I have a 1995 Macgregor 26 I’m in need of a mast (28ft) any help? Does anyone know what other sailboat mast I could adapt to my Macgregor. Thanks
Macgregor 26
- Thread starter pungojim
- Start date
If the diameter is the same, you can always cut the foot down with a hacksaw. So look through craigslist for a real junker with a mast at least 28ft. You can usually get a good idea of the mast lenght from the sail dimention values found on sailboatdata.com
thanks if I can find the right dimensions can I just replace all the sail slugs if they don’t match ? I’m pretty sure it’s a 26S
Easy enough to tell. If there are two rudders, it's an X or an M. If it has a single rudder, an S or a D. If single rudder and the centerboard swings up, an S, sometimes referred to as a C for classic. If a daggerboard that pulls straight up, a D.
D owners swear theirs are faster than the S, for whatever that is worth.
shipping would make it ridiculously what would you want for it? It is a 26S, thanks for the responses.
??? Want for what, my mast?
You have run into one of the bigger problems in boat rehab, shipping costs for a larger and irregularly-sized object.
My experience:
I broke the mast on my Hunter 170. Rather than try to source a mast locally, I bought a section of a mast blank (11' long) from Dwyer Aluminum. Shipping was more than the cost of the blank, and I ended up meeting the guy driving the truck in the parking lot of a local shopping center to pick it up.
If the cost of a new blank plus shipping is too much, you will have to dig in and find a local resource. Hopefully Belhaven (NC, correct?) will have enough people with spare masts that you can find for sale on Craigslist. I doubt you will find anyone who will be able or willing to say "Yes, this will work on a MacGregor 26S". You will have to determine this for yourself.
Fortunately, just about any mast you can find - as long as it is the same diameter and wall thickness (and at least 28' long, of course) as the original - will suffice. Once you have satisfied yourself that the mast is in decent condition, it will be up to you to determine where you need to drill holes for stays, shrouds, etc. The only alternative to self-education and the willingness to accept a little risk would be to hand the job to a professional rigger. I'm guessing since shipping is a deal-killer that this alternative is off the table.
Aside from girth, length, and wall thickness, two other variables will come into play - the size of the slug slot and the location of the feed slot. Slug slot size is no big deal, just buy new slugs if you need to. Feed slot location can be altered using a 4-inch grinder and a file. BTW, be careful regarding wall thickness, as it will be a major factor regarding weight, and too much weight could make the boat tippier than it already is.
Bottom line, if you have the tools and the inclination to use them, along with the willingness to self-educate and take a few risks, you will be able to get your boat sailing. If not, and all you want is a boat that is ready to sail, then you will just need to look for a boat that is in sailable condition and get rid of your 26S, which would be tragic because the 26S is one of the most versatile, affordable, and easy to modify an maintain sailboats of its size I know of.
To reduce shipping costs, you can get a roof rack for you car (or truck - perhaps a bit more complicated but easily done) and drive to where the mast you find is located and tie it to your roof rack and drive home. You'll need a red flag on the end behind your car. You'll also need to wrap the sections of the mast that you attached to the racks. The mast for a MacGregor 26 is not very heavy. You may wish to have a friend with you to put it on and off, although I've done those masts by myself - it's a lot easier with two people. Just a thought...
dj
dj
Oh heck, I'm a country boy, that's nothing compared to the things I've put on roof racks... You do have to get used to how far the ends stick out beyond your car though.... I always felt somehow ... Medieval...That would be a sight to see!
It's legal - as long as you put a red flag on it...
dj
Hi
I did price one at Dwyer it more than doubled the price to ship it. If it wasn’t so long I would drive to Rhode Island and pick one up. I’m sure I will eventually find something that will work. I never got my Macgregor in the water before I destroyed the mast (to embarrassing to explain). Yes I’m on the Pungo River close to Belhaven NC the ICW is right in front of me. The depth of the water is only about 2 feet at the end of my pier. The Macgregor will be perfect. I grew up with a Hobie 16 but haven’t sailed in years. If and when I find something within a reasonable distance I will tow the boat there and strap the mast on. I think I’ll be able to rig it myself. Not sure what to look for if the mast is serviceable. Love all the advice and input. Thanks Jim
I did price one at Dwyer it more than doubled the price to ship it. If it wasn’t so long I would drive to Rhode Island and pick one up. I’m sure I will eventually find something that will work. I never got my Macgregor in the water before I destroyed the mast (to embarrassing to explain). Yes I’m on the Pungo River close to Belhaven NC the ICW is right in front of me. The depth of the water is only about 2 feet at the end of my pier. The Macgregor will be perfect. I grew up with a Hobie 16 but haven’t sailed in years. If and when I find something within a reasonable distance I will tow the boat there and strap the mast on. I think I’ll be able to rig it myself. Not sure what to look for if the mast is serviceable. Love all the advice and input. Thanks Jim
that's what I was thinking also. Turn it into a mini vacation. The Macs make good campers
@pungojim
call the following in Oriental, NC as they dealt with sailboat repairs for used masts:
1. Triton’s Yach
2. Sailcraft Services
3. Deaton’s Yachts
they are reputable. Have you checked with US Spars in Gainesville, Florida or an outfit called Rig Rite? There is also a mast manufacturer in Charlotte, NC called Sparcraft formerly Charleston Spar and Kenyon Isomat. I think Rig Rite represents Sparcraft
People follow me and can advise of yards that sell used masts. I am a former sailboat dealer that was located in Zebulon, NC now retired
call the following in Oriental, NC as they dealt with sailboat repairs for used masts:
1. Triton’s Yach
2. Sailcraft Services
3. Deaton’s Yachts
they are reputable. Have you checked with US Spars in Gainesville, Florida or an outfit called Rig Rite? There is also a mast manufacturer in Charlotte, NC called Sparcraft formerly Charleston Spar and Kenyon Isomat. I think Rig Rite represents Sparcraft
People follow me and can advise of yards that sell used masts. I am a former sailboat dealer that was located in Zebulon, NC now retired
Hey, been there done that. Embarrassing yes, uncommon, no.
Critical factors for a replacement mast are girth (i.e. diameter), and wall thickness. Do you have a remnant section of the destroyed mast?
I plan on a Oriental Beaufort Morehead and other places scouting mission next week . It’s kind of sad that I turned my Macgregor into a camper. BTY when I get it on the water or use it as a camper can someone recommend the best mini generator for on the water?
On the other hand, MacGregors make a much better camper than a lot of other boats.