New (old) boat - Lake Michigan, here we come!

[dlandersson]

And the MS Soggy Paws is changing owners. Kids have mastered "aye aye captain" and "yo-ho-ho". Engine and trailer have been serviced and passed inspection.

Since it is a used boat (which means it needs work before the season) any suggestions/input is appreciated. I know there is much I do not know (like Rumsfeld).

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welc ... bOWrhyyYUU

[Doug W]

Congrats!!

...Doug

[Divecoz]

I did a quick scan through your photos..
#1. I will assume the "Goop" on the chain plate means a leak, and so should you .. R&R and Re-bed with 3m 4200.
#2. It appears to me , your going to get pretty good at the use and application of Marine Tex Products http://www.marinetex.com/
No Real Major Issues but several that do need .... to be addressed. Read the instructions well.... Listen thoroughly... Do it right, No Short Cuts..Your having to fix someone else's , short cuts now. Don't cause more .. that have to be repaired again later..DONT be a ....... Do it twice for double the price kind of guy
IMHO Its a waste of time explaining the proper use and application of Marine Tex! Its done better and more accurately on numerous sites .. Their Site and West Marine Site (IIRC)
Electrical.. Always scary, as every yahoo in the world , thinks because he once hooked up a light switch and it worked and then hooked up an outlet and No One Died ....he's a bonifide Electrician.. First hint may well be , just the physical appearance.. sloppy shoddy work is a telltale..
#3. Solar collector? IMHO not a great location for that, but thats just my opinion. Its in the way in the cockpit.. Its a possible injury hazard.. etc etc etc
I will assume the last / wheel... shot was rust? Check the trailer for sure for rust and brake pads disc. bearings grease .. IMHO get a set of bearing buddies.
Are you going to slip it ? If so thats the time to address the trailer ...UNLESS there are right now, road worthy issues.. BUT DON'T putz around all summer and then do a slip shod, loosey goosey, job ON the trailer because YOU waited till the day before you need to retrieve the boat to work on the trailer..
There are no less than a ZILLION Schematics and Pictures on this board on how people have done things...If it looks like the poster is a hack?? Move on to the next posters pictures.. For doing hull repairs.. Get some Blue Nitrite gloves .. I have a jitterbug.. its an Air operated orbital palm sander.. I can not only get it wet without electrocution issues ......I can immerse it in the bucket of water to get the best finish I am capable of ..
You may have to color ( tint) the finale coat to match ....do a small area first keep in mind you want to replicate the proportions later , once you discern what it takes to match "The White".. I can only hope this post is helpful..
YT
Richard

[dlandersson]

So bubble gum and scotch tape are not repair options?

[Theo]

Looks sweet! There is not really alot to be done there.

Bubble gum and Baling Wire are outdated. They reformulated the Bubble Gum and It won't work any more and have you ever tried finding baling wire. The modern equivalent is Duct Tape and Zip Ties. If that won't fix its toast!

Enjoy your new toy!

Theo

[dlandersson]

Can anyone in the NW Indiana/Chicago metro region recommend any businesses that repair fiberglass, R&R and Re-bed with 3m 4200, bottom paint, etc. for boats? I don't have a spot at the house to do this. One with Macgregor experience would be optimum.

[gedaggett]

Can anyone in the NW Indiana/Chicago metro region recommend any businesses that repair fiberglass, R&R and Re-bed with 3m 4200, bottom paint, etc. for boats? I don't have a spot at the house to do this. One with Macgregor experience would be optimum.

Couple things. First if you find the right fiberglass people it won't matter if they have MacGregor experience,If they know what they are doing you will be fine. You could always have one of the yards do it but they are usually the more expensive route. I know Crowley's Yacht Yard on 95th can do it but they will cost you. You might check Michigan City Port authority and ask them if they have any contacts of people who do it.

Secondly where are you going to sail out of? I am going to be keeping my boat (73 venture 222) on the trailer mast up in Michigan City Indiana. I live in Homewood/Flossmoor so it sounds like I am in your neck of the woods.

[dlandersson]

I've looked at Michigan City
Portage = $1500
East Chicago = $1800
Hammond = $2000

I'm leaning towards East Chicago - I live in Hammond. Off-season, Anderson's Auto Parts (less than a mile from EC) will store the boat for $35 a month - which seems pretty reasonable. I liked Mich City but there's often a traffic tie-up heading east on the interstate to Mich City.

Couple things. First if you find the right fiberglass people it won't matter if they have MacGregor experience,If they know what they are doing you will be fine. You could always have one of the yards do it but they are usually the more expensive route. I know Crowley's Yacht Yard on 95th can do it but they will cost you. You might check Michigan City Port authority and ask them if they have any contacts of people who do it.

Secondly where are you going to sail out of? I am going to be keeping my boat (73 venture 222) on the trailer mast up in Michigan City Indiana. I live in Homewood/Flossmoor so it sounds like I am in your neck of the woods.

[Sugar Bear]

Very nice looking boat. It looks to me like you all ready have several good modifications. I would suggest that you look at past posting before you make any repair or mod., There Is a lot of very good information here.

I might suggest that if you are going to trailer your boat a lot then you might want to add some PVC guides running from the Vees on the front of the trailer to the rear goal posts. This will make loading the boat easer in a cross wind.

I am a newbe myself and I am still learning.

[dlandersson]

Bolshoi spasiba Misha Bear,

Good idea re: trailering - my thinking is to rent a slip for the season - leaning towards the "world famous" Patrick marina in East Chicago.

Very nice looking boat. It looks to me like you all ready have several good modifications. I would suggest that you look at past posting before you make any repair or mod., There Is a lot of very good information here.

I might suggest that if you are going to trailer your boat a lot then you might want to add some PVC guides running from the Vees on the front of the trailer to the rear goal posts. This will make loading the boat easer in a cross wind.

I am a newbe myself and I am still learning.

[Divecoz]

Do You Mean Pastrick Marina? Hummmm I thought they were full and had a waiting list???

[dlandersson]

Nothing about a waiting list was mentioned when I went by. OTOH, I did not ask - it would never occur to me that a Macgregor 26X would not automatically advance to the head of the line.

Guess I need to have a Plan B and Plan C.

Do You Mean Pastrick Marina? Hummmm I thought they were full and had a waiting list???

[GregR]

Not to hijack the post, but I just bought a 1996 Hunter 280, instead of the Mac 26. After a year of research, trying on different boats, sailing with a great Mac 26X owner out of South Haven, MI (thanks Wally), I decided I wanted to keep a boat in a slip where I could jump on and go without a lot of time spent rigging a boat, and I did not quit feel comfortable with the seaworthiness of the Mac on the Great Lakes. I know others who do, but not me.

In answer to the question about Pastrick Marina, I just today got the list of open slips from Nick. Several available it looks like. I suspect they will stick a Mac in a 30' slip for $2058 for the season. Not sure if there are any openings on the star docks.

Don't you all run over there just yet. I have to get my deposit in first so I have a place to keep my new (old) boat:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Hu ... ted-States

I looked at a lot of boats before buying this one, mostly 30-34 footers. But I felt this one was a good compromise between a solid seaworthy vessel and a boat small enough to single hand.

Greg

[gedaggett]

I've looked at Michigan City
Portage = $1500
East Chicago = $1800
Hammond = $2000

I'm leaning towards East Chicago - I live in Hammond. Off-season, Anderson's Auto Parts (less than a mile from EC) will store the boat for $35 a month - which seems pretty reasonable. I liked Mich City but there's often a traffic tie-up heading east on the interstate to Mich City.

On the trailer storage at Michigan city is right around $500.00 for the season. You have to go up the creek about a mile but for me it is the way to go. I looked into Hammond also. I used to sail my 12ft butterfly scow off Wihalah beach.

[Divecoz]

Greg we're all happy for you .. to each his own ..BTW a lot of Macgregors are sailing the Great Lakes.. I have been for 4 seasons.. You might want to check out the Mad Men of Ontario videos too.... and ...I might suggest : you come back and tell us all about it, after a full season of owning sailing and storage..