Unpacking in Aussie (12 photos)

[Phillip]

Rolf....where have you been all this time?

Now as a Longshoreman, what have you seen re Macs in shipping containers?
Have you ever taken any photos?
Is the 53' container the same height/width as the 40' and 20' ones?
Have you any idea how Roger puts 2 in a 53'er?
Does he remove the axels etc for the height, and if so, where does he stow them?
With axels off, how does he get them in?
Is the 53'er fitted with doors either end?
2 are not going to fit with motors on them....are they?
Is there anything else you can tell us about the 53'er?

From what I can gather, this man Roger is pretty clever. I would guess he is either an engineer or employed a good engineer, because everything fits perfectly. It is just a matter of unravelling it all.

With mine, I had nothing else in the container.
Got a bit caught out actually, as I need wheels for my other project, (1975 F100)and I want either the Ralley or Jenny Bare and they have to come from USA. This time around I just couldn't get everything co-ordinated due to my inexperience.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers
Phillip

[Rolf]

Roger knew well in advance exactly how long he could make his mac and still fit two in a 53' container. The dimensions are exactly the same for 20, 40, 45, and 53' containers.

Since the boat is about 25'10" without rudders, engine, or anything else protruding, I imagine they are both backed in front to end. One set of doors opens the "can" up, just like all the others. I believe yours was on the trailer with wheels removed? I'm sure Roger does it the same.

Some type of cushion is probably placed in between the two boats. The tightness is a benefit and allows the boat to "become one with the container". We don't open up cans on the waterfront, so I might have loaded many Macs but would never know it.

R

[Rolf]

Also he probably sticks the axles inside the boat or cockpit.
R

[NautiMoments]

If you put the boats & trailers bow in and on a slight cant you can stager the bows, one slightly past the other. I believe this is what is done but don't quote me. Also I was thinking of making a wooden skid that would attach to the trailer frame and would allow the boat to be slid into the container, then bolted to the floor. I think as Rolf said everything is removed from the trailer. I think you could anchor the axle to the skid.

[Rich Walton]

When i did mine, I removed the axel, the fenders, the goal post, then straped the trailer to dollies (the kind you get at HD) then straped every thing down. did it that way 2 times. I sent the pic to Phillip and that is what he used to show that the boat fits.

[Phillip]

A quick question.
What is the width of the trailer at its widest point, that is from outside left wheel to outside right wheel.
(it has dual wheels)

The trucking company bringing the boat out to me in next day or so on a tilt tray, have asked me the question, no doubt to see if it will fit the truck deck (width).

The Mac specs say the boat is 7'9" wide.
If someone knows and can answer in next 12 hrs, I wll be able to tell the Truckers and not have to travel the 1 hr in to measure it.

Had I known this was going to arise earlier today it wouldn't have been an issue.
The boat has cleared customs and quarantine, and at the last moment they tell me I have to put axels and weels on.
Bit of a mad rush today.
Fotunately my worker John was a Motor Mechanic so we raced in and did it. Not easy either.
Dual axels, joined by I guess you would call it a "V" (each side) with 3 hinges, which had moved, so took a bit of spreading.
Fortunatly Agent said to take a carton of beer, which got me one of those giant forklifts that raised the back end, compressor to pump up a tyre, 2 guys to help move axels in to place, find a replacement bolt for one that had been cut etc etc.
Even took a tape with us, but didn't know at that point a question would arise over width, so didn't measure that.

The outside of the boat has wear here and there, which i would expect from a 7yr anything.
Took a look inside.
Quarantine took everything apart, and didn't put it back tgether.....hence a mess, and I mean a mess.
Sails out of bags, cushions scattered, all sorts of things everywhere.
Will take me and John and my 3 casuals probably 1-2 hours to get it all out and straightened up, cleaned and polished.
The darned thing seems 'loaded' with all sorts of extras, more than was on the inventory, all in good nick. It is going to be like Xmas going thru it. I am amazed at what is there.
Will send photos of the "before and after" when I get it in my hands.

Got the final total for the complete exercise.....I am Aud$24.14 under Aud$30K. (approx US$22,500).
Take my word for it, I am happy with that.
It works out 2/3rds of the price was in the boat price and transporting it to Long Beach........ and 1/3rd was in shipping and related costs.
Shipping and related Costs are fixed.
So as i could have afforded a new 26M (with sailing-type extras), then that would have been a better way to go.
Knew that from the start but the 'dice' just didn't fall my way at the time.

If anyone has answers to the question at top of the page, I would be gratefull.

I will keep you posted as things progress.

Cheers
Phillip

[Billy]

A quick question.
What is the width of the trailer at its widest point, that is from outside left wheel to outside right wheel.
(it has dual wheels)

My single axle measures dead on 8 feet.

[Phillip]

Thank you for that Billy. That is what I will tell the Truckers.

Cheers
Philip

[albion]

Bill b4s can answer that one Phil.