Advice on buying 26M/X

[opie]

Jimmy,
You are sharp.
My measurements were in middle of fully closed hatch. Moving to aft edge of hatch will lessen load by some amount.

[Inquisitor]

I'm with BOAT... there's not a chance in the world (well at least for me) to lift the M's mast with that live Marlin of a furled genoa flopping around. I've always raised the mast on land... usually trying to point the bow down hill so it helps (at least after getting over center). I always thought raising it on the water would just add that last camels straw of a variable and throw me overboard (literally and/or figuratively).

Without the extra bolts, nuts, shear pin supplies I can simply re-claim on the way to the truck will make my extra's stash last longer.

Might have to try raising it on the water. At least if I go heads over, I only get wet.

[Jimmyt]

I'm with BOAT... there's not a chance in the world (well at least for me) to lift the M's mast with that live Marlin of a furled genoa flopping around. I've always raised the mast on land... usually trying to point the bow down hill so it helps (at least after getting over center). I always thought raising it on the water would just add that last camels straw of a variable and throw me overboard (literally and/or figuratively).

Without the extra bolts, nuts, shear pin supplies I can simply re-claim on the way to the truck will make my extra's stash last longer.

Might have to try raising it on the water. At least if I go heads over, I only get wet.

I've done it over water in a bit of chop twice. The first time, because I had never tried it. Minor pinch injury and one wrench sacrificed to Neptune. The second time to clear a fouled halyard. No injury or loss of tools. But, not an enjoyable experience by any means.

Your live Marlin analogy is both accurate and entertaining.

I've never tried raising by hand. I'm too concerned about controlling the mast and making sure the rigging isn't snagged. I like the ability to stop at any point and check everything that you get with the MRS and brake winch.

[NiceAft]

I have raised the mast on my on the water, at a dock, for the last fifteen years, I've had no choice. As long as there are no water skiers, or choppy water,it's not difficult. Any disturbance greater than a minor wake make the attempt really hard. The mast can swing port to starboard and back again rather violently. I have bent a couple of the braces at the bottom of the MRS. Thanks to Kevin's metallurgy skills, he has repaired a pair. He let me help, under his tutelage.

[opie]

Jimmy and others:

Regarding MacGregor 26X mast raising weight at initial lift. Lift weight rapidly decreases as lift progresses.

125 US pounds / 56.7 kilo
with genoa and furler

107 US pounds / 48.5 kilo
with mast alone

This video show weight measurements:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1A5QXWAFGFM

This video shows mast raising by hand: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B5DgNkx3mEk

[Jimmyt]

Opie, Thanks for posting that! Great info!

[Drifter]

Cool vid

I paid for some vids on how to rig and sail my 26... Well let it suffice to say I'd happy pay again for some vids that are of actual use.

In your vid you mention a "cradle jack"? Is that the thing you rest the mast on?

My boat does not seem to have such a thing. I'm wondering if that's some optional extra, an accessory or if my boat's PO has removed it..?

It certainly looks like it could be useful for going under bridges and such.

(Despite buying the vids I don't have the slightest clue how to raise the mast or set any of the other rigging! That's a whole new puzzle for me to play with later!)

[kurz]

Well I'm quite impressed. I never thought about raising the Mast by hand on my 26M (having a furled Genoa).
Maybe I will give a try when a second person can control all with the MRS.

[opie]

Drifter,
There seems to be so much that is missing on your boat. We are cheering you on to success. What is the favorite beer of Borneo so we know what to toast you with when you first sail?
As for the mast carrier, here are some pics from member Erik and also Blue water yachts.

[Russ]

I have bent a couple of the braces at the bottom of the MRS. Thanks to Kevin's metallurgy skills, he has repaired a pair. He let me help, under his tutelage.

Mine has also bent and feels weak. What magic did Kevin perform and maybe he could have a side gig modding MRS's.

[NiceAft]

I went and bought spares from BWY. I'm sure there will be a next time.

[kmclemore]

Thanks to Kevin's metallurgy skills, he has repaired a pair. He let me help, under his tutelage.

Just seeing this, Ray. Can't see the image though... is it not there, or is it just me not seeing it?

[NiceAft]

No Kevin, not you. I suddenly have a problem posting photos.

When I press “Add image to post”, I get a “can not connect to server” message.

[Drifter]

The image hosting service is down.

I'm uploading photos to Dropbox and posting the link for now. Hopefully the host will be back soon

[NiceAft]

This site is amazing.

Post a problem at my location in the east coast of the U.S., and get an immediate answer from a fellow Mac owner in Borneo.