1986 Macgregor 25

[kiepre]

I was recently given a Macgregor sailboat. It is now in my backyard in Fort Worth, Texas. I have not sailed in over 30 years. In other words I do not have a clue what to do. I do not know if the boat floats. It is on a trailer with currently flat tires. I believe the boat is 1986. The boat has not been in the water for about 15 years. Can someone give me some advice on what to do first. Are knowlegable people available to look at the boat and tell if it can be put in the water (if any lakes in Texas still have water). I would like to eventually get it a slip and relearn how to sail. My 10 year old gradson has taken the boat under his wing and has cleaned the cabin and decks. He wants to sail it. Any advice will be appreciated.

Old grandma in Texas

[Crikey]

Like riding a bike, you never really forget this stuff. You never mentioned the motor, or other equipment details. Make sure all the required safety gear is up to speed - get the engine checked out by someone competent - then go for a power cruise to get used to the way it moves around. Save the sailing for later, until some of the memories come back - then try things out with an assistant who's got a little recent experience. Steady as she goes!

[Catigale]

Find a ramp that isn't too busy so you can float it off and check for leaks. I believe the 1986 models have a valve through the bottom of the hull that needs inspection, but I don't know this era that well

There may be more folks who know your boat in the Venture forum than the Main Board - this forum

...and any grandma who takes on a 10 year old sailor....ain't old, in my book....

Send me some pictures and I will post up to help identify the boat. You can use the EM button on right.

[kiepre]

Thanks for the help. As for the equipment I do have an outboard motor stored in the garage. I will get the info on it and post. I have main, jib and genoa sails. My main concern is the keel. It looks rusty. Good suggestion about shallow boat ramp. I guess I could leave it on the trailer in the water while I see if it leaks. Texas is in a major drought right now. The lakes are down several feet. I might have to wait until spring. Any suggestions about what we should be doing now to get ready for the big float. My granson has cleaned about everything. Also how young (and old) can you take sailing lessons?

kiepre

[MBertin]

Welcome to the word of the Mac Gregor.
I have a MC25 1986 and sail great. One trick I did to find a leaking path from my hull, I simply fill the boat with 2 inches of water. Then using the trailer, I change the boat position. This allow the water to move at specific location inside the boat. I was able to identify a few leaking spot to repair prior to put the boat in the water. One leak was at the keel boss (near the pivot axe and another was around the drain plug in the back).
If you want some reference, i found a excellent book title "Fix It and Sail" from Brian Gilbert. He give his experience during the restoration of a old Mac Gregor (22).

Since you have a MAC25, could you take the keel dimension and some pictures for me. Mine was an homemade one and I would like to improve the shape during this winter.

Marc.