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We had a couple friends out on our 26s last weekend, and with winds 14mph and gusts to 23, we were getting pushed over frequently to 15 and 20 degrees. I wanted these first-timers to have a comfortable sail. We were reefed, and genny was rolled up to a bit less than the original jib, but still got p...

I use a one-burner butane stove, which we use in the cockpit. but all we use it for is coffee.

--john

I had the same issue. I bought a couple bow chocks and lead the rode through one side or the other, and it stays. I've started adding short line to the rode, about 10 feet from the bow, and leading it back through the other chock. This keeps the boat centered, cuts down on anchor sway, and spreads t...

Mine doesn't have the shiv and fairlead system that yours has. My line just goes through a hold in the rudder (toward the trailing edge). You should also have a wire attached to the leading edge that comes up through the rudder post to hold the rudder down. Attach with a bungee so it will give way i...

You might want to check the spark a little closer. Seems like a more objective measure might be in order. I change mine every year as part of winterizing, largely because I am an outboard hypochondriac. You might also have a fuel flow issue, either a plugged filter or a leak in the line. Mine used t...

I want another cleat on the mast of my 26s. This is needed for hanging the excessive main halyard that I insist on, and for hanging the jib halyard that is not used (roller furler). Do I have to use backing nuts? Several feet in from the bottom of the mast, I don't have a good plan for holding them ...

I worry about this with my 26S. I have a mount that adjusts the motor up (and inboard) and down (further aft). That weight, if it bounces, may be putting a lot of pressure on the transom. But I only trailer twice a year, 50 miles to the lake and 50 back. I see no flex at all in driveway tests, so I ...

I just talked to John Gerber, and he is still very active selling aluminum trailers for all Mac 26 series boats.

--interim

No, he's been a sailboat dealer for decades, and a Mac Dealer for a Loooong time (not sure how long). He also had that trailer line, but he is a retailer not a fabricator. Bought and sold boats all over the country (Kearney is in the middle, after all). An excellent problem solver, so if he can't ge...

I know John. He is indeed for real. Honest dealer, and a good person.

He has closed his shop, but I'd say still contact him.

--interim

I have a Yamaha 9.9, and have plenty of room to maneuver because the attachment bracket is a levered extension. When I lower the bracket, the engine is plenty aft of the transom to maneuver. My concern has always been the weight, especially extended like that. Catigale's note said 100# is nothing on...

Below are a couple shots of my jib car and track on starboard.

--john

I will get a picture of my tracks and cars. Sorry for the delay. I thought about (and continue to think about) moving my winches aft. The line angle (I think it is called the fleet angle) into the winch isn't that good, because i crowded it. I've added a fair lead to my track to help cure it. It jus...

No problem reefing mine, either. The outhaul is critical, of course.

It is hard to tell for me whether this improved performance, because it was a new sail after all. The sailmaker said it was better, and that was good enough for me. I haven't seen any downside to it.

--john

I would agree. No one at my lake knows "taking you on my port side." But when they're backing off the ramp, right into my path, I find it more convenient to blow the horn than to yell. I do get funny looks when I sound one for engine engaged, and three for operating astern, when I back out of my sli...