MacGregorSailors.com

I have the 18" wheel on my M, but I could go for a 20 at least.

My steering used to squeak a lot. The majority of the noise wasn't in the steering mechanism, but from arm that steers the motor rubbing on the fibreglass where it enters the boat. A bit of silicon spray stops the squeak, but it comes back fast. A dab of marine grease is a longer term fix.

Frank wrote:Search on eBay for "helm wheel" reveals eleven hits, none stainless. Is the guy selling right now?

Search on "destroyer wheel" but without the quotes.

It's on right now but one of "our" guys is already bidding; you wouldn't be a very good citizen of the board if you started bidding against him.

I put this one on my eBay "favorite searches" list and then asked to be emailed whenever there was a hit. There was an almost daily new hit on 15" wheels; it took about three weeks after the previous sale for a 22" wheel to show up again and it was the same seller. Here's a suggestion: wait a few days after the current auction is over, then email the seller and tell him if he has another you'll give him $5 more than the bid on the last auction. The last three I've seen sold to the only bidder at the minimum bid.

Sorry Ive been off the board so long, been out Sailing..

Ive just pulled out of the Hudson for the season (sniff, sniff) ...of course, there are still 3 months of trailering season left (dodging the ice floes of course)

Im wondering does anyone make a 'wheel brake' for the Mac - Im thinking of a knob on the helm that locks it in place while you might be going forward to trim while singlehanded?

Steve

Try this orthis

i used to pull a line thru the wheel and clamp it to the aft starboard cleat (just 1/ turn around the cleat for quick release). now i have an autohelm 4000 which provides a real wheel brake: simply engage the clutch without switching the autopilot on.

We all know how much play there is in the Macgregor steering.

Each of the connection points on the linkage bar have some play. The play is largely the result of up and down rather then the bolts having play because the holes are too large.

I added a bunch of stainless steel 3/8" washers such that each connection was tight when I slipped the cotter key in.

HUGE difference for about five bucks and five minutes.

Half the play I did have is now gone. The steering is really quite nice. It feels like a new boat.

I do have the SS whatever mod steering installed already.

22" Steering wheel picture.

The picture is gone, don't try it.

Chip Have you had a chance to sail with it yet? Just wanted what you thought about the differance.

Me I like the 22" wheel & would not want to go back.

Sam

Unfortunately no sailing yet, and based on the weather, it may be six months before I get to try it.

Also, ordered my ST4000 autopilot as an early Xmas present, so if I don't get to sail in the next few weeks I'll probably be trying both for the first time in the Spring.

Nice wheel Chip. Don't all those leaves in the cockpit stain the gelcoat though? Says the guy who never has waxed or covered his boat...

Yes, as a matter of fact they do if they get wet. I have to periodically hit it with the leaf blower to keep them out; they're just about all down now so I should be OK after one more go round. I've been putting off covering it while holding out the hope that I can get out sailing at least one more time. That's looking increasingly doutbful based on the weekend weather reports. In another two weeks it will probably be too cold.

Chip Hindes wrote:22" Steering wheel picture.

What's that little display above your wheel?

--Mike

I bought some stain remover from Aurora Marine
Aurora Marine. I'm hoping it gets my leaf stains off.

Chip thanks for posting that picture. I placed a bid on ebay for one but was outbid.

Mike wrote:What's that little display above your wheel?

Standard Horizon "multi function meter" which lots of people call multimeter, even though it's not what we think of when we hear the word multimeter.

Paddle wheel speedo, water temp and depth sounder, plus various clock and distance log functions.

It's theoretcally waterproof, but it should have a white plastic protective cover over it for when it's not being used. I broke the cover last time I had the boat out and I haven't gotten around to ordering a new one yet.

Mark wrote:I bought some stain remover from Aurora Marine
Aurora Marine. I'm hoping it gets my leaf stains off.

West Marine Heavy Duty Hull Cleaner is oxalic acid based and works almost instantly on organic based hull stains of every type including the leaf stains and the greenish brown algae stuff that hits below the water line from our local lake. Spray it on, hose it off in about 30 seconds. No scrubbing, though it helps to spread it around with a long handled brush or sponge to make sure you get full coverage. Pretty nasty stuff though, you really want to wear rubber gloves, eye protection, & a respirator (or hold your breath). I've burned myself a couple times; though I don't use one, a full body "bunny" suit wouldn't really be overkill. doesn't seem to bother the stainless parts or the paint on the motor or trailer, though I don't take chances and don't leave it on very long. It will attack exposed non stainless steel or existing rust spots pretty agressively. Interestngly, it also doesn't seem to bother the lawn, though I imagine it's pretty dilute from rinsing by the time it hits the grass.