MacGregorSailors.com

I have no idea where my PO's dealer got it, but it's the same one shown in the 2002 26X manual.

The same motor steering bar was delivered with my model 2000.

Moe's is the same as mine, a dealer option for about $48, except Moe has his on backwards! Get the 'threads' up by the motor so they don't grind through your cables and stuff after a couple decades.

Keep 'threads' lubed with no sieze so that the bar is free to 'swivel'. Otherwise, it will bend when you tilt your motor up and down.

Moe...Checked my steering today. The bar is the same. Disconnect is one ring pin. The remaining configuration for the rudders is different in appearance, but functionally the same. However, looking at the steering system, and re-reading the steering section in the manual has led me to another question.
Since we do not use the motor for steering when sailing; and we do not use the rudders when motoring over 6 mph; the only time the rudder AND motor need to be connected seems to be when motoring at speeds under 6 mph...Can't the Mac X be steered at slow speeds with only the motor? If so, the connection would seem superfluous, and the two systems could operate indepently... Antbody have thoughts on this...Am I missing someting?

Disconnecting the motor linkage bar from the starboard rudder is just a ring ding away. Even easier if a different fastener than a ring ding is used. The rudder pin on that side is higher than the port one and the linkage bar can be put on it to hold the motor steady. My description isn't as good as it would be if I could see the boat.

On Edit: Ooops! Did this reply before I read page 2.

LLoyd:

Yes, you can motor slowly and steer with only the motor, no rudders. BUT, in any current or breeze the Mac doesn't steer worth a damn at slow speed with only the motor. Most of us have learned to use a little centerboard and at least one rudder for slow speed manuvering.

I had to move my attachment point for the linkage when the motor is not connected to the steering. The original spot interfered with the steering arm and didn't fix the motor in a straight ahead position. Once I did that it's fine. Mine is rather simple, pull a pin to remove the motor linkage from the steering linkage and then use a wingnut to hold down the motor linkage to a stud on an aluminum plate. I almost always do it when I'm sailing. You can still motor in this configuration.

If the wheel wants to spin one way or the other, it may be because the rudders are raked too far forward. On my 26M there is an adjustment on the rudders for this.

What I did was install a Boweye thru the cockpit floor under the wheel.
I then use a motorcycle handlebar strap and a bungee hooked to the
boweye to keep on course while making other adjustments. The motorcycle strap keeps the bungee from scaring the wheel cover. Simple
but effective.

Tcoltrane

tcoltrane wrote:What I did was install a Boweye thru the cockpit floor under the wheel.

In similar fashion, just easier, I screwed one of 3M's larger plastic wall hooks well below the steering wheel. I drilled it and used a screw into the pedestal face.

The hook is mounted with hook facing upwards so a bungee elastic can be held there with both its end-hooks stretched upward over the steering wheel rim.

Takes about five times longer to type than to hook.

Once I am out of the harbor, or any crouded area, I always remove the motor from the steering mechanism and secure it to the bolt that holds it in the centered position. The helm feels MUCH better. There has been a few times that I just lowered the motor, started it up and motored some distance, with the motor still locked in the centerline postition and removed from the steering linkage. This condition worked fine at low speeds (5-7nts). Even with this configuration, I was able to turn and control the boat with just the rudders and didn't "seem" to have any problem, so for those worrying about dissconecting and not having the ability to motor, this could be a solution.

Rich

Like Frank C's solution...and I'm going to install it this weekend! I keep my motoer down even when sailing...of course I don't care about sailing speed so drag doesn't bother me. Also prefer sailing flat for the Admiral so tend to let sail out...as I've said before...I go fast all week...time on the water is my slow relaxing time... of course I'm amost 60 years old now too! If I wanted to sail fast and on an angle anymore...I would have kept my Cal20...which was awesome and slippery...but small and uncomfortable. Hey guys...desire for comfort comes to us all...love the Mac just for that reason!

When I replaced my steering gear, I used a zero feedback model. The wheel stays where I put it always.

I think it was the 4.2

I got it from West Marine, but that was over 2 years ago now. It is nice because I can set the rudder a couple of degrees off to fight weather helm and let go. It will hold course quite nicely now.

My '05 M came with a steering lock. It only came on a few. Maybe you can buy this little part and install on yours. Probably need to contact the manufacturer directly. See picture..

http://brownz.com/mystery_knob.JPG