winter modification to do list (seeking experts)

[stone_love]

as most of you know I spent nearly 5 years restoring an abused/neglected westwind 21 (pre venture 21)

I moved to the lake so i could spend every possible day sailing, getting to know the limitations of the boat as well as myself and before i did any modifications beyond stock configuration i wanted to get the hang of sailing. While i am not a great sailor i can pull up the sails, set the sheets and make her go.

I'm starting a refit this winter that i plan on completing by spring. The overhaul will include

1. poor mans roller furling. I've seen these and like them. Where i live wind is extremely unstable and it would be nice to get out to the big water and pull out more sail rather than try to go forward and change sails depending on weather conditions. If any of you have any advice on how you would do(re-d0) your poor mans roller furling please let me know. I'm hoping to do mine in abs rather than PVC if i can get a small enough size in ABS as ABS doesn't weather in the sun like ABS nor does it crack in cold weather like PVC. I am also wondering if just using a stock Jib would be fine for this as for size or if i should get an oversized jib and than make a spinnikar/gennikar pole to use if i really want to stretch her out.

2. make a stay to hold the boom up when the sail is down. Sometimes when i have to drop the main very quickly when sailing back in to my cove i have to drop sail quickly when coming in too hot. I don't wanna run into my house or dock. Some times the dropping of main sail isn't the smoothest and if i'm not careful the boom will end up in the admirals lap. An extra stay going from the mast head to the end of the boom would be out of the way when the sail is up and keep drops from happening when I'm lowering. I figure 1/4" would be plenty.

3. I would love a porta potty on this boat but man is it cramped. Because of the keel trunk i can't run one at the head of the V berth, not that i think a potty sitting inches from where you lay your head to sleep is sanitary. I'm thinking of a 5 gallon bucket potty. only make it so it holds baggies. The PO had a pump potty which was nice but took up too much valuable space and i just dont have room for a week of camping and waste water storage.

4. Back stay chain plate reinforcement. The back stays go through thin fiberglass then epoxied plywood. I'm not a huge fan of this. I'm thinking of using some 6x6 stainless sheet metal, epoxy it to the boat and have a piece of mind.

5. Outboard motor. As a purist i really hate this idea....it makes me sad to put a motor on the boat but i plan on taking this boat to the keys in the winter of 2015 so a motor will be a must to fight against wind/waves/currents that i'm not used to. When in doubt...motor out!

I'm thinking a 5-6 hp would be plenty but i really want others to chime in. A 2.5 would work in my area but i doubt it would do well in chop/current.

I figure the boat loaded down with crew/gear/custom keel probably pushes 1600-1800.

[mastreb]

A 2.5 won't be enough to fight currents as you suggest, and it's less about "going" than it is about "stopping" with an outboard--You want a little reserve power to be able to stop the boat in a hurry. I'd recommend an 8 or 9.9hp for a 21 foot to have that.

Take a look at RV stores in your area for potty solutions. The stock dometic porta-potty is okay--I think better than a bucket/seat configuration.

[topcat0399]

as most of you know I spent nearly 5 years restoring an abused/neglected westwind 21 (pre venture 21)

I moved to the lake so i could spend every possible day sailing, getting to know the limitations of the boat as well as myself and before i did any modifications beyond stock configuration i wanted to get the hang of sailing. While i am not a great sailor i can pull up the sails, set the sheets and make her go.

I'm starting a refit this winter that i plan on completing by spring. The overhaul will include

1. poor mans roller furling. I've seen these and like them. Where i live wind is extremely unstable and it would be nice to get out to the big water and pull out more sail rather than try to go forward and change sails depending on weather conditions. If any of you have any advice on how you would do(re-d0) your poor mans roller furling please let me know. I'm hoping to do mine in abs rather than PVC if i can get a small enough size in ABS as ABS doesn't weather in the sun like ABS nor does it crack in cold weather like PVC. I am also wondering if just using a stock Jib would be fine for this as for size or if i should get an oversized jib and than make a spinnikar/gennikar pole to use if i really want to stretch her out.

Our jury is still out on if we want to do roller furling.

2. make a stay to hold the boom up when the sail is down. Sometimes when i have to drop the main very quickly when sailing back in to my cove i have to drop sail quickly when coming in too hot. I don't wanna run into my house or dock. Some times the dropping of main sail isn't the smoothest and if i'm not careful the boom will end up in the admirals lap. An extra stay going from the mast head to the end of the boom would be out of the way when the sail is up and keep drops from happening when I'm lowering. I figure 1/4" would be plenty.

RIG A TOPPING LIFT - there are several ways to do it, use google or search here. Ours runs boom end-masthead cheek block-mastfoot turning block-cabin top turning block-cockpit-cam cleat. We use it all the time.

3. I would love a porta potty on this boat but man is it cramped. Because of the keel trunk i can't run one at the head of the V berth, not that i think a potty sitting inches from where you lay your head to sleep is sanitary. I'm thinking of a 5 gallon bucket potty. only make it so it holds baggies. The PO had a pump potty which was nice but took up too much valuable space and i just dont have room for a week of camping and waste water storage.


We got rid of the porta-potty next to the vberth. Now use a double duty bag bucket rig just inside the companionway. One side is step in, other side bucket.
Lots more head room and doubles as a seat or step if substantially built. Easy to store the used bags.

4. Back stay chain plate reinforcement. The back stays go through thin fiberglass then epoxied plywood. I'm not a huge fan of this. I'm thinking of using some 6x6 stainless sheet metal, epoxy it to the boat and have a piece of mind.

Thats a pretty usual way for Macs to have a back stay anchored. We did beef ours up with a thicker longer wider piece of ply (1"). Our backstay doesnt do much work.

5. Outboard motor. As a purist i really hate this idea....it makes me sad to put a motor on the boat but i plan on taking this boat to the keys in the winter of 2015 so a motor will be a must to fight against wind/waves/currents that i'm not used to. When in doubt...motor out!

As far as my dreams of being a pure sailor go - many times I have thanked the almighty I had a motor.

I'm thinking a 5-6 hp would be plenty but i really want others to chime in. A 2.5 would work in my area but i doubt it would do well in chop/current.

I figure the boat loaded down with crew/gear/custom keel probably pushes 1600-1800.

I saw a Westwind 21 on our home lake nicely restored. Sweet little boat.

my .02

Happy sails.

[bobbieaw]

Sounds like a great winter list!

I have a Mac 21 in the same weight range as yours and sail in the Great Lakes. I have a 4hp motor which is plenty to "power" it thru anything. As mentioned, stopping with unfavorable winds while heading toward very expensive "newer" boats can be interesting....you just run out of hands (hold tiller with one, put into reverse, turn motor/tiller, adjust throttle with fourth hand....you get the picture)

It was not the "power" I needed as much as the control at lower speeds, inside the marina. Just so you know....I love to go sailing, and while sailing with the Admiral is always lovely, when the sailing is really good....it is better to leave her home

To hold the "boom" up when I'm getting read to drop the main, I have a very short piece of SS cable attached to the SS backstay. I'm not at home or I would try to get you a picture. I had this on a full keel sailboat, and what I learned over 1,000s of hours was push the boom back toward center (loosen up mainsheet first) attach boom to backstay cable with clip, tighten mainsheet and continue to sail. Perhaps not perfect sail balance, but when you let go the main halyard, the boom stays in the middle and above most stuff. If you have a line from the top of the mast, it wears your mainsail along the way (or at least it did on a past boat). Total cost for this mod....less than $5.

Added an integrated Trolling Motor into my "kick-up rudder" to make the boat easier to handle at slow speed. Worked great for my tiny sailboat, and I'm going to commit to real install before next spring. I need to move control unit into Port Side of Cockpit for easier use. Still have 4hp motor that came with the boat if I must have the POWER....but to be honest, I really like the electric! Here is the mod from this site, and I used a free 35 lbs thrust motor. I would look around for a used 50 lbs or bigger motor if I did it again http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1907

My Portapotty fits on one side of the trunk, and a very large plastic Rubbermaid tote is on the other. If I need to wedge them in place to stop the noise below, I put them both on one side (they just fit). Most sailing is done without the portapotty...as I'm really just a day sailor....Scott

[topcat0399]

bobbieaw said

To hold the "boom" up when I'm getting read to drop the main, I have a very short piece of SS cable attached to the SS backstay.

Around here some refer to this as "the pigtail" I think.
We try to avoid having the pigtail connected to the boom with the sail up as a matter of ship policy.
Bad karma. If you HAD to get is disconnected quick in a 30 mph blow with the sail still up could you?
We sail most weather all hours for extended periods.

We have an old evinrude 9/15 HP around 80 lbs. When we replace it we are going for somewhere around an 8 HP.
For engine control - yeah maneuvering while in tight quarters or under duress - reaching down and behind sucks.
I have plans to rig a remote cockpit control next spring. Nothing fancy.

Gotta force myself to go tarp that damn boat and admit the end of the season.

Happy sails.

[dlandersson]

I'm starting one myself

as most of you know I spent nearly 5 years restoring an abused/neglected westwind 21 (pre venture 21)

I moved to the lake so i could spend every possible day sailing, getting to know the limitations of the boat as well as myself and before i did any modifications beyond stock configuration i wanted to get the hang of sailing. While i am not a great sailor i can pull up the sails, set the sheets and make her go.

I'm starting a refit this winter that i plan on completing by spring. The overhaul will include

1. poor mans roller furling. I've seen these and like them. Where i live wind is extremely unstable and it would be nice to get out to the big water and pull out more sail rather than try to go forward and change sails depending on weather conditions. If any of you have any advice on how you would do(re-d0) your poor mans roller furling please let me know. I'm hoping to do mine in abs rather than PVC if i can get a small enough size in ABS as ABS doesn't weather in the sun like ABS nor does it crack in cold weather like PVC. I am also wondering if just using a stock Jib would be fine for this as for size or if i should get an oversized jib and than make a spinnikar/gennikar pole to use if i really want to stretch her out.

2. make a stay to hold the boom up when the sail is down. Sometimes when i have to drop the main very quickly when sailing back in to my cove i have to drop sail quickly when coming in too hot. I don't wanna run into my house or dock. Some times the dropping of main sail isn't the smoothest and if i'm not careful the boom will end up in the admirals lap. An extra stay going from the mast head to the end of the boom would be out of the way when the sail is up and keep drops from happening when I'm lowering. I figure 1/4" would be plenty.

3. I would love a porta potty on this boat but man is it cramped. Because of the keel trunk i can't run one at the head of the V berth, not that i think a potty sitting inches from where you lay your head to sleep is sanitary. I'm thinking of a 5 gallon bucket potty. only make it so it holds baggies. The PO had a pump potty which was nice but took up too much valuable space and i just dont have room for a week of camping and waste water storage.

4. Back stay chain plate reinforcement. The back stays go through thin fiberglass then epoxied plywood. I'm not a huge fan of this. I'm thinking of using some 6x6 stainless sheet metal, epoxy it to the boat and have a piece of mind.

5. Outboard motor. As a purist i really hate this idea....it makes me sad to put a motor on the boat but i plan on taking this boat to the keys in the winter of 2015 so a motor will be a must to fight against wind/waves/currents that i'm not used to. When in doubt...motor out!

I'm thinking a 5-6 hp would be plenty but i really want others to chime in. A 2.5 would work in my area but i doubt it would do well in chop/current.

I figure the boat loaded down with crew/gear/custom keel probably pushes 1600-1800.

[NiceAft]

I'm starting one myself

as most of you know I spent nearly 5 years restoring an abused/neglected westwind 21 (pre venture 21)

I moved to the lake so i could spend every possible day sailing, getting to know the limitations of the boat as well as myself and before i did any modifications beyond stock configuration i wanted to get the hang of sailing. While i am not a great sailor i can pull up the sails, set the sheets and make her go.

I'm starting a refit this winter that i plan on completing by spring. The overhaul will include

1. poor mans roller furling. I've seen these and like them. Where i live wind is extremely unstable and it would be nice to get out to the big water and pull out more sail rather than try to go forward and change sails depending on weather conditions. If any of you have any advice on how you would do(re-d0) your poor mans roller furling please let me know. I'm hoping to do mine in abs rather than PVC if i can get a small enough size in ABS as ABS doesn't weather in the sun like ABS nor does it crack in cold weather like PVC. I am also wondering if just using a stock Jib would be fine for this as for size or if i should get an oversized jib and than make a spinnikar/gennikar pole to use if i really want to stretch her out.

2. make a stay to hold the boom up when the sail is down. Sometimes when i have to drop the main very quickly when sailing back in to my cove i have to drop sail quickly when coming in too hot. I don't wanna run into my house or dock. Some times the dropping of main sail isn't the smoothest and if i'm not careful the boom will end up in the admirals lap. An extra stay going from the mast head to the end of the boom would be out of the way when the sail is up and keep drops from happening when I'm lowering. I figure 1/4" would be plenty.

3. I would love a porta potty on this boat but man is it cramped. Because of the keel trunk i can't run one at the head of the V berth, not that i think a potty sitting inches from where you lay your head to sleep is sanitary. I'm thinking of a 5 gallon bucket potty. only make it so it holds baggies. The PO had a pump potty which was nice but took up too much valuable space and i just dont have room for a week of camping and waste water storage.

4. Back stay chain plate reinforcement. The back stays go through thin fiberglass then epoxied plywood. I'm not a huge fan of this. I'm thinking of using some 6x6 stainless sheet metal, epoxy it to the boat and have a piece of mind.

5. Outboard motor. As a purist i really hate this idea....it makes me sad to put a motor on the boat but i plan on taking this boat to the kehttps: mode=quote&p=375143#reviewys in the winter of 2015 so a motor will be a must to fight against wind/waves/currents that i'm not used to. When in doubt...motor out!

I'm thinking a 5-6 hp would be plenty but i really want others to chime in. A 2.5 would work in my area but i doubt it would do well in chop/current.

I figure the boat loaded down with crew/gear/custom keel probably pushes 1600-1800.

Well, don’t leave us hanging dlandersson; a list man Show a list The original post was almost twelve years ago, don’t wait that long.

[dlandersson]

Winter 2025-2026 to-do list

1. Replace rigging. Proably BMW, but looking around.

2. Replace trailer tires. Already done. I try to do this every 4-5 years even tho the tires look brand new. My Mac trailer goes abpout 10 miles a year.

3. Replace trailer wheel bearings. Current ones are 14 years old

4. Clear out drain line hole in the outboard motor well.

5. Scrub out interior with a anti-mold cleaning agent - just being careful

6. Replace Porta potty? Current one work fine but is from 1997. Thinking it's time to replace.

7. Silicone stuff on chainplates.

8. Swing keel - recoat with bottom paint?

9. Etc. Open to suggestions. My Mac is a 97 X