Mods for cruising

James V · Post by **James V** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:25 pm

As you read through these mod's please keep in mind that the only thing that you needs is a boat that will get you there and back, there and back, etc.... within the time, place and comfort that you need. A boat on the water is not a 1200 square foot house with all the comforts of a big city. At some point most people draw the line in time or comforts or places (usually all) with regards to what they want from their time on the water. Or to put another way - how much can you live without in order to be on the water full time with the extreme challenges and rewards? I cannot answer those questions for you. The only advice is to get a boat. Get trained and spend as much time on the water as you can. Go through everything that you need. Use throwaways and multiple usage items first. This is what I did and have come up with a MacGregor 26M cruising boat that I am happy with.

Almost all of the work I have done is by pro's. I am a skilled electrician but do not know marine and I wanted it to be done more right than I could have and did not want to spend my vacations to work on the boat.

Here is the list of mods -
Plugged the drain hole up under ladder.
Install an extra battery with plastic case on bottom to catch any spills
Battery switch 1, 2, 1&2 or off
40 amp main breaker
Replaced fuse panel with an 8 breaker and a 4 breaker on the other side.
Raymarine S1 autopilot/wheel pilot with 18 inch wheel and remote. The control panel was inside and I used the remote outside almost all the time.

Second 12 gal fuel tank, also a 5 gal and a 1 gal. Enough fuel to get me over 360 miles
Roller fuller jib with cover.
Mainsail cover
Merc 50 hp Bigfoot with 14 x 10 prop SS
Flag halyard
Icom VHF in cabin and a remote Command Mike in the cockpit
Depth sounder
2hp Honda Outboard
Portland Pudgy 7'9" plastic dinghy.
Outboard mounting bracket above the port rudder
All Around light mounted on the Mast support.
Starboard Mast support wrapped with 100 feet of 1/8 down rigger line in half hitches

Running lights replaced with More watertight LED's
3 - 12v outlets
2 - 20 watt solar panels. These are in bags so that I can move them around easily and has mechanical plugs for durable usage and a 4 amp controller.

3 hella turbo fans
Double neon light over table. This really makes a difference at night. So bright that you can read fine print.

No-see-um netting on hatches.
Sail slugs on main with Jackline.
Sail Caddy
3/4 plywood bunk Board in 4 pieces under aft bunk
Replaced storage cover with plywood in table seats.
Mainsheet run aft.
Vent in head
Curtains on windows.

Items to be done -
Bottom paint
Barrier coat - I know that I have been promoting the tar/black barrier coat but I was told that it is hard to get a bottom paint to stick to it so I am going with the standard

Change out deck plug next to the mast with much better.
Fix mounted GPS that can be removed when not in use and protected from weather

2 Water Bladders, custom made under aft bunk with foot pump
New tall faucet
1 micron filter at stock faucet for drinking water.
2 Weather cloths - one on the last space and a clear one forward.
Bow Roller and 100 feet of chain for Super Max 12
Stern seats
Stern anchor to be use for Bahamian mooring.
Head, SeaLand has a head that has a 9.5 holding tank under it. A pump out and deck pump out and build up the floor in front in the head area.
Replace through hull at stern.
Single burner propane stove with 10 pound tank on stern rail
SSB
Longer Bow roller to put anchor on.
Raise roller furler so that anchor can be fit under.
A fold down side table at the galley (still in planing)

This does not include the 300+ other items that I want for cruising like a fly swatter and spray bottles for washing dishes.

Not to mention needing a female first mate in-training.

Fair winds and good cruising.
James V

delevi · Post by **delevi** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 12:32 am

Quite a list James.

beene · Post by **beene** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:19 am

Not to mention needing a female first mate in-training.

What kind of training are we talking about here

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 7:12 am

Hi james

Beene I think he"s talking about a sailor "female" re sailing lessons

just like me

. Were not all tied to the bed post ya know . But again if your Admiral ever gets to read some of these post's I hope she's got a good sense of humor like yourself or that ankle of your's could end up being shackled to the basement floor

So if I don't here from you for awhile I'll come a knocking after dark of coarse would'nt want to get caught "don't worry I'll bring the bolt cutters" Phew thats a releive Eh. hope their's more than one way outa that basement

I gota run now

John

deja_vu · Post by **deja_vu** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:31 am

Judgin' from some o Good Ol' Beene's posts lately I'm not so sure he wouldn't enjoy bein' shackled up in the basement....I suggest you knock first before you attempt the rescue

As for the topic....I think I like the idea of replacing some of the storage compartment covers with 3/4" ply or something similar.

James, did you have the edges rabitted so they still sit flush? I've already cracked one of the stock ones on my 2007 M where I sat on it with no cushion on top to distribute the load, so something a bit sturdier would be nice. I was thinking ply or ponying up some bucks and going like 1/4" aluminum, which would look nice, but you'd never see it.

LCB · Post by **LCB** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:52 pm

Hello James,

I am curious. You say you carry 30 Gals. Of fuel and that is good for,”over 360 miles”. Does your Merc. 50 Bigfoot give you 12 miles per gallon?

Thank You,
Russ

James V · Post by **James V** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:24 pm

deja_vu - storage compartment covers, the ones that are under the dinette seats, yes. What was used was a 1/8 for the top and a 1/2 for the bottom, stapled and epoxyed.

I had cracked mine as well.

LCB - Yes, My '06 Merc 50 hp Bigfoot with 14 x 10 SS prop will get 12 mpg or better at 5 mph in winds under 10 mph. Going into 15 to 20 mph winds in near flat conditions I only get 8 mph. Not really a problem though.

mallardjusted · Post by **mallardjusted** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:03 pm

re: " ...will get 12 mpg or better at 5 mph ... "

James,

Oh my goodness, I'm not so sure I could keep the throttle at 5 mph for long periods of time knowing I could do 15mph, even if there is a huge difference in mpg!!!!

James V · Post by **James V** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:01 am

I can understand about the speed differance. In cruising for 3 to 5 years, I plan to be at anchor 3 days out of 4 and not really going far between ancorages so If the wind does not blow me 5 mph I can motor.

Cost differance on 1000 miles. $ 400 at 5 mph. $ 1200 at 15 mph. My cruising budget is $ 1000 per month. I can stay a month longer at 5 mph than 15 mph per 1000 miles. I plan on cruising 4000 miles per year.

Before this gets too far out of hand. I should explain the "Needing a Female Firstmate in Training" I am singlehanding and do not realy want a "girl in every port" but would like something more long term but not forever.

beene · Post by **beene** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:16 am

Cost differance on 1000 miles. $ 400 at 5 mph. $ 1200 at 15 mph. My cruising budget is $ 1000 per month. I can stay a month longer at 5 mph than 15 mph per 1000 miles. I plan on cruising 4000 miles per year.

James
It really sounds like you have done your research. I appreciate you sharing the good info.

Before this gets too far out of hand. I should explain the "Needing a Firstmate in Training" I am singlehanding and do not realy want a "girl in every port" but would like something more long term but not forever.

.... and thanks for the clarification.

I hope you find what you are looking for. It's not easy, that is for certain.

G

beene · Post by **beene** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:20 am

Judgin' from some o Good Ol' Beene's posts lately I'm not so sure he wouldn't enjoy bein' shackled up in the basement....I suggest you knock first before you attempt the rescue

Hi Jeff

For the record, I have a 2 track mind. S & S

.....you all know I love sailing

Cheers

G

Post by **kmclemore** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:32 am

beene wrote:
Judgin' from some o Good Ol' Beene's posts lately I'm not so sure he wouldn't enjoy bein' shackled up in the basement....I suggest you knock first before you attempt the rescue
Hi Jeff

For the record, I have a 2 track mind. S & S
.....you all know I love sailing

Cheers
G

Yes, well... please don't do both at the same time?

beene · Post by **beene** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:06 am

Yes, well... please don't do both at the same time

.... even if we are both waring our life jackets???

I do believe in safety first ya know....

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:17 am

I think that is a different kind of 'safety' IIRC...

but would like something more long term but not forever

Ah Obiwan, the good ones require the forever commitment, I have learned over the years....

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:35 pm

Yes, well... please don't do both at the same time?

Are you kidding me? WTH not? Isn't that what autopilots are for?

Unless S & S means something different than I thought.

Wait. I know what's the problem. You've never been sailing without the kids, have you?

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Mods for cruising

Mods for cruising