Rig Dimensions

[DanBurke]

Does anyone have the rig dimensions for a 2003 M? My sailmaker is using the following but he thinks these are for the X:
I= 22'
J=9.67'
P=25.17'
E=10.25'

Thanks guys, your help is appreciated.
Dan

[Terry]

I have a 2003 M but I don't know what those letters I,J,P,E represent, can you explain them?

[DanBurke]

Knowing the dig dimensions is essential for ordering properly sized sails for our boats. The sailmakers are getting the X and the M confused so we need to get this straightened out.
I=distance from deck to the max. headsail luff
J=distance from mast to the headstay
P=distance from boom to max. mainsail height
E=length of boom

[DanBurke]

Here is what I found this morning. Hopefully someone can verify.
I=24.13
J=9.71
P=26.83
E=10.42

Thanks!

[Terry]

Well some of those numbers are suspicious, the X & M boom 'E' are quite likely the same, but I can measure that next weekend, perhaps even the distance 'J' is the same since both models use the same headsails. It is 'I' & 'P' and a "missing one" that are suspect. The one missing, if it is relavent, is the distance from the clew to the head. Anyway there are two considerations for I & P, one is the 30' mast vs the 28' mast, the other is the distance from the deck to the boom. During a rafting event I could not help but notice that the X beside me had more room between his deck and boom than me, we took measurements and confirmed this but I forget what it was now, but it was a significant amount which explains why the X can carry a higher dodger. I can measure the distance from the deck to the boom and subtract that off 30' for the distance 'P', I is 30' minus 6-8 inches for the halyard pully & shackle. So 'I' would logically be greater than 'P' which is not the case in your example. I have noticed that even when my mainsail is hoisted with a tight luff that there is at least 6 inches available to pull it higher, so if I was ordering new sails I would want to fill that in with more sail. The same holds true on the forestay hound, there was 6-8 inches clearance between the headsail head and hound, so I put a 6 inch SS extension at the forestay bow attachement for the tack of the headsail to attach to, thereby raising the foot of the headsail higher so that it does not drape over the bow pulpit so much, and there seems to be still a few more inches of clearance up there. When I go to Northsails for replacement (next 1-3 years) I will also get a fuller roach and full battens on the top two plus a better jib, I think the factory is 100% with a 150% genoa, I'll keep my genoa but may consider a new 110% jib. I have been in touch with Northsails and they claim considerable experience with MacGregor sails, not to mention they are only 15 minute drive from my home.

[DanBurke]

Hi Terry,
We should get North Sails West to hook up with North Sails East because my guy in Toronto has no data on the M!! It may be that the M owners have not looked at replacing or updating their sail inventory, but I am shocked that there is limited data available. I haven't taken delivery of my boat yet but we are looking at a gennaker. I come from a racing background so the thought of not having a downwind/reaching chute sends shivers through my spine.
Thanks for your help and lets stay in touch.

[Frank C]

Both mainsails are 10'5" at the foot (my boom is 10'8").
Your E = 10.42' seems perfect.

The headsails have identical "feet (?)" at 10'9" and both have LP at 9'8".
Your J = 9.67' seems correct.
(Unsure why the 9.71 popped up, but the difference is immaterial.)

Main luff of the 26X = 24'9" (so the P = 25.17' seems good).
Main luff of the 26M = 28'3" (so where did 26.83 come from?)

See Herman Wadler's Mac webpages for sail dimensions.
(drill down to find "Sails by Boat")