Macgregor 25 newbie owner questions

[Mac25]

I just bought a 1982 Macgregor 25 last week.
I have a few questions that I could not find answered elsewhere:

1) What is the easiest way to step the mast single-handed with minimal or no added gear? I have already read the method described in the owners manual, and I am still struggling a bit too much. If posible, please provide links to websites or threads already documenting this.

2) The swing-keel locking bolt (the smaller upper bolt) appears to be jammed aft, crushing fiberglass housing behind the bolt. Any suggestions for easiest repair?

3) The rudder has a semicircular groove cut though it near the top. I think someone put a locking pin through it when it was all the way down, and then hit bottom to tear this groove through the rudder. Is the rudder routinely suppposed to be trimmed down 90 degrees to the boat (deeper than the keel when the keel is fully retracted), or is is supposed to slant aft? Any suggestion for repair?

4) The rudder is flopping a bit too much left and right within the aluminum housing bracket. Any suggestions?

5) Can I easily find a cheap used IdaSailor replacement rudder?

Thanks,
Mac25

[ChockFullOnuts22]

Congrats on the new boat!

1. Mast. You will need a mast raising system, whether homemade or the MacGregor factory parts. Some people come up with some really creative ideas when making their own. If you try searching "mast raising system" on this board, you should be able to find something helpful.

2. Keel lock bolt hole. Seems to happen a lot....my 25 has the same issue, too. When it comes to load-bearing structural repairs, the old addage holds true....anything worth doing is worth doing right. You'll want to be sure that you know where the hole originally was, and then preserve that location as you build the trunk back up with fiberglass. Many people here on the boards have done this repair. Try searching "keel lock bolt repair" and you should be able to find something.

3. Rudder damage. The rudder on my 25' does seem to be at 90° when in the fully down position. Repair the damage in the same fashion as the keel lock bolt hole. Tiger hair filler is probably strong enough for use on the rudder repair.

4. Rudder flopping. Try tightening the pivot bolt just a little bit. Just a three-quarter turn on the pivot bolt on my Venture 2-22's rudder did the trick for me.

5. Ida Sailor rudder. Used Ida Sailor rudders are out there. In terms of "cheap," that depends on what your definition of "cheap" is. New ones are pricey (way too much money for me)....$869.00. I couldn't speculate what someone would ask for a used rudder...perhaps someone else here could chime in with their experience.

[Sumner]

We have the factory....



http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... index.html

.... mast raising system on our S. If we didn't have it I would duplicate it. You could build one of these cheap with hand tools in short order. In my opinion it is the only way to go. I'm in my 60's and can easily raise the mast by myself and stop (cleat the block and tackle line off) at any point to clear lines or whatever. Just do it and you will be happy.

If you go to my links page for Mac's and Ventures you might also find answers also to some of your questions and check the mods on here.

Good luck and we have an IdaSailor rudder and love it. It came with the boat, but if we lost it we would find the funds to buy another one.

Have fun with the new boat,

Sum and Ruth

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[3sheets]

For a less expensive alternative to Idasailor, you might look on Ebay. I've often seen replacement rudders for M25s on there. I can't speak to the fit or finish , but they're less than 500-dollars as I recall. The rudder housing on my 25 was somewhat wallered out, requiring welding a washer over it on both sides tighten it up.
Robert