MacGregorSailors.com

Hi Inquisitor and Russ and JimmyT and Starscream and Be Free,

Thank you for your views, comments and help. They are all appreciated and enjoyed!

Getting Over Easy ready with the modifications we have accomplished so far has been fun and enjoyable.
Learning from, listening to, and seeing all the great projects the members of this forum have proposed/working-on/accomplished has also been fun and enjoyable but also made us appreciative of the width/depth/creative/practical aspects of the those who generously share their experiences/knowledge/insights. We are and continue to be very appreciative.

Hi Starscream!
Wow! Single handed launch and set-up! That is impressive!
It will be a while for us to get to that level! Right now a side dock departure and arrival without causing or being damaged we consider as major celebratory events!

It looks like you have all the water to yourself! Yes the ability to self launch is a really nice feature of the MacGregors!
Bear Hunt looks happy to be back on the water!

I believe you may have mentioned you have an Etec 90 HP.
Did you make the installation?
How does it affect the balance an weight of Bear Hunt?
Did you have any concerns about the weight and/or thrust increase affect on the stern structure?


Hi Be Free!
Great suggestions that we will follow up on!

Our current fuel lines and bulb are relatively new as they had been installed last summer by the PO.
1/4” dia lines and double sided SST spray less quick connects.
Line length is about 9 feet.
Both tanks are new 12 gallon Moeller with 1/4 NPT outlet fittings.
We will be checking again to see if we may have missed potential obstruction or air leak.

Our local reputable service center, Butler Marine here in Beaufort, did a full service check on our 2001 Tohatsu 50 HP this past November. While they are predominantly a Yamaha dealer and service center they also were willing to address our Tohatsu. (There are no specific Tohatsu service centers/dealerships local to us here).
Plugs were changed at that time as was water impeller, filters and all the other aspects for a major service check.
Carbs were adjusted and sync’d which was the main reason we had low/limited power when we ran it the one time on the water up in New Hampshire just after purchasing Over Easy. (NOTE: There is absolutely No fault/No foul implied toward anyone...it IS a 20 year old 2-Stroke.)

We are planning is that when we get to implementing our more permanent fuel lines/filter-separator/tank-selector-valve to remove the spray less quick connects, increase the fuel lines to 3/8” or 1/2” dia, primer bulb as well as over sizing the fuel filter-separator and tank selection valve to minimize potential line losses. Given our current issues we may be implementing this sooner rather than later...

Good suggestion on the nighttime viewing for sparks and arcs! Thank you!

The Journey continues......

There are rubber O-rings on quick disconnects. I would check them first. They are cheap, easy to replace and they were the source of similar issue on my boat

Thank you!
Good idea!
We will check those O-rings too!

OverEasy wrote: ↑Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:17 am

Hi Starscream!
Wow! Single handed launch and set-up! That is impressive!
It will be a while for us to get to that level! Right now a side dock departure and arrival without causing or being damaged we consider as major celebratory events!

It looks like you have all the water to yourself! Yes the ability to self launch is a really nice feature of the MacGregors!
Bear Hunt looks happy to be back on the water!

I believe you may have mentioned you have an Etec 90 HP.
Did you make the installation?
How does it affect the balance an weight of Bear Hunt?
Did you have any concerns about the weight and/or thrust increase affect on the stern structure?

I keep on playing with the idea of getting the M.R.S. out of the shed, and buckling it on. But as long as I can still do the 100 lb. dead-lift, I probably won't. The only sketchy part is getting the forestay extension pulled tight and strapped on to the mast cleat, while holding the mast up with the other hand/shoulder. Oh yeah, and walking the mast foot back to the baseplate without catching the rigging on every. single. protrusion. Although I'm getting good at that part (knock on wood) by careful placement of the stays before detaching from the bow pulpit.

I had the dealer install. The E-tec 90 was the lightest 90HP available until they recently stopped making it, and there is zero noticeable effect on the balance other than looking a bit more butt-heavy in the water. The 2.3 Honda and its mounting system back there probably bring the whole transom-mounted weight in line with a modern 90HP 4-stroke. (Do it, you won't regret it.)

They installed the motor on wedges at my request, based on the consensus at the time, to drop the nose under WOT. I've come to think that the wedges aren't necessary. (Do it!)

Zero concerns about the transom. The motor was installed maybe 7 years ago, and during the installation the dealer backed the boat up a hill with the boarding ladder down, cracking the fiberglass around the ladder bolts before the ladder bent. Then they went bankrupt. So I've been bombing around with a stress-tested transom for 7 years, 1000s of miles of trailering crappy roads, hundreds of hours of WOT. (Do it, take my word for it.)

Hi All

Yesterday (Thursday) was our 3rd day on the water in a row!
It was great even if we had to limit the engine output.
We also tried a couple trouble shootings as described in the earlier post. Not much gained.

We had a nice cruise from Port Royal over past Beaufort and up factory creek to evaluate a different marina with less aggressive tidal flows and river currents. We decided against it after evaluating the potential slip ....the two large sloops with GIANT bow mounted MacGregor snagging hooks on either side of the narrow alleyway was a serious pucker factor aspect!

Return trip to Port Royal Marina took longer than anticipated and the tide turned on us before we could get there. Tried calling on VHF and phone to see if anyone was available to help us into the slip but it was too late and the staff had closed up for the evening. So we started the process on our own but aborted when the current and breeze tried to drive us sideways toward that really NICE new Motor CATAMARAN again... ...(We ‘almost’ met them earlier attempting to get to the refueling dock when the engine decided to quit when reducing power to idle while maneuvering in the fuel queue...) VERY NICE PEOPLE!!!

So back to the Day Dock again...

We couldn’t make it to the marina today as my older daughter and her puppy Nova have to go back north due to her University commitments and to get Nova into her preliminary training programs. It was GREAT having her here to pick up Nova from the Carolina Poodle Rescue. Nova is a beautiful, smart, strong and capable Standard Poodle who we expect will make a fine SAR team with Sarah. They have a lot of hard work together as they start their preparation processes together.

We all had a great time these past three unexpected weeks together capped by our getting Over Easy into her southern waters.
Lots of really good memories ( Inquisitor ...Thank you for the reminder! )

Sarah and Nova left this evening driving north.
Tomorrow at “O-dark-thirty” we are going to be at the marina to move off the Day Dock and into our slip as the currents and tidal flow should be in our favor. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the time of morning and weather will be quiet as will any marina traffic.

The Journey of Over Easy Continues.....

Here we are on May 1st of 2021!
At “0-dark-30” this morning we scampered down to the marina to move Over Easy from the Day Dock to our slip. The engine fired up but after a 15 minute warm up at 1200 rpm she coughed out when reduced to idle.

Restarted and played with the neutral throttle then Fwd and Aft throttling. This time she was a bit weak at idle but held. The tide was a slight outgoing near ebb so we cast off and then found our selves clear of the tight dock slot but gently grazed by and were finally out into the Beaufort River. Not the best departure but nobody was mad at us either. A VERY VERY NICE LADY interrupted her breakfast to help us get clear. She is one of our favorite people now!

We made a few circles as fenders were moved from starboard to port. Docking lines were moved as well. The boat hook came out and was at the ready for our foray to our new slip. With the minor current now head on and a slight breeze to push us to port we headed in. After successfully dodging two VERY NICE yachts on either side we side slipped into the alley way to the left and made the hard right into our new slip. Fortunately our slip mate was out for the weekend already so our somewhat diagonal approach wasn’t much of a problem. A quick bit of reverse checked our forward speed and we snagged the forward and aft cleats. Landing accomplished just in time for a BEAUTIFUL SUN RISE!!!



This felt like a real ‘mission accomplished’ moment for us!!! after tying up and securing Over Easy we headed home for coffee and breakfast!!! (And a nap )

A few chores were run such as getting new fuel tank disconnects and the components to fabricate our own design telescoping push button boat hook with a dock line loop holder.

We also got new fuel one disconnects to try out. Process of elimination. The change in fuel line fitting didn’t improve things at all. Not sure what is going on....

Supplies for a picnic on the water were procured and prepared and then at 3:30 PM we scampered back to the Marina. Launching from the slip was uneventful as was navigating out of the marina.

We headed out the Beaufort River then turned to starboard up Battle Creek past old Port Royal and the road entranceway to USMC Parris Island. It was a lovely afternoon as several dolphins surfaced nearby. Beautiful homes and waterway.
We had our boat picnic of Rotisserie Chicken and veggie/dip. Mac was ever alert for his ‘sea deer’ otherwise known as dolphins.

The nature preserve was very pretty but no herons were spotted today. We hit our “Bingo” time to head back to our slip. The timing worked out perfectly again with the current and tide and wind. The turns and landing were better accomplished this time around. Just in time fir sun set.

So 5 times out in 5 days so far!!!










Landed at 7:30 PM completing a nice 3 hr tour.

Not sure if we can get out tomorrow but we are thinking a day of rest for our beleaguered engine wouldn’t hurt.

The Journey Continues......

One of the beautiful things in life is a captain who loves their Mac

Food tastes so much better on a boat.

Looks like a great adventure!

The New Journey of Over Easy Continues......

Part 3 of our journey has been our Spring 2021 modifications to and evaluation “sea trials” of them.

1) Electrical - Dual Battery & Selective Charge/Use Selector Switch System Modification
This has worked out very nicely. The system has given us the ability to charge and or use either of our batteries independently or together. This has given us a valid means for true “Master Switch” battery isolation from all onboard electrical systems, a manually resettable 60 Amp MAIN BREAKER and a digitally enabled battery charger/maintainer with WiFi remote monitor/control capability (this is useful both when in-slip at the marina as well as at home in the driveway or when traveling as an RV in campgrounds).

Testing to date has all been positive and reliable. The inherited START battery and new START/DEEP CYCLE battery both work well, charges, runs vessel electrical needs and preforms start functions independently and together without hesitation. Manual cycle testing of the marine grade 60 Amp breaker 50 times under and without load works very nicely.

2) Electrical - New Intermediate Electrical Panel and Control Switch Center (& associated wiring additions)
These have are working out very nicely for us. Removing the prior switch plate allowed for better space utilization over the seat aft of the galley where we will be using the square cooler that came with Over Easy as it no longer has to be moved to access the vessel electrical switches. We now have 12 switches protected by circuit breakers vs. 4 switches protected by fuses. The electrical wiring is routed through valid marine grade bus bars for Positive and Negative as well as proper terminal strips. Wire runs have been gathered and secured. Engine strat cables have been removed from potential moisture/water contact by routing through proper flextite conduit, connectors and electrical box with isolated bolted connection panel. The aft wiring has been cleaned up and secured to improve accessibility in the aft berth area.
The Control Switch Center is providing us with an easily accessed and visible status check location for vessel electrical circuits and the bilge pump control/status switches and alarm. Separate switches for separate circuits. Moving everything to circuit breakers give a great confidence in not having to fuss with fuse removal/replacement hassles and carrying spare fuses that have to be stored/remembered/retrieved when an incident occurs. It is so nice to see at a glance what is going on and have ready access. Very pleased with this improvement.

3) Pre-Emptively Installed Bilge Pumps and Pre-Positiond Bilge Vacuum Lines Systems
While Over Easy is a dry vessel (other than minor rain intrusion which is to be expected) we chose to add multiple bilge pumps pre-emptively for the central Port/Starboard/Center bilge pumps. These have worked out nicely and in the event of an incident will help buy us time to address the damage while the pumps out perform any manual bailing efforts and/or take other operational/navigational aspects. (Note: Bilge pumps should not be relied upon to address any known or persistent leakage issues which should be investigated and resolved to eliminate them at their source). A back-up central bilge high water alarm switch and monitor alarm are in place but as yet we have not completed installation/activation which is scheduled for later in May.
The auto/manual controls are functioning and active for the three current bilge pumps and have been tested for operation. These controls allow for manual switch and stay-on operation of the bilge pumps which is beneficial from our perspective should that function ever be needed rather than a momentary press and hold switch. (Note: The two additional bilge pumps for the aft center/stern are still TBD on the schedule but their controls are alseady in place on the Control Switch Box.

The pre-positioned vacuum out lines for the Port/Starboard/Center bilges have been tested they work great! These allow us to remove any residual water that collects/remains below the bilge pump pickup level by simply holding a wet vacuum to the companionway ports. These alleviate the need to physically open up the accesses to the bilges to remove any residual water. Got to admit these are working great and have been fun to play with! We will try to include an operational video of this or at least some still pictures of this in action.
VERY PLEASED WITH THESE!

4) Galley Modification
This is SO MUCH MORE USABLE and FUNCTIONABLE SPACE for us vs. the original galley arrangement. The two levels of six baskets makes organizing and storage a dream. Reorganizing basket locations is a snap. The raised top box structure is very convenient and the improve working surface height makes it so much easier when standing and when seated. The back storage cubby is very useful as a place to put supplies needed more frequently. The split two part top surface works nicely. The internal storage space access is very much appreciated already in just this brief time. Can’t wait to try it out on an overbite for breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks preparation.

5) Dual 12 Gallon Fuel Tank Modification
These are really nice and convenient to use. While there are issues related to the pressure sealing aspect of the tanks to comply with EPA mandates the 24 gallon storage capacity is very appreciated. Currently it would appear that we can cruise at 2800 rpm for 5+ hours per tank or 10+ hours total before needing to refuel. This is a rough estimate and distances depend upon multiple factors such as currents, winds, etc... (Note: Completion of the fuel system with tank selector valve, fuel filter and fuel demand valve (pressure regulator is currently TBD awaiting parts and S/B completed in May). It is nice to have the capability of operational time that these tanks afford us.

6) Interior “Through The Hull” Sonar Transducer Mounting
This has worked out nicely! Mounting amidships within the hull gives true relevant depth below the hull. Keeping it inboard saves us on the buildup of sea scum and related vegetation that n external transom mount might entail. This aspect has worked great for simple depth and fish finding but we have yet to familiarize ourselves with all the other functions this system is capable of.

7) GARMIN - Chartplotter and Sonar
The chart plotter works fantastic! Very easy to use and seems to be much more accurate than advertised.
Still need to continue to work with the unit to better understand and use all of its features and capabilities.

Vessel Handling as a Motor Cruiser
While it is taking a little bit of adapting on our part we are pleasantly surprised with the handling aspects of our Mac26X as a motor cruiser. Especially once we filled the ballast. Currently we are incrementally improving our skill set with each trip out. Improving but still a long way to go!

9) Engine Operation
The one aspect that has been problematic is the functional performance of our 20 year old 2-stroke engine.
It may very well be a tuning issue or something benignly simple. This is something we are currently and actively looking into.

Opps! Time is run out for now and we will upload photos later as time permits.
It is getting to a favorable tide window and we have to get ready to take Over Easy out again!

The Journey Continues....

We just came back from a very interesting run up the Beaufort River past the docks and town center and up past what we believe is called Pleasant Point along this section of the ICW.

We brought our newest member Mac with us.
He has really taken to our excursions settling right in as Port and Starboard observer! He is so interested but at the same time so calm. Great characteristics for a crew mate on the water.

We were fortunate to see a small pod of dolphins in the waters along side us several times but were only able to photograph where they had been

Our slip mates returned from their three day voyage to Charleston in their Catalina 22 that they rebuild from a barnyard find. It was beautifully done!

Launched with 13 mph breeze diagonal to the slip way with their help which was exciting for us but probably old hat to many of you. We actually managed to escape the marina maze to open water without incident. We then moved over to the fuel dock for a reasonably controlled slow motion collision with the dock fender which sort of kinda bounced us back a foot. This was a definite improvement!

Our return was aided but a dock employee who was working late and sprinted across the marina to help us manage our landing with the 18 mph gusty wind to our starboard aft quarter and the slack tide current from our bow. No bangs or scrapes or booboos.

Our engine issues continue limiting us to less than 3k rpm. There were only two shutdowns reducing to idle and both times restarted without angst.

This makes the 6th trip out with Over Easy in 6 days!!!!

Onward.....
















See where the dolphins were...

OverEasy wrote: ↑Sun May 02, 2021 11:43 am
5) Dual 12 Gallon Fuel Tank Modification
These are really nice and convenient to use. While there are issues related to the pressure sealing aspect of the tanks to comply with EPA mandates

Maybe you could replace the caps with old style

Hi Russ

If this vent both ways it is a wonderful solution!!

This pressurizing fuel tank issue is getting to be a problem. When we came out to the boat yesterday the tank on the port side had been leaking fuel from the connector cap interface to the tank itself. This issue is getting old in a hurry. At this point we’re having to leave the cap on loose to ensure we don’t have further spillage from over pressure.

We would much rather leave a vent open than a cap loose.

The possible moisture condensation into the tank fuel can be addressed with an appropriately sized fuel/water separator ahead of the engine. (Which has been part of our planning all along for the fuel system.) But having fuel tanks pressurized to this extent and the associated external leakage and engine flooding wasn’t!

Looking around the marina we can see we are not alone with this issue on multiple different sizes of “portable” fuel tanks. Several boats have the greenish tinge lines of color left from evaporated fuel. Almost all have disconnected their fuel lines from their engines and we know of at least one other individual who is leaving his tank caps loose. It appears some others have added their own tank pressure vent line “breathers” to address this over pressure issue.

We are placing an order for two of these today!

Thank you Russ!

I've been away from the internet machine for a few days, taking care of yard work, riding mountain bikes with the kid, etc. and just got caught up with your adventures. It sounds like you guys are having fun while doing everything right and your pics are great!

Engine troubles can be disheartening, especially when you're not very familiar with how the boat should behave or respond during ideal circumstances. Marina's and docking are the most stressful (especially when there are onlookers). Keep extra fenders and a boat hook at the ready until you're confident in the boat's ability and of course, NEVER put your limbs between pinch boats in an attempt to save the gelcoat of a collision is inevitable.

Have you checked or changed your fuel filters yet? I keep an inline filter at the tank and my outboards all have inline fuel filters somewhere under the cowl too. With the stuttering at higher rpm's, it definitely sounds like a fueling issue. Do you get any time at WOT (wide open throttle) before it peters out? Maybe your choke isn't functioning properly? Or perhaps the carbs need cleaned and/or tuned? Maybe a kinked fuel line? Have you run a compression test to verify the rings and cylinders are good to go?

Your dogs are too cute. I'm a wee bit jealous that you can have them along for the adventure. Our 10 year old cockapoo doesn't get to go on boat rides anymore. He liked going out sailing but would only be chill if he was on my lap or laying right next to me. Several years ago, he had some disc issues in his back and we spent a fair bit of money on physical therapy and vet visits. While he's been pain free for a long time now, he can't be jumping up or down from things anymore. As a result, now he's a full time landlubber and spoiled to the point of being lifted on or off the couch. Charlie's built like a wiener dog so literally everything is a hurdle for him.

Hi All!

Monday, May 3rd was something of a day off to clean up around the house and do laundry.
(It’s really for all the other people at the marina and on the water... )
An afternoon/evening thunderstorm and excessive humidity were also good reasons not to be out and about on the water.

Tuesday, MAY 4th we were back on the water for our longest distance and duration ‘sea trial’ yet.
We left our slip and Port Royal at approximately 11:30 AM headed up the Beaufort river to retrace our first journey here in SC waters. We brought bagels but nature provided a fluffy donut!



Passing by downtown Beaufort and under the swing bridge we made our way to the Coosaw River which we followed out toward the Atlantic. Eventually we passed our launch point at Sam’s Point Landing and continued out the Coosaw River which at this point is as wide, if not wider than Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Continued to follow the ICW out to MARKER 189 where our preplanning had us turn about to ensure a slack tide later this afternoon to get back into our slip with the least current flow.















Mac was ready for continued explorations but we defaulted to our trip planning as we made our way back up the Coosaw River and onto the Beaufort River. Several Dolphin pods made their appearances but were reticent to have their pictures taken. (Again..... )
The Beaufort swing bridge came in sight again and we soon passed under it headed to Port Royal.





By this time Mac was getting into familiar territory and decided a nap was in order.

On our way past downtown Beaufort we found that the adage of two sailboat on the same body of water in the same direction constitutes a race.
With our engine refusing to go past 2800 rpm and faltering sporadically we with no intent caught up to and passed a stunningly beautiful 35 ft sailboat leisurely moving under engine power. As we passed this gorgeous vessel we noticed that it suddenly accelerated to what we can only assume was her max power settings as she was now breaking water to either side of her bow. Even so our little ole OVER EASY continued to pull ahead.



Arriving back at Port Royal after 5 hours we found that we were low on fuel and an hour early for our tidal window so we pulled into the fuel dock and made a passable landing on our
Starboard side. (Our departure was made on our Port tank which started out full. As we approached Beaufort the coughing and sputtering of the engine indicated it was time to change tanks to the half full Starboard tank.)
When we refueled we found the Port tank only required 8.8 gallons. Does this mean we have 3.2 gallons of unusable fuel in our 12 gallon tanks??? This wil require some further investigations...hence why we are ‘sea trialing’...

After departing the fuel dock with both tanks we still had an hour to kill so we went to visit Sands Beach on our way to the official Old Port Royal. There were people quite a few out enjoying a beautiful 85 degree F day. A Shirmp Boat was departing and we moved over to the side of the channel to give her the center depth.



Turning about in the Old Port gave us a great view of the other shrimp boats at the commercial pier and two Coastal Cruisers that are currently undergoing refurbishment.




Mac, rested from his earlier nap was back on lookout duty.



Passing back under the Port Royal Bridge we were treated to see Kestrel atop the bridge passage piling.




Our approach to the slip was a bit challenging with residual incoming currents and a starboard quartering wind of about 8 mph. Getting into the main slipway required a bit of crabbing to starboard and occasional bumps into reverse (fortunately the engine held and didn’t quit transitioning in-through-out of idle multiple times. The diagonal approach to a shared slip was made cautiously with maybe a little too much forward momentum that couldn’t be arrested in time by a late shift into reverse. Our bow eye now has a very slight ‘black eye’. . No other damage other than ego.

Total active transit time on the water was an even 6 hours and our longest distance traveled so far.
Our engine continues to be limited to below 3K rpms and definitely preferred the 2800 to 2500 rpm range. Idle cutouts are still problematic as well. Shifting requires a smooth swift transition to engage and throttle up. The usable fuel in the tanks is going to require further investigation. It may be related to the fuel cubby floor design tilt to center, the uplift of the bow and a tank fuel siphon hard centered in the tank. Not sure but we might be able to figure out some way to extend/relocate the fuel tank siphon to the lower aft inboard corner to improve the amount of usable fuel.

So far today was another milestone in our ‘sea trials’ and our skill developments.

Onward.......
Over Easy