Safety Rails; Boom Vang; Self-Righting Characteristics; Foam Flotation - MACGREGOR 26 Owner's Instructions Manual

25. SAFETY RAILS

Make sure the safety rail posts and forward safety rails are
secured with their set screws and cannot pull out. The set
screws should be screwed in to where the heads ate up against
the socket. The lifelines connect as shown in Photos 39, 40
and 41.
Photo 39 Side safety rail posts
Photo 40 Rear safety rail connection
Photo 41 Forward safety rail connection

26. BOOM VANG

The vang is used to take the twist out of the mainsail and is
very important for good performance. The hardware is just
like the mainsheet, and attaches to the mast and boom as
shown in the following photo.
Photo 42. Boom vang

27. SELF-RIGHTING CHARACTERISTICS

With sails rigged to the mast and boom, water ballast tank
full, and the masthead pulled to the level of the water, the
boat, when released, should return to an upright position.
With virtually any sailboat, it is possible for the belly of the
sails to trap enough water to hold the boat down on its side
if the sail control lines are not released. In the event of a
knockdown, release all control lines to prevent this possi-
bility. In relatively calm sea conditions, water will not enter
the cabin hatch in the event of a knockdown. In rough seas,
however, it is possible for waves to enter the cabin through
hatches if the boat is held on its side. While sailing in rough
weather, it is advisable to keep all hatches closed and se-
cured. Do not sail with the pop top up except in the lightest
wind conditions.

28. FOAM FLOTATION

With the normal gear and crew, the MacGregor 26 has suffi-
cient solid foam flotation blocks to keep the boat afloat in
the event the cabin fills. When completely filled with water,
the boat will be relatively unstable, and can roll over. Do
not remove the foam flotation blocks from the interior of
your boat under any circumstances.