Head door

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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EZ
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Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2004 4:54 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: 2004 26M "Stray Monkey", with Etec 50, SF Bay, CA

Head door

Post by EZ »

My 2004 26m has the solid one piece head door that doesn't open completely bc it hits the seats on the port side. I have thought about upgrading to the two piece door on the current model. Has anyone out there done this?
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robbarnes1965
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: (BYC)Montreal, Qc Macgregor 26m-2007 "Miss Coco" - after my daughter, 50hp Honda

Re: Head door

Post by robbarnes1965 »

EZ wrote:My 2004 26m has the solid one piece head door that doesn't open completely bc it hits the seats on the port side. I have thought about upgrading to the two piece door on the current model. Has anyone out there done this?
I have the two piece factory on on my 2007M. It's not a dramatic improvement. If you are bigger than a hobbit, replace it with a curtain instead unless you want to enroll in yoga to put your pants back on if you are close to 6ft. I keep meaning to do it but I have not yet. Our rule is just to have every one out of the cabin if someone goes below and only my 6 year old closes the door.
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Jim Bunnell
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Southfield, MI; Tohatsu TLDI 50, '03 26M hull # MACM 0019 C303

Re: Head door

Post by Jim Bunnell »

Here's what I did on my 03. http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=605 Not a perfect solution - is there one? - but we found it a significant gain. You could even experiment with a sheet of cardboard and some tape to see if you like it.
raycarlson
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Location: tucson,az

Re: Head door

Post by raycarlson »

I threw mine away in the scrap pile.theres no modesty on our boat.
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Bobglas
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Jefferson, NY

Re: Head door

Post by Bobglas »

I ditched the factory door, bought some elastic and cloth to stretch all the way to the port side. When not being used it fits back on a hook by the stbd aft wall of the head space. Not claustrophobic, much more room and a simple fix. Installing a Natures Head next spring ( had a 5gal PP) that won't fit on the shelf (unless you're a gnome) the front sits right on the original door line,jamb, spot but w/ the curtain you still have plenty of room. Thinking the shelf space would make a nice wet locker. 8) :macm:
Kittiwake
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: BC, Canada

Re: Head door

Post by Kittiwake »

Bobglas wrote:I ditched the factory door, bought some elastic and cloth to stretch all the way to the port side. ..... :macm:
I did essentially the same thing - but used a light curtain hung from a removable thin 'curtain rail' suspended port-to-starboard from 2 suction-cup-hooks on the ceiling. The effect is to turn the V-berth area + Head into a separate room. It is especially appropriate when taking friends for a day trip.
I'm sure Roger has experimented with all the alternatives to the stock heavy door on the Head ... and just offers it as an easily-replaceable device. I like reducing the boat's clutter and weight ... albeit at the expense of more clutter in our basement.
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iredrider1177
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Location: newcomerstown, ohio SOL KYLANNAH 06'M 06'yam. hi thrust 60 h.p.

Re: Head door

Post by iredrider1177 »

i made a curtain with a bungee and a hook on each end, attached it to the panel on the bow side, then attached a ss eyelet to each the othe panel and the inner liner opposite the bow side panel, my curtain doubles as a head curtain and a v berth curtain, took the bulky rattling door off and stored it in my shop.
boaterjen
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Channel Islands Harbor, NW of L.A.

Re: Head door

Post by boaterjen »

iredrider1177 wrote:i made a curtain with a bungee and a hook on each end, attached it to the panel on the bow side, then attached a ss eyelet to each the othe panel and the inner liner opposite the bow side panel, my curtain doubles as a head curtain and a v berth curtain, took the bulky rattling door off and stored it in my shop.
Hmmmm.... I hadn't thought about the head door, but you're right. I'm thinking a curtain would be fine,and it'd save weight.

The door is installed... I may just leave it. But if I ever take an interest, a curtain could do nicer, easier, lighter.

Mayhap the door was thought to be more luxurious?
iredrider1177
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Location: newcomerstown, ohio SOL KYLANNAH 06'M 06'yam. hi thrust 60 h.p.

Re: Head door

Post by iredrider1177 »

luxury, no. but a fine compromise yes. when i have my daughters with me its the most liked and used mod on the boat. well by them :)
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kasmith21
Chief Steward
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Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada, 04 26M

Re: Head door

Post by kasmith21 »

I used the curtain idea as well and I have to agree it has worked out well...especially when it doubles as a v-berth privacy curtain.
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EZ
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Re: Head door

Post by EZ »

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I am trying to decide between Jim's folding double door concept or just a curtain for the entire v-berth and head compartment.
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KayakDan
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Re: Head door

Post by KayakDan »

Since we never use the head door,I was planning on removing it to lighten the boat. After some consultation with the first mate,wedecided to modify it. I moved the hinges so the door would open outward,towards the port side. I cut the bottom of the outer section of the door,so it will pass across the setee cushion. We now have folding privacy wall for the forward berth and head.

Actually ,it;s now the master bedroom and "en suite" :D

Have to think big if wer'e gonna live there for the next four months!
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mdeane
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Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Head door

Post by mdeane »

EZ wrote:Thanks to everyone for your responses. I am trying to decide between Jim's folding double door concept or just a curtain for the entire v-berth and head compartment.

We went the curtain route.

Marc 8) :macm:

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Russ
Admiral
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Location: Bozeman, Montana "Luna Azul" 2008 M 70hp Suzi

Re: Head door

Post by Russ »

The door looks good at the boat show. Totally useless unless you are a midget.

Do a curtain. Lots of ways to configure it. We have one on the v-berth and one aft of the head. Limited modesty on a boat.

--Russ
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Phil M
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Location: 44' Jeanneau, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Re: Head door

Post by Phil M »

I removed the door and installed a curtain as well. I never use it, but my guests seem to like it. It adds privacy to the fore cabin.
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