MacGregorSailors.com

Hi Australian members,

I am currently working with our trimmers to develop a few new items for Australian Macs. I have posted a few questions in the general section that i would love you feedback on. However, this discussion is really just aimed at Macs in the Aust. climate.

Currently most of us have biminis on our Macs. However, what other weather protection would you use or want? Are full enclosures overkill in Australia? Would a dodger with a bimini be enough for most?

My trimmer is currently working on a very neat dodger/bimini set up. With the mainsheet location we can not sail with the dodger and bimini joined, however, if we disconnect the mainsheet and move it (perhaps to the stanchion??) then the dodger and bimini could be joined during powering and at anchor. We are also hoping to have the top part of the dodger fold forward so the forward screen can still protect the cockpit from the wind, without enclosing the companionway area and vice-versa (so it will be a small bimini over the companionway- keep out the sun/rain- still let in the breeze).

Could removable clears (roll up??) on the sides of the bimini with a dodger connected be a fair compromise for full enclosures in Aust? Is a rear flap needed?

I am trying to make available some good locally made products out there for our Aussie Macs. I am looking forward to your feedback.

Thanks in advance,

Cameron
Blue Reef Yachts

Hi Cameron,
I for one want a dodger that I can use when sailing as well as when motoring. I know that Brianhar is also in the market for a dodger. I was about to organise a custom build job but if yours if not too far away I will wait...Cheers, John

Hi John,

I will have something in about 2 months, tops. It will be strong and shaped to match the curves of the mac. It will look very nice and sleek.

Cheers,
Cameron
Blue Reef Yachts

I always wanted something to give me protection while at anchor. I used an old tent fly as a boom tent, that went from the start of the boom, and linked to the bimini. This provided plenty of shade, but when it was raining, the rain would still seem to get into the cabin. So, I would have liked to have a dodger and bimini fillin, with some clears to roll down.

Mind you, I still think the mac needs a deep cockpit locker, that could go all the way down to the floor in the back berth. You could put the fuel tank at the bottom, and this would free up plenty of space in the cockpit for all those other things you seem to need.

Maybe on the next Mac....

Blue Reef wrote:Hi John,

I will have something in about 2 months, tops. It will be strong and shaped to match the curves of the mac. It will look very nice and sleek.

Cheers,
Cameron
Blue Reef Yachts

Remember to price it for US market as well - you might have some takers over here too!

Let's all give a hearty welcome to Blue Reef Yatchs. They are now an official advertiser on this website. Watch for his banner ad soon. Please support him and the other advertisers that make this website possible.

Welcome aboard, Cameron.

~Rich

Thanks everyone for your ideas and comments. Keep 'em coming. I am always open to any ideas to improve the comfort or handling of our Macs. Our trimmers are excellent and i am looking forward to giving them a Mac for a few days to see what they can do with it.

My feeling is that full enclosures are overkill in the majority of Aust. Most of us have a bimini on the top of our options list, just below the mast raising kit. So having a dodger with the gap fill in could be a good compromise, maybe with roll up/zip off clears around the bimini and wings coming off the fill in?? We will see how we go.

Thank you for the warm welcome Rich. It is much appreciated, as is the plug!

Kmclemore, i will keep your advice in mind during the design. I will talk to my trimmers about designing so that shipping size is reduced to save postage $$$ around Austraila and overseas.

I hope to have the design and the first one done by early December. Same for the boat cover.

Cam
Blue Reef

Hi Blue Reef

I would certainly be interested in a well designed dodger.
One that can fold forward when not required would be good.

Cheers

Definite interest here too. Nick

All is complete and I have photos. I am just waiting on final prices. Next day or two.

Looks great!

Thanks
Cam

Bought one of the Blue Reef dodgers and have it fitted.

Haven't taken it out for a test run yet but absolutely love it.
Makes 'Transforma' a different boat.

They did a custom fit so that I could get my jib sheets through (as I don't have a furler)

I would post a photo but I looks like the administrator hasn't allowed images.


Cheers


Peter

we actually have the prototype dodger made by Blue reef fitted to our 26x.....and it transforms the boat.Our boat also has a bimini fitted so as to allow it to stay up whilst sailing.The only mod/addition we made to the dodger was to install velcro & presstuds to attach flyscreens.The dodger is stylish,sleek and looks at home on the boat... also all lines pass under the edge for jibsheets & halyards.When not sailing a joining tarp between the bimini and dodger allowing for full cover in the cockpit.

It folds forward as I wanted but, as a bonus, I discovered it can unclip at the front and fold back onto the rear hoop where it can be stowed neatly in a boot (unexpectedly, I came across a boot at Ken's Marine here in Canberra on Saturday - until then, it was hard to picture), nothing to do except undo the clips fold it back and put on the boot. It will then be ready to put back up when required (take off the boot - clip on at the front, clip along the sides) or, if de-rigging, undo two thumb screws, drop forward, tie to bottom rail.

I will take it off when I get home as I have a full tarp over the boat which generates too much heat for the screen ( It would probably permanently crease) - Only has four screws to undo and the whole thing comes off.
Great design.

Still haven't taken it out for a test run (probably won't get out for a while) but it sure is looking promising.

Pictures please guys.
Were also interested.
Daz