MacGregorSailors.com

Ok here goes the new kid on the block At age 58. I have finally decided after two yrs of research, on the 26M with a 50 HP Suzuki. I have talked to three different dealers, they all have different ideas as to what I "need". What I would like from all my new friends here, is your best suggestions as to what add-ons I need or will find useful/necessary to get the most enjoyment out of my new boat. I will be lake sailing on Kentucky and Barkley lakes in KY, for the most part no blue water...at least not for a couple of years or so Just retired so my wife and I, along with our Lab puppy plan to spending several days at a time on the boat so want it to be comfortable but does not have to be fancy. Any ideas???

BTW just found your site and love it!

Welcome aboard - what kind of winds do you get on those Lakes?? That will dictate your sail plan to start at least.

Have the dealers asked you about your intended use? Day sail, week cruise, dump all the possessions-change-your-name-so-the-kids-cant-find-us??

When I purchased our used X, the dealer suggested we not change anything for a year or so, to see what we really need or want.

I know that doesn't help you decide at the time of purchase, but it probably saves you some redo's later.

ron

Welcome aboard LoveMac's - and congratulations! Whether you decide on the Genny or Jib (I have the jib), here's some things that I have that I wouldn't do without...

The main sheet was upgraded to harken blocks and the original factory sheet setup became a vang.

Lines led aft.

Topping lift (probably a Boomkicker in my future).

Mainsail slugs.

Swim ladder.

Mast-raising Kit.

Surge breaks.

Hope that helps. Cheers,

~Bob

I second Currie's list. Lines led aft, topping lift, mainsail slugs, boarding ladder, and a mast raising kit are must haves.

I'd also add a roller furler, quick release pelican hooks for the life lines - makes lowering the mast a much easier process, and a quick rigging kit. Look at boats4sail.com and blue water yachts for ideas. The more bolts you can replace with pins/ring dings the faster rigging will be and the more time you'll have actually on the water.

I'll add our experiences, in no particular order.

1. Pass on the Cockpit Cushions. Used once. Now they stay at home under the spare bed. A waste for us, even though cheap enough. Throw -type life preserver cushions save the buns.

2. Get the engine disconnect feature. Helm feel is better for us with motor up and stowed while sailing.

3 Mast raising pole. Get it. Easy to use and easy to increase forestay tension to easier pin the forestay.

4. CDI furler. Easy to use. Good answer if winds are consistant where you sail. use Jib if average winds will be above 14-15 knots. Genny if below.
If winds are unknown, jib on furler or hank on both.

5. Get four six gallon Johnson/Evinrude "Duratank" fuel tanks. The ONLY brand found to fit in the "M" perfectly. This will simplify refueling in any sceneario over the 12 gallon style.

6. Boom Vang is a good to have thing.

7.(It's time to duck and run) White hull.
We used Head over Heart in this decision. We like having a well cared for, nice looking boat. Heart said, " The blue is very easy on the eyes. It's beautiful." Head said," Yes, it is, very much so. But at what labor cost and elbow grease to keep it looking that way down the road?" Head made rational sense. Heart made emotional sense. Good Luck.
Logically, Blue will be more work than White. Perhaps White is better with less heat absorbing in the summer also.
On this same note, faded/oxidized black stripes are the ugly bane of all Mac's from the "X's" onward. Some can live with different degrees of ugly, but not us. Find a good wax and stay caught up on the black window stripes if you care about looks. Do not let them fall behind the wax upkeep. We now wax the black every two weeks. Simple, small job to preserve, much harder to revive.

8.If you have the background and inclination, do the Mods/Additions to your new boat yourself. You will give much more thought and care to each job than someone else would. Ask around here to find the tried and true methods of others already down the road. If the dealer will be required to drill the first hole in your new boat to add something, consider the above.

9. Enjoy!

A good investment is a depth/fish finder, especially with the fixed dagger board. Repairing or replacing the daggerboard are costly.
I always recommend a boat (pier) hook, absolutely necessary for docking and retrieving overboard stuff. Get a good extendable aluminum pole.

Welcome Aboard, and happy sailing.

Welcome to the forum. Like you I had just turned 58, retired, and bought my 1st ever sailboat a 26x. (see picture on the left...... )

think Bob's list is pretty good enough to begin with, although, having made the switch 2 yrs ago to S/S disc brakes, they would be my choice for sure.

On the Lab puppy thing though, don't they become large 75-90 lb water-loving monsters down the road...??

We have 2 Italian greyhounds (15 lb ea.) so they are no problem to get on and off the boat...........So what to do? Keep your gym membership current, or, build a floating ramp for the wee love?

Cheers, Ron

I just ordered an M myself. Looking forward to taking delivery in March. I've been sailing on various boats for 34 years, although not on a Mac (yet).

We went with a 70hp Suzuki as per the dealer. Apparently the added HP makes a difference and many people who go for the lesser regret it.

Roller furling jib is a must in my book. It's so much easier to unfurl than climb on the deck and hoist a sail up.
As mentioned, halyards led to cockpit keep you off the deck.

I would recommend a Bimini. Being in the hot sun can take its toll.

Sail covers are a must.

I'd go with a second battery. You said you want to do some cruising, so having more capacity would be good.

dont forget feed and water bowls for the dog,I think that you will have fun with the labrador if its a "big lab",mines is a superheavyweight so he cant come on the boat,just too big as for my little Schnauzers they have all 3 of them been aboard ,i love my big lab charlie but hes just too big for my boat

Welcome, you mentioned you will be spending several overnighters, I would suggest a decent anchor with chain and rode, 2 batteries are great, add in a couple of 12v outlets, and don't forget the porta potty.
There are lots of Mods to do, so go thru what is listed in the mod section on this site, and make a list, you'll know what you want as you get more experience, Good Luck, Happy Sailing.

Ditto for most of the suggestions here. My biggest regret was not getting a rollerfurler, now it is a bigger expense.
Get the larger size porta-pottie, the small one is a joke. So is the goofy anchor, upgrade it from the get go. A stern line to shore might be a nice addition to the anchor.
Overnight cruising entails a lot of extra stuff, like unbreakable dishes, cups etc., extra cook stove, sleeping gear and all weather gear. DSC capable VHF would be nice to have. Creature comforts galore will make for a pleasant experience.
Have a thorough look through the mods section for some great ideas. You will need to get some blocks/pulleys for the daggerboard line to add extra purchase power, it is quite a struggle at times.
A SS hatch latch to hold the forehatch open at various settings is a nice add-on.
Lots of spare fenders and get good life jackets at the start out. Boat hooks are essential too. Leave curtains and interior decor to your wife, she knows best there, dishes too.
That's it for my contribution.
Enjoy your new boat and welcome to the forum.

In regards to Bill E's suggestion, If you do overnighters and have a bigger motor.....

Keep it in the water overnight and be sure you have enough ass to pull start it.

Its really a pain after a night of pure bliss running all of your 12v accessories not to mention the boats lights only to have to pull start your motor in the upright position in the morning!!

As for accessories or mods/ add ons, we went the more is more/ never enough route at first and over 3 or 4 years found out that in fact less is more.

We retained most to all of the permanent mods we did but all the detritus that we packed on the boat was trimmed by 1/2 or more in the 4th or 5th year.

Welcome aboard..... It looks like all the basics have been covered, although you may want to consider a VHF radio for safety/emergency situations. I agree with waiting on the mods until one gets used to the boat, real good advice.

Happy Sailing!

Jim

I would recommend Poly- glow for the black areas on deck, I have used it on my dark green hull and easy to apply.
Dave