Mods
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fold up ladderInterior - Ladder (MacGregor 26M) - October 16, 2021I wanted to fold up the ladder from my 26m. So I bought a foldable ladder, cut it in part and mounted it. For safety and to support the pull and push load I installed a pipe that is connected to the original screw from the traveller see a) in the pho...
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Dual Batteries, Switch, & ChargerElectrical - (MacGregor 19) - October 11, 2021Finally finished the electrical installation: Dual Group-24 deep cycle batteries located in the v-berth hatch, BlueSea Systems 10A BatteryLink charger & battery switch located in the settee hatch just forward of the head, and a BlueSea ST Blade 6...
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Beverage HolderCockpit - (MacGregor 19) - October 8, 2021I made this beverage holder out of 1/2” StarBoard—Cut it to fit snug into the stern railing so that it is out of the way yet totally accessible. I rounded and beveled all of the edges so that lines won’t get caught. Pretty happy with the way this lit...
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Maiden VoyageMiscellaneous - (MacGregor 19) - October 3, 2021SNARF’s maiden voyage—Four hours on the Napa River with the boys, a friend & his son (on a separate boat just in case). Launched from Cuttings Wharf around 10am, cruised from Napa down to Vallejo, bought fuel at the Vallejo Marina, rafted in the ...
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Companionway Latch Mod for Mac26XSafety - Interior (MacGregor 26X) - September 19, 2021Hi All While most Mac26X come with an External Companionway hatch to secure the cabin from the outside there was nothing provided to secure it from the interior when one is living aboard while cruising. This bothered us a bit… So we decided to modify...
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Interior Hatch Handles Mod for Mac26XInterior - Companionway (MacGregor 26X) - September 19, 2021Hi All The companionway sliding hatch exterior handle has two 1/4-20 threaded rods protrude into the interior by several inches. There was no interior handle to open the sliding hatch from the interior other than the two threaded rods. This was provi...
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More Misc. ProjectsMiscellaneous - (MacGregor 19) - September 5, 2021Moved the batteries to the bow storage hold—just need to finish making the new cables and hook everything up. Built a galley shelf for the jet boil stove/french press, dish soap, CO/smoke detector, and salt/pepper. Also built a utensil storage bin be...
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Rotary Cable SteeringMiscellaneous - Steering (MacGregor 19) - September 5, 2021Busy weekend—Finally got the new rotary cable steering system installed. The Uflex tilt helm and rotary unit have been on board for several months, but it took me a while to figure out how/where to run the cable and how to connect the cable to the mo...
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Cruising Storage for a Mac26XStorage - (MacGregor 26X) - September 5, 2021Hi All In preparation for our anticipated cruising aboard our Mac26X the Admiral and I decided we needed to organize our storage needs. The Photo is the “General Layout” of our storage bins in the aft berth We used the Hefty Brand clear(ish) sided st...
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Air Conditioning Mod for Mac26XInterior - Air Conditioning (MacGregor 26X) - September 5, 2021Hi All This is our Air Conditioning Mod for a Mac26X. We took a 6000 BTU 115 VAC portable single exhaust tube room A/C unit and installed it in our Mac26X just aft of the battery box next to the Galley. We looked at several different options but deci...
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Setback BracketMotor - Jackplate (MacGregor 19) - August 17, 2021When I bought my boat, the newer 40-hp Merc EFI 4-stroke was mounted as low as possible on the transom so that it would clear (barely) the stern railing when tilted-up. This put the cavitation plate on the outboard about 5” below the bottom of the hu...
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Mac26x - New Smoke & CO Detector ModSafety - Smoke detector (MacGregor 26X) - August 16, 2021We added a permanent location for our new Smoke & CO detector. Located it on the interior aft port wall. The same side as the galley, batteries, VHF radio, intermediate and control switch box. It will also be above the A/C unit once that installa...
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Clean Vinyl Cockpit CushionsExterior - Cushions (MacGregor 19) - August 2, 2021My vinyl cockpit cushions wouldn’t come clean with soap & water, so I took a chance and tried using soft scrub on a foam disc polisher. Aside from being messy, this was a quick easy way to make the cushions look like new.
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Mac26X Wall Mounted/Removable Battery ChargerElectrical - Battery Charger (MacGregor 26X) - July 29, 2021Hi All A somewhat recent addition to our DC Electrical System Mod is this compact digital Battery Charger to replace our older “Godzilla” Start/Charger which is great and all but is 8x the volume! Yes there may be smaller ones out there but this suit...
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Mac26X DC Electrical System ModificationElectrical - DC Electrical (MacGregor 26X) - July 27, 2021We were asked to post what we accomplished for our modification of Over Easy’s Mac26X DC Electrical system to this section of the forum. While the existing DC electrical was adequate and functional we wanted to upgrade Over Easy to a DUAL BATTERY SYS...
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Rubrail RehabExterior - Rubrail (MacGregor 19) - July 25, 2021My rubrail was trashed—it was stiff, brittle, crazed, stained white where compound/wax had gotten on it and had a couple of big chunks missing. I was planning on replacing it, but it seems like a huge job so I was procrastinating… I tried some aceton...
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Preemptive Bilge Pumps to a MAC26XSafety - Bilge pumps (MacGregor 26X) - July 23, 2021In preparations for our anticipated cruising of the Atlantic ICW we chose to Preemptively Add Bilge Pumps to Over Easy. Over Easy is a dry boat. We added the bilge pumps as a safety measure preemptively as they will allow us to proactively mitigate a...
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Mac26X Galley ModificationsGalley - Galley (MacGregor 26X) - July 23, 2021In preparation for our anticipated cruising the Atlantic ICW we modified the galley in Over Easy. A detailed description can be found at: Main site < Board index < MacGregorSailors Forum < Repairs and Modifications Under the title: Mac26X Ga...
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Dual Battery Select Charge & Use Control Switch System Modification On a Mac26XElectrical - Dual battery (MacGregor 26X) - July 23, 2021In preparing Over Easy for our anticipated cruising of the Atlantic ICW we modified our electrical system to incorporate a Dual Battery Select Charge & Use Control Switch System Modification. A complete description of this modification can be fou...
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Mod to 12 Gal Tanks on a Mac26XMotor - Fuel tank (MacGregor 26X) - July 23, 2021In preparing Over Easy to cruise the Atlantic ICW we chose to make some modifications to our vessel. We upgraded our fuel system to incorporate: 1) dual 12 gallon tanks 2) external fuel filter/separator 3) 3/8 diameter fuel lines 4) 3-way fuel select...
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More M19 Improvements…Miscellaneous - Hatch (MacGregor 19) - July 2, 2021Removed the old solar vent fan from the bow deck—it was leaking and didn’t do much except make a lot of noise. The balsa core around the screw holes was starting to rot, too. Found a nice low-profile Vetus hatch that fit the area well. Also added a 2...
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Adjustable spring hatch propVentilation - hatch (MacGregor 26S) - June 15, 2021I replaced the cantankerous screw-to-tighten forward hatch prop with a stainless steel spring prop. The spring prop provides support automatically, then collapses easily to close, but I still wanted to be able to adjust between fully and partially op...
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Lazarette rack for fuel tank and fendersStorage - Fuel tank (MacGregor 26S) - May 16, 20212x4's and hooks from Home Depot create this handy rack to hold my 3-gallon fuel tank. Fenders, anchor line bucket, and other items swing underneath to allow room for Magma grill and other items
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V-berth accessStorage - storage (MacGregor 26S) - May 16, 2021Easy access to the area under the V-berths for sails, life vests, etc. I had a local shop cut and round the edges of a piece of black plex. Hardware supplied by Blue Water Yachts.
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Out-of-the-way cooler mountGalley - Cooler (MacGregor 26S) - May 16, 2021Maybe not so much a mod as the perfect weekender cooler and attachment location. See photo. The Igloo Contour 30-quart cooler fits behind the companionway ladder on my Mac 25S, lashes in place easily, provides quick access from the cockpit or saloon,...
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Easy mast raising systemRigging - Mast (MacGregor 26S) - May 16, 2021Caveat - Modifications to the trailer are done at your own risk. The author of this article assumes no liability for damage or mishaps associated with the use of approach. Use the gin pole and stays from your current system, but throw away the block ...
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Steering brakeCockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - May 13, 2021Adjusting ring 20mm https://www.ebay.de/itm/283765508273?hash=item4211be08b1:g:qFYAAOSwcMJgmvDl Eye bolts M6 x 60mm https://www.ebay.de/itm/283826918648?hash=item42156714f8:g:p4EAAOSw9ehgmvgG
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Cockpit seat revision (underside / inside)Cockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - May 13, 2021The seat was very soft and there were many hairline cracks. The seat was sawn open, new struts laminated in and closed again from below. Covered with gelcoat and topcoat.
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Replace steering systemMotor - (MacGregor 26X) - May 12, 2021Seastar "Back Mount Rack" 8ft./244cm Länge Bellows: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B088P2N6SB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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transom molding repairMotor - (MacGregor 26X) - May 12, 2021Material: Polyester-resin Polyester-Gelcoat RAL 9016 Polyester-Topcoat RAL 9016 Polyester-filler UPS VossChemie V11 Beech multiplex board 18mm Tool: Fein Multimaster syringe 20ml a lot of sandpaper much patience
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Helm mounted bluetooth stereo installElectrical - (MacGregor 26M) - April 27, 2021I installed a Marine Bluetooth Stereo unit at the helm. BOSS Audio Systems MCKGB450W.6 Weatherproof Marine Gauge Receiver https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H1J4PNH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Also installed was a BOSS Audi...
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Cork interiorCockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - March 27, 2021Hi , for this decoration I used a 2mm thick cork roll and a slow-acting water-based glue.
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Replace stuck steering wheel and Steering BrakeCockpit - 2002 (MacGregor 26X) - March 24, 2021Wanted to add a steering brake to my upgraded steering system. Had to use a 3 jaw puller to remove the old wheel. Tried wd40, pb blaster both overnight. 1. Used 24in breaker bar to remove the old wheel nut. Stabilize wheel. 2. Sprayed pb blaster and ...
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Handy temporary anchor mountAnchoring - anchor (MacGregor 26S) - December 25, 2020Not exactly a mod, but an easy, effective, and inexpensive way to keep the anchor handy when you are planning to use it. A #8 anchor rests between the mast tangs at the fore pulpit, and is held in place with a short bungee cord. You will want to put ...
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Head lockerStorage - storage (MacGregor 26S) - December 25, 2020Storage cabinet for the head. This was tricky to make because the fore and aft walls for the head are not square with the ledge the cabinet rests on. I made a mock-up with cardboard and went from that. Note the anchor doubling as a TP holder. Everyth...
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M19 ImprovementsMiscellaneous - (MacGregor 19) - December 22, 2020I bought a 1995 M19 over the summer and have been slowly making improvements to the boat for aesthetic, functionality, & safety purposes. When I bought the boat, the electrical system consisted of a single galvanized bolt with about six ring term...
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Hatchway DoorsCockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - August 17, 2020As other owners have done, I've replaced the large white door that came with our '02 X. 3/4" plywood with 6 layers of spar urethane (the first 3 thinned 50% for absorption) and an oak piece for the overlap. Still need an inside latch or two when I fi...
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Mac 26X Hatchway ScreensVentilation - (MacGregor 26X) - August 15, 2020Made some ventilation/bug hatchway screens. I believe this material is used for making RV screen porches. Also looks similar to what is sold at Home Depot or Lowe's in garden section for greenhouses. (Which all means I don't remember who gave it to m...
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Helm Seat FendersStorage - (MacGregor 26X) - August 12, 2020Liked this mod another owner had done so copied it with a bit different attachment idea. Drilled the holes, tapped in and glued those plugs used in drywall. If the cup hanger hooks ever fail due to the thin plastic here I'll glue on some treated wood...
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3D Printed West Marine Panel odElectrical - (MacGregor 26X) - August 7, 2020I have three West Marine power panels in my 26x right now. I had only one small 4-switch one initially, but my system and needs have grown with my recent revising of the electrical system. I have an issue with these simple and inexpensive panels. Old...
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Low cost option to repair Nicro Marine Solar VentsVentilation - Nicro Solar Vent (MacGregor 26X) - July 20, 2020Like many people, I have Nicro Solar vents on my boat and after 4-5 yrs they fail. As they run basically 24x7, that's not unexpected. Nicro used to sell an overhaul kit with new batter/motor but no longer offer that and suggest that you just buy a ne...
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Lines Aft with SpinLock XAS Clutch & ViadanaUsa Deck OrganizersRigging - Lines Led Aft (MacGregor 26X) - July 6, 2020I've finally run my lines aft to the cockpit using SpinLock XAS Roap clutches and Viadana deck organizers. I'm also using the BWYacth mast deck plate. I picked up the Rope Clutches on sale over the past yr and recently came across the Viadana sailing...
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Head bifold/vberth doorInterior - Head (MacGregor 26M) - June 27, 2020To add legroom in the head, I created a bifold door panel which I added to the main door on the inside out of 6mm marine ply I had left from another project. I used 3/4 wrap around hinge, which I installed backwards since both the main door and the e...
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Teak Hatch TracksCockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - June 18, 2020Always hated the stock tracks. Finally realized that you can get to the 'hidden' nuts by removing the bolts to the head so that you can flex the fiberglass enough to access them.
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Shore Power 120v AC panel 26MElectrical - Shore power (MacGregor 26M) - May 21, 2020Marinco Stainless inlet, Blue Sea Systems AC Panel 8101 and outlets on a 2007 26M The key to successful inlet placement when you have to cut the Large hole in the boat was to cut the panel hole first, remove all foam, make a template of the inlet siz...
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Folding Cockpit TableCockpit - (MacGregor 26X) - April 21, 2020Laminated hinged cockpit table.Hope you enjoy the mod.
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EV-100 Tiller Pilot below decksCockpit - autopilot (MacGregor 26M) - April 20, 2020Installing a Raymarine EV-100 tiller pilot below decks. This mod is from BOAT and is quite possibly the best and cleanest autopilot for the 26M Here is the link to the thread https://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25657
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Extension of V berth 26XBerths - (MacGregor 26X) - April 17, 2020Extension of “V” Berth and additional storage
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Galley Mods 26XGalley - (MacGregor 26X) - April 17, 2020I removed the original galley storage and replaced with three sliding draws, a cutlery draw and a large cupboard door, The mod created much more storage space with easier access, hope you like the mod