you think an outboard will be able to maintain fuel pressure with that kind of length? Has anyone else done that?

 

[timebandit]

That is what my po did, as far as the fuel tank goes, you might consider a fuel pump.

 

[Duderboy]

I considered putting a fuel tank below as well and running a longer line. After talking with a mate that owns an outboard marine repair shop, he convinced me that gravity was the primary issue. Keeping the fuel tank well above the outboard. The more I measured the distance and height if I put it below, the more it convinced me to keep the tank above. Would be interested to here from any that has put the tank below.
There is a forum thread not far back that had some nice ideas to secure an external tank and several pictures.

 

[Sumner]

..... Would be interested to here from any that has put the tank below....

I had concerns about fuel pickup when I put an inboard tank in our S. I talked to someone, can't remember who, and they said it would work and it has with no problems in our case.

Above you can see how far down the tank is in the Laz, as far as I could get it. So far on this trip and the last the most I've put in it at one time was 11 gallons to fill it, so it has always been over 1/3 filled since it is a 19 gallon tank.

I primed it with the bulb once at home when I installed it and have never had to do it since. Outboard fires instantly always.

You might put the outboard in a barrel and using a small tank mock up the location height/distance wise and try it.

We love the inboard tank for the type of cruising we are doing. No more tank in the cockpit or bunches of different gas containers.

There is more on the install here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-35.html

.... and here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-36.html

Good luck,

Sum

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