Need to be taken under a experienced captains wing

[New Sailor]

Hi my name is Bea and I just purchased a Macgregor 24 1970, without a test sail for $700.

Is this a good deal? Can anyone provide a users manual? or any info on rigging this Mac. I don't know anything about the sailboat; I just obtain my sailing license this summer.

Question1:
I read that there is a tank that needs to be filled with water (ballast tank)
Is the ballast tank the silver square container under the dinette table?

Quest 2:
This is an adjustable keel, when drawn in: how far does it still stick out under the boat (currently in a slip, no trailer offered)

Quest 3:
What type of trailer would I need to take it out of the water?

Quest 4:
Is this really a Macgregor or Venture?

Thank-You so much in advance.

[pokerrick1]

Hey Cat - - - should you hook this lady up with Frank C ???????????

Rick

[johnnyonspot]

Hi my name is Bea and I just purchased a Macgregor 24 1970, without a test sail for $700.

Is this a good deal? Can anyone provide a users manual? or any info on rigging this Mac. I don't know anything about the sailboat; I just obtain my sailing license this summer.

Question1:
I read that there is a tank that needs to be filled with water (ballast tank)
Is the ballast tank the silver square container under the dinette table?

Quest 2:
This is an adjustable keel, when drawn in: how far does it still stick out under the boat (currently in a slip, no trailer offered)

Quest 3:
What type of trailer would I need to take it out of the water?

Quest 4:
Is this really a Macgregor or Venture?

Thank-You so much in advance.

IMHO, you got a good deal, depending upon the condition of the boat. Even without a trailer it is a good deal assuming reasonably good condition of the boat.

As far as a manual is concerned, there is probably one somewhere online, but I really don't think you need it. Rigging these boats is very simple; about as basic as it can get. Someone with a little experience, not necessarily with a Mac, should be able to help you get it rigged. If you cannot find a manual for the 24 then look for one for the Mac 25 or another early model Venture/MacGregor, as they are very similar in setting up and rigging.

I do not believe your boat has a ballast tank, but I could be wrong. I do not believe any Macs had water ballast until the late 80s with the advent of the Mac 26 classics. You should have a heavy swing keel only. The keel, if its anything like the one on my Mac 25, probably sticks out from the bottom of the boat anywhere from 1-2 feet at the most, probably closer to 1 foot.

As far as a trailer goes, you need a trailer designed to accommodate a sailboat with a swing keel. Hate to state the obvious but if you look around you should be able to find something serviceable. Talk to your local boat/trailer dealers to see if they can put you onto something.

Your boat is probably a Venture. I forget exactly when they went to "MacGregor" from "Venture" but 1970 is pretty early on in Mac production when they used the Venture name IIRC. Deosn't really matter, though, as all Ventures are Macs.

Congrats on your buy. If you are just getting into sailing I cannot think of a better way to do it than picking up an early Mac on the cheap. IME with my Mac 25, they are very forgiving of mistakes, very nearly impossible to capsize (unless you do something really really stupid, which thankfully I have not done... yet), easy to sail (circles around a Mac powersailer ), and if something does go wrong and the boat is sunk or otherwise destroyed its not a huge deal given the entry cost of buying the boat.

A final word to the wise, as soon as you are able I would closely inspect the keel pivot bolt, keel cable and its connection to keel, and the keel crank, to ensure they are all in good shape and sound working order. Losing a keel would be an absolute nightmare I am sure.

[Bawgy]

I have two Venture 24 right now . No ballast . Typical swing keel draws 5 feet down 18" up . Very forgiving sailboat . Great boat to learn in . Mac 25 manual . There is a venture sailing club out there in California . Good Luck

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

A final word to the wise, as soon as you are able I would closely inspect the keel pivot bolt, keel cable and its connection to keel, and the keel crank, to ensure they are all in good shape and sound working order. Losing a keel would be an absolute nightmare I am sure.

First class advice. I looked at a weighted swing keel once, and found serious issues with several items mentioned by JOS. I found nothing that couldnt be repaired, however. I definately recommend pulling the boat, and a good general overview done, and repairs done as needed. Incidentally, it'll be fun fixing it up, and it will help to gain knowledge about the boat as questions are asked and answered as work progresses. IF any issues are found with the newly purchased boat, there are first class experts in this group. I know, they have helped me with boat questions also.

I also recommend a dependable OB engine. Our prev. boat had an 8 HP, and it moved the boat well.

Happy Sailing !

[eric3a]

..

[Bob McLellan]

The older Macs are actually Ventures. You have a swing keel (on yours I think around 500 pounds). There is no other ballast. No water ballast (unless you are leaking). Speaking of leaking - check the Keel pivot bolt (rubber washers) and the point where the keel cable comes up to the keel winch. If you have been in the water for some time, the keel winch may net work. Try a little silicon spray and work it back and forth. If you can't get it working, you can get a new one at Northern Tool (online). You'll find your manual at Macgregor-Sailor.com. Good luck. I got my Venture 25 just like you did - for $710 w/o trailer. Had lots of cleaning on hull bottom and keel.

[waternwaves]

A general note..........

In a pinch...... after smashing and losing a keel........(dont ask me how I know.......(no... not on my mac)

the boats wooden table, and a can of expanding foam insulation allowed me to sail back home upwind...

[Trouts Dream]

Now I have to add "a can of expanding foam" to my emergency list.

[New Sailor]

THANK YOU - Your like angels helping me to the light !!!


What steps can I take though since my boats in the water?

[Bawgy]

A catalina 22 trailer or similar will handle it . Dropping the keel is not difficult just takes some good planning and safety concerns (dropping it to be precise. It just slides up in the slot with a bolt through it ..

[johnnyonspot]

Losing a keel would be an absolute nightmare I am sure.

Depends. Lost a weighted centerboard once, and made no difference to the boat, except upwind sailing. Boat had ballast in the hull, which I suspect is the case of the 25, but someone would have to confirm.

Still an important thing to check though.
Eric

Nope, no other ballast in the 25, or 24 I assume, other than the swing keel. I can think of scenarios where losing the keel would not be a nightmare, e.g., with sails down, with sails up in light wind, going downwind in light to moderate winds. But if there were something wrong with the keel that would cause it to fall away it would be much more likely, IMHO, for it to happen at the most inopportune time, i.e., when the keel is stressed during heavier winds, i.e., when you need it most. Ergo, if keel is lost you are most likely in a situation where you very much need it and not having it would indeed be a nightmare. I'm sure if it happened to me that I, assuming a capsize, could survive by hanging onto upturned mac, swimming to shore or being picked up by another boater, but definitely do not want to find out for certain.

[eric3a]

..

[bcassel1]

So, Oakland, Vallejo, Martinez, Benicia.....?

Yes, this is most likely a 24 Venture. pretty much any boat trailer with an open center will haul your boat i.e. side bunks only. Single axle will take the weight.

The Venture had about six inches of swing keel hanging out under the hull.

I had a 20' Balboa that was a very similar boat, hand crank winch in the cockpit to raise the swing keel, keep an eye on that puppy and on the connection to the keel. Lifting it up without the winch attached is a bear.

I'd suggest you sail her up the bay and river next summer to the delta where you can swim under her to check things out. Water will be warm enough to get into, but not real clear so you'll need to look quick or hold your breath well.

You should have no "ballast tank" on that boat. The ballast was the swing keel that hung down and the design of the hull putting it down that far.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

What steps can I take though since my boats in the water?

I think picking up a trailer somewhere would be a thinkable solution. You can move the boat to a workable site for the restoration and self survey of the boat condition.
Another idea is to motor to a boat site that will pull the boat for a fee, block it up, and allow you to spend a couple of days working it over.
Another idea is have someone "very experienced" to look it over with opinions of their findings. (they may see issues you may overlook).

Ive seen some new and older boats in real rough condition, used regularly in salt water locally. But, there are risks involved when using equipment that has serious issues.

As mentioned earlier, the experts in this forum will have great ideas of help for you. Have fun restoring your new boat.

Happy Sailing.