MacGregorSailors.com

Hi All!

One extra quick modification we made to Over Easy this Spring was to ‘fix’ the annoying aspect of having to remove the cabin ladder to get into/out-of the aft berth area. We added 3-1/2x3-1/2x1-1/2 thick PVC Lumber spacer blocks and replaced the bolts with new 3/8-16x 3-1/2 long SST bolts. So much nicer instead of having to fumble around like before..

Total time was 1 hour including trip time to hardware store.
Fumble with stairs elimination...Priceless!!!

The Journey Continues!

Maybe the greatest mod of all time.

This is an excellent modification. I totally removed the steps on my 2002 26X many years ago and you've inspired me to consider reinstalling.

I want to know how to install a ladder instead of my stoop (98’s don’t have a ladder). Stoop is alway in the way, wish bottom part was gone as well.

Hi Sheppie62

Not sure exactly what a ‘98 looks like....
Maybe we can get a couple perspective/dimensional views (front-to-rear, side, top-down, diagonals) for those of us not familiar with that layout?

I bet you could adapt the late model ladder, but I don't know that for sure. I checked to see of BWY sell a replacement ladder and they don't. Sometimes their descriptions say something like "this is a nice upgrade for earlier models". They do have the brackets http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/6404-1x3.htm.

Where are you located? Maybe somebody lives near you and you could see it first hand.

Jeff

Southern California, I’m thinking a marine salvage yard would be good place to start. Or weld it myself, I’ve been thinking of trying to learn to weld stainless steel.

What is in the bottom stoop? Anybody know if it can be removed?

Sheppie62 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:40 pm What is in the bottom stoop? Anybody know if it can be removed?

That "bottom stoop", or step, is removable. It covers the ballast fill valve and vent plug. There is a page on that, with pictures, in the owner's manual. If you don't have the owner's manual, it can be downloaded from the RESOURCES page on the Main Site.

K9Kampers wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:00 pm

Sheppie62 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:40 pm What is in the bottom stoop? Anybody know if it can be removed?

That "bottom stoop", or step, is removable. It covers the ballast fill valve and vent plug. There is a page on that, with pictures, in the owner's manual. If you don't have the owner's manual, it can be downloaded from the RESOURCES page on the Main Site.

The original had the ballast vent under that step. It was then moved to under the v-birth. The transition boats still had the step, but no vent under it. I'm not sure of the dates of the transition.

Jeff

OverEasy wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 11:41 am Hi Sheppie62

Not sure exactly what a ‘98 looks like....
Maybe we can get a couple perspective/dimensional views (front-to-rear, side, top-down, diagonals) for those of us not familiar with that layout?

I just looked through a bunch of my photos and ended up needing to take a screenshot from a video to get this view of the aft berth and companionway step on my 1998 X. Sadly, I don't have pics with side view, top-down, or diagonals... maybe if you tilt your head when looking at this one.

That's what my '99 looks like. Mine doesn't have the vent under the step. There's nothing under the step. MacGregor just hadn't gotten to using the new mold without the bump-out and raised area where that box step connects.

It's not worth the trouble for me, as I don't use the space under the helm for anything but a little storage, but that raised bump could be cut off and capped with a nice bit of teak. With a new fold-up ladder, of course.

For the fiberglass experts here, how hard would it be to eliminate then entire step and make it look like it was never there? I’m not a fiberglass guy. I have seen miracles done with fiberglass so I know it can be done. I suppose I could just cut it down flat and put something on top of it (teak?)

Hi!

If we look at the screen from the sides we can see the profile very nicely. Same when looking down from the top.....

So it looks to be a 2-piece sort of thingy .... removable piece and a molded in piece that sorta bumps out into the walk area?

If yours doesn’t have the ballast vent in there then there shouldn’t be an issue with removing them.
If you want to do a fiberglassover it could be a good starter project.

Some good resources start with a YouTube site called “BoatWorksToday” I believe. Nice knowledgeable guy whose business is boat fiberglass work.

Fiberglassing can be a rewarding process to get back to a surface that looks like it was original or better. But it does take time and work to achieve.....

I always assumed that this was a factory setup on my 2001


This is the hinge that allows the ladder to be raised up in front of the companionway. It does not interfere with any of the seats.


The ladder is held up by a strap with a snap on the bottom of the top step. The other half of the snap is on the batten board (washboard). I also have a short length of rope tied to the bottom of the ladder (port side) that I can loop around the port winch if I want to keep the ladder up while the companionway is open.