MacGregorSailors.com

Anyone install the pedestal guard from BWY on their 26M?

http://www.bwyachts.com/web%20catalog%2 ... _guard.htm

Yes. But, it doesn't have the loop at the top that is shown in the picture.

Does it provide a solid handhold? Any notes on the install? I'm guessing you have the pedestal with pole mount.

Thanks,
Scott

We went with the hand hold from Blue Water Yachts and LOVED IT. It did provide a great handhold and we think it should be a standard Mac included option!

Oh....and mine did have the loop at the top....but we never used it.

My pedestal does not have the pole mount.

The guard is very solid and installation is pretty simple. You just gotta drill four holes... The supply the nuts and bolts.

My only caution would be that you are bolting this thing to the pedestal, which is just secured by that ring flange at the bottom. So, any force you apply to this guard is at the end of an about 4 foot moment arm, with respect to that flange.

The bottom line is that it is a good "light-duty" handhold. The best you're likely to get. But, I'm afraid of putting alot of force on it, 'cause too much will just snap the pedestal right off...

This is a picture of my pedestal now:


I agree with Rich that one should be standard a Mac. All other boats my wife and I have sailed on have them so we keep on looking for a secure handhold when crossing from one side of the boat to the other like after a tack. I would hate to accidently grab the chartplotter if I slipped. Thx for the feedback here.

I have been wanting one just like it. Thank you for this post. I'm going to order one from BWY.

Scott,

I just looked at the picture of your ped. You have the new type. You may not be able to use this handhold. The description on the BWY site says it's for the steel post ped only. Ask them before you order.

Leon

How high above the pedistal does this go?

I would like to put a chart plotter and a forward sonar there. I may have to go side by side.

I used two cutting boards from Wallmart, cost about $2 each. I know it looks a little cheesy, but it gives a very solid grip. I will dress it up someday with trim along the outer edge. It is held down with three 1/4" bolts. I put a channel in between the two boards for wiring. You could size the board for the units you plan to install, and for the price you could try a few configurations. I would suggest that side by side installation may make it more difficult to get around the pedistal. If you find a nice stainless grip please post it, l could trim the forward end and install a taller grip. This grip while solid is quite low.

I have the same pedestal on my which I converted to wheel steering I bought pedestal guard feet kit, it will take ss tubing from 7/8" to 1 1/4 " at WM $54.00 Can. I bought 1" ss tubing for $25.00 Can . I'm now in the process of making my own pedestal guard will post pic's when finnished but right now I dont know when that will be "Busy"

John

BWY is currently making a guard for the new Mac pedestal. Called them last month to order and they are not ready yet. Advised that they will let me know when they will be ready.

DLT wrote:

The bottom line is that it is a good "light-duty" handhold. The best you're likely to get. But, I'm afraid of putting alot of force on it, 'cause too much will just snap the pedestal right off...

That already happened to me during shore/land rigging when I was about to launch, suffice to say launch was cancelled and I had to order a new pedestal which was covered under warranty. The new one is a bit beefier and I may get the handle some day but I will keep in mind "light duty" only.

Shouldn't be so light duty, since it is designed so that you can attach your mainsheet to it