MacGregorSailors.com

I ordered several different struts from Amazon and found a combination that worked:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLY2NSC?ps ... ct_details

These come 6 to a package, so you have two spares. All mounting hardware provided. Only 16 bucks.

I chose these because the longer ones didn't have enough travel to work in the space provided, and the total force matched the load better.

Ideal: Holds the pop-top up without need for lashing it to the mast in calm conditions. Otherwise, holds it in place while you lash it to the mast. No more two-person operation or fumbling with the lug slot clip, which was constantly fouling the jib sheets. If one fails, the others will still hold the top up.

Less than ideal: Because of mounting limitations, these don't provide lift assistance until the top is about halfway up. Past that, don't force it, because the action is damped and doing so could bend the mounting brackets. Ask me how I know.

See photos for mounting details.


These look nice, and don't get in the way.


Use these measurements when mounting the brackets


Add an extra screw to prevent the brackets from slipping out of place

Very clean install! Looks like it should have come that way!

Hi StickInTheMud57!

I’m envious of your pop top!
Nicely done!
Congratulations!

Maybe you could post your project into the Mods section for others?

Wish that pop top feature could have been somehow carried over to the Mac26X!
Instant Dodger with addition of the wrap around skirt that I’ve seen pictures of.
It simply drapes over the top and snaps in place along the bottom.
It would give a nice bit of interior standing room for someone over 5’6” without klonking .

Best Regards
Over Easy

Wanted to drop a note here and thank OP for the link and the measurements. I installed these today and they work great and the info you provided made the job easy.

Thanks!

Glad to hear it worked out for you. It certainly has enhanced my enjoyment of the pop top.

It’s def better. And I’m less
Scared for my fingers

Great improvement mod!

Now… has anyone adapted this for a Mac26X cover?
That would be a fantastic mod (for this of us who have a Mac26X and are genuinely envious! )

Best Regards,
Over Easy

OverEasy wrote: ↑Fri Jun 10, 2022 12:19 am Wish that pop top feature could have been somehow carried over to the Mac26X!
Instant Dodger with addition of the wrap around skirt that I’ve seen pictures of.
It simply drapes over the top and snaps in place along the bottom.
It would give a nice bit of interior standing room for someone over 5’6” without klonking .

Or the 26M

Nice work. I really like the concept of the pop top. One of Roger's best boats ever built.

Chumpy36 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:59 pm It’s def better. And I’m less
Scared for my fingers

Nice clean install! Just remember to go easy going up, unless they have beefed up those brackets a bit.