Mac 26x on Vancouver Island

[EmilyRoy]

We would like to view a 26x to compare to a 26m. We live on Vancouver Island BC Canada. Does anyone have or know of a boat that we can go on board and check out how the structure feels?

[Catigale]

Welcome aboard..do you mean the hull integrity or the floor plan of the two different boats? Be advised there are two different hull variations on the so make sure you compare to a new one if you think that might be your path.

[Frank C]

Roger Brown had a 26X in Nanaimo, and still has this website on-line. However, haven't seen any posts by him in a very long time. Assuming Nanaimo's not too far for you, maybe you can look for an email link on his website.

[Deeseas]

For more info check www.mycbc.ca

[EmilyRoy]

Thanks for your quick replies. I have followed up on the suggested links. Catigal, it is mostly the space and layout that is of concern. We have done lots of research on the different models and the changes made over the years. We've already ruled out certain years and are still considering a new verses an older model, an M verses X. It is being on board that will be the termining factor and viewing boats for sale off the island is complicated.
Thank you again- my search continues.

[Catigale]

They both provide unbelievable accomodations for a 26 foot boat imho.

Its not worth waiting a year for the model you think you want and missing all that sailing imho. I bought an its last year (almost last month) but had no regrets for that extra year of sailing!!

How many people will you cruise with??

[Terry]

If your search continues into the new year and next spring there is the annual MacRendezvous at Snug Cove on Bowen Island next June where you can view everything from old classics to new M's all in the same place. Keep an eye on the MYCBC.ca site for announcements. Most boats are laid up for the winter now, I have mine in the driveway completely stripped on the inside to prevent mold/mildew. Not the best time of year for viewing interiors. I see you are actually on Quadra Island not Vancouver Island which makes it even more of a challenge, more ferries.
Good luck in your search.
On edit
Actually now that I think about it, there is the annual wind up dinner comming up soon somewhere on the mainland (Delta area) where you can meet most of the other Mac owners of BC, it likely will be posted on the MYCBC.CA site. Who knows you may even meet someone thinking of selling, come on out to the dinner.

[EmilyRoy]

We hope to have a Macgregor by early spring. The boat is for my husband and me only. We are at the point in our research that we know we want a Macgregor 26 (we are no longer considering anything else). The side dinette is our preferred style in the x or the m. My husband wants a 4 stroke (no negotiating this) and he leans towards the M since he is 6 feet tall. I have to consider the comfort of moving onto and about the cockpit due to mobility issues and it is the smaller stern entrance and the extra steps from cockpit to cabin and down into the cabin of the m that I want to compare to the x . Other issues that are less important are the open v-berth and head compartment near the cockpit as opposed to the head between the dinette and the v-berth. We've seen lots of photos but it must be seen to really know. We are still open to buying used or new at this point but will have a better idea once we try out both models.
btw I signed up for mac bc.

[Catigale]

Its a very personal thing but the cockpit and stepdown are two of the biggest differences on these boats. Once you are below they are both nice - I prefer the M for spaciousness but with only 2 up an X will be fine.

Ive cruised 4 adults plus 2 kids but I tip my hat to Duane who cruises with an incredible amount of stuff on his

This Board is one of the best selling features of the Macs imho.

Welcome aboard again Admiral

[EmilyRoy]

We hope to have a Macgregor by early spring. The boat is for my husband and me only. We are at the point in our research that we know we want a Macgregor 26 (we are no longer considering anything else). The side dinette is our preferred style in the x or the m. My husband wants a 4 stroke (no negotiating this) and he leans towards the M since he is 6 feet tall. I have to consider the comfort of moving onto and about the cockpit due to mobility issues and it is the smaller stern entrance and the extra steps from cockpit to cabin and down into the cabin of the m that I want to compare to the x . Other issues that are less important are the open v-berth and head compartment near the cockpit as opposed to the head between the dinette and the v-berth. We've seen lots of photos but it must be seen to really know. We are still open to buying used or new at this point but will have a better idea once we try out both models.
btw I signed up for mac bc.

[GeoffR]

I am in Victoria and own a 26X moored year-round just north of Sidney. The dealer located at the marina has a brand new, unused 26M with 50hp available. You are welcome to visit and chat / look around / compare /sail the X.

[davidbagnall]

I found this site a while ago.

Mac M X comparison (you will need to get the spaces out... I am yet to hit he magic 10 posts to allow hyperlinks)

It does a reasonable job comparing the and although I feel it is a little biased to the and fails to answer the age old question of faster colour blue or white (if you haven't read yet this is a question that raises much banter )

Our boat (a 1997 ) arrives in Austraila on friday so look out weekend!

[mod] Attempted to Fix link and messed it up - will correct shortly ~sps

Mod note - there was X vs M comparison thread ran wild, caused much uncivilised behaviour, and actually caused the Board to be shut down by Heath some time ago.

Fair warning that any posts that attempt to re-kindle this will be summarily deleted and sanctioned.[/mod]

[Trouts Dream]

If mobility versus head room is the sticking point, I think the X has significant mobility advantage on and off the stern but it will depend on how you dock and how often you can get on and off via the stern. As for going from cockpit to cabin my Admiral did not want to step up to step down and we went with the X. Head room I can't speak to personally being 5'8". Lastly sleeping in the extended V-berth made getting in and out of bed at night easier because you climb up somewhat like a normal bed versus bending down, like climbing into a tent. These are the Admirals terms and why "we" chose an X.

[EmilyRoy]

I said we wanted to buy by spring. Well we bought this weekend. After boarding an M and an X we both agreed the X was most compatible with our needs- but as we looked around, there was always the question of motor wear. We found the perfect solution-a basic 26X boat and trailer (fresh water) with no motor. We are having it transported to Blue Water in Seattle and there we will put on a new suzuki engine and a dodger- amongst other things.
When we actually tried out the boats, the height thing for Roy was around the galley and having a dodger eliminates the issue.
The boat does not come with a stove- so that is our latest research project. Rather than installing a stove- we are thinking of making two places to secure a small one burner butane contertop stove- one in the galley adn one in the cockpit (thinking tea time) and use a bbQ for most cooking.

[Moe]

I found this site a while ago.

Mac M X comparison (you will need to get the spaces out... I am yet to hit he magic 10 posts to allow hyperlinks)

The URL has changed since I dropped the AT&T site. It's now here:

MacGregor 26 Cruising Comparison

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Moe