SailZing caught up with Will Hendershot at the 2018 Southeast Regional Regatta at Lake Eustis. Will had just completed several unique MC Scow modifications to reduce the chance for errors and make sailing the boat easier. 

See the mods in the video at the times listed below.

No-miss hiking straps (00:15)

Raise the aft end of the straps to make it harder to miss them when tacking. Use a spectra line instead of a bungee to hold up the front of the strap. This prevents getting your legs pushed aft when hiking. 

Rescue lines for windward and leeward capsize (1:00)

Will made separate lines for capsizing to leeward and windward. The line for capsizing to windward has a foot loop to help re-enter the boat. For capsizing to leeward, Will uses an extended continuous traveler line. This gives you two lines to hang onto for balance when trying to right the boat.

Vang modification (2:38) 

The older Johnson MCs had all the vang purchase below the decks. This caused too much vertical load on the mast base. Will added a bail on the mast to move some of the purchase above the deck.

Mesh gear box (3:50) 

A 12″ x 12″ flexible gear box with a separate radio pocket puts all of your gear in one place.

Board control lines (4:20)

Will added a block to give the pull-up line a 2:1 purchase. He used a thicker bungee for the pull-down tensioner.

Quick lifting bridle (5:20) 

The lifting bridle is made of rope and is stored in the strongback under the rear deck. He leaves the aft end attached to the lifting eye. The forward two bridle lines use cunningham hooks instead of shackles for quick attachment. No more fussing with your bridle when it’s time to haul out!

Improved transom drain (5:20) 

Will cut one of the transom drains larger to allow you to slide the boom into the cockpit for trailering. He made a flap for the drain cover. If the boat swamps, just remove the bottom piece of tape to open the flap for towing. It the tow boat stops, the flap will close to prevent water from re-entering.  

MC Scow Class Tips