Trailering the mast - Mac 25

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Bryan Oesterreich

I've just purchased a Mac 25 (1984) and need to trailer the boat home. The owner doesn't have the original stern rack to hold the mast. If anyone has a picture of their system, I'll guarantee a shrimp dinner at Snookies here in Washington on your next visit! Regards, Bryan Oesterreich
 
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Bob Miller

A simple support

I have a stainless tube support on my 25 but I have seen some boats with a simple wooden "X" made from some 2x4 and a bolt for a hinge. You just make it so the bottom is as wide as the cockpit floor and the mast sits on the top of the x. Tie everything down and you should be ok.
 
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Bryan Oesterreich

Thanks, Bob

Thanks, Bob. I appreciate the reply. After thinking it over, I decided to use some 2x4s and 2x6s in the cockpit to form a brace. Bryan
 
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Phil Benge

Quick and Simple

I had to trailer my 82 Mac 25 about 300 miles when I bought it. The owner didn't trailer the boat and had lost any mast supports that would have come with the boat. I wrapped rags around the stern and bow pulpits and lashed the mast down tight. A dock fender under the mast on top of the sliding hatch tied tight to the mast completed my support system. It wasn't elegant, but it got me home. Since then I have built bow and stern pulpit racks with a 4X4 support post that bolts on the mast step. My pulpit racks attach to the rails using quick rail clamps from West Marine.
 
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Doug Rodrigues

Exactly the same as Phil

That's the way I do it. I use a sponge under the mast at each end. I attach one end to the bow pulpit rail, and the other end to the stern rail with a couple of bungee cords. In between, I use a dock fender on top of the pop-top. That dock fender is also used as a pivot point for the mast. Instead of having someone lift the mast up, with the dock fender positioned near the cabin top edge, I push the mast base down and slip the bolt through. Works for me! P.S. I forgot to mention: My boat came with a single pole with a roller in which the mast sat. That pole could be inserted into a fixture attached to the rear of the cockpit. I don't know if that is the original stand, but if it is, it sorely lacks technical design. Because of the length of the pole, and the weight on which it holds, the pole's fixture isn't strong enough to not fall over and elongate the screw holes. That's what happened to my support. Eventually, I'll use a larger piece of aluminum plate to strengthen the pole support. In the mean time, I'll just go with attaching the mast to the rails.
 
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Bryan Oesterreich

Many Thanks, Doug!

I appreciate the advice, Doug. My Mac also has the ill-designed two brackets in the cockpit to hold a support for the mast. The fender on the cabin roof sounds great. Give my best to Tahoe! Bryan
 
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Bryan Oesterreich

Go, Walla Walla!

Hi Phil - (Walla Walla?! - Super!) Thanks to you, too. The 4x4 mast bracket sounds like a long-term solution. These Mac owners have impressed me with their time and wisdom. Appreciation from the Right Coast! Bryan
 
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