MacGregorSailors.com

I've found that when raising the mast while the boat is on the water it is more likely that a tool or a bolt will be the one to take a dip. Be careful or have spares of both.

Hi All!

We apologize for delays in postings.
With no intent to raise ire with those up north but we here in SC have been having some of the most gorgeous and beautiful and warm weather for being out on the water!!! We have been out on the water 8 of the past 14 days or so with another day at the beach!

This is the Beaufort, SC area where we are doing our Spring 2021 “Sea Trials” with Over Easy:


Here are a couple simplified tracks of the day voyages we’ve made so far:
> Our initial launching from Sam’Point Landing and evening/night-time voyage to Port Royal Marina


> Our general day trip voyages to familiarize our selves with motoring Over Easy and our local estuary environment:


> Our most adventurous voyage yet ( next to our initial launching that is ) where we motored Over Easy out into the ACTUAL ATLANTIC OCEAN past the outermost ICW entrance marker buoy!!!










Fortunately our old limited power Tohatsu has been hanging in there through all these adventures.

Ah, regarding our engine issues.....
With the tell-tale stream now unclogged we have check the engine temperature by feel at various different power settings and find that we can be fairly certain that we are not actually having an actual over-temp issue. (That is not to say that a sensor or something isn’t mucking about though). This is a BIG relief.

Then on our travels on May 20th our Tohatsu decided to do something very very different! It accelerated up to 4000 rpm and was somewhat happy to stay there. This was surprising and unexpected as we have attempted many times to get the engine to go past 2800rpm only to have it balk, kick, sputter,stammer and occasionally just plain quit on us.

We ran it around for about an hour gradually applying power and slowing down. To the best we can describe process worked as follows:
Idle at about 500rpm faultering...then gradual acceleration to 2500 rpm where the engine starts to burble and skip...further throttle movement makes the burbles worse as rpm climbs to 2800 rpm......the throttle lever position is now at the full open position stop....the engine faultering gets worse and then at this point the engine instead of dying( as it has done before) starts to accelerate and then rapidly accelerate to 4000 rpm and stays there! Now granted this is nowhere near the 5000+rpm that should be wide open throttle but this was a definite surprise! After several short term tests of this we had to call it a day due to our tide window to get back into our slip.

The next day we went out and the engine process repeated itself. For the first time since launching in SC we drained the ballast tank while underway. The vessel lifted up and appeared to be making about 14 mph at 4000 rpm. We throttled back to 3300 rpm so as not to push our luck and we’re still making about 10 to 11 mph. So with some trepidation we decided to head out to the Atlantic Ocean to get our feet wet! The weather was perfect, light breeze, bright sun and temperatures in the low 80’s F.

At the edge of Bay Point the head-on swells increased and we slowed down. Refilling the ballast with any headway took over a half hour and even then it wasn’t as full as it had been before. The increase ballast stabilized Over Easy and we continued out at 2500 rpm and about 6 mph.

We followed the Beaufort River out along the ICW route markers to the very last one at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and then a little bit more to be sure! at that point we touched the Atlantic and headed home.

All the while the Tohatsu was Stiil following a low idle ... accelerate to 2500-2800 where it starts to baulk ..... then a gradual continued acceleration to 4000 rpm. On the return trip with the swells and full ballast we made about 12 mph. We found that to sustain power level this we needed to be regularly squeezing the primer bulb (in the upright orientation) or the engine woul start to falter and at one point just to see what happened without squeezing the primer bulb the engine quickly decelerated and quit.

Going over the Tohatsu engine troubleshooting matrix we saw that several things could be causing the problems we have been incurring.
> Restricted fuel flow to the engine
> Dirty fuel filter
> Weak fuel pumping
> Carburetors needing rebuild
> Carb floats set too high/low
> etc......



So.....Where to begin.......
Well seeing as the the vessel is on the water in the slip we’re not too keen on fussing with fuel pumps and carburetors so we will stick with our plan to complete our modification of the fuel supply system now that all the ordered items are finally in hand.
> Fuss with the in-tank fuel pickup siphons to get them into the lower corners of each fuel tank
> remove the quick disconnect sprayless fittings and install straight through fittings clamped to larger hoses
> install fuel tank selector valve
> install Fuel demand Valve (pressure regulator)
> install new primer bulb with longer hoses to make it easier to access and use
> install fuel filter/ water separator
> install new line to engine fuel inlet port

We hope to get that accomplished in the next day or two so we can get out Friday to test if it made a difference.

The Journey Continues...Onward

Continued......

The past weekend saw us out three times for about 6 hours each time.
Our longest sea trial to date was up the Beaufort River around to the Coosaw river and out to ICW Marker Post #187.





The coastal scenery was beautiful. Light wind, calm waters and temperatures in the high 80s.

















We made some motivations finally to our fuel system that seem to have helped a lot:
> We removed the quick connects from each 12 gallon tank replacing them with straight 1/4 NPT to 3/8 hose barbs.
> We removed the existing in tank rigid siphons from each tank and replaced them with 1/2 inch ID vinyl flex tubes aimed into the lower inboard corners of each tank
> Added a three choice tank selector valve (Port Tank(A), Starboard Tank(B) and future Auxiliary Tank (C))
> Added a Fuel Filter/Water Separator
> Added a new Fuel Demand Valve (pressure regulator)
> Added a new larger capacity 3/8 ID ported Primer Bulb
> Ran all new 3/8 ID Fuel Lines throughout.

The Selector Valve, Regulator, Filter/Separator and Primer Bulb were all mounted to a PVC Board we fabricated to simplify experimentation with location height and mounting to to the aft starboard stern wall behind the swing seat.

First off there was a measurable improvement in engine operation in the mid and 2500 to 3500 RPM band! This was fantastic!
> Much more stable engine operation with much less burbles/missing aspect.
> Idle range is still feeling too low with still having stalling (even when manually priming) issues transitioning from Neutral into Fwd or Reverse.
> While now able to reach 4000 RPM there is some burbling/missing and the engine will not sustain this RPM without manually operating the Primer Bulb.

We varied the vertical location up/down to see if there was a measurable effect on engine operation at various power levels. There weren’t any discernible differences.

We will leave it suspended on a rope for the time being as we continue to evaluate it’s location.
Right now it is easy to reach while seated to select tanks, view the filter/separator and squeeze the primer bulb.

So at least we have eliminated the fuel supply issues of our engine operation problems.
It would appear now that the carb condition, synching, adjustment and fuel pump are the next items to explore. Unfortunately I’m more than a little bit hesitant to do this while Over Easy is afloat in the marina. I just know that gravity is going to be demonstrated at some point in the process. The awkwardness of the location working from the stern of the vessel isn’t a confidence builder either. As such we will most likely not proceed with these items until we haul out in July to get new bottom paint and the gel coat buffed/waxed.

Until then we will continue to gain experience with handling Over Easy from a motoring perspective as well as our docking skills. (Which surprisingly have actually improved to where the marina crowd are starting to cheer as much as they cringe when we come in!)

Continued...... 05/30/21

The day has been beautiful! Light winds, temp in the 70’s and some fluffy clouds to provide intermittent shade as we again went up the Beaufort River and then the Coosaw River and back to Port Royal.

Lunch of Deli sandwiches as we motored along the estuaries was great. It must be all the fresh air!

The fuel system modifications have resulted in a more stable engine operation. There are still some issues with acceleration but once one “fine tunes” the throttle position it seems to like 2400-2800 rpm and 3200-3400 rpm. Higher than 3400 and the engine falters/misses and the only way to keep it running there is to use the primer bulb. Below 2400 down to 1500 rpm the engine also falters/misses needing to primed with the hand primer. At below 1500 rpm the engine should be a a fast idle but hesitates and falters.

Switching fuel tanks has no effect and the fuel is ethanol free, fresh and from a reputable high volume distributor.

This seems to be reconfirming the speculation that it is related to the engine fuel pump, carbs, and synchronization of them. Unfortunately that will all have to wait until Over Easy is out of the water at the end of July.

The Journey Contines...

I would agree that sounds like fuel pump.

Continuation.....May 30-31, 2021

On Sunday (05/30) we did an experimental test with a makeshift sun awning stretched over our still recumbent mast. The shade was nice for the Admiral and the 1st Deck Hand . The material was a bit too light and the rigging ties at only the four corners left a bit to be desired though as it did flap quite a bit in the moderate winds incurred. We found that it demonstrated a substantial “sail” effect and resultant handling characteristics like wanting to weather vane Over Easy into the wind like the feathers of a dart when engine power was removed from the equation!

Our travels took us back up the Beaufort River to where it meets the Coosaw and back to Port Royal Marina. The Admiral was at the helm for a good portion of the trip and is becoming more familiar with handling Over Easy.


But overall the experiment was successful in that it has aided us in confirming some design changes for the “production” item such as material weight, dimensions, grommets, incorporated ties, reinforcements and quick release strapping features. We are fortunate to have a local sail loft who can help.

Our travels on Monday (05/31) had us headed down the Beaufort River past Paris Island (the US Marine Corps base) and on to the Broad River. The name doesn’t do it justice as where we crossed was over 3 miles wide! It is a considerable volume of water running out to the Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Crossing it on a slackening receding tide was a good idea as the current flow of the rivers meeting was more than enough of a challenge. We had a partially quartering following sea as it were where we diagonally crossed the Broad River. Swells were about 1 to 2 feet in height. This portion of the trip required constant helm control to avoid surfing the waves which wanted to turn us broadside to them.

This portion of the journey allowed us to experience deliberately running the Starboard tank dry with the new internal fuel tank siphon. A quick flip of the tank selector valve to the Port fuel tank and a couple of quick squeezes of the primer bulb and all was good! Really like this fuel supply line modification! No more fussing about disconnecting/reconnecting of fuel line sprayless fittings and fumbling about. Being able to just reach over without looking and turning a selector valve is REALLY nice! Having the primer bulb mounted on the same panel within arms reach without looking is also REALLY nice!

We followed the ICW chart course to the Skull Creek entrance alongside Hilton Head Island in as far as marker #6. At that point we decided to head back so we would be within our tide flow & daylight window for docking at our marina slip.

The return crossing of the Broad River was definitely an E+ ticket ride! The winds had picked up and wave heights were now easily 2 feet. The good side was that now we were diagonally headed into the waves! We were crossing on a very solid course heading and track as confirmed by our GPS. At about a half mile past Marker 1 into the Broad River a set of three large power boats who had been following our wake at this time decided to pass us uncomfortably close (less than 10 feet separation) which was surprising given the expanse of the surrounding water and general area depth in excess of 25 feet! It appeared that not only was this unnecessary but rude. All we can figure is general ineptitude,“pricey boat arrogance” and it being the last afternoon of a holiday on their part. The lead boat was a large catamaran that appeared to be on “autopilot” and the other two following boats were large deck boats.
The catamaran was getting tossed around a bit at a speed that allowed the deck boats to keep pace astern. Apparently the inconsideration of the Catamaran also extended to the two deck boats as it decided to apply power and accelerated away from them. At this point the two deck boats with their low freeboard really started to struggle with waves breaking over the bow. One turned back and the other had to slow considerably. As this one was occupied by two adults and two small children (all without life jackets) we slowed our own pace after passing them (50 yards off their Port side) to monitor their progress across. Eventually after reaching the far side where the wave heights diminished to about a foot they sped off (much wetter than they started) to wherever they were headed. We can only wonder what kind of conversation they will have about their crossing.....

Meanwhile our Mac26X at all of 2800 RPM managed the crossing in stellar fashion as it was well within the design capabilities Rodger MacGregor provided it with. The improved fuel supply worked like a charm and our old Tohatsu never skipped a beat at this power setting.

Upon passing the Sands Beach point of Port Royal and enjoying the peaceful sunset we came upon two nice guys stranded on the Beaufort River in a disabled bass boat getting blown into the marsh. As a 1st for Over Easy we became a “rescue tug” and towed them back up and around the point to the Port Royal Boat Landing. The two guys were in good spirits being rescued by a sail boat after apparently drifting for more than a half hour without assistance.

We made it back to our slip by 8 PM just as the incoming tide started up. All in all it was a great trip and helped continue to build our skills and confidence in our abilities as well as those of Over Easy!








The Journey Continues.......

The adventure continues, thanks for the enjoyable updates. I bet its gorgeous to sail down there.

Those 2 guys look happy to be rescued.

Hi Pitchpolephobie & Russ

Yes, it IS beautiful exploring the waterways in the Beaufort (SC) area. As the charts show there are a lot of them with interesting features. The tidal shift of about 6 feet can dramatically change the naviagable channels and surrounding shallows. There are herons, egrets, dolphins, otters and a host of other creatures to see and observe.

The many wide open areas are perfect places for sailing allowing plenty of room and depth for maneuvering although the river and tidal currents may be challenge to sail against at times. For those that prefer to power by canvas there are plenty of areas that allow for long broad reach runs as well as space to tack back and forth to one’s heart content.

Currently as newbies we are content at this time to enjoy the motoring aspect of our Mac26X. This has been providing us with more than enough challenge and entertainment! If not for us, at least for our spectators!
Let it not be said that we haven’t provided the marina with entertainment value with our departures or arrivals. Heck, even our getting on and off the fuel dock is good for at least a couple chuckles .

We have fortunately been able to identify several problems and gradually work through them without any major or insurmountable issues so far. Our “sea trials” have been good experiences to work on them and develope our basic skill set on the water. It being in warm beautiful surroundings (with generally soft forgiving edges to bump into) makes it all the more enjoyable.

The “rescue” of the guys with the bass boat was a fun bit! Yes, they were really happy to have a tow over to the landing rather than possibly having to have a long slog through the marsh lands in fading light. It was fun to be able to help them!

It's more fun if you rescue them with the mast up.
I wish I could say I was under sail, but the engine was actually doing the work.

That’s perfect!

Mine was two college age guys. They ran out of gas about two miles short of the boat ramp. They were taking turns sitting on the bow of the boat using a canoe paddle when I found them. They were not making much headway against the current (only about .5 kt but they were not very good at paddling). We were going almost due south when the picture was taken so you can't really tell how late it is but they would not have made it back before dark.

The parallelism is too funny

Be Free wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 11:47 am It's more fun if you rescue them with the mast up.
I wish I could say I was under sail, but the engine was actually doing the work.

That is awesome. Tell them it was the wind doing the work.

I rescued a boat with the Mac. Saw a woman waving and NOBODY would come to their aid. Motor wouldn't start. I first loaned them my jumper pack. It didn't help. They were very grateful and offered to pay for the rescue. Just feels good to help people on the water.

Yes, it does feel good.

I rescued a family on a rental power boat on Lake George several years ago. While I was pulling them back, the rental marina came and took over. Never said "thanks" for the help.

On the other hand, I was rescued once myself while out on my Phantom Sailboat.


I was a couple of miles out on the lake, and could not get back because I had to tack onto a strong head wind. I appreciated the tow.