Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

A forum for discussing issues relating to trailers and towing MacGregor sailboats.
aprangley
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Sailboat: MacGregor 25
Location: Seattle

Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by aprangley »

Russ wrote: โ†‘Wed Jul 27, 2022 6:17 am Boat looks good and curious what it looks like under the cover.
What kind of motor are you putting on the back of that?
A friend of my father-in-law has an 8/9/10 hp motor he might be open to selling. Hoping to to connect with him this week. He also owned a Mac 25 so I hope he can give me some launch and rigging advice.

Here are some more pictures of the inside!

Ant
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aprangley
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Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:08 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 25
Location: Seattle

Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by aprangley »

Jimmyt wrote: โ†‘Wed Jul 27, 2022 4:41 am Take a small hammer and tap on the trailer (usually the bottom face of the square tube, or tongue, is the first to go). It should ring when you hit it. If it sounds dead, or the hammer goes through it, that's a problem.
Visual exam of the coupler is probably sufficient. If it hasn't lost a lot of material, it's likely good to go....
just verify that you can raise it a couple of inches above static above static height (static height when the trailer isn't coupled).
Great advice on the testing of the coupler. Thanks.
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Russ
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Russ »

Inside looks fantastic. Looks brand new. Previous owner kept it nice. You will enjoy that boat.
Where are you planning on sailing it? Lots of places to start out in the Seattle area that are good. Some crazy tides/currents in the Sound.


I would simply replace both wheels. This is where I bought mine. Ship right to your door.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Traile ... heels.aspx
--Russ
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Jimmyt
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Jimmyt »

Pictures look great! Looks like you've got a good boat there!
Jimmyt
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Be Free
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Be Free »

You have a very nice boat there. Congratulations.

I've also been very happy with etrailer. I've used them for a couple of projects and had no problems at all.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
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"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
DragonflyMac25
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Sailboat: MacGregor 25
Location: Virginia

Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by DragonflyMac25 »

I agree with suggestions on e trailer. I got 3 tires and wheels from them for mine, as well as a spare tire mount. I put the spare on the trailer frame towards the bow to give a little more hitch weight. If there is nothing extra on or inside, the hitch weight can be a little light and give the chance for instability while towing. Esp if towing with a light and or shorter wheelbase.

Also if not already aware. You need to put a stand or something under the stern when parked and unhitched. If you do not, when you climb in the bow will lift giving you a surprise ride. Bonus ride possible if the wheels are not chocked well.
aprangley
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Sailboat: MacGregor 25
Location: Seattle

Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by aprangley »

Hi All

Just an update. I took most of your advice (new tires, checked the grease, checked the bearings, heat, checked the trailer for corrosion etc).
I rented a u-haul for a stronger first tow and it is not at my parents-in-law who have a big yard.

I am getting her out on the water tomorrow.

I could not have done it without all your advice!

Ant

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NiceAft
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by NiceAft »

Another satisfied customer; welcome to the fleet :D
Ray ~~_/)~~
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pitchpolehobie
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by pitchpolehobie »

Looks great, safe sails
2002 MacGregor 26X: Remedium
Tohatsu 25HP
Cruising Area: Inland Ohio, Lake Erie
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Russ
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Russ »

Nice looking boat. Nothing like that first time you float it.

I'm not sure what the laws are in Washington, but many states require fenders on wheels. I installed my own aluminum fenders from eTrailer.com and some angle iron. 4
Also, I would invest in a proper tie down strap. What you have now (rope) will work, however, a strap will work better to keep the boat from sliding on the trailer and you can ratchet/clamp it tight.
--Russ
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Stickinthemud57
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

Nice-looking boat! I like how MacGregor didn't skimp on cockpit space on the 25.

Do you plan to do any camping on the boat?
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
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Piddle and Futz
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by Piddle and Futz »

I'm not too familiar with the Mac 25, but that's a nice setup.

Congratulations and welcome to the friendliest and most helpful "harbor" for Macs!
OverEasy
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by OverEasy »

๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽŠ๐Ÿพ๐ŸŽ‰Congratulations ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿพ๐ŸŽŠ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž
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dlandersson
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by dlandersson »

Wait 'till you get the bill. :)
aprangley wrote: โ†‘Tue Sep 27, 2022 4:00 pm Hi All

Just an update. I took most of your advice (new tires, checked the grease, checked the bearings, heat, checked the trailer for corrosion etc).
I rented a u-haul for a stronger first tow and it is not at my parents-in-law who have a big yard.

I am getting her out on the water tomorrow.

I could not have done it without all your advice!

Ant

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NiceAft
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Re: Towing my just-bought Mac 25 from the yard to the house

Post by NiceAft »

What did you name the boat, I could not make out the name on the transom. Also, you're not done yet, post photos of the boat on the water. _/)
Ray ~~_/)~~
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