I am planning on buying a MAC 26X I plan to sail in the some of the winter. Also when one gets wet, how doe's one keep warm and safe? While traveling and while at anchor? New to this! Trying to research prior to making any mistakes.. Thanks.
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Heating a MacGregor
Given that the Mac 26 was not designed to be heated, I think your best bet to get the inside warned up would be to use a camping tent heater akin to a Coleman Catalytic Heater. Even though they are not supposed to put out much in the way of toxic (read potentially lethal) fumes, I wouldn't risk sleeping with one going. You'll have to find a way to fasten it down so that it won't slide around or tip. If you intend to sleep aboard, get yourself a good sub-zero sleeping bag. Inside the boat, you'll, at least, be well shielded from any wind. Getting wet means getting cold in a hurry. The best way to avoid getting wet is to have a good set of hooded foul weather gear, gloves, and boots. The key to success is to not to get wet in the first place. If you do get wet the only place you can warm up will be inside the boat. If you're not safely anchored, then who will be driving? Bear in mind that, at this time of year, you may not be able to get any help if your boat becomes disabled, or worse.
Given that the Mac 26 was not designed to be heated, I think your best bet to get the inside warned up would be to use a camping tent heater akin to a Coleman Catalytic Heater. Even though they are not supposed to put out much in the way of toxic (read potentially lethal) fumes, I wouldn't risk sleeping with one going. You'll have to find a way to fasten it down so that it won't slide around or tip. If you intend to sleep aboard, get yourself a good sub-zero sleeping bag. Inside the boat, you'll, at least, be well shielded from any wind. Getting wet means getting cold in a hurry. The best way to avoid getting wet is to have a good set of hooded foul weather gear, gloves, and boots. The key to success is to not to get wet in the first place. If you do get wet the only place you can warm up will be inside the boat. If you're not safely anchored, then who will be driving? Bear in mind that, at this time of year, you may not be able to get any help if your boat becomes disabled, or worse.
Coleman PowerCat
We use the Coleman Power Cat on our Hunter 260. We leave hatches slightly cracked and never go to sleep with it on - since we do not have a CO detector installed and the heater does not have a low oxygen sensor / cut off. Also, you will probably want to leave a coupel fo hatches cracked anyway... you will have a lot of condesation on the inside of the boat otherwise.
We use the Coleman Power Cat on our Hunter 260. We leave hatches slightly cracked and never go to sleep with it on - since we do not have a CO detector installed and the heater does not have a low oxygen sensor / cut off. Also, you will probably want to leave a coupel fo hatches cracked anyway... you will have a lot of condesation on the inside of the boat otherwise.
But a sailing book
I admire your enthusiasm. I suggest you pull the Mac out of the water, put a sturdy tarp over it, get a good sailing book, curl up in front of a warm fire, and wait for the spring. Your boat was not designed for sailing in freezing conditions. If you do insist on sailing be sure to use a harness and tether. If you fall into frigid water you will be in very serious trouble.
I admire your enthusiasm. I suggest you pull the Mac out of the water, put a sturdy tarp over it, get a good sailing book, curl up in front of a warm fire, and wait for the spring. Your boat was not designed for sailing in freezing conditions. If you do insist on sailing be sure to use a harness and tether. If you fall into frigid water you will be in very serious trouble.
Staying Warm
I agree with the Coleman Cat heater advice - I use the model with the built-in battery powered fan. It works great in my Hunter 260. I've not been out in -14 degree weather though. I also use a heated mattress pad for sleeping in cold weather. You'll be evenly warm on the cold nights. I use an inverter to power it. They typically don't draw much current and are cycling on and off during the night.
I agree with the Coleman Cat heater advice - I use the model with the built-in battery powered fan. It works great in my Hunter 260. I've not been out in -14 degree weather though. I also use a heated mattress pad for sleeping in cold weather. You'll be evenly warm on the cold nights. I use an inverter to power it. They typically don't draw much current and are cycling on and off during the night.
I use the Coleman and it works
I use the Coleman Cat heater on my Catalina 22. It works but not enough to heat the boat nice and cozy. I mounted mine in a 1 inch board just over the sink. Once while climbing forward from the V-berth, I bumped my arm on the heater and have two nice scars to show for it. Watch where you put it! I would look into the new ceramic heaters they put out twice the heat and look like they are easier to mount to the boat. You can find them at Cabelas.com
I use the Coleman Cat heater on my Catalina 22. It works but not enough to heat the boat nice and cozy. I mounted mine in a 1 inch board just over the sink. Once while climbing forward from the V-berth, I bumped my arm on the heater and have two nice scars to show for it. Watch where you put it! I would look into the new ceramic heaters they put out twice the heat and look like they are easier to mount to the boat. You can find them at Cabelas.com
Force 10,
We have had very good service from our propane fired Force 10 heater in our C27. Even in minus temperatures it has kept us at a comfortable level. I use a quilted Sunbrella cover snap fastened to the top of the companionway to hold the heat in, but still allow easy access/egress.
We have had very good service from our propane fired Force 10 heater in our C27. Even in minus temperatures it has kept us at a comfortable level. I use a quilted Sunbrella cover snap fastened to the top of the companionway to hold the heat in, but still allow easy access/egress.
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