MacGregor 25 Practical Owner's Guide: Inspection, Rigging, Launching, Operation, and Maintenance (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798189762994)

Section 1 - Before Every Trip
Trailer

• □ Check tire pressure and tread.
• □ Verify wheel bearings are greased.
• □ Test trailer lights.
• □ Check winch strap.
• □ Verify safety chains.
• □ Check hitch latch and coupler.
• □ Install drain plug before launching.

Section 2 - Hull Inspection
Walk completely around the boat.
Inspect for:

• □ Cracks
• □ Soft spots
• □ Gelcoat damage
• □ Loose hardware
• □ Rudder condition
• □ Centerboard condition
• □ Centerboard cable
• □ Keel winch operation

Section 3 - Rudder
One of the most important safety items.
Inspect:

• □ Rudder securely mounted
• □ Pivot bolt tight
• □ Rudder swings freely
• □ Lock-down system working
• □ Tiller firmly attached
• □ Steering smooth
• □ No excessive play

Section 4 - Mast and Standing Rigging
Before stepping the mast inspect every cable carefully.
The MacGregor 25 normally has:

• □ Forestay (forward stay)
• □ Backstay
• □ Port shroud
• □ Starboard shroud

Check:

• □ No broken wire strands
• □ No corrosion
• □ Turnbuckles lubricated
• □ Cotter pins installed
• □ Chainplates secure
• □ Mast base hinge secure

Never raise the mast if any stay is damaged.

Section 5 - Raising the Mast
Always work slowly.
Recommended:

• Two people

Steps

1. Remove travel tie-downs.
2. Verify all shrouds are free.
3. Raise mast slowly.
4. Connect forestay.
5. Tighten rigging.
6. Install cotter pins.
7. Check mast is straight.

Never stand directly under the mast while raising it.

Section 6 - Running Rigging
Inspect every rope.
Check:

• □ Main halyard
• □ Jib halyard
• □ Main sheet
• □ Jib sheets
• □ Boom vang (if equipped)
• □ Reefing lines
• □ Outhaul

Replace any rope that shows heavy wear.

Section 7 - Sail Inspection
Mainsail
Inspect:

• □ Sail slides
• □ Stitching
• □ Battens
• □ Clew
• □ Tack
• □ Head
• □ No mildew
• □ No tears

Raise completely.
Verify:

• Proper shape
• Proper tension

Jib or Genoa
Inspect:

• □ Hanks clip securely to forestay.
• □ Stitching intact.
• □ No UV damage.
• □ Sheets attached correctly.
• □ Raise fully.

Insects
A practical tip from years of sailing:
When sails have been stored for months:

• Look for wasps.
• Mud daubers.
• Spiders.
• Bee nests.

Carry a long-range wasp spray for emergencies, but inspect carefully before unfolding sails rather than spraying routinely.

Section 8 - Docking Equipment
Minimum equipment:

• □ Four dock lines
• □ Four fenders
• □ 100-foot towing line
• □ Boat hook
• □ Spare line

Section 9 - Anchor System
Recommended:

• Primary anchor
• Secondary anchor

Anchor rode:

• 100-150 feet of line

Plus:

• 6-10 feet of chain between anchor and rope to help the anchor set and reduce chafe.

Section 10 - Motor
Current motor:
Status:
□ Untested
Perform:

• Compression test
• Cooling check
• Fuel inspection
• Water pump inspection
• Propeller inspection
• Shift test
• Idle test
• Full throttle test

Author: Robert Colee
ISBN-13: 9798189762994
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 07/29/2026
Pages: 268
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.38lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.56d