Mods
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Coachwhipping the helmCockpit - steering (MacGregor 26M) - January 4, 2020I found that with such a small steering wheel I needed better grip so I took weeks of patience in coachwhipping it,
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Rear SpeakersCockpit - - December 1, 2019We figured out a way to put speakers in the cockpit area (though my hat goes off to the guy that thought of mounting them in the pedestal, I hadn't thought of that). Our option was to use small box speakers (such as from Radio Shack) and screw a smal...
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Winch Handle PocketCockpit - - December 1, 2019See the attached where we placed a winch handle pocket. It is easy to find, and the pocket is always right where you need it (near the winches). Also note one of the doors that were constructed with the vent in the door. These are made of tinted plex...
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Autohelm (Sort - of)Cockpit - - December 1, 2019Here's a real HIGH TECH autohelm.... Sometimes I am sailing alone, have the boat going straight & even, & want to go down below for a few minutes (or maybe just for a beer). I have put one of the little eye-straps below the steering wheel, and I run ...
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Cockpit Queen size bedCockpit - - December 1, 2019Its usually too warm around Corpus Christi to sleep inside our cabin when we travel and anchor somewhere to sleep. The solution is simple. Mount six one inch strips of wood 6- ten inches long, which have had one edge rounded, to 3/4 of an inch below ...
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Install 12 gallon Gas tank for extended rangeCockpit - - September 18, 2018Wanted to get a bit more range so installed a 12 gallon gas tank in addition to the 9 gal I had already. With help from forum members found this one at https://www.wholesalemarine.com/moeller-marine-12-gallon-topside-fuel-tank-with-low-profile.html?u...
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Helm Box RefurbCockpit - - September 4, 2018My Helm box was in a sorro state and needed a lot of mods to make it accomodate the dual cable rack-n-pinion and the new SeaStar CH1700 engine controls (I'd purchased on an impulse buy without considering how hard it would be to fit). A shipwright to...
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MacGregor 26X ArchCockpit - - November 18, 2017Built and installed an arch on the MacGregor 26X. Attached are some pictures. If interested I can share details. Published by: Andysigrist
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Dodger/Bimini EnclosureCockpit - - May 5, 2017Full enclosure built by local shop. You cannot use this while sailing as both the dodger and bimini are too tall. Dodger is about 32 inches tall and bimini gives you 6 foot 5 inches from cockpit floor. We usually leave the connector piece zipped to t...
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Hard DodgerCockpit - - April 24, 2017Never really thrilled with the canvas dodger options for this boat, so built this hard dodger out of marine ply and epoxy. Took an entire season but was well worth it. Built this onsite with the boat in its slip, first framing it out, then cutting th...
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Mast Crutch Bimini Connector ModCockpit - - April 6, 2017Modification to the mast crutch to allow raising the mast 12 inches with the bimini connector in place. 1) 1/2" galvanized schedule 40 pipe, 24" long, with 1" aluminum sleeve, 12" long, slipped over it. The sleeve was cut from a bent spreader. The pi...
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Internal handle hatch washboardCockpit - - February 24, 2016I have always found the hatch washboard awkward to hold both from the inside or out in the cockpit especially with wet or cold hands. I fitted an internal handle which makes it so much easier to hold on to when handling it. The stainless handle came ...
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Another generator/boarding platform designCockpit - - August 18, 2015Being tired of placing my Yamaha 2000ie generator on one of my rail seats, I constructed a platform under the helm seat for it from leftover, pressure treated, decking boards. The design is asymetrical in order to be able to place the generator sidew...
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DIY Economy Stern Rail SeatsCockpit - - October 3, 2014My Grand-daughters wanted to have stern rail seats like another MACM they saw. They are expensive in Australia so I designed my own. Using OS 1" SS Tubing, PVC Bow ends, 6*1" SS Bimini clamps, SS 316 Plate & 2 chopping boards Here are the fitted seat...
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Footboard for height-challenged AdmiralCockpit - - June 29, 2014A large fraction of the Admiral's anxiety when heeling comes from not being able to brace herself. Her legs are too short to reach the far bench - the only thing preventing her from sliding is her butt and her hands - the least strong large-muscle gr...
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Wheel wrapCockpit - - June 11, 2014Cord-wrapped wheel 70 feet of 3/16" line, started and ended with lashing thread. Did a simple wrap, not the fancy 1 stitch 2 pearl loop-de-loop. < 2 hours all in. $20. Much nicer feel than that narrow cold SS. Published by: DaveC426913
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Pulley systems on Rudder and Dagger board linesCockpit - - April 28, 2014The Admiral sometimes has to raise the dagger board, or raise the rudders. The original system has absolutely no mechanical advantage - just brute force lifting of the boards. I replaced the lines that lift and lower the rudders and the dagger board....
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standing flap for biminiCockpit - - April 25, 2014All the boats I've owned ive always like to stand whilst at the helm. Due to the intensity of the Australian sun, we like to have the bimini up for the girls. I've asked the guys supplying our bimini to create a zipped area so if needed, I can unzip ...
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Propane StorageCockpit - - March 12, 2014Simple Propane bottle storage under captains seat. Length of PVC attached with SS screws and 3M 5200. Open on top and short pieces of line crisscrossed at the bottom. Knots were Crazyglued. Holes up the side are for screwdriver to get to screws. No p...
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Coachwhipping the WheelCockpit - - January 9, 2014Over the Christmas holiday vacation, I decided to attempt something I have wanted to do since we bought our boat. I coachwhipped the wheel and gave the king spoke a proper Turk's Head. If your interested in how it was done, you can find all the detai...
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Main hatch washboard modCockpit - - October 3, 2013I made a board to insert over the original washboard. this prevents water from entering on windy and rainy days. The two holes fit with the bolts from the sliding-hatch handle simply insert the board and pass the holes over the bolts inside the hatch...
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Boarding ladder with a twistCockpit - - September 2, 2013Our 26M is kept on a mooring all summer long. We use a 9 feet inflatable to get to it, and needed an easy & safe way to climb aboard. After checking a few mods, the side mounting seemed like the best spot, but installing fixed permanent brackets to r...
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Fuel Tank StrapsCockpit - - July 25, 2013Inspired by a photo from the Tattoo site options page in picture #1, I set out to add fuel tank straps for the 26x. The 12 gallon fuel tanks are likely considered permanent since I had to remove the helm to get them installed, so as an added precauti...
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Double BiminiCockpit - - July 25, 2013I like the sun, but like the shade on a sunny day more. Also, keeps rain out of the hatch/cockpit. No holes needed with 1" hinged bimini jaw clamps to the rail and can be used mast up or down. When using the main sail, just rest both back on the towe...
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Reconstructing cockpit hatchesCockpit - - June 30, 2013The balsa core material had rotted in the 1993 MacGregor I recently acquired. The fiberglass cracked then, too. The repair involved removing the hatches from the boat, removing all weakened material, learning what wetting down fiberglass and laying u...
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Cockpit Cup holders (self-balancing)Cockpit - - June 6, 2013I found these really cool "chrome" look self-balancing cup holders that I mounted in the cockpit off of our stern rail seats. These are marketed to the motor-cycle crowd but work great for sailing since your drink never spills even when the boat is l...
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DownriggersCockpit - - April 10, 2013- We have two Scotty downriggers (model #1080 w/ 24" strong-arms) using 10lb cannon balls. - We mounted them on the stern rail push-pit frames, with a custom made t-bracket support using 1/2" ss-tube. - We also configured the downrigger bases to hold...
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Integrated Cup HoldersCockpit - - April 8, 2013Found a pair of 3-3/4" cup holders on Ebay. Problem was the pin size drain hole it shipped with was prone to clogging, so I drilled a larger opening and fitted with 5/8" nylon thru hull 90 degree elbow fittings with exit just below rudder cam cleats ...
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Arch Tower for the XCockpit - - January 24, 2013Tower by "Fish On". Serves as a Mast Traveler and spot for accessories. Reinforced footings with starboard topside and backing plates. Published by: macr
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Cockpit tableCockpit - - January 6, 2013This simple but effective cockpit table is a chopping board attached by a hinge to the helm an adjustable stay keeps it in place deployed or stowed Published by: Jack Sparrow
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Dodger and biminiCockpit - - December 29, 2012Custom made prototype dodger (Aust distributor) not quite full width,leaves just enough room for foot hold.Over hangs cabin hatch,could overhang more to be ideal.We have a second bimini on sliding track which overlaps this dodger.With the bimini slid...
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Mac27M Dragster (New Helm Seat)Cockpit - - December 12, 2012One day while sailing with three other guests I realized there was very little room to maneuver in the cockpit with the steering pedestal in the middle, especially while tacking. I wondered why the helmsman couldn't be sitting out over the motor, wit...
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ArchCockpit - - December 2, 2012Arch made of stainless steel, continued with 1 1/4 aluminum schedule 40 pipe. My plan is to use it to support a full enclosure, a solar panel and hoist a dinghy. Published by: Calin
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DebuggerCockpit - - November 16, 2012This simple device is one of the best mods I have added on my 26X. I made it to keep mud wasp from slipping through the hatch and building nests inside, while docked at the slip in our marina. It has worked perfectly. Another plus is we have had almo...
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Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast downCockpit - - November 3, 2012It is not easy to go down below, or even move in the cockpit in MOST boats, with the mast down. For no extra cost, a standard gin pole can find a second purpose in helping to create some cockpit space. In the photos included, the standard bolt holds ...
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Cockpit CotCockpit - - September 15, 2012I love sleeping in the open cockpit, but the cockpit seats are tooo narrow. The cockpit cot is made from some 6061t6 aluminum sheet, 1 x 1 square aluminum tubing, 1 dia aluminum tubing, pop rivets, a scrap of stainless piano hinge, and 1/4" stainless...
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Full EnclosureCockpit - - September 12, 2012Genco Marine built and installed our full enclosure in two days. Genco used our existing Bimini top, added zippers and a sail/windex viewing port to incorporate it into the full enclosure. All side and rear panels have zippered rollup windows with bu...
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Fold Down Spray ShieldCockpit - - August 24, 2012While I've copied and bastardized many ideas here. This is my first innovation... There is a lot of room for impovement here - especially in sewing ability. While it's still under construction - I know I'm done for the season. Went to SailRite bought...
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My Bubba AC Box / Billy BoxCockpit - - August 24, 2012In my Book, Tahoe Jack first, and then [ XX] Billy are the creators and innovators of this hackneyed but usefull mod. This is my take on their ideas. I wanted something semi-permenant. I missed the "Billy Box" / Bubba box order. So I improvised to su...
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New Hatch BoardCockpit - - June 22, 2012We really don't like the stock companionway hatch board. This is 1/4" smoked plexiglass from USPlastics.com. I traced the old one to a cardboard template, tweeked the fit and cut this one out. Gave me an excuse to buy a new ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) ...
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Companionway Grab BarsCockpit - - June 20, 2012Made from Black Walnut, used a hole saw on a full piece and then cut it in half. Finished with tung oil. They add a grab for comming and going and we use loops and small biners to hang line and other stuff from them. The top is through bolted as far ...
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Gotta have the seatsCockpit - - June 20, 2012What more can I say.....except, 2:1 rudder system hung under um. Published by: FPLynah
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Our Not so shinny wheelCockpit - - June 20, 2012Para cord.....half hitches, a couple of nights in the cockpit w/me, my wife, and wine. I seized the knots w/ a little bit of 5-minute epoxy. The spiral effect is great and good to grip. Hides that SS bright wheel too. The wrap can be hard on the hand...
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Cockpit TableCockpit - - June 20, 2012Tough....lots of angles to deal with. Lots of chamfering. Works though. Holds cans o'....(beer). Both up and down. Look through the top holes to see the set of holes for the down position. Published by: FPLynah
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Binocular HolderCockpit - - June 7, 2012I got tired to having to retrieve my binos from the cabin or worrying about them getting damaged by placing them on the seat cushions. I searched the boards and couldn't find anything that would work for me. I wanted to mount something to the pedesta...
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Cooler seat for additional fuel storageCockpit - - June 6, 2012Cooler seat elevates pilot for better visibility. Provides additional fuel storage space (now up to 30 gallons) and keeps ice like a yeti (almost). 5mm luan plywood, west systems epoxy/fiberglass, and home depot foam board construction. Time consumin...
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Mast CrutchCockpit - - June 3, 2012Oak Mast Crutch provides cockpit headroom when mast down cruising and on the road camping. Published by: mdeane
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Back Porch and Cockpit deckingCockpit - - May 29, 2012Made this modification from 1x2 cedar makes for ease of entry from stern and is much warmer on bare feet. The entire cockpit deck is one level from hatch to stern. Published by: Kim Armstrong
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Radar ArchCockpit - - May 12, 2012I'm new to the forum, but I thought I'd share my new radar arch mod with the group. I found this arch online on sale for $150. I'm not sure if they're being discontinued and selling out existing stock, but they are still available if anyone else is i...