Both rudders were down and we did consider that we were at times turning the rudders too sharply so we backed off. Frankly, I think the motor being down slowed us too much, and likely also affected the rudder action.

Thanks again !!

JasonDW.

Jib was down (we felt it would provide more lee helm, which was the last thing we wanted). We had about 3.5-4 knots of speed going on the beam reach (b/c of the heavy wind), but still when we tried to punch through upwind, it just wouldn't go. Do you think the motor being down was slowing us too muc...

Fellow Mac'rs... I need a bit of advice. My friend and I took my 26M out on a brisk day (20+ knots) in the Puget Sound, and had some issues with my motor (which turned out to be simply not fully connecting the fuel line to the fuel tank... ugh). As we exited the marina under power, the motor died ne...

I have my 26m covered with Home Depot silver tarps as well (but am building a tall shed before winter hits). I keep the rain from pooling in the tarps by draping it over the mast, and the spreaders, but all other portions of the tarp go underneath the lifelines and around the stanchions. I have used...

I have the same question. I purchased a 4hp 4 stroke Merc for my dinghy, and was thinking of both storing it on the boat, but also mounting it so it would work as a back up kicker motor (likely fairly low as it is a normal/short shaft). But I also have some doubts as to the effectiveness on my 26M. ...

What about climbing rope?

My friend had a couple falls on his climbing rope, and he decided to buy another, and gave me his 200' high quality line. It is 1/2 inch, but likely too stretchy for halyards/sheets. Any opinions?

JasonDW.

The pic is a bit odd indeed, but at least on my 2005 26M, there is a plate on the other side of the anchor roller that comes up from the nose/bow with 2 holes in it. I believe what is throwing you off is an extra safety chain coming from the bottom of the roller furler (and it is loose as you have n...

You guys are fantastic. I really appreciate the advice and comments. This is such a great resource.

JasonDW.

Folks, I have heard there was an optional spare tire mount from MacGregor on the older (2004-2005) trailers (painted steel). I cannot find a photo of one online, so if anyone has a 26M with a painted steel trailer with a factory spare tire mount, I sure would appreciate a picture of it. I am trying ...

Hi folks, After having spent the past few weekends raising/lowering the mast of my 2005 26M (and figuring out other stuff on the boat), I am less than impressed with the itty bitty pin (stainless steel 3/16 inch) that holds the roller furling jib to the bow of the boat, but even more worried about t...

Does anyone know what a factory rigged 26M is rated at (does MacGregor even classify it, or is this done by some independent committee)? CE Category defined: Indicates the conditions the boat has been designed for and how many passengers it can take. -- There are four main categories --> A Ocean -->...

For those that are interested, I pulled my 2005 26M back from the Lake Tahoe area to the Seattle Area, this past Friday and Saturday. My 1997 GMC K1500 got 18.6 MPG on the way there (going 70mph), and 12.4 MPG on the way back pulling the boat (going 55MPH). For those that have the 26M painted steel ...

Thanks again everyone. And thanks for asking me to update my details/avatar. My pic is in the San Juan Islands (Puget Sound) with our rented Tayana 42 in the background. What a great trip that was !! Princess Louisa Inlet is something everyone on this forum should experience.

70MPH... I will give that a try on a flat open expanse of road, without any other cars around. I will also report what my mileage was after the trip (and average speed). Thanks also for tips about the trailer electrics. I just converted my 4 prong electrics on the truck to a 7 prong (round) RV plug ...

You guys are fantastic with your insights. I really appreciate all the advice.

JasonDW.