New Mac 26M

[ChuckieTodd]

So I've found myself about to go inspect what is likely to soon be my brand new MacGregor 26M. I've been looking at brochures since the X was still in production and I'm finally ready to make this a reality. Any advice as to what I should pay particular attention? The only option that I'm interested in that Jim from The Sailboat Centre doesn't include is the cruising spinnaker. Any advice there? I'm planning on the Mercury 60 BigFoot with the SmartCraft MercMonitor. Any advice would be most appreciated!

[Hardcrab]

I'm chime in with a heads up about the trailer.

The drawbar is not coated on the inside with anything at all.
Just raw steel.
Not good at all, and even less good if saltwater is in your future.

If you are handy at all, do yourself a long term favor and coat/paint the inside of the 3" square tube with a rust preventative, such as POR 15, before the rot gets to far.

Small paint rollers on long handles can be modified to do the job without to much hassle.

The long term payback will be worth any effort you spend up front, IMHO.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

What Hardcrab said -- an important tip !

I've seen trailer tongue failure due to this interior rust. Its also a good idea to position the trailer so that no mosture is NOT allowed to "puddle" inside this tube...trailer tongue elevation during storage allows the moisture to drain (if the trailer is stored outside).

happy sailing !

[ChuckieTodd]

Excellent info. Eastwood makes a product for just this type work. http://www.eastwood.com/internal-frame- ... ozzle.html

[ChuckieTodd]

So I'm back from inspecting the boat. Just exactly what I expected.There is hardly anything that smells as nice as new 'glass. My only real concern is what appears to be "print through" on the hull. The roving pattern is somewhat apparent through the blue gelcoat. Is this common on the blue hulled boat?

[Terry]

My only real concern is what appears to be "print through" on the hull. The roving pattern is somewhat apparent through the blue gelcoat. Is this common on the blue hulled boat?

Not on mine, which is blue, but I do have some swirls in the gelcoat I never could buff out. If you can see the roving pattern then I suspect the gelcoat to be very thin in this area, one small chip and you are into the fiberglass. If you are looking at brand new from a dealer wait until the next boat arrives and inspect that one. My bad, what is with their quality control standards. My boat arrived new with blemishes too but they were ones I could live with, I think they all have a blemish somewhere, just a matter of what is acceptable and what is not.

[captsharon]

I have had mine for about 2 months. I trailered it brand new from Atlanta to Alabama. The dealer told me not to worry if some fiberglass dust came out during the trip. There was quite a lot of fiberglass in the cabin and on the cushions. No big deal, I just wish that I had removed the cushions for the first few trips or covered them with something because my kids still get itchy from the fiberglass after being in the cabin. Also beware on your first lauch of the guideposts on the trailer. When my boat slid off the trailer it popped the black rubber cap off and scratched the gelcoat on the bow about 18 inches. I am more careful while launching. I also got a small bottle of blue gelcoat from the dealer that keeps for a few weeks in the fridge. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine. I did get a spinnaker however we have had too much wind on the lake to try it yet.
Good Luck,
Captain Sharon

[ChuckieTodd]

My only real concern is what appears to be "print through" on the hull. The roving pattern is somewhat apparent through the blue gelcoat. Is this common on the blue hulled boat?

I've decided against the blue hull. The "Admiral" prefers the white anyway. Fortunately Jim with The Sailboat Centre has a white one ready to go as well.

[Catigale]

Mercury 60 or mercury 75 ?.

[ChuckieTodd]

Mercury 60 BigFoot.

[magnetic]

I would recommend setting up a "Snag" List and a Wish List for Mods, in order to ensure a methodical approach to maintaining/enahncing the boat in accordance with your particular priorities and requirements

From the perspective of a singlehanded Coastal sailor, with the boat kept on a mooring, I would suggest

1. Internal electrics; additional battery capacity, possibly a new switch/breaker panel, "toys" such as Chartplotter/Sounder/Radio and, if you're serious, some form of generator to support a coolbox or fridge (and in my case aircon)

2. Running rigging; lines back to the cockpit, maybe some clutches, better camcleat/blocks for the genoa sheets, maybe a topping lift and/or a Spinnaker halyard block. Lazyjacks and a stackpack mainsail cover.

3. Safety; sufficient lifejackets, easily accessible Horseshoe/danbuoy for MOB, flares and a handheld VHF (ie use the Standard Horizon HX851), more fire extinguishers than you could ever reaslistically need, an automatic bilge pump and - wait for it - at least one big bucket

4. Convenience; ballast tank valve modification, a bimini/flip-up table / stern seats / cushions in the cockpit, more interior lights (especially in the rear berths), shelving inside the cabin (I have a combination of open teak shelves and snap-close 16 inch x 8 inch DVD boxes), a lighter-socket fan and maybe a couple of extra 12v lighter sockets

These boats are great, and that greatness comes from their flexibility - sail or power, seawater or freshwater, trailered or moored - you'll love the boat. Congratulations

[Doug W]

Mine has a blue hull and came with some blemishes. Additionally, there are a few spots where the blue has a subtle pattern visible. On the good side, it's easy to polish and looks wonderful. On the bad side, it shows the dirt really well.

I have been dragging around since Nov, 09 and still have a lot of fiberglass construction dust after each haul. I do have about a mile and a half of gravel road and another 1/4 mile of gravel driveway. Towing it VERY slowly still results in construction dust being shook loose; fortunately, the last couple times out seems to have had less dust!!

I have found that I have to inspect bolts/nuts which do not have any sort of aircraft wiring on them. Several times I've had to tighten nuts back up: mast base, steering linkage connection points, etc...

If you've already found a white one and have checked the hull over, congrats! It's a fun boat!

...Doug
http://starsloop.blogspot.com

[ChuckieTodd]

I have found a white one but have not yet inspected the boat. I will do a thorough inspection upon delivery. I'll keep an eye out for the dust. There was some scattered around here and there on the blue one I looked at.

[mastreb]

Mine has been shaking construction dust from the liner onto the table since we bought it four months ago. Seems to be abating a bit. We only see it in the one spot.

Matt

[capt. black]

Have you compared the Evinrude e-tec 60 to the mercury bigfoot 60? E-tec's 3yrs no maintence , and less weight.