M19 newest owner- why are there holes in my boat?

[CaptnBlynd]

Hello, I am the newest owner of a 1992 M19. I am getting her squared away and have been unable to find an answer to a puzzling discovery. There are holes in my boat which seem to be intentional. About 4 to 6 inches above the water line and just inboard on each rudder on the rear. They seem to lead directly into the bilge. I'll post a photo if I must but these seem to factory holes which every M19 should have. The gel coat slops over the edges of the holes.They are not pass throughs. There are no fittings. What on earth are these? Seems like a strange spot for ventilation. I don't think I'd be comfortible leaving her in the water for extended periods with holes in my boat.

[Chinook]

Not sure about the 19, but there are several such holes on the 26X. One in the stern provides drainage for the well where the outboard motor mounts. Others on both sides of the hull provide drainage for the galley and head sinks. Another in the bow area is a drain for the anchor locker. I suspect that what you're describing are drains for features like we have on our X.

[andarlite]

It's nothing to worry about. I've had my boat in the water for 5 months. if you look at your rudders you will see that they are attached to posts which goes through the boat to attach to the tiller. Obviously, there has to be a hole underneath the boat for the 2 post to come out where the rudders are attached. Since they are under the waterline water will get into the boat. But, Macgregor built 2 compartments to contain that water and the 2 holes you speak about are probably air holes into the compartments to allow water to drain back out.

Regards,
Henry

[dlandersson]

We know what you want to know - but it'll cost you some pizza's

Hello, I am the newest owner of a 1992 M19. I am getting her squared away and have been unable to find an answer to a puzzling discovery. There are holes in my boat which seem to be intentional. About 4 to 6 inches above the water line and just inboard on each rudder on the rear. They seem to lead directly into the bilge. I'll post a photo if I must but these seem to factory holes which every M19 should have. The gel coat slops over the edges of the holes.They are not pass throughs. There are no fittings. What on earth are these? Seems like a strange spot for ventilation. I don't think I'd be comfortible leaving her in the water for extended periods with holes in my boat.

[Divecoz]

This Boat is Over 22 Years Old and your concerned about holes made at the Factory that might sink the boat? Did I miss something??

[CaptnBlynd]

"This Boat is Over 22 Years Old and your concerned about holes made at the Factory that might sink the boat? Did I miss something??" Obviously. The part where I wondered why they are there. You can fill an M19 and it still floats so I don't think it will sink, just fill with water in the bilges if the pump, battery or sensor fail. Never mind, I'll ask the dealer or just live without knowing why they chose to put them there. BTW it is "you're" not "your" for this usage. Done here. No time for snarky remarks.

[Russ]

Is it behind the rudder like this one? Seems to be drilled and countersunk?




Seahouse informed me it is
"This is the drain hole for the small cavity that exists between the top and bottom bearing surfaces for the rudder shaft, the "bearing box"."

[DaveC426913]

This Boat is Over 22 Years Old and your concerned about holes made at the Factory that might sink the boat? Did I miss something??

I think it is some sort of right-of-passage for every Mac owner, at some point, to ask what the mystery holes in the transom are for.

[Wayne nicol]

hi, welcome aboard
just sticking my nose where it shouldnt be, but i dont think he was being snarkey- everyone goofs around on here and ribs each other- its half the fun
wait till highlander gets a-hold of ya
seriously though - this is a great, non elitist forum- with great helpful people.
dont forget the pizza
cheers mate!

[Divecoz]

By All Means, allow me to suggest that our new member look here http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/ for answers about his MacGregor

hi, welcome aboard
just sticking my nose where it shouldnt be, but i dont think he was being snarkey- everyone goofs around on here and ribs each other- its half the fun
wait till highlander gets a-hold of ya
seriously though - this is a great, non elitist forum- with great helpful people.
dont forget the pizza
cheers mate!

[EZ]

By All Means, allow me to suggest that our new member look here http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/ for answers about his MacGregor

hi, welcome aboard
just sticking my nose where it shouldnt be, but i dont think he was being snarkey- everyone goofs around on here and ribs each other- its half the fun
wait till highlander gets a-hold of ya
seriously though - this is a great, non elitist forum- with great helpful people.
dont forget the pizza
cheers mate!

There are no shortage of opinions on this board. We sure have a way to welcome new people.... Sometimes I forget how much better we are than SA.

[Steve K]

Page 25, photo 25 in M-19 manual shows one of these holes.
(found here):
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/manuals ... Manual.pdf

They are factory drains for either outboard or rudder shaft wells, as mentioned earlier.

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[Erik Hardtle]

Greetings CaptnBlynd,
I used to own a Mac19 for about 8 years, only sold it to upgrade to the 26X (added 2 kids to the crew). It was so unique back then that I got boarded EVERY time the Wildlife or Coast Guard came by me.


Here are some things I remember about it:

Since you mentioned leaks.... watch the tube and fiberglass funnel it feeds into from the top deck in the engine well. I kept getting water in between the top hull and the liner from there.

It would get into irons easily without the jib up. It's bottom is more like a powerboat with the Vee Bottom, where as the 26X has more of a sailboat bottom.

The boat will self right with the ballast in... I had only one time where she went hard over (50+ degrees) and it popped right back up as it rounded into the wind... main sheet was jammed and couldn't release.

Make sure it has a big wedge (usually aluminum) installed between the motor mount and the transom. The transom was not made with the proper angle... trust me, it will help when you get on the water and need to trim the motor.

Try using plastic bolts (from lowes or home depot) for the break-away bolts on the rudders... the copper ones will chip away at the fiberglass.

I had a 40hp on it (2 stoke) and would power at full with the rudders down with no problem... short rudders.

The main hatch cover usually blocked a lot of forward viewing when is was up... it is not a sliding hatch. If I remember we put in quick pins in the hatch hinges to just remove it easily.

Taking apart the mast for storage is not something I would do on a regular basis... the wires/stays were difficult to work with.

The centerboard hole would allow some splashing of water in the v-berth... we usually kept a scrap towel over the hole.

I shortened the tiller for more cockpit room... I mounted the piece i cut off vertically on the rest of the tiller to help with leverage.

The motor is locked down and the rudders steer the boat... I did a mod to have the tiller do both... kinda worked... pulleys and wires.

I carpeted the inside walls... gets rid of the echo quality... did it to my 26X too.

Here is a link to the inside of my old Mac19 http://www.enctrader.com/hardtlefamily/ ... oat360.mov

Here is a link to the brochure: http://www.enctrader.com/hardtlefamily/ ... ochure.htm


Feel free to email me directly if you have any other questions about it.
_____________________________________________________________________
Capt Erik, Admiral Jean, First Mate Christina & Swabbie Nicole
1999 MacGregor 26X, "KnotShore"
New Bern, NC

[Deeseas]

Don't listen to these 26'ers. Those holes are to vent the water pressure when you are powering more than 20 MPH. Something that a lot these 26's can't
do anyway. rules.
Doug

[dlandersson]

You just don't understand ...

We sure have a way to welcome new people.... Sometimes I forget how much better we are than SA.