SHORT MAST??!!!

[jordans1984]

I purchased a 1986 Mac 21 a year ago and have recently discovered that the mast height is only 24' and on sailboat data it says it should be 25.3? Did I get screwed with a short mast from someone who replaced it from a different boat? I wondered why it had a a mainsail from a V222... If so, where can I get a used mast that's the right length?

[leefrankpierce]

Simmer down now!
Our Macs are not that exacting a product, they are more of a "good enough" kind of experience.

I would not feel screwed with a 1 foot shorter mast.
Masts can be damaged in a lot of ways, especially those that are trailered.
Once you see the costs to ship a 25' pole, I think you will gain more appreciation for the 24' one you have.
Most likely a repair was made the the only way that makes financial sense for the P.O. and as long as the mainsail fits, 1 foot does not matter that much.I doubt the seller remembered.
If you need new sails, order from a custom maker like Precision Sails and just enjoy the boat.
Note if you order a new mast from Blue Water Yacht, they ship in 2 pieces, so if you are still determined to get that 1 foot back, look at an extension.
If you remain in need of a longer mast, look for a local boat salvage yard and get a mast as long as you want.

[jordans1984]

I only feel screwed because I was naive and bought a new main for it, unaware that the mast was the wrong size.
Where could I get a one foot extension though? if I could add on a piece at the top securely and rig the backstay and main halyard to it I could still use this nice new sail that was half the cost of the boat.

[Russ]

Oh wow. That stinks. So your sail doesn't fit? I see why you are upset.

I believe they can be sleeved and an extension added.

[Jimmyt]

I suggest talking to a sailmaker and see if he can modify the sail to fit the shorter rig.

That is, if the standing rigging fits the shorter mast.

[jordans1984]

Whew, I've been working on the boat and haven't been able to try the new sail. I just measured the luff and it's only 22' so I can move the boom down to compensate for the larger sail. If it had been 23' like it says on Sailboat Data it would have been a real problem. I guess I got lucky this time. That will be the last time I buy a new sail without measuring every side of the rig and double checking the dimensions with the sailmaker. Although it seems like a 22' luff on a 25.3' mast is a little short too. Maybe Sailboat Data is off???

[leefrankpierce]

I understand, buying and shippng something that ends up not fitting is a pain.
I actually moved my boom up to get more head clearance, then have a custom sail ordered, very stressed if it will fit.

You might ask B.Y. how they work the extensions.

A shorter sail seems easier though.
Possibly return/exchange for a shorter sail?

[Stickinthemud57]

I only feel screwed because I was naive and bought a new main for it, unaware that the mast was the wrong size.
Where could I get a one foot extension though? if I could add on a piece at the top securely and rig the backstay and main halyard to it I could still use this nice new sail that was half the cost of the boat.

It will likely be a challenge finding the shop that did the extrusion for your current mast, but if you can do that, adding an extension is not very difficult. Start by looking for any markings that might give that information, though I doubt you will, honestly. Alternatively, take exacting measurements of the current mast cross-section and search online for mast manufacturers and dealers. Start with Blue Water Yachts, you may get lucky. Next, try the manufacturer of the Venture(?), as the PO may have gotten them as a package as salvage from the V222.

If you are fortunate enough to find a good fit, purchase at least 4 feet of that extrusion. Trim off the amount you want to add to the mast. Cut at least a 2' section from the remaining extrusion and cut the portion with the slug slot off. This will allow you to compress it and force it down inside the end of the mast, leaving 1' protruding. Secure the insert to the mast with pop rivets. Some say aluminum, some stainless steel. I used stainless steel. Now force the extension down onto the insert, secure it with pop rivets, and reinstall you mast-top and other fittings as necessary.

That or just enjoy the boat as is and see if the manufacturer will take return of the sail, (or sell it here).

Best of luck!

[PSNA]

When the first 21 came out (Venture) it had a 22' fractionally rigged mast. A taller mast was available later in production which had masthead rigging.

Check where your halyard blocks are located. Sounds like you have the tall mast.

[jordans1984]

Blue Water Yachts cleared it up for me. SailboatData.com is frequently incorrect. All Macgregors under 22' had a 24' mast. Even Wiki says the MAC 21 has a 23' luff on the mainsail. You just can't trust the internet these days...

[jordans1984]

As a follow up: The sail that I purchased from sailstore.com was indeed too large. As well as the luff being too long for the 24' mast, the roach was too wide and overlapped the backstay and made it difficult to gybe/tack. I think that I've gotten away with it by lowering the gooseneck, although the boom is a bit more dangerous for anyone in the cockpit as it's just at head height, if I slouch it can pass by unimpeded by my noggin. The wide roach I was able to compensate for by building a "chicken-head" out of stainless plate that wraps around the top of the mast and is bolted/riveted. Overall, I was able to make it work but I've learned the valuable lesson of measuring before buying new sails.