Search found 674 matches

by 1st Sail
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Performance & Tuning
Topic: When is heel angle too much?
Replies: 18
Views: 666

Re: When is heel angle too much?

I can only speak in terms of my M. I have on occasion healed beyond 30°. However I find there is no real speed benefit to sail at that angle of heel. The boat sails faster with less sail between 5-20° and tracks significantly better.
by 1st Sail
Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:03 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Opinions on Tohatsu Motors
Replies: 6
Views: 343

Re: Opinions on Tohatsu Motors

I second the local service comments. There appears to be very few issues with all the leading outboards in today's marketplace. I would repower with an engine that can be serviced locally. Having multiple dealers in your area for a specific brand would provide alternatives with respect to service i ...
by 1st Sail
Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: BWY Steering Quick Disconnect
Replies: 8
Views: 481

Re: BWY Steering Quick Disconnect

I have the same exact boat. 26M Etec 50 and had exactly the same issue. I could turn rudders full lock to port but could not turn rudders full lock to starboard. The disconnect end would contact the motor well wall before reaching full over lock position of the rudders when turning to starboard. I c...
by 1st Sail
Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Performance & Tuning
Topic: Increase your speed?
Replies: 9
Views: 3134

Re: Increase your speed?

I can speak from experience after upgrading my M to the BWY flat top main and performance jib. It was a total game changer. Significant improvement in speed, less heel on all points of sail, accelerates in the puffs instead of more heel and no significant increase in speed. Points significantly high...
by 1st Sail
Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:15 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Custom sail vs standard
Replies: 11
Views: 689

Re: Custom sail vs standard

I went with the BWY Flat top main and performance jib. From that day forward the 26M is a totally different boat. Sails faster on all points. Less heel vs. wind speed. Accelerates in the puffs rather than heel. Totally worth the $ spent.
by 1st Sail
Sat Apr 22, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: MacGregor/Venture Discussion
Topic: turnbuckles
Replies: 9
Views: 3103

Re: turnbuckles

Is there any reason you could not double nut the turn buckle? Tighten the first nut to lock the turn buckle on each end the turn a second nut against the first nut to lock the first nut and turnbuckle overall. I did that with my steering tie bar on my M years ago after the lock nut walked off the ti...
by 1st Sail
Fri Apr 21, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sloppy Steering (video)
Replies: 30
Views: 7747

Re: Sloppy Steering (video)

I went down that rabbit hole a few years back. I bought a Uflex Rotex unit thinking that would be a no brainer as the rack and pinion play was excessive. Pulled out the R&P only to find the Uflex does not have the proper clearance at the bottom of the gear head for the cable to exit /turn and fe...
by 1st Sail
Fri Jan 27, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Engine Cover Repair/Replacement
Replies: 4
Views: 963

Re: Engine Cover Repair/Replacement

Long sad story: I just went down the rabbit hole last spring. Several years back when I had my Etec 50 in for the 3yr service the tech failed to hand fit up the lower unit shrouds properly. If you carefully hand fit the shrouds they will face up perfectly. Instead of aligning them by hand and just c...
by 1st Sail
Tue Sep 20, 2022 6:36 am
Forum: Trailers & Towing
Topic: Electric Vehicles and towing
Replies: 33
Views: 12124

Re: Electric Vehicles and towing

I watched a truck channel post on FB a few weeks ago. They drove a Ford 150 EV pulling a 6k lb travel trailer from Denver to Colorado Springs. 100 miles was the limit between charges. With a Mac I presume you would get a little more distance. In any case at some point we will have batteries that hav...
by 1st Sail
Tue Sep 20, 2022 6:02 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Installing Stern Rail Seats for 26M
Replies: 12
Views: 3719

Re: Installing Stern Rail Seats for 26M

Once you have the seat in hands the rest is somewhat obvious as you will align the seat rail to the rear stanchion. From that point it is a matter of leveling the seat and marking the location of the lower inside mounting plate of the seat. Note: you may have to bend the stanchion in order to level ...
by 1st Sail
Fri Sep 16, 2022 7:51 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Slack in Helm Linkage 26m is this normal?
Replies: 15
Views: 2333

Re: Slack in Helm Linkage 26m is this normal?

I have the same issue on my '06 M. Approx 3-4in of free wheel before the rack an pinion engage in the turning direction. Several years ago I went thru the entire linkage. There was a fraction of slack in the tie bar to rudder arms and no slack in the steering cable to tie bar. I pulled the wheel and...
by 1st Sail
Wed Aug 10, 2022 9:04 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Portable AC for the Mac?
Replies: 4
Views: 1339

Re: Portable AC for the Mac?

Uses dual hose for intake and exhaust for the heat exchanger. Very effecient. Not like the inefficient single hose AC's.
by 1st Sail
Sat Jun 25, 2022 9:38 pm
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Replacing pooched dual charger
Replies: 20
Views: 1587

Re: Replacing pooched dual charger

I bought the Pro Mariner from BWY. This is a very sophisticated charger. Supports dual batteries lead acid and AGM. Has a deep cycling algorithm which conditions the batteries during long idol periods of no use.
by 1st Sail
Sat Jun 25, 2022 9:25 pm
Forum: Performance & Tuning
Topic: Lake Mead record low water level
Replies: 67
Views: 10089

Re: Lake Mead record low water level

To the people in the parched south west be careful what you wish for. You of course could have some of the water no longer needed by the residents of IL. As the state has experienced negative population growth for years. Last month Caterpillar just announced they are moving their world head quarters...
by 1st Sail
Sat Jun 25, 2022 7:42 pm
Forum: Trailers & Towing
Topic: Trailer Brakes
Replies: 6
Views: 2096

Re: Trailer Brakes

I just replaced the brakes on my '06 oem trailer. The biggest issue whether drum or disk is the lack of use. Long periods of sitting with no travel to exercise the brake cylinders leads to oxidation of the cylinder walls and pistons. Mine would break but not release which overheated the rotors from ...