Just bought 2005 Macgregor 26m

[Chip]

New to sailing (just took ASA course last weekend in between Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne) and boating generally. Bought 2005 Mac 26M and the fiberglass deck crackles under my 260-pound frame (all muscle, of course). Is this phenomenon "normal" or "acceptable," or is there a possibility that I purchased a defective boat? Thanks much.

[Tom Spohn]

One of the first things I noticed when I traded my X for a new M, is the deck on the M seems to be thinner as is the sole in the cabin. I weigh 200# and can feel it flex sometimes. I don't believe you have a defective boat.

[Chip]

Okay, thank you. Just wanted to make sure that I am not going to fall through the deck.

[KRV]

Chip,

I was concerned with my M at first also. on deck towards the bow of the boat I sometimes feel a soft spot. I just watch out when im up in that area.

[Chip]

Thanks, KRV. Diet and exercise may solve my problem. I would hope that MacGregor does not count on the average sailor weighing 150-175 anymore, however. The manufacturer's web site indicates that the fiberglass can withstand 2500 pounds/sq. in. of pressure but I do not know how much pressure I put on a sq. in. when I am walking on deck.

[richandlori]

Welcome to the Mac family Chip.
I have a 2004M and love it. It is great with two kids (6 and 7) and the admiral. I to sometines walk softly (all 220lbs) on certain parts of the boat as well. I have been on 3 different M's and I noticed it the same on all three, so I don't think it is just your boat.

Hope you and the boat make it through the Hurricane, I flew home to California from Jacksonville, FL Saturday morning, which was just in time.

You will find that this site is make up of mostly X'ers. I actually wounder how many M owners are on this site. The info is still usefull and usually still applies to us as well.

Take care and enjoy.

Rich

[mgg4]

I will also voice a welcome. I have a 2002 26X, and originally worried when I heard that "Crunching" sound of the fiberglass settling in. I was told not to worry about it. Weighing 330#, I was also a bit concerned, but I was assured that the boat was designed to handle it.

As far as the PPSI you apply to the deck, measure the number of inches in the area of the bottom of your shoe (or foot), and then divide your weight by that area. That is the approximate number of PPSI you are applying to the deck. Since you don't weigh 2500#, nor are you able to put your weight on an area a fraction of an inch, unless you are wearing golf spikes on the deck, so you probably don't need to worry about it too much.

Good luck, and I hope you didn't have too much damage from the storms you've been getting down there. Be careful, and enjoy your new Mac.

--Mark

[Mark Prouty]

Did you get one with a sliding galley. If so, how do you like it?

[Chip]

Thanks for welcoming me to the Mac Pack. I have the sliding galley and the jury is out on that one because the four hurricanes in Florida have sadly kept me out of commission. I haven't even had a chance to put my Mac on the water yet.

I am not so sure about the sliding galley because it shakes and rattles in the resting position. I have a feeling that I am going to have to make some adjustments to keep it level (it does not sit level in its tracks and acts as a table does when one of the legs is shorter than the other three). The idea is great, though, and contrary to another message that I read, there seems to be adequate room to access the aft berth when the galley is in the forward position. I'll definitely advise as to how it is on the water and what adjustments need to be made. Thanks.

Chip

[richandlori]

Chip,

You asked me about the affects of a Dogs nails on the Boat Deck, so I assume you will be out sailing with a Dog. The attached link could come in handy, a Doggy Lifevest.

http://store.yahoo.com/landfallnav/petpfd.html

[Chip]

Thanks for the link. I'll need three doggie vests.

[Kevin]

And like everything else, somebody has to claim he knows of a better one.

This http://www.ruffwear.com/products/floatcoat/ is a link to the pfd Skye wears. It's comfortable and the best looking I've ever seen.

[Idle Time]

I have a toy poodle, 7 lbs. I've bought 3 different vest and she wouldnt wear any of them. Just fights with her front feet untill they are caught in the front. All 3 were pretty bulky for her. How big is your dog. This vest looks pretty comfortable.

[Chip]

I have a 75-pound Doberman, 70-pound Lab mix, and 30-pound Cocker Spaniel. They are all anxious to go boating and to avoid sharks and alligators, depending on the water. Don't know how they'll do at adjusting the lines, steering, etc.

Anyone have any success with dog boots? Rich indicated that he has seen dogs struggle with dog paddling while wearing them. I'm concerned with scratching the deck with their nails which they refuse to have cut short, but the deck is obviously not as important as precluding drowning.

Chip

[Frank C]

My 30 lb. Amer.Eskie wears a vest similar to the link that Kevin pictured. She loves boating, she is a jumper and pretty impetuous, so she flys toward the cockpit at every oppty. She's missed only once and the handle on top was perfect for retrieving her - and no aligators in SF Bay!

She stays in the cockpit or cabin, never wants to go on deck - perfect. I've never noticed any scratches she's made on the gelcoat, but after the first year you don't look so closely.

She seems to like the vest, never a tussle about putting it on, never any struggle to get out of it. Guess I'm just lucky ... best of luck.