replacing broken centerboard cable

[peteellis]

I have a 93 macgregor26, the centerboard cable tore loose from I believe right where it attaches to the centerboard. I got what looks like 3 ft. of cable with a frayed end where it appears it came unclamped? I'm curious , does anyone know the standard routing for replacing and reattaching the cable? I'm assuming I need to jack the boat up 3 ft. off the trailer, but have no idea what type of jacks to use or where to rent them. Or, maybe it's more cost effective to send a diver down when it's in the water? Incidently, if this ever happens to anyone, I've still been able to launch my boat by lashing a rope around the bottom rear third of the centerboard and tying it to the rail on each side. It comes off the trailer just fine. As soon as I'm in deep enough water, I simply untie the rope, being careful not to get it into the prop.

[craiglaforce]

Which model boat is it? I assume its before the X came out.
On the X you can easily remove the centerboard on the trailer without jacking it up. When the hanger is unbolted, the centerboard slides forward an inch or so to clear the trailer cross member.



Is the centerboard fiberglass or steel?

[peteellis]

I believe the centerboard is fiberglass , it's a 93 and I couldn't see the centerboard hinge from under the trailer. l

[craiglaforce]

You might take a look at the messages under

http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/mac ... /read/5992

Not sure if you have an S or a C model, but maybe this will help you.
Do you not have an owner's manual ?

[craiglaforce]

http://www.macgregor-boats.com

They have the PDF manuals on this site.

[Frank C]

. . . Not sure if you have an S or a C model, but maybe this will help you.

Actually, I'm pretty sure that a Mac26S is also a Mac26C. The 26D had a dagger board, then the 26S went to a "swing" centerboard, but they are both referred to as Mac26C (for classic). That's in contrast to their subsequent sister-ship, the Mac26X.

[Rob (1992 26S)]

You need supports for the front and back. Lower the front as low as it will go so the back swings up. Then set up strong sawhorses or make something that can support the weight at the back. Use the trailer jack to jack up the front as high as it will go. Put another brace under the front. Lower the trailer and pull it forward a few inches to clear the centreboard. I took one of the wheels off the trailer to get it low enough to get at the board.

I replaced mine with spectra line (its supposed to be stronger than stainless steel) It was easy to do - I just put in some washers and a stopper knot. I think this is the best arrangement.

Previously, when I replaced the cable with the same stainless cable, I added an eye bolt to the board so the cable didn't have to make a 90 degree turn at the board. I couldn't believe that Macgregor designed the boards so the cable makes a 90 degree turn when the board is straight down. They have never changed the design either! However, in heavy waves the board banged around and still snapped the line.

Good luck - and use that spectra line!

[peteellis]

thanks much for the valuable advice and feedback. Pete

[SPC Paul]

Rob,

I know this is an old thread but I need to replace my centerboard and cable on my 1991 Mac 26S as well. What size and length of Spectra line did you use?

Jared
"Bandit"
1991 Mac 26S