Listings
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Easily Removable Sonar Transducer Stern MountInstruments - (MacGregor 26X) - September 17, 2023Hi All! We recently completed a mod to allow us to have a removable sonar transducer for our Mac26X. Advantages to easily remove our sonar transducer > when not in use > minimize marine growth > when trailering > when backing into the bea...
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NEW & IMPROVED THROUGH THE HULL BOXInstruments - Sonar (MacGregor 26X) - July 18, 2022We decided that while our original through the hull sonar transducer tank worked well for straight down depth reading it didn’t allow us to use the side scan sonar feature due to the original tank restricting the side view angles We originally tried ...
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VHF Radio, HooksInstruments - - December 1, 2019(A) shows the VHF radio we had installed. The guy doing the installation ran into the lower-upper liner problem and decided to just run the power lines outside the wall for a short distance from the upper liner and then into the side of the house bat...
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VHF AntennaInstruments - - December 1, 2019The VHF antenna cable (B) passes through the deck near the mast base. When you drill you hole for the cable, you have to watch for two things: * Make sure that you drill far enough to the side so that you do not hit the metal backing plate (A). * Mak...
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VHF AntennaInstruments - - December 1, 2019This shows where the antenna cable exits the deck. It comes out right next to the conterboard cable without rubbing against it. This end connects with the antenna cable exiting the mast on the same side. To get the coaxial antenna cable to come out t...
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Compass in CockpitInstruments - - December 1, 2019I have added a compass in the cockpit. The only thing to watch out for is when you are drilling the hole in the bulkhead, make sure that when you insert the compass, it does not hit the sides of the access compartment behind the bulkhead. The line yo...
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Pedestal Compass & GPSInstruments - - December 1, 2019I mounted a Ritchie Explorer Compass to the top of the pedestal on my '99 Mac 26X. As you can see in the picture I have a pedestal guard and table from Havencraft. To that I mounted a Edson mount that only attaches to one leg of the guard. This gave ...
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VHF RadioInstruments - - December 1, 2019I mounted an Apelco VHF radio under the distribution box in the cabin on the port side. With some effort I was able to route all the wires including the antenna behind the cabin liner. In the upper right of the large photo you can see where I mounted...
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EV-100 Autopilot for pedestal mountInstruments - - April 8, 2018Built a special mount using aluminum rods and my drill press. Published by: eodjedi
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Autopilot belt sourceInstruments - - October 19, 2017My 10 year old Raymarine Mark 11 autopilot had pieces of the belt falling out of it. I was able to buy a new belt from this source. They sell on Ebay and Amazon. Only cost me about $20. Very happy I didn't have to buy a new unit. Published by: amysai...
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Autopilot, RaymarineInstruments - - May 10, 2015Following the lead of numerous other MacGregor owners I opted to install the Raymarine EV-1 Autopilot. I went with the tiller-pilot version so I could mount the actuator below decks and not have to listen to it while sailing. I got it out for the fir...
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Wind instrument for rotating mask on 26MInstruments - - January 7, 2015It was difficult to find reasonable priced wind instrument for the rotating mask on Macgregor 26M. After searching through several forums in regards, I came across this wind instrument design specific for Macgregor 26M: Wind Sailor from www.flyorsail...
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Raymarine Evolution Autopilot with SportDriveInstruments - - April 28, 2014I just finished installing a Raymarine Evolution autopilot system. I bought the bundle that included the SportDrive motor and the ACU-200. I mounted the EV-1 sensor unit immediately under and behind the steps going down into the cabin. I didn't want ...
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New ElectronicsInstruments - - May 12, 2013After extensive research and reading all your comments, I took the plunge and bought my first boat electronics. The one thing I took away from all of your helpful advise was " buy the biggest, best, and newest technology that you can afford ". So tha...
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Raymarine Tiller Pilot + Solar PanelInstruments - - January 27, 2013Decided to fit a Raymarine SPX-5 Tiller Pilot in lieu of a wheel pilot due to the 1/4 turn of slack in my geared helm. Felt a wheel pilot would hunt too much. Tiller pilot was fitted using an epoxy soaked wood block glued to side of hull and bolting ...
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Outboard Engine Hour MeterInstruments - - August 30, 2012This is probably the easiest mod I've ever done. I recently purchased a new outboard engine. Like many smaller engines it does not come with an hour meter. Well, how am I supposed to know when to service etc ? I found a very simple hour meter. It wor...
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Garmin Echo 300c Depth Sounder & Airmar In-Hull TransducerInstruments - - May 27, 2012The old transom mount depth transducer and Eagle fishfinder that the PO installed on my 26M were about to quit, so I decided to upgrade to a new Garmin Echo 300c fishfinder/sounder, and an in-hull transducer. The transom mount transducer was always g...
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VHF Radio with DSC and Remote Speaker/MicrophoneInstruments - - May 16, 2012I installed a Standard Horizon GX1600 VHF Radio with DSC capability, along with the RAM3 remote speaker/microphone. The radio is installed in the cabin, just below the fuse panel. The power cable for the radio is wired directly to the panel bus bars ...
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Two Antennas: Mast 3db, Hull 6dbInstruments - - August 26, 2011As a former Submariner, we were taught to eat, breath, and defecate redundancy. Since an onboard VHF can be a lifesaver, I decided to incorporate BOTH a 3db and a 6db antenna aboard LAIKA. Most experts recommend 3db Mast Mounted Antennas for sailboat...
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Fuel Level Sensor & Fuel Flow Rate with GARMIN 540SInstruments - - August 25, 2011This is a nice Mod, one I recommend if you have the equipment, you don't mind spending cash, and technical know how to get it done. So ignore this if you're "frugal" and watch your budget carefully. My 2nd '02 26X came with two TEMPO 9 gal fuel tanks...
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VHF AntennaInstruments - - April 20, 2011I purchased a Shakespeer 3 dB gain VHF antenna, and mounted it on the aft mast support rail. I used low loss RG8X coax. I drilled a small hole (just large enough for the coax) just above the steering rod in the transom well area, and routed the coax ...
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Use an iPad as a cheap and handy ChartplotterInstruments - - April 11, 2011Apple iPads make great chartplotters with an easy to use touchscreen interface for a fraction the price of a comparable chartplotter, and far more convenient than a laptop. iPads are becoming cheaper, with used Generation 1 units going for $250 on eB...
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ETEC Engine data cable + Chartplotter = Fuel GaugeInstruments - - April 10, 2011Reading through the ETEC-60 manual, some forums, and the Evinrude website I discovered that the EMM is NMEA-2000 compatible, and needs only a cable to connect to an NMEA-2000 network. My Garmin 421s chartplotter is also NMEA-2000 compatible, so I bou...
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Wind Vane KeeperInstruments - - July 25, 2010My wife created this wind vane keeper in about 10 minutes with about $5 of supplies found in any common fabric store. Parts = one belt buckle (ours has a reflector - cool but not necessary), cotton belt webbing, some thread. Sew a loop around one end...
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Autopilot x-5 wheelpilotInstruments - - June 30, 2010The latest model in 2010 from Raymarine suitable for Macgregors is the WheelPilot X-5. I bought mine for $1249 from Steveston Marine, although it can bought almost anywhere, and maybe cheaper too. Plan to spend several hours reading the manual, and l...
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Instruments StackedInstruments - - April 27, 2010I stacked my instuments so they are easy and convient to see and operate. The GPS and Autopilot are attached to a metal pole that rests in the mast crutch hole, and the compass is epoxyed to the top of the depthfinder that is fastened to the steering...
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GPS Audible/Visual EXTERNAL ALARMInstruments - - November 23, 2009I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm not aging like fine wine! My hearing isn't quite what it used to be, so to rely on that little Beeper (Piezo?) built into my GARMIN 540 just does not cut it. While of course the alarm is useful for arrival ...
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VHF InstallationInstruments - - November 22, 2009Here is a photo of LAIKA's Standard Horizon GX3000S Class "D" VHF, pretty much in the same location most utilize. The general area allows easier access for wiring. The downside is that it's not the best location to monitor CH 16 from the cockpit; I i...
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GPS/VHF Integration for DSC CapabilityInstruments - - November 22, 2009As we now, the modern electronics available today for the recreational boater is a great leap forward to what we had less than a decade ago. The trick is using all this to its full potential, and that means integration and networking. This mod covers...
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Stow-n-go GPS MountInstruments - - November 17, 2009Like many of us, I keep LAIKA at a slip. Not a private Marina Slip, but a Town Slip. Why is this important? Security issues. Let's face it, a slip is a convenient way to easily hop aboard you boat, and get underway. This also makes it appealing to th...
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Weather Station w/Ships ClockInstruments - - November 6, 2009With the understanding that in these modern times, a weather forecast is either just a web click, a cell phone call, or even just listening to Miss Roberta Robot on the VHF, I still keep a weather station. GPS units of course provides accurate time k...
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Digital TachInstruments - - August 14, 2009digital tachometer trim gauge hour meter oil and temp sensor just what a sailboat needs Published by: Irafatsar
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Garmin 545S (my first mod)Instruments - - April 9, 2009I have installed a 545S with the sonar module temporarily attached to a pole going down the side of the swim ladder. Not a permanent solution, but just to get it up and running until I figure out how to transom mount it or shoot through the hull. I h...
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RAM Mount for Fishfinder & GPSInstruments - - February 2, 2009I installed my GPS and Fishfinder, using a RAM mount. It's surprisingly sturdy. The nice thing is that I can swing both units at the same time from the cockpit to the cabin. I can even swing them downward so I can see them at night from the aft berth...
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Raymarine A65 Chartplotter GPS Depth sounderInstruments - - January 5, 2009Installed the A65 unit on the back of the wheel pedestal. I used two "L" brackets to mount to the rear of the pedestal and routed all the cables through the column and inside the boat. The GPS antenna is mounted to the side of a stern rail seat, and ...
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GPSInstruments - - January 15, 2008We are not quite sure to what extent are our requirements for a navigation system will be so we purchased this hand held for the time being. The Admiral keeps a sharp eye on it and is quick to inform the crew when we fall off her set speed and track....
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S1 Wheelpilot tipsInstruments - - August 9, 2007Lots has already been written in this forum on the installation of the Raymarine S1 Wheel Autopilot, so I'll just submit a few pictures they hopefully are unique. One is a different way in which I installed the wheel drive motor which works quite wel...
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Depth FinderInstruments - - July 10, 2007For those prone to misadventure and short on sailing experience in large yachts, one essential piece of equipment is a shallow water warning. The yachts I had previously sailed only had visual warnings and I am the type of person who needs bells and ...
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radios and other stuffInstruments - - June 19, 2007this is the radio setup also a switch panel with 12 volt outlet ,120 volt outlet connected to the shore power inlet. a small shelf out of cedar for keys, CD's ,other small stuff. also shows my depth finder in it's stow away position. radios,westmarin...
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BarometerInstruments - - June 9, 2007Yachts and barometers they seem to go together the Admiral gave this to me for my birthday Jack Sparrow Published by: Jack Sparrow
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Handheld VHFInstruments - - April 24, 2007Icom's M34 Floating VHF is a great idea, but if you drop it in anywhere except when the boat is stationary, good luck finding it! So I simply masked the main body, as well as the charging contacts and sprayed it with a yellow spray bomb; voila! Note:...
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Chart Plotter, Eagle 2000Instruments - - November 13, 2006Problem: Since we use our Mac26X in a variety of places, we need good mapping and water depth data. Our original Eagle Fish Finder was OK for depth, but had no chart features. Solution: We chose the recently discontinued (2006) Eagle Sea Champ 2000 c...
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Wind Indicator System for 26MInstruments - - July 27, 2006An electronic wind indicator system for the 26M is a challenge. Because of the rotating mast a standard system won't work in it's normal configuration. One solution is to use a mast position signal to feed to the display system's processor so as to s...
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Raymarine Rudder Reference TransducerInstruments - - June 3, 2006I've noticed a few questions regarding mounting this device on an M. This is my solution as part of a Sportspilot+ installation (no longer being manufactured it seems). I used a generous piece of aluminium plate bent to 90 degrees and secured with fo...
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VHF Install - PS 2000Instruments - - May 1, 2006Installed a Standard Horizon PS2000 VHF unit and Shakespeare 5215 antenna. this is a real slick unit that allows one to hide the "black box" in one location and place the mic's (which have all the control functions on the handset) elsewhere. i chose ...
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Steering upgrade - part 1Instruments - - April 7, 2006Tired of the flimsy feel in steering the Mac M. Too much play? Not enough precision? Especially if you have the bigger, heavier 70hp like I do. Then, upgrade the steering system! Here's how - Do away with the rack and pinion. Install a Uniflex geared...
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Steering upgrade - part 2Instruments - - April 7, 2006Control the angle between the rudders. It contributes to faster sailing. The wrong angle between the rudders creates more drag, resulting in a braking effect. The Mac is not so fast under sail, so you may as well make the best of it by improving anyt...
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InstrumentsInstruments - - November 13, 2005Hummingbird Matrix 17 connected to GPS on pediatal. Published by: Mike Ford
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Straight Rudder Postition SensorInstruments - - July 17, 2005I have a SportPilot Plus. The Raymarine straight rudder position sensor/transmitter installs easily on an X and allows full rudder & motor side to side travel. The housing end is held to the boat with a 1-inch diameter, rubber-lined SS clamp which al...