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I am thinking of rerigging my 1997 MAC X for use on canals in Ontario that have a max overhead clearance of 22 feet. I have an aluminum rig from a smaller daysailer ( about an 18 footer) that would likely fit. The mainsail size would be 14.5 ft up the mast and 7.5 feet on the boom while the jib would be 12 ft on the forestay and 6 feet at the foot.

I will need to fit a mast foot for the shorter mast like the standard one on the MAC26X and wondered if one could be ordered from the factory?

The advantage would be that I would not have to take down the mast on either the Rideau Canal or the Trent Canal since all bridges etc can take up to 22 feet height above the water. I could then actually sail part of the canals when conditions were right i.e. wind and canal features. It would be OK for sailing in part of the LongReach near Ottawa for example.

I realize that the sailing characteristices would be degraded but can you think of any other reasons why this would not work? Has anyone ever done this?

Bill

You might find it hard to get any X parts from the factory. Once they switch models they don't have any more parts made. They'd only have one if by luck they didn't previously use them all.

The larger dealers often have a better supply of parts. I'd start with Dowsar in your area, and then try Blue Water Yachts in Seattle. I know they have many X parts still available. If not there you could try the larger dealers in California.

However, if it was me, I'd just take the one off my X mast. There is only one bolt to un-do. You could easily switch it between both masts.

You may find that with the smaller mast the boat still sails pretty well. This could particularly be true in light air where you could carefully do some empty ballast sailing.

Report back the results.

Call me "Crazy" but what you are describing sounds like a good fit for a latine type sail. A short mast but still carry lots of canvas and the ability to duck under bridges easily.




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Rich Plumb "Plumb Crazy"
26X, Covington WA

How do you tack something like that?

Yes, you are absolutely right. I guess I should have done more homework. The correct spelling is lateen and one tack will always be the "bad tack" as the main mast interferes with the sail shape. Oh well.

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Rich Plumb "Plumb Crazy"
26X, Covington WA

We used to sail on a lake with 2 bridges on it. With the mast raising system in place we could lay it back while going under (Not all the way...just enough to get under) and then put it back up...no problem...didnt have roller furler then and it was an easy pin and un pin. Much harder with tthe furler...

I just wouldn't sial on a lake with two bridges!

Rick

I wouldn't sail there either!

Rick

Bill

I’m slowly acquiring the parts to install a new rig with a mast height of 18’ on our X. I have other projects that are taking priority now but hope to be working on the new setup next spring. I am doing it not only for the reduced height but also to minimize rig/derigging time.

Greg

Lake Stockton MO....2 bridges...one reason we bought the Mac X...most of the other sailboats were restricted to the main lake....we got to do it all.

The best protected ramps are all behind bridges, low bridges, so we always motor out and raise the mast on the water.

Scarey at times, but it pays off. I keep knee pads on board just for that.