I have a 1988 MacGregor 26D with a worn out engine that has an extra long shaft, maybe 25". The factory says a 20" shaft is sufficient. Any other opinions? Also will a new 5 or 6 hp 4 stroke push this boat. We sail on lakes and stay out of white cap weather. Your comments will be appreciated. Ron
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where do you sail?
I'd get the longest shaft you can find. regardless. 6 hp would be a minimum, but should work on small lakes. But most get 8-10 hp. I don't think you will be happy with the 20" shaft. the motor will cavitate in a short chop, so if you always stay on calm waters you can use less. YMMV.
I'd get the longest shaft you can find. regardless. 6 hp would be a minimum, but should work on small lakes. But most get 8-10 hp. I don't think you will be happy with the 20" shaft. the motor will cavitate in a short chop, so if you always stay on calm waters you can use less. YMMV.
Long shaft (20") works great!
Most Mac Classics have a 20" long shaft. 25" extra long shaft may keep your prop in the water in bigger waves, but I question if the extra weight would be worth it. In waves that big, I generally want to be sailing to reduce the motion anyway.
Most Mac Classics have a 20" long shaft. 25" extra long shaft may keep your prop in the water in bigger waves, but I question if the extra weight would be worth it. In waves that big, I generally want to be sailing to reduce the motion anyway.
my 25 motor experiences
I have a 9.9 hp Honda outboard with a 25" shaft on my 26S. The motor is bolted through the transom. It easily clears the water when tilted all the way up. It turns almost full lock to lock for close quarters boat handling. I still have to rig some kind of connection between the motor and the tiller so they both turn together. I trailer with the motor tilted all the way up, almost horizontal. I tie a web strap from the motor skeg to the stern rail so that, the motor can not fall down on big bump, there is no pressure on the motor tilt mechanism, all force on the boat transom is straight down (compression). I added a piece of plywood inside the transom to reinforce the motor well area. I also injected West epoxy into the transom motor well area. Bob
I have a 9.9 hp Honda outboard with a 25" shaft on my 26S. The motor is bolted through the transom. It easily clears the water when tilted all the way up. It turns almost full lock to lock for close quarters boat handling. I still have to rig some kind of connection between the motor and the tiller so they both turn together. I trailer with the motor tilted all the way up, almost horizontal. I tie a web strap from the motor skeg to the stern rail so that, the motor can not fall down on big bump, there is no pressure on the motor tilt mechanism, all force on the boat transom is straight down (compression). I added a piece of plywood inside the transom to reinforce the motor well area. I also injected West epoxy into the transom motor well area. Bob
The longer the better
It depends on where you sail. If you are ever in the ocean, get the longest shaft possible. Sometimes the newer 4-stroke engines can blow up when at full throttle out of the water, or so says my mechanic. I got the Tohatsu (Nissan) 9.9, ELS, Electric Start, Hi-cap charging system and think it is perfect for the pre-1995 26's.
It depends on where you sail. If you are ever in the ocean, get the longest shaft possible. Sometimes the newer 4-stroke engines can blow up when at full throttle out of the water, or so says my mechanic. I got the Tohatsu (Nissan) 9.9, ELS, Electric Start, Hi-cap charging system and think it is perfect for the pre-1995 26's.
Doug
I have 25" Yamaha 9.9 on my 94Mac 26s classic and it clears the water tilted up. So no motor drag when sailing. I also keep my motor on when trailed,no problem... I agree, the longer the better, especially if you have plans or get cought in rough seas. Its nice to know you could drop the sails and motor when it gets too windy or gets to uncomfortable to beat upwind in choppy weather.
I have 25" Yamaha 9.9 on my 94Mac 26s classic and it clears the water tilted up. So no motor drag when sailing. I also keep my motor on when trailed,no problem... I agree, the longer the better, especially if you have plans or get cought in rough seas. Its nice to know you could drop the sails and motor when it gets too windy or gets to uncomfortable to beat upwind in choppy weather.
OK, well...
As I said previously, my 20" works fine. But one of these days I hope to get a new motor. If the 25" fits, I guess the extra length when in swells would be good! When the time comes I'll look at buying a 25". I'm still wondering what a Tohatsu costs, probably a lot less than a Honda.
As I said previously, my 20" works fine. But one of these days I hope to get a new motor. If the 25" fits, I guess the extra length when in swells would be good! When the time comes I'll look at buying a 25". I'm still wondering what a Tohatsu costs, probably a lot less than a Honda.
To Doug
Doug, mine is a 25" shaft, extra long shaft, the longest they make. I happen to have a brand new, never used one. Sold my boat and upgraded to a 26x before I could try it out. New, they run about $2,000.
Doug, mine is a 25" shaft, extra long shaft, the longest they make. I happen to have a brand new, never used one. Sold my boat and upgraded to a 26x before I could try it out. New, they run about $2,000.
I am a brand new owner of a 1988 26D and have been told not to trailer the motor but you guys do. I like it. Do you have any special reinforcing on the transom?
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