First post from a Newbie

[md80max]

I was looking at the stern seats for sale on the BWY website and was curious who in here has purchased a set, how hard to install and are you happy with them as an additional feature to your boat.

Thank you!

[Hamin' X]

Welcome aboard! There are a number of members that have used the BWY Stern seats, so hopefully they will chime in.

~Rich

[Bluenote]

Regards. We used to own an 2003 26M before we "downgraded" to a sweet Santana 2023C. I purchased stern rail seats from BWY and installed them myself. It was not hard to do and they are a great addition. If i remember correctly I did not need to drill any big holes, just removed the caps for other access holes and was able get the hardware and nuts in that way.
Bluenote

[md80max]

Thank you for the replies.....in the process of a purchase of my first Macgregor and could see these seats being my first addition as an upgrade.

[Estate Sail]

I installed a set of BWY seats last winter. It was not very difficult. You will have to drill two 2" holes above the transom area. White plugs are included to fill them after installation. A good mod. The best modification I bought from them is the outboard steering disconnect. It holds the outboard centered and allows you to steer while sailing with no drag from the outboard. An easy and cheap mod. If you don't have it, get it!! BWY is a great outfit!

Roger

[npsrangerchuck]

Welcome aboard! I can mirror the recommendation that you also order the motor quick disconnect from BWY- steering under sail will be dramatically improved.

[Russ]

Welcome aboard! I can mirror the recommendation that you also order the motor quick disconnect from BWY- steering under sail will be dramatically improved.

^^ This. The motor disconnect is a must.

We LOVE the stern seats. Use them all the time. Great spot to attach the grill and cook from.
BWY was where we bought out boat and they did the install. But we love the seats. Do it.

Welcome. You will LOVE this boat.

--Russ

[mrron_tx]

I was looking at the stern seats for sale on the BWY website and was curious who in here has purchased a set, how hard to install and are you happy with them as an additional feature to your boat.

Thank you!

I installed the BWY stern rails seat on Dauntless , My 2011 ... I think it was the first cut ever made by Me and I am glad I did it. Not only does it allow for the seats..... it opens passageways for running shore powerlines,water ,solr panel wiring etc etc. Plus , I knew I was going to get the full enclosure ( also from BWY)and the seat are required.Best of luck. on.

[md80max]

Thanks for all the replies......I know I will have more questions as I go along and glad to know you all are here and ready to help!

[Jchrisman]

Has anyone installed speakers under their stern seats? Preparing for a wintertime mod. Any pictures and tips would be great. This is for a 26M

[md80max]

Well, I said I would have more questions and here I am. I have leased a slip at the lake just a 15 minute drive away. Fresh water lake of course so my expectation is that I would need to clean the bottom monthly or every other month? Keep the motor out of the water along with the rudders I suppose? Are zincs needed in fresh water or no? Any input is appreciated....

[1st Sail]

I would recommend you consider bottom paint before you blister the gel coat. Mac's have the cheapest/thinnest gel coat possible. Regardless if you are leaving you boat in the water for extended periods you most certainly should consider bottom coating the hull.

[Russ]

Has anyone installed speakers under their stern seats? Preparing for a wintertime mod. Any pictures and tips would be great. This is for a 26M

Yup. They work great there. Out of the way, no holes drilled.

I don't have a photo. They are hidden under there and we barely no they are there.

I just mounted them under the seats (attached to the bottom of the seat) and aimed them forward. Like these.


---Russ

[md80max]

The bottom of the boat already had bottom paint on it and was in good condition, not new but good condition. Thank you for the suggestion!

[paul I]

The bottom of the boat already had bottom paint on it and was in good condition, not new but good condition. Thank you for the suggestion!

Is what's on the bottom a barrier coat, or just antifouling paint, or both? in any case, in a fresh water environment, I doubt there is a need to pull it out more than once a season to clean it up.

Barrier paint will prevent gel coat blistering. Most antifouling paints wont. Conversely, antifouling paint will prevent marine buildup (or at least make it easy to remove). But most barrier paints wont. They don't do each others job very well.

The ideal situation is a nice 2 part epoxy barrier paint followed by an antifouling paint. When you haul out, drive to a self serve car wash, or use your own pressure washer, and the high pressure water will remove any growth quite nicely.

You may already have what you need on the bottom of the boat.