Finally In The Water

[adudinsk]

Yesterday I just launched my Mac 26M for the first time. Had lots of "mod" to do.
1) Mounting the batteries in port and starboard compartments (under sink, under aft dinette seat.)
built and glassed in trays to hold them level
2) Changed the oil/fuel filter/ all internal and external anodes
3) Changed lower end oil, hand water, so I 100% replaced all seals on the prop (outer was done inner roached out). while I was at it, everything rubber in the water pump, all gaskets etc. Re tapped all holes, rethreaded all bolts. (took 2 weeks to get all parts.. Purolator was running behind!)
4) Rewired 100% the boat, removing all crimp automotive connectors, and replaced with waterproof solder ones.
5) Cleaned up all wiring in aft 1/4 birth,
6) Added one bilge pump (1-2 more coming)
7) Pumped sink into a shower sump... then out the boat. (no "T" joint in the hose out the back of the boat)
Marlon thru hull was installed with valve instead of standard one
9) Installed the quick disconnect motor coupling and build a bracket for it.
10) 2 Coats VC17

Did a lot of work.. waited a lot for some pretty standard parts to arrive.. but dropped it in no issues.. wife did not freak out.

Things left to do.
1) Adjust idle on outboard... runs fantastic.. but want to run a tank of gas/carb cleaner through it as it will stall at idle. BEFORE I mess with idle set screws.
2) Figure out where the heck all the cushions actually go.. driving wife nuts trying to figure it all out ..lol
3) Lube some of the moving things and stuff..

Overall impressions from people at the club/dock/friends helping.
1) A Lot of room in the boat!
2) Motoring was a BLAST
3) Handled very well.. and rode better them some of their motor boats.
4) Many people thought the boat looked nice (but.. many people had some old banged up boats too.. lol)
5) Were very surprised it was the " MacGregor that many people rip on."
6) Mast raising system was brilliant and so easy to use (many in the marina have been dropped a few days ago.. but only 1-2 have masts up)
7) Loved the trailer aspect and that it was so large (for its type of boat)


Questions
1) Do the big pillows, with the strap with the bump on the end.. does the bump tuck UNDER the bottom cushion, or behind the fiberglass wall panels? (Or some other way)


Thanks to everyone for all the help along the way!

Regards
AD

[Sea Shadow]

The "Bump" fits behind the glass liner. Does work very well when you use the cushion but it keeps it in place until you do. Have fun with it.

[adudinsk]

Thanks Much!


AD

[Russ]

I've done some of the same maintenance.

Replaced:
Fuel filter
anodes
water pump
gear oil
greased pivots

Still waiting for an opportunity to dunk her.

I'm curious about your leaks in the lower unit. What motor do you have and how hard of a job was it?

[Todd]

Great progress, a lot of work to get there. Glad to hear you enjoyed your dip in the water.

[adudinsk]

Still lots to do...
Fuel lines/fittings are a bit old.. replacing them all..
Will remove the fuel pump and clean (engine cough once in a while.. maybe debris.. maybe sucking air..etc.)
Want to check the charging system to make sure its putting out what it should (getting a Low Battery Alarm on GPS/Fish Finder.. with motor running.. may be just the GPS setting.. maybe charging issue .. ie: new rectifier)

Overall enjoying all the tinkering.. no complaints.

AD

[beene]

Glad you're on the water

Re fuel lines, the line from the tank to the extension including the hand primer is brand new, Aug 2019

Idle might need adjusting, have ran carb cleaner through each year and after a good long run, still a bit low for my taste.

Line running from extension back to motor is older, not sure how old?

Engine runs a bit rough every spring until tasking it with a good trip around the lake in the spring.

Engines hate sitting unused for 6 mo, lawn mower, snow blower... too many engines to keep track of lol

G

[adudinsk]

Yeah.. the primer is new.. but one of the tank connectors leaks... a tiny bit.. so just decided to redo it all with 5/16" hose.
Minor..
I did adjust the idle..Tached it all out
Used lots of SeaFoam.. (no spray in yet..)
I think the hose to the engine was starting to go.. found some rubber in the fuel filter. Just standard wear/tear... thinking it was sucking a bit of air once in a while.
(ordered a ton of 5/16" line as per Merc Parts Manual)
Will take off the fuel pump (yes.. am having fun) and clean it up.. check for debris from the hose between it and the filter.. (don't really expect any.. but I have to check or it will bother me)

AD

[adudinsk]

THis winter when out of the water, I may pull all the carbs and re jet them.. or at least clean them up.
Ho worries..
Fun project.

I do this every year with the Riding lawn mower/roto tiller/weed wacker/ etc..
I only had it out on the lake for a few hours.. did NOT push it.. ran ok.. a bit of a cough.. (I am thinking again.. the hose at the motor/fuel filter.. cheap fix.. odd 5/16" Merc. hose size though)

[adudinsk]

Fuel lines replaced.. a bit of an improvement..
Think a good carb clean is what is needed..
Will use some spray SeaFoam.. and take it out for a good run soon.

Lastly, battery is not charging.
Checked stator.. 0.6 ohms on all coils.. no shorts to ground... looks good.. starts good..

Ordered a Volt. Rectifier.. That appears to have tested bad.

2 bolts to put on.. but one is in a tough spot. Will have to break out all the low profile sockets.. and goofy offsets..
(finally gonna use them goofy tools..)

Hope to get it this week.. and give it a good run in... after the winter storage.
Might pull out and open up the fuel pump... but .. I am leaning to the carbs being out of adj.. or a bit dirty. Has a minor cough.


Don't want to pull 4 carbs in the water this season.. over winter.. prob.

AD