MacGregor 26M Rotating Mast

Seaworthy · #1 09-18-2007

Hello,

I've been reading about the scientific wonder that is the rotating mast on all of the MacGregor dealership sites for a little while now. The physics of it sounds good to me, but my question goes out to any Mac owner with the rotating mast: does it really make a noticeable difference?

Any owner's testimonies as to whether it is just a gimmick or whether you would never buy a boat that didn't have one (or anything in between) would be appreciated (for informational purposes while I am in the market for a boat). Thanks!

#2 09-19-2007

I occasionally sail with a friend who has one of those. Although it is a cool feature, it isn't obvious to me that it makes any real difference. And occasionally it fails to rotate, so someone has to go manually twist it. Perhaps his just needs adjustment or lubrication though.

MSN2Travelers · #3 09-19-2007

I don't know about the scientific wonder term. All Roger MacGregor did was take the rotating mast off a catamaran and adapt is to his boat design.

Does it work? Yes it does give the Mac 26M better speed ... when it works. It hinders performance when it doesn't. The mast sits on a stack of three washers and rotates to follow wind pressures on the main (at least that's the theory). In reality, improper tension on the standing rigging and/or "dry" washers can lead to a mast that rotates to one side and stays there (and that really screws with the air flow).

Like anything on a boat, it is a maintenance issue. Some people report problems, most don't. Blue Water Yachts sells an after-market ball bearing assy ($20) as a replacement for the washer stack. Took me 15 minutes to install and my mast rotates freely in even the lightest of winds.

phantomracer · #4 09-25-2007

yes the rotating mast works well. good for .5-1 kt. The bearing conversion works but is known for failure due to uneven pressure applied to it...but will make it rotate freely (til it fails). As long as it is rigged OK it will be fine. Manually rotate it if you like, or wait for a gust to 'adjust' it for you

excel · #5 10-07-2007

The 26M is not a fast sailing boat but the rotating mast does help; I've tried it centered and rotated and noted about 10% difference in speed on the GPS. I've had to deal with rotating masts on C-scows and Hobie 18s. In very light air like any rotating mast you might have to do it manually.

diegokid · #6 09-07-2009

You said the Mac wasn't a fast sailboat. We are looking for one so how fast will it sail in say a 10 knot wind?