Need Replacement Battens for Mac 25

[johnnyonspot]

I just bought a 1983 Mac 25. The battens are missing. Anyone know where I can find new ones, or make them? Would need a source for the material if I make them. Also, the prior owner neglected to clean the bottom when he took it out of the water and so the bio crud drird on like cement. What is a good strategy to remove this? A stiff brush with soapy water doesnt do a thing to it.

[James V]

Measure the lenght of your batten pockets, go to someplace like West Marine and buy some about 3 inches long, use a hacksaw to trim to size and use a wood file to groom.

Bottom gunk - try to put the boat back in the water for a day or two. Take a soft brush or green pad to it in the water. Preasure wash out of the water. Not too hard.

[baldbaby2000]

I've owned 2 Mac 25's in my life. You can check several places: Supersport Marine (Kearney Nebraska), BWYatchs, Bill at boats4sail (www.boats4sail.html), or Macgregor. It's hard to say for sure what size they would be because there may not be just one type of sail that's used on that boat. You may have to just measure the pockets and cut some battens to size. As a temporary solution you can use wood strips; I've even seen a racer cut a fishing pole rod in an emergency and use that.

As for the dried crud; I've been there. I've pulled the boat from the water and immediately pressure washed it and it didn't remove it. If you try what I'm about to suggest, please get a charcoal breathing mask, rubber gloves and be careful. Muriatic acid works pretty good, it's cheap, available at any hardware store, but it's nasty stuff. Rinse the boat and trailer often as it's very corrosive.

[johnnyonspot]

Okay, another question. The boat does not have a vang. Where might I get one?

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

The boat does not have a vang. Where might I get one?

If you are going to buy new blocks, consider converting your present mainsheet blocks to a vang, and getting some better mainsheet blocks.
I used to use the Harken 053 and 058 (or 060). I now use the Garhauer 25-01US and 25-08US.
If you put longer line on the vang you can also use it as a preventer.

[DLT]

Bill, how much is a set of your upgraded blocks?

[johnnyonspot]

What is a preventer?

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Attaching the bottom block of the vang to one of the stanchion bases, instead of the base of the mast, can help prevent an accidental gybe, if the mains'l gets back-winded.