MacGregorSailors.com

Having motor problem. Need support getting 26X from slip to launch ramp in Marina Bay yacht harbor, Richmond, CA and getting on trailer.
call, text or email
Lee 510 334 4450
[email protected]

If you are a member of BOATUS, and have signed up for TowboatUS, you can get towed from the slip to the ramp.

The marina does not have a service boat?
Seems one that size should have something to help.

Well, if you are not a member of BOATUS, you can try asking a slip neighbor to give you a tow. Once you’re tied up to the ramp dock, you can pull your Mac onto the trailer with a long line.

If your ballast is full, you may have to back the trailer farther in drink than you’re comfortable with. Once the bow is attached to the trailer, slowly pull out the boat, and stop after a few feet to drain the ballast; repeat a few times until the ballast is empty.

Your supposed to dump your ballast water before putting on the trailer?

Then, you can not go pull the "waste gate" and jump out of the way like it is acid to entertain any bystanders.
Make sure to comment about the next rain washing down the ramp.

Subject line should have read "tow boat, slip to ramp"
I must have not been clear with my post. I am asking for assistance to tow my boat from slip to ramp. I am new to the forum and assumed it was local. I am in the San Francisco Bay Area. Boat in Richmond, Marina Bay Yacht Harbor.
Once I get to ramp I know how to take boat out of water. If someone local has time to help please contact me.

Lee Sheldon
Text 510 334 4450

Dumping ballast before pulling out is preferable, but not an imperative. If the ballast is not dumped first, then as long as the valves and vent are open, water will empty as the boat is pulled out. Just pull out a few feet and stopping.

I am the original owner of my 2005 M. Twenty years ago, taking NiceAft out at the ramp for the first time, I had forgotten to open the stern valve for the ballast. As I was on the ramp, I opened the valve. It looked like a fire hose was opened. An old salt watching said “Son, that boat’s too new to be taking on that much water!”

As I posted, can you ask any slip neighbors to tow you to the ramp? Mac’s do not weigh much. Once there you can get it on the trailer.

P.S. I corrected the subject phrasing.

Do you have a dinghy? Might be able to use it to tow the Mac.

I'm sorry to hear about your engine problems. This is a very helpful and friendly group and I hope we can help you in the future. I checked the user map and there are only a couple of members near SF and none of them are regularly active. I feel your pain but I don't think anyone nearby is going to see your request.

Lee, I wish we had members nearby, but it looks like we don’t.

I will allow this thread to stay up for another week, but then I’m going to delete this thread, only because with your phone and email listed you'll start getting a ton of spam.

Thanks for looking out for me.
Salt water killed my Evenrude, I have purchased a new 60 HP Honda which will give me more time to enjoy my boat. That is why I need to get boat on trailer to install new motor. I am 86 and still love sailing. San Francisco Bay is challenging but at least I can sail all year, no winter down time. Summer winds average 15 knots.

Lee

Wow - what a ringing endorsement of staying healthy and enjoying sailing as long as you can - particularly in an area like the San Francisco Bay. Its a great endorsement of Macs as well .

As for finding someone to help move your boat, I have found boaters to be a very willing and helpful bunch. That said, you do have to ask for help as most of the boaters I have met tend to mind their own business likely because they think you are enjoying minding your own business too. Once asked though, most if not all will go out of their way to help out.

Good luck - at least you aren't facing a coming seasonal closure of your marina/club - you've got time.

Duncan

sailing is one of the key ingredients to a healthy life. besides being 86 and my co-captain wife 84 I had a stroke 7 years ago paralyzing my left side. The mind set of getting back in the Mac was a major ingredient in my recovery. Prior to the stroke I was a runner 30 miles per week. I have regained about 90% of my pre-stroke condition. Stay active, eat well, maintain a social life and hopefully a lifetime companion - you will be able to sail to 80 and beyond.
Going to Marina Saturday hope to find someone to help.

Lee

Hi LelandMorris!

Sorry to hear of your engine issues. Bummer!

BoatUS is affiliated with Gelcoat insurance but you don’t need to get your boat insurance to get tow coverage.
Annual membership in BoatUS is about $190. Far less than the cost of a tow generally.
You can sign up online or over the phone.
Tow coverage is immediate.

I’ve appreciated having the tow coverage on several occasions where when working on our little run about the engine fizzled.
Well worth the coverage just for the towing.
A phone call and they show up as soon as they can.
Polite, considerate, capable and timely… just about anywhere you might find yourself.

BoatUS.com
Ph: 800-283-2883

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,
Over Easy