Listings
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Teak Swim Platform with LadderCockpit - (MacGregor 26M) - April 29, 2025I wanted to make a better boarding ladder system that was still convenient to lower, raise and stow and would have a wider ladder that was deeper in the water for easier climbing. Also, almost the entire rig is configured with standard hardware which...
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Companionway hatch boardCockpit - Calgary (MacGregor 26X) - December 3, 2023The goal was to make the door multi-piece for easier storage. Decided as well to provide a means of securing us inside the boat if needed, for instance in a shady Walmart parking lot. Used HDPE 'cutting board', a 3x3 piece is enough. Cheaper than Sta...
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installing stern rail seatsCockpit - (MacGregor 26M) - July 18, 2023https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu2GCXMRBYp/
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Bimini Height ImprovementCockpit - Bimini (MacGregor 26X) - July 18, 2022And then we modified the Bimini. The Bimini height originally was a bit too low in that one couldn’t stand up in the cockpit where moving about basically bent over. This was more than a bit awkward. We made a pair of extension legs to raise the Bimin...
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Improved Pedestal FeedthroughsCockpit - Pedestal (MacGregor 26X) - July 18, 2022While having to unbolt the pedestal from the cockpit floor I decided that while the cables were removed it was a prime time to investigate the persistent nuisance leak into the aft berth I’ve suspected originates at the two pedestal feed throughs. It...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Coachwhipping the helmCockpit - steering (MacGregor 26M) - January 4, 2020
I 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 ...