Mack Pack versus Doyle Stack Pack

[Sea Hunt Video]

Spent two (2) days at Strictly Sail Miami and successfully resisted (up to now ) the temptation to buy anything expensive.

I have been researching both the "Mack Pack" and the "Doyle Stack Pack". They are very similiar in construction and intended use. Basically, a Sunbrella "basket" attached to the boom with lazy jacks installed so that when you drop the main it "neatly" falls into the "basket". Very helpful for singlehanders - like me

I am sort of leaning towards the "Mack Pack". As a friend described it, she said it appeared to be more "finished" than the Doyly Stack Pack. Prices are similar - expensive, but similar.

I would much appreciate the input of anyone who has or has experience using either the "Mack Pack" or the "Doyle Stack Pack".

Thanks in advance for your comments, experiences, etc.

[Russell]

Just about every loft has their own version of this, most of them are pretty similar, and if you dont like the way one does something, you can always have it done differently, they are made to order so anything is possible. I ended up going with the North sails version, called a "Quick Cover", because they were the only loft that was not going to take 2 months to do it (I got it in two weeks).

[moctrams]

I had a Doyle Stack Pack on my old Cal29. It worked well for single handing. I did not like the "bag" becoming the foot of the sail. I also had to have the zipper sewed at the end of the season. I had a sailmake remove the bag and bought a sail cover. I continues to use the lazy jack arrangement. If I bought a new sail, it would be the Mack Pack.

[Russell]

I had a Doyle Stack Pack on my old Cal29. It worked well for single handing. I did not like the "bag" becoming the foot of the sail. I also had to have the zipper sewed at the end of the season. I had a sailmake remove the bag and bought a sail cover. I continues to use the lazy jack arrangement. If I bought a new sail, it would be the Mack Pack.

Just to remake my point, that each loft can do things just how you prefer, any Doyle loft can make you a stack pack that is NOT sewn to the sail, and most i talked to prefered to do it that way even though Doyle advertises their stack pack as attached to the sail being better. For what its worth I would also not go the sewn to sail route, I had that on my old Catalina 30 and hated it.

[JAS]

I have been using Mack Pack for several seasons. It was installed by yard that has experience with system. Apart from occasional catches of lowest (full) batton in aftermost jack line and zipper catches where luff folds irregularly , I've been very pleased. Takes about 1 hour to rerig after removal ( I leave forwardmost lines in their mast mounted blocks).

[Sea Hunt Video]

For what its worth I would also not go the sewn to sail route, I had that on my old Catalina 30 and hated it.

Russell:

Can you explain what you mean by "sewn to sail" route.

In looking at the Mack system I think they said the sail bag for my boom would have five (5) sail slugs along the boom attached to short straps on each side of the boom. The straps are then attached to the "sail bag" with snaps. I do not think the sail bag or the straps (and slugs) are attached to the mainsail itself although I could be VERY wrong on this. I did make sure the rep I spoke with understood that my main was loose footed. This is when he showed me the straps and slugs.

Thanks.

[Russell]

Some "pack" type covers each side of the cover is actually sewn to the sail, go to the Doyle website and I think it illistrates it. Its not a good way to go in my opinion. But Dolye can make it another way. Most places when you have a loose footed sail will attach the "pack" with a bolt rope, Mack does the strap method thoguh that you described.

[JAS]

Mack Pack straps snap under loose footed mainsail. Not attached to or through sail at any point.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Thanks all for the input. I have not made a final but am leaning towards the Mack pack.

I was thinking of replacing mainsail and Genoa at the same time but have decided against this. Both sails are in good condition.

I'll get the "pack" in Sunbrella blue. It will look kind of funny with the Genoa wrap Irish green but I can live with that until I buy a new Genoa.

I am still considering installing a winch on the cabin roof for the main halyard. To keep it traditional it would have to be bronze. They cost many "boat units".

Made temporary repairs to the remote control stop cable. Tie wraps are essential part of any tool kit - along with Duct tape and WD 40.

[Bill Goldsmith]

I've used a Mack Pack for several years. I like the fact that it is completely independent of the sail itself--no sewing the pack to the foot of the sail as with some other systems. I also like the fact that you can easily retract the Mack Pack to the boom if desired.