When installing a second axle, most will remove the factory-welded axle hangers and move them forward. IIRC there are only about 9 inches of "parallel trailer rail" available for moving it forward, and then the factory frame rails "pinch" closer together.
Search on TANDEM to find lots of prior discussion about adding an axle.
You can quickly recognize if the PO bothered to move the axle forward ... just get under there and closely examine the axle mountings. Measure how far aft from the "pinch" is your leading axle mounted. If he did not move it forward to the pinched rails, it's entirely likely that your tongue weight is excessive.
Finally in my Yard...all the way from the US-of-A
-
Phillip
- First Officer
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:49 pm
- Location: Sunshine Coast Australia 2000 26X Tohatsu 50hp
Scott, in May 2004, posted many photos re his change to a tandem.
Bingo.....it is what I believe, identical to mine....shaped guards, shackles, wheels etc.
Always had trouble using 'search' but this time is was excellant, and have read most posts there, and learnt a lot.
The front axel "hanger" (think that is what you call it), is 20mm back from the cross-strutt on the trailer, just at the point the long trailer runners angle 'inward'....so the front anxel can go no further forward.
The 2nd axel is joined by what John calls shackels, identical to Scotts.
Wed John and I will straighten. Same as you Dave.
Weight....well I didn't notice it at the time, but John tells me there are at least 3 large batteries inside, 1 either side of the galley, another forward. He is going to search for more.
Other side there is a big blue plastic 'thing' which we think is a water bladder...empty.
Thanks for the formula....10% (ball-weight) of total weight.
Catigale...when you pump out the potty, is that a pump you have to have, or is it a service at a Marina. Our Marina dosn't have such. The public jetty has a s/s 'thing' you lift the lid up, and tip it down, then wash out.
I will get back to you later Craig re the seat etc, if that's OK.
When you come 'down-under' Dave, be sure to let us know.
Thanks everyone for your assistance.
Will be back to let you know how we go.
Cheers
Phillip
Bingo.....it is what I believe, identical to mine....shaped guards, shackles, wheels etc.
Always had trouble using 'search' but this time is was excellant, and have read most posts there, and learnt a lot.
The front axel "hanger" (think that is what you call it), is 20mm back from the cross-strutt on the trailer, just at the point the long trailer runners angle 'inward'....so the front anxel can go no further forward.
The 2nd axel is joined by what John calls shackels, identical to Scotts.
Wed John and I will straighten. Same as you Dave.
Weight....well I didn't notice it at the time, but John tells me there are at least 3 large batteries inside, 1 either side of the galley, another forward. He is going to search for more.
Other side there is a big blue plastic 'thing' which we think is a water bladder...empty.
Thanks for the formula....10% (ball-weight) of total weight.
Catigale...when you pump out the potty, is that a pump you have to have, or is it a service at a Marina. Our Marina dosn't have such. The public jetty has a s/s 'thing' you lift the lid up, and tip it down, then wash out.
I will get back to you later Craig re the seat etc, if that's OK.
When you come 'down-under' Dave, be sure to let us know.
Thanks everyone for your assistance.
Will be back to let you know how we go.
Cheers
Phillip
-
Catigale
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10421
- Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 5:59 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Admiral .............Catigale 2002X.......Lots of Harpoon Hobie 16 Skiffs....Island 17
- Contact:
I have both a deck pumpout (where you need the dock or marina to have the pumpout machine - basically a giant vacuum cleaner) and a macerator, which lets me discharge overboard when legal - the macerator is basically a combined blender and discharge pump which grinds up the goodies so that they go overboard a 3/4 inch hose.
When pumping out, most marinas are expecting to be there for a few minutes, while a 5 gallon PP will pump out in about 10 seconds....What you want to do is ask them for a grey water hose and fill your potty a couple of times and have them evacuate it each time to get it clean from the 'backwash'
Dont use that same hose to fill your drinking water tanks...uck....
You have to lockout the macerator (basically ziptie the valve shut) on the Great Lakes (technically you probably dont have to for a portapotty, but I do anyway since I dont use it of course) and you have to be 3 miles offshore in the ocean...there are also several no-dump zones on the Hudson River where I sail too - on charts.
When pumping out, most marinas are expecting to be there for a few minutes, while a 5 gallon PP will pump out in about 10 seconds....What you want to do is ask them for a grey water hose and fill your potty a couple of times and have them evacuate it each time to get it clean from the 'backwash'
Dont use that same hose to fill your drinking water tanks...uck....
You have to lockout the macerator (basically ziptie the valve shut) on the Great Lakes (technically you probably dont have to for a portapotty, but I do anyway since I dont use it of course) and you have to be 3 miles offshore in the ocean...there are also several no-dump zones on the Hudson River where I sail too - on charts.
-
Jeff S
- First Officer
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:13 pm
- Location: Cherry Point, NC 2000 26X Tohatsu 50
Re: Finally in my Yard...all the way from the US-of-A
Phillip,
Wow! I haven't been on this board in awhile, mainly due to my work (USMC) and the fact I no longer have a boat
but it was a shock to get back on today and see the Blue Moon. As the PO I hope you like her. I should be able to answer the questions you asked, although many already have answered them pretty well.
Goal Posts-- Removed due to rust. I stripped and sanded the entire trailer and put on a coat of POR-15 rust prevention with Chassis Black Coat on top. The water that got into the top of the steel goal posts were making it weak. They are helpful in lining up the boat to bring onto the trailer and for backing up with no boat on the trailer. I didn't have a problem without them (my ramp was easy and I lowered the tailgate of my truck when the boat was off the trailer.) Thought about putting on PVC pipe but never got around to determining the feasibility (road wind).
Helm Seat--- Removed-- got in the way. I put a cooler in the well under the transom gate instead.
Black paint dull on top-- common for Mac's. I did polish a few times-- takes some elbow grease. Some have used other products to restore gloss that must be reapplied.
Cushions-- All new (well new when replaced 3 years ago)-- thicker padding, vinyl and easy to clean. Tend to stick to you when sweaty though.
Dinette-- stock, but painted with textured paint. It has worn a bit and could be repainted.
Water system--The fitting that says WATER is for water- it is the lower one on the starboard cockpit edge forward. It runs down to the deflated bladder, which is a 19 gallon (If I remember correctly) Plastimo flexible water tank. That then goes to a Flojet pump under the aft dinette seat. That goes to a Y-Valve under the head sink that can either divert water (when the pump is on) to the sinks (both) or to a hose fitting on the starboard outside of the boat (just forward of the water fitting). Can be used to hook up a hose or to dump water overboard. If the pump is on it will run only to build pressure then stop. With the sinks the water won't flow until the sink is actuated. Probably a good idea to run some bleach through the system since I don't know the last time it was used. The whole system is a mod that I did.
The other fitting is , as described, the pumpout for the porta-potti.
WRT the trailer- The trailer was single axle--ordered all parts from Champion trailer (including disc brakes) had a welder do almost all of the work. The tires-- they were still good so didn't need to replace one set and it worked fine (drove acros the US-- NC to CA), planned to replace with the new trailer tire size (old size was hard to find in my locale) when needed. It probably causes some of that spring hangar list. The original tongue rusted out and broke, the entire forward tongue section is galvanized steel. Both axles are new galvanized steel. The trailer was BY FAR the biggest disappoint to me-- I spent a lot of time and money rebuilding the trailer and I think it is better than it was new (as far as rust resistance in any case). It trailed level and nicely behind my Dodge Ram 2500. the axles were mounted as far forward as the welder thought feasible for the axles to the bend in the frame. The axle was moved forward, however even so with 2 axles the resulting balance is still aft. Stock I felt it was too tongue light and swayed, after the second axle it was solid and trailed beautifully. Hope you don't have too many difficulties with AU rules.
It does have 3 batts, I presume they are all dead after how long it took to arrive. I used to keep them topped off. It has a battery charger on board and should have the shore power cords as well.
The 'Dirt' wheel was a seal blow out on a long trip (when it was single axle) where the grease came out-- the seal was installed incorrectly. Ruined the axle. After I changed that Axle I knew I was going to go to 2 Axles.
The blue thing with black flexible hose is an emergency pump. Bought that before the bilge pump but still kept it on the boat just in case.
I didn't do many of the mods, but I did some and can answer most of your questions, I think. I only ask for one thing....A picture of her sailing in Australia. I managed to sail her in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Interestingly, I never had a bimini so I am not sure where that came from? (But often I wish I had one). The Genny is only about 1 year old.
Hope you enjoy her!! I know my family and I had some great times with the boat (Mar 04- Nov 06).
Jeff S
Wow! I haven't been on this board in awhile, mainly due to my work (USMC) and the fact I no longer have a boat
but it was a shock to get back on today and see the Blue Moon. As the PO I hope you like her. I should be able to answer the questions you asked, although many already have answered them pretty well. Goal Posts-- Removed due to rust. I stripped and sanded the entire trailer and put on a coat of POR-15 rust prevention with Chassis Black Coat on top. The water that got into the top of the steel goal posts were making it weak. They are helpful in lining up the boat to bring onto the trailer and for backing up with no boat on the trailer. I didn't have a problem without them (my ramp was easy and I lowered the tailgate of my truck when the boat was off the trailer.) Thought about putting on PVC pipe but never got around to determining the feasibility (road wind).
Helm Seat--- Removed-- got in the way. I put a cooler in the well under the transom gate instead.
Black paint dull on top-- common for Mac's. I did polish a few times-- takes some elbow grease. Some have used other products to restore gloss that must be reapplied.
Cushions-- All new (well new when replaced 3 years ago)-- thicker padding, vinyl and easy to clean. Tend to stick to you when sweaty though.
Dinette-- stock, but painted with textured paint. It has worn a bit and could be repainted.
Water system--The fitting that says WATER is for water- it is the lower one on the starboard cockpit edge forward. It runs down to the deflated bladder, which is a 19 gallon (If I remember correctly) Plastimo flexible water tank. That then goes to a Flojet pump under the aft dinette seat. That goes to a Y-Valve under the head sink that can either divert water (when the pump is on) to the sinks (both) or to a hose fitting on the starboard outside of the boat (just forward of the water fitting). Can be used to hook up a hose or to dump water overboard. If the pump is on it will run only to build pressure then stop. With the sinks the water won't flow until the sink is actuated. Probably a good idea to run some bleach through the system since I don't know the last time it was used. The whole system is a mod that I did.
The other fitting is , as described, the pumpout for the porta-potti.
WRT the trailer- The trailer was single axle--ordered all parts from Champion trailer (including disc brakes) had a welder do almost all of the work. The tires-- they were still good so didn't need to replace one set and it worked fine (drove acros the US-- NC to CA), planned to replace with the new trailer tire size (old size was hard to find in my locale) when needed. It probably causes some of that spring hangar list. The original tongue rusted out and broke, the entire forward tongue section is galvanized steel. Both axles are new galvanized steel. The trailer was BY FAR the biggest disappoint to me-- I spent a lot of time and money rebuilding the trailer and I think it is better than it was new (as far as rust resistance in any case). It trailed level and nicely behind my Dodge Ram 2500. the axles were mounted as far forward as the welder thought feasible for the axles to the bend in the frame. The axle was moved forward, however even so with 2 axles the resulting balance is still aft. Stock I felt it was too tongue light and swayed, after the second axle it was solid and trailed beautifully. Hope you don't have too many difficulties with AU rules.
It does have 3 batts, I presume they are all dead after how long it took to arrive. I used to keep them topped off. It has a battery charger on board and should have the shore power cords as well.
The 'Dirt' wheel was a seal blow out on a long trip (when it was single axle) where the grease came out-- the seal was installed incorrectly. Ruined the axle. After I changed that Axle I knew I was going to go to 2 Axles.
The blue thing with black flexible hose is an emergency pump. Bought that before the bilge pump but still kept it on the boat just in case.
I didn't do many of the mods, but I did some and can answer most of your questions, I think. I only ask for one thing....A picture of her sailing in Australia. I managed to sail her in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Interestingly, I never had a bimini so I am not sure where that came from? (But often I wish I had one). The Genny is only about 1 year old.
Hope you enjoy her!! I know my family and I had some great times with the boat (Mar 04- Nov 06).
Jeff S
-
Phillip
- First Officer
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:49 pm
- Location: Sunshine Coast Australia 2000 26X Tohatsu 50hp
Jeff
Goodness, I am having difficulty in comprehending what I just read......what an incredible coincidence.
When I was looking for a Broker to deal with in California, I came across Vic, and in his profile he mentioned he was an ex Marine and seemed very proud of it.
I am an ex Viet Nam Vet and understood that, so made contact......and of course everything else is history. (From my point of view, Vic acted very professionally.)
I gather you are a Marine Corp chopper pilot just back from Iraq.....or have I got my facts wrong?
I have thought about you often, so hope everything went OK.
About the name.....I was considering keeping her as Blue Moon, but now you have made contact, I WILL keep it the way it is.
Bit of history there....quite unique to the normal.
I had been considering asking Vic if he could make contact with you, as I was wondering if your machine had what we would call an emblem.
In Nam at 173rd the chopper I always ended up on was Casper, with Casper painted on the bonnet, and someone painted up discs. I had one on the wall in our Team House. If you were permitted something like that, I wouldn't mind having it painted or the likes to put on Blue Moon. I like being different.
As you have gathered, I know nothing about Macs; there are few over here, so that is why have been asking so many questions....learning, learning.
Bimini: got Vic to buy me one and put it in the cabin.
Thanks for the info....very important to me.
Will send you a PM in next day of so when things quieten down here.
Good to hear from you.
Cheers
Phillip
Goodness, I am having difficulty in comprehending what I just read......what an incredible coincidence.
When I was looking for a Broker to deal with in California, I came across Vic, and in his profile he mentioned he was an ex Marine and seemed very proud of it.
I am an ex Viet Nam Vet and understood that, so made contact......and of course everything else is history. (From my point of view, Vic acted very professionally.)
I gather you are a Marine Corp chopper pilot just back from Iraq.....or have I got my facts wrong?
I have thought about you often, so hope everything went OK.
About the name.....I was considering keeping her as Blue Moon, but now you have made contact, I WILL keep it the way it is.
Bit of history there....quite unique to the normal.
I had been considering asking Vic if he could make contact with you, as I was wondering if your machine had what we would call an emblem.
In Nam at 173rd the chopper I always ended up on was Casper, with Casper painted on the bonnet, and someone painted up discs. I had one on the wall in our Team House. If you were permitted something like that, I wouldn't mind having it painted or the likes to put on Blue Moon. I like being different.
As you have gathered, I know nothing about Macs; there are few over here, so that is why have been asking so many questions....learning, learning.
Bimini: got Vic to buy me one and put it in the cabin.
Thanks for the info....very important to me.
Will send you a PM in next day of so when things quieten down here.
Good to hear from you.
Cheers
Phillip
-
Lease
- First Officer
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 3:07 pm
- Location: Canberra Oz; 1995 26X "MACMAC" Tohatsu 50
Hi Phillip.
Looks like things are going really well there.
A note on the trailer. Mine is the standard single axle and went through registration fine as is in Victoria. I don't know if the Queensland rules are that different, but I would check with the road authority before making any decisions.
Many people take one look at the Mac trailer and just assume that it is under-built. As I said. Check with an authority first, you might save yourself some money.
Looks like things are going really well there.
A note on the trailer. Mine is the standard single axle and went through registration fine as is in Victoria. I don't know if the Queensland rules are that different, but I would check with the road authority before making any decisions.
Many people take one look at the Mac trailer and just assume that it is under-built. As I said. Check with an authority first, you might save yourself some money.
-
Phillip
- First Officer
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:49 pm
- Location: Sunshine Coast Australia 2000 26X Tohatsu 50hp
Love the Flag Lease. What a ripper....(I reckon it should be the national Flag.....you know,sign of defiance)
Yes things are going well.
With your trailer, did you have the coupling replaced or have you the American one.
I have gone to 'Department of Transport and Regional Services' site, then on to Tech Requirements on Trailers.
Every thing is pretty self explanatory there, and nothing too difficult....just a bit of lighting, I think.
I have yet to put the guards back on. I know there is no variation allowed. It MUST NOT EXCEED 2.5m in width. That was a concern but will get thru with under 10mm spare per side.
Did you get the quotes I sent re Insurance....thought that was interesting.
Cheers
Phillip
Yes things are going well.
With your trailer, did you have the coupling replaced or have you the American one.
I have gone to 'Department of Transport and Regional Services' site, then on to Tech Requirements on Trailers.
Every thing is pretty self explanatory there, and nothing too difficult....just a bit of lighting, I think.
I have yet to put the guards back on. I know there is no variation allowed. It MUST NOT EXCEED 2.5m in width. That was a concern but will get thru with under 10mm spare per side.
Did you get the quotes I sent re Insurance....thought that was interesting.
Cheers
Phillip
-
Lease
- First Officer
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 3:07 pm
- Location: Canberra Oz; 1995 26X "MACMAC" Tohatsu 50
Hi Phillip,
Yes, got the quotes; thanks. I'll be checking them out when it comes around this year.
So when will you be hitting the water? Not that you have to worry too much about seasons where you are.
Your boat is certainly loaded with kit; I'm jealous. and getting a note from the previous owner must be a buzz.
Glad you like the flag. The emblem goes on all my boats, either as part of the topsides decoration, or on the sails. The TRUE AUSTRALIAN FLAG!
On Edit: oops, forgot to answer your question on the coupling. Yep, it's the American orginal. I may have to replace it though as I'm having problems with the master cylinder and am not confident that sourcing and shipping an original will be cheaper than buying a new Oz-style hitch.
Yes, got the quotes; thanks. I'll be checking them out when it comes around this year.
So when will you be hitting the water? Not that you have to worry too much about seasons where you are.
Your boat is certainly loaded with kit; I'm jealous. and getting a note from the previous owner must be a buzz.
Glad you like the flag. The emblem goes on all my boats, either as part of the topsides decoration, or on the sails. The TRUE AUSTRALIAN FLAG!
On Edit: oops, forgot to answer your question on the coupling. Yep, it's the American orginal. I may have to replace it though as I'm having problems with the master cylinder and am not confident that sourcing and shipping an original will be cheaper than buying a new Oz-style hitch.
-
Phillip
- First Officer
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:49 pm
- Location: Sunshine Coast Australia 2000 26X Tohatsu 50hp
Jeff S
1 quick question:
is the rear axel the one with the brakes on then ?
That's the way we have it at present.
John says the port side hydrolic cable is 'tight' (as in little slack) and wonders if we have the axels the correct way around.
Said I would check with you before we remove them and try them the other-way-around.
Cheers
Phillip
1 quick question:
is the rear axel the one with the brakes on then ?
That's the way we have it at present.
John says the port side hydrolic cable is 'tight' (as in little slack) and wonders if we have the axels the correct way around.
Said I would check with you before we remove them and try them the other-way-around.
Cheers
Phillip
-
Jeff S
- First Officer
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:13 pm
- Location: Cherry Point, NC 2000 26X Tohatsu 50
The rear axles are the ones with the brakes. That is correct, not sure why the line is tight, unless they moved things when they took the axles off/on. It may be as simple as moving the T-fitting that splits the hyd lines to each side.
I kept the name "Blue Moon" from the PO to me (I was second owner). Please change it if you like. I am actually an AV-8B Harrier pilot in the USMC, not a chopper pilot but I can hover. Thank you for your previous service. I will see if I can send you our emblem (patch).
I am glad to see the boat has a good home. I learned most of what I know about Mac's right here on this forum from the many great people with loads of Mac experience. They can answer most any question regarding the Mac and sailing, it was an invaluable resource to me.
Have fun!
Jeff
I kept the name "Blue Moon" from the PO to me (I was second owner). Please change it if you like. I am actually an AV-8B Harrier pilot in the USMC, not a chopper pilot but I can hover. Thank you for your previous service. I will see if I can send you our emblem (patch).
I am glad to see the boat has a good home. I learned most of what I know about Mac's right here on this forum from the many great people with loads of Mac experience. They can answer most any question regarding the Mac and sailing, it was an invaluable resource to me.
Have fun!
Jeff
-
Phillip
- First Officer
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:49 pm
- Location: Sunshine Coast Australia 2000 26X Tohatsu 50hp
Jeff.
One quick question.
There is a L shaped bracket bolted on to the S/S rail, on the port side, just in front of where the shore power cable plug is.
For the life of us, we can't work out what this is for and what goes in to it....except.....is it for the shore power cable......to keep it up-and-out-of-the-way?
We are definitely going to keep the name Blue moon.
Got a truck-crane in on Friday and removed the boat from the trailer. Seeing the trailer from the top is an advantage, and we can solve the small problem with the hydrolic line. Will weld the guards back on; have to change the lights (one got damaged in shipment) and it will be easy to moved it to the outfit that does the inspections. Crane driver tells me his computer said the boat weighs 1,300kg.
Everything is going very well.
Will look forward to the 'patch'. Thanks.
Cheers
Phillip
One quick question.
There is a L shaped bracket bolted on to the S/S rail, on the port side, just in front of where the shore power cable plug is.
For the life of us, we can't work out what this is for and what goes in to it....except.....is it for the shore power cable......to keep it up-and-out-of-the-way?
We are definitely going to keep the name Blue moon.
Got a truck-crane in on Friday and removed the boat from the trailer. Seeing the trailer from the top is an advantage, and we can solve the small problem with the hydrolic line. Will weld the guards back on; have to change the lights (one got damaged in shipment) and it will be easy to moved it to the outfit that does the inspections. Crane driver tells me his computer said the boat weighs 1,300kg.
Everything is going very well.
Will look forward to the 'patch'. Thanks.
Cheers
Phillip