MacGregorSailors.com

Does anyone have a mast raising kit and/or mast carrier to fit a 1997 26X to sell or know where I can buy one other than BW Yachts?

When I can get them to answer the phone all I get are vague answers about how many of the parts are on backorder.

The PO's boatyard misplaced the original parts

I have tried to make my own mast carrier. It's a bit flimsy but it's getting the job done for now.
However, I think it is too tall. What is the measurement from the top of the pedestal to the roller center? ( I have a 97 x with the mast support pole coming out from the top center of the steering pedestal)

Thanks

Mine is a '99 , and the crutch is 47-1/2" long to the roller center, with 12" inside the pedestal for 35-1/2" exposed, but not all pedestals are the same. I think mine is the short version.

As to the MRS, you can make your own with the Dutton-Lainson 350 lb brake winch (same as MacGregor uses), an aluminium tube (I don't have the dims handy, but their easy enough to get), a pair of eye straps, plus a single sheave block with at least a 600 lb SWL. The flared 'feet' are available from BWY, or you can make your own.

Just measured the pedestal, and it's 29" high. It's the low style. Others have more height above the wheel.

That puts the center of the roller about 64-1/2" above the cockpit sole.

Am I the only one who just uses the mainsheet rigging for the MRS?

I use my vang as the MRS and simply hook it back to the boom once up.

I tried raising it by hand but inexperience coupled with the furling jib weight and snags are keeping me from feeling safe doing so.

I guess I'll just have to rig something up.

DaveC426913 wrote:Am I the only one who just uses the mainsheet rigging for the MRS?

Mine came with the style MRS, with the same fiddle blocks that are used for the vang and main sheet, but I changed mine out for larger ones with ball bearings and 5 parts of line. Much less effort to raise the mast now, and no need for the cabin roof winch.

But the OP asked about what BWY sells, and I believe they no longer sell the old style MRS, just the style.

But you're right - using the vang or main sheet blocks, and a gin pole with nothing more than a couple of eye straps and the feet for the bottom (which can be made to engage the mast itself, even out of wood if desired), would be very cheap and easy to do.

OP: The tube itself is 1-1/2" OD x 1/8" wall x 6 ft long aluminium. Probably 6061, but I don't know that. Bolts are 1/4" SS. The eye straps are through-bolted - very important, as this avoids having the tube take any load other than shear at the bolts. Eye strap bolt tensile loads go straight on thru to the other side (to the other eye strap ).





Hopefully the baby stays are already on the boat.

Thanks for the pics and info!

Maybe I can get something made up this weekend.