Listings
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Pins for SpreadersRigging - (MacGregor 26M) - January 8, 2025Trying to reduce the need for tool in setting up the boat. The original locking of the spreader bars onto the bracket on the mast was by small bolts and nuts. I have replaced then with a locking/lynch pin as pictured. Will not rattle loose although I...
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Tool-free bolt modRigging - (MacGregor 26S) - May 19, 2023Tired of carrying two crescent wrenches in my pocket while rigging/derigging my 26S, I modified some SS bolts to accept split rings and rounded the ends for easy insertion. I do worry that the split rings might catch ropes, but time will tell on that...
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Locking Rotating Mast - M26Rigging - (MacGregor 26M) - December 28, 2022Through necessity, I bent the mast and it wouldn't rotate from side to side, I decided to "lock" the mast straight ahead until I solved the mast problem. It was pretty simple, drill a hole in the mast foot plate and the plate attached to the bottom o...
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(back)Stay out of the way!Rigging - Backstay (MacGregor 26S) - August 18, 2022Moving the backstay so it does not block the ladder and swim platform.
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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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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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Correct Mast Raising Stay DesignRigging - MRS (MacGregor 26M) - January 30, 2020The 26M raising stays are not connected to the mast. This is easily rectified by connecting the stays at the mast raising bail. The problem is, the stanchion connection is not in line with the hinge pin at the mast step bracket. In this mod, I reloca...
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Quick Release PinsRigging - - December 1, 2019We all hate to mess with clevis pins right? Try ball lock pins. I use 1/4 " x 2" pins on the boom/mast gooseneck connection, the tack of the main, and to fasten the roller reefing drum to the bow. Never had one come loose but I recommned using long p...
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sail packRigging - - January 7, 2018Sail pack kit from Sailrite, and self made lazy jack system. Published by: bobflshmn
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Lazy jacksRigging - - May 8, 2017I have store-bought lazy jacks. I didn't want to have to take them off every time I stepped the mast (which, admittedly, only occurs twice a year) so what I did was make the D-straps on the underside of the boom detachable. Now, I can undo the D-stra...
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Instant Bowsprit!Rigging - - December 30, 2016I used the Stainless steel ski pylon AND the stabilizer legs only having to invert the legs and relocate 2 speed clips. The diameter of the pylon fit perfectly in the anchor roller, only needing a slight redrill of the stabilizer pins to fit perfectl...
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length of jib sheet for 1978 v 2-22Rigging - - August 28, 2016Hi everyone. I need to get a new jib sheet for my 1978 v 2-22 (do not have the original),could not find any info in the manual. please anyone provide length . thanks, avi Published by: avi
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Dutchman mainsail flaking systemRigging - - August 25, 2016Been trying to get my boat up to scratch to sail solo and dread going forward to drop the mainsail (or indeed raising it in the first place). Looked at the comments about lazy jacks (and started putting some together) when I came across the Dutchman ...
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Cabin Top Traveler InstallRigging - - June 17, 2014I found a main sheet traveler and bridge removed from an Irwin 31 on Ebay. Trimmed it to fit my X cabin top. Haven't sailed with it yet, but I like how It took the sheets out of the cockpit; and gave me something to work my "wind / spray shield idea"...
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Center Pull OuthaulRigging - - May 4, 2014Shortly after I got my boat I set it up with the "custom outhaul" kit from Blue Water Yachts. It worked OK until I modified my sail with sail-slugs. This moves the sail aft an inch or two. Now the clew of the sail was nearing the end of the boom and ...
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Mast Support ShimsRigging - - May 4, 2014I use to pull off the mast support every time I put the boat into the water. But this year we are going to add a solar panel to the boat and I plan to attach it to the mast support. Issue is the dang thing is so sloppy it just is not stable enough to...
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Mast Gate Modification and CoverRigging - - April 19, 2014Here is a Mod that has been on my list for over 2 years - and I just got it done. I have an older 26M with the deeper (wider cord line) mast. These masts have the traditional flared opening as opposed to the side cut in the mast like the newer boats ...
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Rudder 2:1Rigging - - June 13, 2013This mod has been posted before, just wanted to add part numbers. Pulley: Harken Single Bullet Block #082 ($14), Shackle: Ronstan "Wide D" RF-1853 ($12) and 15' 5/16 line ($15) each side. The "D" shackle will need to very slightly filed on one end to...
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Screw Mounted Boom GooseneckRigging - - June 4, 2013The gooseneck used to mount the boom to the main mast is typically riveted into place. I am sure the factory does this for ease of assembly. I know this has come loose on several boats and mine was no different. Rather the try and re-rivet the assemb...
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Furler Support on the CheapRigging - - May 19, 2013I was looking for an inexpensive way to support the front of the furler when trailering/storing my Mac. I usually just lash the Gin-pole to the furler and Mast, but that takes time, and always seems to sag. After thinking about it, I bought a 10' sec...
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Aluminum Rudder Head replacement from BWYRigging - - April 29, 2013The original rudder heads were showing some signs of fatigue (and slightly bent) with small spider cracking at radius. Replaced aluminum rudder heads that have a new design to include additional webbing for added strength and a new slick black color....
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Lazy Jack 26xRigging - - April 8, 2013Thanks to the mod posted by Laika, I used the same anchoring dimensions to make a lazy jack with regular line for the top sections and marine grade shock cord (or bungee) for the lower sections. I changed the arrangement to add one more V section to ...
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Stainless Steel Cam CleatsRigging - - February 3, 2013My Cam Cleats lost their spring...Found a good deal on 4 stainless steel cam cleats to match existing hole spacing. Photo shows new and old and I am replacing the 2 near the winches on both sides. (Photo has blue tint as it is covered with tarp for t...
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Swing keel line to cockpit (direct way) and grab rail next to galleyRigging - - October 14, 2012There are a few mods already listed that show how to redirect the swing keel control line to the cockpit. Mine was coming out in front of the galley where it would be cleated off. Very unpractical for single handed sailing. I devised a slightly diffe...
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Whisker PoleRigging - - August 22, 2012
For once I actually do have pictures of my "whisker pole". [img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WL0Mn91HBd4/T9uW4jSIRtI/AAAAAAAADXc/QPNX54QdhkE/s976/DSC_0979[/img] [img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6W6FktBjsnQ/T9uewXkOxaI/AAAAAAAADYE/v9L7Fi4...
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More Mast Cleats and Connectors (Padeyes?)Rigging - - July 29, 2012Additional Mast Cleats: I got tired of trying to secure multiple lines to the stock horn cleats on the mast so I found two more similar-looking cleats on eBay. The one's I bought were SeaSense brand nylon 4 1/2 inch cleats but you could use anything....
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Centerboard rigging refit - AmSteel line, hanger and pinRigging - - June 9, 2012Centerboard line replaced with 1/4" AmSteel rope (thanks DaveB). Notice the centerboard pin has damage, which is at both ends. Not sure what caused it, but was replaced. Since this is a solid and heavy pin with several small holes before the split, m...
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fwd mast carrierRigging - - May 29, 2012Added a rear carrier similar to the 26M; with the elevated fwd carrier the mast rides high enough to clear the fwd hatch and also the bimini without raising the mast. Also a nice nest for furler drum when the furler is moved up the mast to trailering...
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"M" Mast Track BridgeRigging - - March 12, 2012One problem with the "M" is that the mast channel has been gouged out at the factory to make installing the boltrope along the mainsail luff easier. While this might be at an appropriate height for this purpose, it excludes the convenient use of a ma...
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Rotating Mast UpgradeRigging - - February 11, 2012
December 2011, MacGregor needed a 26D for some testing and in return they detailed my boat and gave me the parts to convert my mast into a rotating mast. This is the story of how I made the modification . First you have to remove the base plate from ...
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bearing for rotating mastRigging - - January 14, 2012The mast would not rotate in light winds. To make it rotate easier I have added a thrust bearing from VXB.com I have done the mod long time ago and can't find the exact part anymore. But if I were to pick again I would choose: Thrust Needle Roller Be...
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Reinforced Spreader BarRigging - - January 2, 2012Back in 2009 when I bought our 26M, one of the "broken" parts on the vessel was the mast spreader bars. Not so much broken as bent - you can see in the attached photo. Although I do not know how these poles got so mangled I have heard that they can g...
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Daggerboard uphaul hasp cushionRigging - - December 8, 2011A daggerboard uphaul hasp cushion is among the simplest mods to do. It's cosmetic initially, but with the passage of time will be more than just that. For various reasons, as manufactured, the hasp does not sit square with the deck surface. This resu...
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Main Halyard lead aftRigging - - September 20, 2011Another take on a mod that's been done before, leading the Main Halyard aft to the cockpit. HOWEVER, f you use the jib low-lead car, or plan to use it in lieu of the Genoa Lead Cars, this is NOT for you. I wanted it simple, and to use as much existin...
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Halyard J HookRigging - - September 2, 2011You can secure your halyards any number of ways. From merely wrapping them around the outside of your upper shrouds, to bungee cords, to simply tying off with a spare line. But if you read my mods you know I prefer a more integral, purpose built meth...
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Turnbuckle BootsRigging - - September 2, 2011After one mast raising incident involving a bent stay adjuster, I went out and purchased these Davis Instruments Turnbuckle Boots. They keep the stay adjuster straight and aligned when I raise the mast. They lift easily as well to inspect the ring di...
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Quick Rig Mast Raising systemRigging - - September 2, 2011Added a mast bail at the connection point for the baby stays used to support the mast while raising. Got it from APS in Annapolis, MD. Then fitted two SS snaps to each end of the mast raising winch lines to allow for quick connects and a screw shackl...
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Forestay Quick Release LeverRigging - - August 28, 2011Others have done this Mod, but here it is again. Not much to say other than the selection and use of the Mast Hound. I decided to add a new mast hound above the old location as opposed to moving the existing one. This allows me to easily return to th...
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Halyard J HookRigging - - August 28, 2011You can secure your halyards any number of ways. From merely wrapping them around the outside of your upper shrouds, to bungee cords, to simply tying off with a spare line. But if you read my mods you know I prefer a more integral, purpose built meth...
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Mast Raising SystemRigging - - August 26, 2011Added the new style mast raising winch to my Mac 19... makes the process of raising and lowering the mast by one person very easy. Also swapped out the 3/8 inch bolt for the BWY Quick Rig mast base pin to make installing and removing the winch faster...
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Lazy "JaX" for the 26XRigging - - August 26, 2011This mod has been discussed on the board ad nauseam, so I doubt I'll add anything important here since the pros and cons Mainsail can be found at the message boards. I discussed in an earlier mod that I don't mind spending $$ on LAIKA, however, if I ...
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Topping LiftRigging - - August 26, 2011Again, a mod has been discussed on the board repeatedly, again I doubt I'll add anything important here since the pros and cons Mainsail can be found at the message boards. And again though I discussed in an earlier mod that I don't mind spending $$ ...
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Adjustable BackStayRigging - - August 26, 2011Another mod has been discussed on the board repeatedly, again I doubt I'll add anything important here since the pros and cons Mainsail adjustment can be found at the message boards. FWIW, I use the backstay adjuster more for releasing tension on the...
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Mac 19 Halyard set upRigging - - August 23, 2011Time to add some Mac 19 life to the Mods section... Added two Harken 140s at the base Port and Starboard to allow for easier halyard handeling of the Mainsail and the Crusing Asymm from the cockpit. As an added precaution, I cleat them each off to a ...
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BWY Backstay TensionerRigging - - August 23, 2011Replaced the factory backstay with a new Backstay Tensioner from Blue Water Yachts. Makes pinning the CDI RF easy, just loosen the backstay and raise with the mast raising winch (I have the new style). The RF easily lines up with the forestay tang ho...
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Boom-less Main SailRigging - - July 14, 2011I liked the Boom-less sail on the F22 Tri I had purchased plans for so I contacted a Sail-Maker and was able to convert my Main sail into a dual purpose sail. So I can now use it with or without the boom. It makes it easier to set up and nicer in the...
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Poor man's travelerRigging - - July 11, 2011I have tried to figure out where to mount a traveler that would work with the existing end boom sheeting, and with my bimini installed. I have come up with this, makeshift main sheet set up, and it seems to perform really well to windward! And best o...
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SPINNAKER HALYARD HOUNDRigging - - June 6, 2011These are pics of the hound that I attach my spinnaker halyard block to. Its a piece that is commonly used on bigger boats, but it is a nice clean way to do it. A 1/2" wide slot is cut in the mast, about 4" long, and the 2 halves of the bracket are i...
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No more Mac Dance with lifelines that go slackRigging - - April 3, 2011The stock lifelines run from the bow pulpit and terminate in an eye at the cockpit forward stanchions. The cockpit lifelines run from a fitting on the stern up through the aft stanchion to a snap shackle which clips to this eye and creates a running ...
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Forestay tensioning leverRigging - - December 18, 2010This attachment makes rigging up a lot easier and faster. Note the anchor chain holder; this is my large anchor with more chain than I usually have with my smaller anchor. I have added now a chain lock near the top to avoid the chain spilling out of ...