MacGregorSailors.com

Does anyone have the weight and length of the stock trailer?

You didn't say which boat.

I've measured my Mac X trailer frame minus the taillights at 304 3/4". The Mac sales literature states the X trailer is 710 lbs.

I did mean the X thank you.
I.m having a galvanized trailer modified to fit my X. The only problem I see is........ the one I'm using does not have the low frame like the X stock trailer, however the tongue is long enough to compensate for this.
It's about 100 pounds heavier than the stock trailer, which is O.K. in my book!

I almost hesitate to bring this up because it's been beaten to death so many times.

A fully loaded X on an X trailer will be pushing 4000 lbs, so lets say for the sake of argument yours with the new trailer is 4100. With 10% tongue weight (more than the stock trailer gives, but lets say your new trailer gets it right) you've got 3690 on the axle. Most single axle trailers the size of the the Mac trailer (including the stock Mac trailer) have an axle rated for 3500 lbs.

So unless your new trailer has an oversized axle or two axles, its liable to be overloaded.

Sorry if you guys have gone over all of this before, but I'm new to the forum and to Macgregor.
The trailer is a tandem so I'm hoping for no issues. I'll keep you posted!
Brian

You should have fewer issues, then. As you've noted, the lack of dropped centers on the frame crossties will raise the height of the boat a little, making it a little higher in wind resistance, more susceptible to crosswinds and sway, and somewhat more difficult to launch from shallow ramps. And of course, watch out for the low overhangs.

My feeling is the main obstacle to trouble free towing of the Mac is inadequate tongue weight. If possible, you might want to put the fully loaded boat on the trailer, then measure tongue weight before you fix the bow stop location.

Update on tandem trailer fitting.
Fitted the X for the first time on the tandem trailer this weekend. It was easier than I thought to get it onto the trailer at the ramp. I winched it up as far as it would go and decided I need to readjust the winch closer to the tongue and lower, to disribute the weight towards the front of the trailer. (crowded boat ramp with storm approaching) At present the weight seems to lean slightly to the rear. I may also need to move the running boards a little forward. Figured I'd try the winch first and see if I can pull it forward using detergent and water to smooth up the runners. No problem, pulling the boat and trailer form the water. (I was apprehensive) In awe of the size of it out of the water too!

On a different note I did have issues lowering the mast. It is NOT easy single handed despite the Mac video. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here! Does anyone recommend the "Speedy Rigging" video?
I thought about dry storing on the trailer with the mast up after this weekend!
Brian

buy the 100 dollar mast raising kit, pole and tackle. In spite of the video (which i do have and have watched ) i would not want to risk the damage and danger of raising the mast without the system. something usually gets hung up on the way up, and you need to be able to pause at times without setting the mast back down. Besides, its easier to partially lower the mast for a bridge and re-raise it with the mast raising system kit.

Re the mast issue....board consensus is that the Eric Hardtle adaptation of the 26M style....and perhaps with my update...is the easiest and most reliable system...and great for single handing. Check our super mods section. Jack

I have a year 2000 X trailer with SS disc brakes available for whoever is in need of one. email or pm to me.


On edit: Sorry. The old trailer has found a new home where it will continue to provide X-rated service above and beyond its Roger-designed lifespan.

the x style works fine with just a 3 + 3 block cam-cleat tackle for control. pulls from the jib-head where you need the pull the most to attach the furler. cf. pulling from the lower mast at the baby-stays as with the winch M style. I really think the concensus is split, not as unanimous as presented above.

If you trailer exclusively, buy the raising kit. At the very least consider the Poor Mans Raising Kit (ok, I invented it) in the Mods. Be Careful.

If you slip and only trailer occasionally, you can get away without the kit. When you throw your back out raising/lowering one day, you can spend the week thinking about that $100 you saved.

I slip so I dont have the kit. I get a hand from my crew, even just in the form of a line on the mast to help take some of the weight.

The guy I bought the X from did not know how to raise or lower the mast using the kit which is included. He kept her at a slip.
But not knowing how to work it myself, I did it the hard way (to say the least). I have the instruction manual and am waiting on the Speedy Rigging video to show up, also still have a few trailer adjustments before going back out on the water.
On a different note I had my old 22ft O day out yesterday in the 10-15knot winds we got around here and thoroughly enjoyed the sail. It makes me more determined to get the Mac ready to go again.
Brian

on this site, Moe has placed a good copy of several MacGregor owner manuals, including one for the X and one for the CDI furler. Print yourself out a copy, - it would be a real help and provide at least the minimum base of knowledge for starting to learn the MacX.

Thanks for all the feedback, I've learned a lot from this forum.
I read up on the instruction manual about the mast raising system and went to check the rigging on Compromise over the weekend. I don't think PO ever sailed this boat. Everything on the mast was barely tightened and pullies for main and jib were non-existent. I tightened fittings and installed pullies and ran halyards and then set about rigging the mast raising system........ what a difference to the previous experience I raised and lowered it several times to make sure I got the hang of it. The only question I have is....does anyone leave the babystays attached while underway or are they a hinderence on deck?
I have decided to revert back to the original X trailer for now (thanks jack) and as soon as Ophelia departs our waters hopefully can get some sailing in this weekend!