I've read quite a lot about filling the lower section of an :macm: daggerboard with lead, but I'm wondering just how much difference it makes to the stability of the boat? Also, would the daggerboard casing need to be strengthened somewhere? As our sailing tends to be mainly river and estuary my goo...

I've got to say a big thanks to all of you who have discussed this issue, especially Judy who makes complicated things so understandable. Like others on here, I am part of the silent majority, reading and learning and have no need to post very often, but there is just so much good, and more to the p...

I had exactly the same problem with my 2009 Etec 60 a couple of years ago, it was fine at lower revs, but as soon as I got it up around 3500 - 4000 it started spluttering and wouldn't go any faster. I had just reversed over my dinghy painter and tangled the prop. so thought it was something do with ...

"Be sure to post if you ever make it to Molokai. I'm still working up the nerves"

Is that why there weren't many boats in the harbor at Molokai, when we were there in November? That crossing was quite 'interesting' even on the ferry.

Paul

That sounds like a lot of fun. We were out in the Islands back in November, visiting from the UK and had a great time, wished we had the Mac with us some of the time, but that crossing from Kauai was pretty bad, even on the regular ferry. We started out sitting on the upper deck in the open air, but...

As it happens I do have to reverse into the parking spot for my boat, maybe if I chock the wheels and then drive forward against the resistance of the chocks it will release the brake shoes? No thoughts on drilling a large hole in the front face of each drum and wheel to use a hose to flush through?...

I've got both an X5 3.0 D auto and a Toyota Invincible HiLux manual with low ratios, both of which I would be more than happy to tow with. The X5 is rated to tow up to 2250kgs, whilst the Toyota says they are good for 2750kgs. In practice the X5 tows better because it is more powerful, but I don't h...

Oh yes, that's what dreams are made for and I think you are absolutely right to think of a Mac to get onto the next step of the ladder. Whilst this forum is populated by some great people, and I really mean that, it may also be useful to make contact with the UK Macgregors Owners Association, just G...

I've been having trouble with the brake shoes not letting go completely due to surface rust inside the drums, salt water etc etc. Is there any way that these can be made to be more resistant to rusting when dipping the trailer in and out of the sea? Failing that, would it do any harm to drill a coup...

Interesting thoughts from Mika, and I'm sure many of us have though along the same lines, but as Catigale say, it is all about the intrinsic nature of the boat. I'm wondering though, how much slower our boats are when reefed to keep them upright, than other 'proper' sailboats who are not reefed? Giv...

Interesting post about the dangers of gibing, and I'm sure most of us have been in the position with a freshening breeze behind us of which we are unaware until the time comes to turn. It's so true that Macs sail like dinghys, and I've found that a similar gibing technique can work well too. When I ...

I have also had problems getting the mainsheet out of the Camcleat in a hurry, especially with someone sat close by, and like Mastreb decided the best way is to lift the whole block up, in my case I found a long and narrow 4" shackle at my local boat store, and this is about right to do the job...

Just to clarify this aft pickup, once you have the pendant line off the buoy on board from the cockpit, do you just walk it to the bow and cleat off in the normal way? If you are mooring in a strong river current, as I do, surely it is quite a struggle to hold the boat whilst walking the line forwar...

Band Aids?

There has been some discussion about boarding, have a search. I have got one of those hook on ladders, but can't actually find anywhere to hook it that is safe. I still find the best way to get on, and an inflatable tender is a must here, is to tie the tender up to one side of the cockpit or the oth...