gear weight limit on a 26M

[DrMarCo]

I'm getting ready to move to the Bahamas and I'm sailing my 26M there from Florida. I'm trying to find the maximum weight for cargo. I know that the safety sticker states max occupancy of 6 adults which should be roughly 1000-1200 lbs but I will be sailing single-handed (with a 23 lbs dog) so I assume that I could carry at least this much extra gear instead of people. Beyond people, does the maximum weight factor in fuel weight, water weight etc? I have 2, 12 gallon tanks which is about 150 lbs, at least 10 gallons of water, anchor gear and extra sails etc. Last question is related to the water line. Does anyone know if the white stripe below the blue hull is a true plimsoll line? Currently without my boat being "fully loaded" that line is still a few inches above the water line. If this is a plimsoll line, I am assuming I could use that to gage how much extra weight I could add.
Thanks in advance.

[Deeseas]

Don't know , we have a 19, just wishing you a safe trip!
Doug

[NiceAft]

DrMarCo,

From what I have read, the roughest part of the trip will when you hit the Gulf Stream. Are you sure 24 gallons is enough fuel? Have you checked with others who have made the trip?

[Be Free]

I will obviously depend on what engine he has and how fast is runs it but I would not take that crossing with only 24 gallons of fuel under any circumstances.

To the OP: Please consider shipping over as much as possible instead of carrying it in the boat. Depending on which standard was in place when your boat was manufactured those six adults could translate to as little as 840 pounds but certainly not over 1100. That is not a stretch of water that you want to try to cross unprepared or overloaded.

[DrMarCo]

Hi Niceaft,

I will be taking a few extra gallons (at least 2 but maybe 7 extra gallons in total) but 24 Should be enough. The only person I know personally that's made the trip in a 26M hardly used the engine at all and made the trip in about 12 hours. My new 60hp Mercury burns 9.8 mpg @2k rpm (5.5 mph), 6 mpg @3k (7.5 mph) and 3.2 mpg @5k (14 mph). So even at full throttle I will get about 75 miles out of 24 gallons. Unless I was running from a storm I would likely be motoring closer to 3k rpm which would give me a range of about 140 miles. If I have enough time (based on the weather window for crossing the Stream) I plan to go to Bimini first and then up to Grand Bahama, so I could refuel there if needed.

[DrMarCo]

Hi Be Free,

As I mentioned in my previous comment to Niceaft, I will be taking 2-7 extra gallons in addition to the 24. Even with the 24, I'll have a range of about 140 miles at 3k rpms. In addition, I hope to go to Bimini first (40-50 miles) and then to Grand Bahama so I can refuel in Bimini if needed. I have done everything in my power to be prepared for the trip (multiple safety systems, brand new engine, etc) and I am inquiring here and elsewhere so I am Not overloaded. Thank you for the concern though.

[svscott]

I have seen your posts on the FB Mac groups and don't have any input on your query but am really looking forward to your trip reports! When are you leaving the States?

I agree with you that a 50 or 60 mile crossing should be manageable under sail or motor/sail. Mostly because of the gulf stream, I know it's not the same, but I've made the 50 mile (10 hour) trip across Lake Erie from Erie, PA to Port Dover, Canada twice with only 3 gallons of gas and a 5 hp outboard on my 26D.

Once you get your home base established over there, we should put together a Mac cruise to come visit! I've got a dream of having my D and X both along for the adventure and to make it a family trip, bringing my dad out from California and my big brother from Kansas to crew the boats with/for me.

[mac n cheese]

FYI....some navigation info when crossing the Gulf Stream that may be of some interest.

[Highlander]

The Mac26m is rated for 6 people + gear so u can figure out a safety factor to some degree on that taking into consideration eng weight if a 4 stroke over 50hp extra water & fuel to some degree , just b realistic about it don,t go crazy but if u do run into trouble u can always start tossing stuff over board that is consumable like stuff that can b replaced ! if ur life depends on it
J

[OverEasy]

Hi DrMarCo!

Per the USCG the load capacity is based upon the baseline configuration as manufactured. It does not include options that are purchaser selected.

Don’t know if you have the MacGregor owners manual for your Mac26M but you can find a copy on the “Resourses” section of this forum.

The MacGregor advertised load capacity takes into account only the bare boat. Everything else is pretty much additional cargo be it people or sails or motors or fuel or other supplies. The reason for this is that these are all variable owner/operator preference selections. They are not part of the factory baseline manufacture. You get to decide what you want to trade-off when selecting what/if you want for an engine or fuel capacity for example but are responsible to remain within the vessel load capacity certificate.

(Just because one may have volume available one doesn’t necessarily get to fill it… )

Per the regulations for certification at the time of manufacture the waterline stripe is the plimsoll line. The USCG uses this as part of their criteria when determining which vessels to ‘randomly’ select for safety inspections.

As you are well aware boat balance side/side and fore/aft are important. The plimsoll line helps you maintain that appropriate balance (and loading) without having to do hand calculations when your boat is in still water.

You can visually check how your vessel is loaded by looking at the distance of the actual water surface to the plimsoll line for your side/side and fore/aft balance and adjust accordingly.

Best Regards,
Over Easy