MacGregorSailors.com

Hello, I bought this boat to learn to sail on. I need to work on it. My question is. Where do I start?

You picked a good place to ask.

1. See if you can find another Mac owner (preferably a 22) in your area.

2. Get it cleaned up so you can see what you're working with.

3. How's the outboard?

CalvinWebster615 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:02 pm Hello, I bought this boat to learn to sail on. I need to work on it. My question is. Where do I start?

I'd start with a thorough cleaning inside and out. That way you will make it easier to see what needs to be fixed. Look for signs of old damage that may have been repaired improperly. Pay particular attention to the bow ring, transom, deck cleats, chain plates, and mast step. These areas take the most stress and are the most likely areas for mechanical failure.

The tarp over the hatch makes me suspect that there may be a leak up there. Look for "spongy" areas in the deck.

Check the standing rigging. If there is even one broken strand or any rust in any of the rigging replace it. Take a cloth in your hand and grab the wire rope. "Wipe" all of the rigging (carefully) with the cloth. Any broken strands will likely snag. It's faster and more thorough than just a visual inspection. Pay particular attention to the ends and the fittings. You should have no cracks or rust. Blue Water Yachts has replacement parts already cut to length. If it is bent, broken, or rusting: replace it!

Check the condition of the tiller and all of its parts. Everything should turn freely without excessive "play".

Check the condition of the keel, winch, and cable. The wire rope on the keel is not as critical as the standing rigging but it should be replaced if it is showing signs of wear. The keel is very heavy and a failure could break something (or someone). Operate the mechanism to raise and lower the keel as much as possible (depends on the trailer) to try to identify potential problems. You are not going to be able to fully test the keel until it is in the water. Inspect the keel bolt while the boat is on the trailer. There should be a bolt and self-locking nut with a rubber washer and aluminum washer on each side of the keel. Replace anything that is questionable.

I think that takes care of the items that can sink the boat, make the mast fall, prevent you from steering, or make your keel fall off.

(Optional but definitely before you try to use the sails) If the boat has been sitting a while it would be a good idea to replace all of the running rigging (the ropes that raise and position the sails). Check all of the sheaves (pulleys) that the lines are using. Make sure that they are not cracked, chipped, or unable to turn.

Congratulations on your new boat and good luck!