Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
- RobertB
- Admiral
- Posts: 1863
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 7:42 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Clarksville, MD
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Best functional: 2nd axle on trailer, Chartplotter, autopilot, and custom mahogany storage shelving units
Best safety and enabling of other mods: Re-wiring with proper AC and DC panels including proper shorepower setup, navigation light control at the pedestal, 3 batteries, and anchor light
Best convenience: Dometic electric cooler, C-Head composting head, integrating all three fuel tanks on one selector valve, and covering the footwell forward of the pedestal
Other important mods: VHF including remote at pedestal, upgraded roller furler, dynema baby stays, stern anchor storage, and sub-floor of Coraplast in seat storage areas
Least important/successful: Stereo since it is not very load outside and the speakers interfere with my standby/traditional compass
Next to be added: AIS reciever
Best safety and enabling of other mods: Re-wiring with proper AC and DC panels including proper shorepower setup, navigation light control at the pedestal, 3 batteries, and anchor light
Best convenience: Dometic electric cooler, C-Head composting head, integrating all three fuel tanks on one selector valve, and covering the footwell forward of the pedestal
Other important mods: VHF including remote at pedestal, upgraded roller furler, dynema baby stays, stern anchor storage, and sub-floor of Coraplast in seat storage areas
Least important/successful: Stereo since it is not very load outside and the speakers interfere with my standby/traditional compass
Next to be added: AIS reciever
- dlandersson
- Admiral
- Posts: 4931
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Michigan City
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Perhaps worth reviving?
I have a 97 X.
1. Sanded, bottom paint (4 coats) and antifoul (2 coats).
2. Added a spinnaker halyard and an asymmetrical spinnaker (BWY).
3. Upgraded GPS/Fishfinder.
4. New SS propeller.
5. Towable that looks like jetski.
I have a 97 X.
1. Sanded, bottom paint (4 coats) and antifoul (2 coats).
2. Added a spinnaker halyard and an asymmetrical spinnaker (BWY).
3. Upgraded GPS/Fishfinder.
4. New SS propeller.
5. Towable that looks like jetski.
Gazmn wrote: ↑Wed Jan 06, 2016 10:22 am OK Mac-ers,
It's once again "a long cold, lonely Winter" [Thanks George Harrison]
So to stoke the Summer embers & keep the fires burning, list your top 3, or if you're a mad modder, top 5 mods & why they"re so important. We get to comment, if somehow we disagree![]()
& Awards or Honorable Mentions will be given to True Mac Innovators - Our new Mac Hall of Fame.
Inclusion will be for mods that inspired anything from the building of a better mouse trap... eg: Billy XX's Billy/Bubba Box.
To other people simply copying a great idea to benefit their boating & families.
First Hall of Famers are:
1. Heath -for Creating & Innovating This Site. Without whom I, personally would not have even Known of MacGregor Powersailors
2. All Moderators - Our unsung heroes who help us keep the ball in play. - & occasionally have to put someone or topic in the penalty box![]()
- Ixneigh
- Admiral
- Posts: 2461
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Key largo Florida
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Hmmm. Probably
Sunshade
Windlass/anchor system
Boarding ladder
Skegs/keel
Better motor well drain
Ix
Sunshade
Windlass/anchor system
Boarding ladder
Skegs/keel
Better motor well drain
Ix
"Shoal Idea"
2011 M, white
Tohatsu 20
South Fl.
2011 M, white
Tohatsu 20
South Fl.
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
I have a J/105. However, my dad bought two MacGregor's over the years. His last was a new 26X when I was in my early 20's.
These were our first projects on the boat:
1. Removed all of the "tangs" and replaced them with turnbuckles.
2. Added a spinnaker halyard.
3. Led all halyards aft to cockpit.
4. Installed a traveler system just forward of the pedestal. Upgraded block and tackle.
5. Installed stereo system.
These were our first projects on the boat:
1. Removed all of the "tangs" and replaced them with turnbuckles.
2. Added a spinnaker halyard.
3. Led all halyards aft to cockpit.
4. Installed a traveler system just forward of the pedestal. Upgraded block and tackle.
5. Installed stereo system.
-
adudinsk
- First Officer
- Posts: 495
- Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:53 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Belle River Ontario
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
1) replumb the sink/motor well drain.
Sink runs to a shower box/pump then outputs into motor well. Sink directly connects ONLY to outlet under motor well installed valve/Thru Hull
2) added pressurized water to sink/pump/switched tap
(planning on rerunning all the lines to a plastimo tank shortly in bow. (seeing if wife likes the new setup...)
3) Rewired all runs/installed 2 batteries/switch installed battery monitor (tells voltage) installed USB flush mount chargers/voltage monitor in pedestal
4) installed a bilge pump (rule low profile and thru-hull on PORT side.
Sink runs to a shower box/pump then outputs into motor well. Sink directly connects ONLY to outlet under motor well installed valve/Thru Hull
2) added pressurized water to sink/pump/switched tap
(planning on rerunning all the lines to a plastimo tank shortly in bow. (seeing if wife likes the new setup...)
3) Rewired all runs/installed 2 batteries/switch installed battery monitor (tells voltage) installed USB flush mount chargers/voltage monitor in pedestal
4) installed a bilge pump (rule low profile and thru-hull on PORT side.
-
Sheppie62
- First Officer
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:04 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Mission Bay San Diego
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
(1) put a new 4 stroke motor on, 2 stroke was undependable, noisey, slow, stinky, and inefficient.
(2) Composting Toilet, but you must get used to it. It can be a mess if used incorrectly. I am currently working on a liquid overflow tank with a clear tube so you can see it’s full. Over filled way to many times.
(3) Raised galley top 5” with new larger sink.
(4) Changed 26x pedestal to a pole mount, moved it 8” up and 8” back. Don’t even try this, unless your a fabricator.
(5) Dual axles on trailer, this should have been done originally. Way more margin of safety while towing.
(2) Composting Toilet, but you must get used to it. It can be a mess if used incorrectly. I am currently working on a liquid overflow tank with a clear tube so you can see it’s full. Over filled way to many times.
(3) Raised galley top 5” with new larger sink.
(4) Changed 26x pedestal to a pole mount, moved it 8” up and 8” back. Don’t even try this, unless your a fabricator.
(5) Dual axles on trailer, this should have been done originally. Way more margin of safety while towing.
- Russ
- Admiral
- Posts: 8299
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:01 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Bozeman, Montana "Luna Azul" 2008 M 70hp Suzi
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
This should be a must-read thread for new owners.
So many good ideas.
So many good ideas.
--Russ
-
OverEasy
- Admiral
- Posts: 2873
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Hi All!
The most enjoyed mods we accomplished in early 2021 and then got to enjoy them on the estuaries of SC and on our 70 night trip on Lake Champlain VT!y
1) Mod to dual 12 gallon fuel tanks (& new larger dia fuel lines, filter/separator, tank selector, primer, fuel pressure deliver valve) to extend range
2) Mod to Galley with raised work surface and significantly increased/improved storage
3) Mod for New DC Electrical system, control box, dual battery, & Battery charger systems
4) Mod for Cabin Air Conditioning (while only used when in a slip with shore power or when land camping in hot weather this was a very appreciated mod!)
5) Mod to add second spare tire holder to trailer for tow vehicle spare
6) Mod for through the hull depth and sonar system ( currently being further improved for wider field of view)
7) Having the bottom repainted with epoxy primer and new ablative
Cabin Heat via 110 VAC resistance heaters ( while only used while in slip with shore power it was a really appreciated in October & November on the waters of Lake Champlain!)
2022 has gotten off to a very slow start due to my heath issues early this year so the next set of mods are going to have to wait while I play catch-up on all the other more pressing delayed chores that need to be taken care of first
Imminent Mod for 2022: New Suzuki Egnine
TBD:
Hard Dodger
Anchor Winch & Anchor Roller
Rear Arch
Fwd Mast Transit Support Arch
Mast Tabernacle Pivot
Best Regards
Over Easy



The most enjoyed mods we accomplished in early 2021 and then got to enjoy them on the estuaries of SC and on our 70 night trip on Lake Champlain VT!y
1) Mod to dual 12 gallon fuel tanks (& new larger dia fuel lines, filter/separator, tank selector, primer, fuel pressure deliver valve) to extend range
2) Mod to Galley with raised work surface and significantly increased/improved storage
3) Mod for New DC Electrical system, control box, dual battery, & Battery charger systems
4) Mod for Cabin Air Conditioning (while only used when in a slip with shore power or when land camping in hot weather this was a very appreciated mod!)
5) Mod to add second spare tire holder to trailer for tow vehicle spare
6) Mod for through the hull depth and sonar system ( currently being further improved for wider field of view)
7) Having the bottom repainted with epoxy primer and new ablative
2022 has gotten off to a very slow start due to my heath issues early this year so the next set of mods are going to have to wait while I play catch-up on all the other more pressing delayed chores that need to be taken care of first
Imminent Mod for 2022: New Suzuki Egnine
TBD:
Hard Dodger
Anchor Winch & Anchor Roller
Rear Arch
Fwd Mast Transit Support Arch
Mast Tabernacle Pivot
Best Regards
Over Easy
- WD
- Engineer
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Sat May 03, 2008 4:32 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
1. Post retirement job.
2. Post retirement job two.
3. Wife job two.
Start in on mod list...
2. Post retirement job two.
3. Wife job two.
Start in on mod list...
- Stickinthemud57
- Captain
- Posts: 786
- Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:50 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
- Location: Grapevine, Texas
- Contact:
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Basic functionality/maintenance:
1. Interprotect undercoat and VC 17m anti-fouling paint
2. Mast-raising system (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2149) that allows me to raise/low the mast from the ground in a safe location.
3. Lazarette vents, sealed wall between lazarette and cabin, built rack for fuel tank - all aimed toward reducing fuel odors.
4. Replaced carb on Tohatsu 8 HP 2-stroke. Like getting a new motor.
Performance/handling:
1. New sails
2. Tiller clutch (a must for single-handing)
3. Ruddercraft airfoil rudder
4. Led halyards to cockpit
Comfort/convenience:
1. Modified bimini to allow use under full sail
2. Removeable swim platform (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2178)
3. Access doors at galley bench and v-berth
4. Reconfigured lifelines for easier cockpit access (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2176)
1. Interprotect undercoat and VC 17m anti-fouling paint
2. Mast-raising system (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2149) that allows me to raise/low the mast from the ground in a safe location.
3. Lazarette vents, sealed wall between lazarette and cabin, built rack for fuel tank - all aimed toward reducing fuel odors.
4. Replaced carb on Tohatsu 8 HP 2-stroke. Like getting a new motor.
Performance/handling:
1. New sails
2. Tiller clutch (a must for single-handing)
3. Ruddercraft airfoil rudder
4. Led halyards to cockpit
Comfort/convenience:
1. Modified bimini to allow use under full sail
2. Removeable swim platform (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2178)
3. Access doors at galley bench and v-berth
4. Reconfigured lifelines for easier cockpit access (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2176)
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
-
OverEasy
- Admiral
- Posts: 2873
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
So does that mean you have two jobs and two wifes…..ugh…I’d take a third job…one Admiral is enough
- ris
- Captain
- Posts: 703
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:27 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Frostproof Florida
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
1. Complete enclosure. Bimini is 6 ft 6 inches tall.
2. Natures head composting toilet.
3. Wheel pilot (auto pilot)
4. Galley mod with Dickinson propane stove top
5. Putting 1/8 epoxy in cabin top groove then doing Velcro mod to stop screech!!!
Other mods.
Closing area under seat between engine well and cockpit with 2ftx2ft starboard (approximate)
Engel fridge 35 quart
Two 12 gallon fuel tanks
Four Trojan 105 six volt batteries
30 gallon plastimo water bag
We do long trips and use Mac as a power trawler not sailboat. All mods completed 2015 and still working just fine. Testing 175 watt flexible solar panel on this summers trip
2. Natures head composting toilet.
3. Wheel pilot (auto pilot)
4. Galley mod with Dickinson propane stove top
5. Putting 1/8 epoxy in cabin top groove then doing Velcro mod to stop screech!!!
Other mods.
Closing area under seat between engine well and cockpit with 2ftx2ft starboard (approximate)
Engel fridge 35 quart
Two 12 gallon fuel tanks
Four Trojan 105 six volt batteries
30 gallon plastimo water bag
We do long trips and use Mac as a power trawler not sailboat. All mods completed 2015 and still working just fine. Testing 175 watt flexible solar panel on this summers trip
- dlandersson
- Admiral
- Posts: 4931
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Michigan City
- dlandersson
- Admiral
- Posts: 4931
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Michigan City
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
I gotta say, I admire your organization
Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 11, 2022 12:05 am Basic functionality/maintenance:
1. Interprotect undercoat and VC 17m anti-fouling paint
2. Mast-raising system (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2149) that allows me to raise/low the mast from the ground in a safe location.
3. Lazarette vents, sealed wall between lazarette and cabin, built rack for fuel tank - all aimed toward reducing fuel odors.
4. Replaced carb on Tohatsu 8 HP 2-stroke. Like getting a new motor.
Performance/handling:
1. New sails
2. Tiller clutch (a must for single-handing)
3. Ruddercraft airfoil rudder
4. Led halyards to cockpit
Comfort/convenience:
1. Modified bimini to allow use under full sail
2. Removeable swim platform (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2178)
3. Access doors at galley bench and v-berth
4. Reconfigured lifelines for easier cockpit access (https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2176)
- Stickinthemud57
- Captain
- Posts: 786
- Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:50 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
- Location: Grapevine, Texas
- Contact:
Re: Name & Order of Your 3-5 Most Important Mods
Well, some would call it obsession, but I like your adjective better. 
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
