Converting Mac X to trawler

[Tomfoolery]

Several folks who've converted to a trawler have added a stub mast to replace the original, using the original hinged mast step. Add a masthead (steaming) light, which could be taken from the real mast since you won't be using it anyway, and put a VHF antenna on it, too, assuming you have a marine radio down below. You can stick an LED all-round white anchor light on the top.

I'm working on the layout of such a mast that can also support the middle of the sailing mast when in travel configuration, with the crutch jacked up 12" for clearance, and with hooks for bicycle support so they're not on the deck. I hope to make a wooden version to try, then replace with Starboard or similar after it's tuned to perfection.

Poke around here for folks who've done this or similar.

I just installed our utilities mast in the step , yesterday .
Ours is made of wood and finished in wood grain . About 4 feet tall , We put the flag pole mount and all around white light on top . The ships bell is mounted a little bit lower .

Pics! We need pics!

[dlandersson]

When I add a stub mast to my it comes out looking like this...

[Zoran]

If you want to go topless do not forget you are on MacGregor. These boats are very tender with and without ballast and much quicker to rock without mast. I recently had engine trouble and had to be towed from slip in marina around seawall to the ramp. To speed up the process, as mechanic was towing me to his shop, I lowered the mast in the slip. In addition to my bad luck, as we were to round the marina, ferry was going out and we had to stop, sea condition no more than foot and half waves. I could not belive how much was my X rocking with mast down, twice as much and twice as fast as there was no "mast momentum" to slow it down. If I ever decide not to sail any more I will simply sell Mac and buy a power boat. For me Mac-rocking is the biggest flow of this boats, only times it is acceptable to me is with sails up

[kurz]

Hello Zoran
Who sais that a powerpoad would rock less than a mac?

[DaveB]

6ft pole with a trysail set forward will soften the roll big time. Rig the pole with 360 degree light and forward lights. Add VHF pole.
The Trysail should have window for seeing. get rid of the bow deck light and mount a Windline URM-2 Anchor roller on the MacX.
This will get you under bridges under 12ft., and stable the boat.
The short mast is supported with the fount stay mounted at original front stay and twin lowerstays at jib forward track on both port and starboard. This allows the trysail to have sheet lines .
This allows for a much larger Bimini that covers most of cockpit with standing headroom and a full Dodger.
Trailering, just have a Johnson quick release headstay.
Many may want to install the headstay at the bow rail were the mast is mounted, this allows open the forward hatch for anchoring. lateral force should not be a problem on a 18 sq ft. trysail.
Dave

[Sumner]

6ft pole with a trysail set forward will soften the roll big time. Rig the pole with 360 degree light and forward lights. Add VHF pole.
The Trysail should have window for seeing. get rid of the bow deck light and mount a Windline URM-2 Anchor roller on the MacX.
This will get you under bridges under 12ft., and stable the boat.
The short mast is supported with the fount stay mounted at original front stay and twin lowerstays at jib forward track on both port and starboard. This allows the trysail to have sheet lines .
This allows for a much larger Bimini that covers most of cockpit with standing headroom and a full Dodger.
Trailering, just have a Johnson quick release headstay.
Many may want to install the headstay at the bow rail were the mast is mounted, this allows open the forward hatch for anchoring. lateral force should not be a problem on a 18 sq ft. trysail.
Dave

Interesting concept Dave, hope someone tries it if you haven't already,

Sumner

============================
Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[DaveB]

Sum,
Every summer down here in SW FL. I take the mast off the boat and do day trips. It is just like launching a power boat and no problems rigging and dis manteling a mast and boom 15-20 min. in 90 degree heat.
I am retired and designed the rig I posted 2 years ago as getting up in age I prefer to launch and go.
I have all that's needed except the 10 oz trysail. I will still keep the original mast and boom along with newer sails for resale.
I was going to sell the boat and get a pontoon, but like what the mac has except the rolling and a steading sail under power should do the trick for both wind and powerboats with big waves. launch would just pulling the 6-8 ft. mast up and connect the headstay with sail attached, little effort, 2-3 min.
The sail would act as a roll buffer along with beating or broad reach in a blow.
I would get funny looks but think it will work well and have a full dodger and full bimini with standing headroom. (I have the full bimini).
I am in replaceing all windows and railing that I bought over 2 years ago along with gelcoating hatches and installing bow roller.
Dave

6ft pole with a trysail set forward will soften the roll big time. Rig the pole with 360 degree light and forward lights. Add VHF pole.
The Trysail should have window for seeing. get rid of the bow deck light and mount a Windline URM-2 Anchor roller on the MacX.
This will get you under bridges under 12ft., and stable the boat.
The short mast is supported with the fount stay mounted at original front stay and twin lowerstays at jib forward track on both port and starboard. This allows the trysail to have sheet lines .
This allows for a much larger Bimini that covers most of cockpit with standing headroom and a full Dodger.
Trailering, just have a Johnson quick release headstay.
Many may want to install the headstay at the bow rail were the mast is mounted, this allows open the forward hatch for anchoring. lateral force should not be a problem on a 18 sq ft. trysail.
Dave

Interesting concept Dave, hope someone tries it if you haven't already,

Sumner

============================
Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links