Pros & Cons - buying a 26X or M

[baldbaby2000]

The first season I had mine, a guy came up to me and the Admiral and said - they shouldnt let these things on the water - two kids died in one last week (true)

What he left out was they had 11 people on board, used it in a manner completely contrary to the manual, and the captain was 3xover the legal blood alcohol limit.

He also probably didn't look at how many people die on "traditional" sailboats. I suspect it's worse than a Macgregor power sailor that can fire up the engine and get out of trouble fast; not to mention it has positive flotation when swamped.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Hi Gravydon,
You posed a good question to the right folk. And as you can see, so far, X or M owners are quite content with their boats. I started out with a Mac 26-S, before the Mac-X.
I would guess you'll be happy with either: the X or the M. The cabin space makes these boats nice for family weekending or day sailing.
You'll find much better bargains on the used "X" boats as compaired to the "M" boats. Just remember, these are power sailing boats--so I suggest paying attention to the engine condition.
Hope you find a good deal, and get on the water soon.

[Divecoz]

Well Don there are 40 ads for Power Sailors oin this board alone !
25 for X's an 15 for M's
Its a darn good start and they seem to be from all over the country.
#8 down from the top on the left side of this page. Click

[ROAD Soldier]

To me it came to the size of the cockpit where you are going to spend most of your time. The X cockpit is bigger. Fishing is my primary reason for getting one and the more room for 4 fishermen the better.

[dennisneal]

baldbaby2000,

I believe that in the vast spectrum of pleasure boats; from canoes to mega-yachts, the Macgregor 26 "X"s or "M"'s fit into a very narrow niche.

1. They fit on a trailer and are light-weight.

2. They are relatively inexpensive.

3. They have a lot of interior space and head-room, as compared with other brands of a similar size.

4. They appeal to first-time owners. They are relatively easy to sail. They are not the fastest sailers, nor the fastest power boats. They are a compromise.

5. etc.

The exact differences between an "X" and an"M", such as cabin layout, are nuances, in my opinion. Newer models are modifications. Its a similar situation as to the older VW Beetles.

I think its one of the most successful designs. If a buyer falls into the niche, I think a MAC is the boat to buy. I'm in the niche. I love my boat!

[Divecoz]

[quote="ROAD Soldier"]To me it came to the size of the cockpit where you are going to spend most of your time. The X cockpit is bigger. Fishing is my primary reason for getting one and the more room for 4 fishermen the better.[/quote]
Then you bought the wrong boat dude but what boat did you buy as I don't see it or where you sail on the left?? or what HP motor or make and model . . .

[School House Steve]

Gravydon,

I use a Ford explorer to tow my 26M for short distances when I go alone. I also have a F-350 with V-10 and F 250 diesel club cab when I want to take a crew for longer trips. Actually used the F-250 to pick up the boat at the factory and towed it 1200 miles home no problems. Your new F 350 should have no problem. The cockpits of the X and M are really about the same size, both over 6 feet long, the M's are wider and the captain seat further back over the motor which means more INTERIOR space! The factory claims the M is the faster boat both under sail and power and their video shows match races between both boats. The X does have a bigger head but how important is an area of the boat that a healthy person only spends 3 minutes in per day?

[Trouts Dream]

According to the Admiral, those 3 minutes should not be spent as a contortionist.
(Those 3 minutes are as long as the last 3 minutes of a basketball or football game)

[School House Steve]

Like the last three minutes of this years Super-bowl game? Try using the head of a Mac 25.

[Catigale]

Forgot who first posted this winning strategy, but if the Admiral is involved..

Look at an M

Look at an X

Buy the one she wants.

Easy.

[parrothead]

if the Admiral is involved.. Look at an M, Look at an X, Buy the one she wants.

Sums up my comparison-shopping experience perfectly!

[Captain Steve]

School house, the cockpits may be the same length but the M has a bench across the front. Its no problem putting 6 in the X cockpit....real tight in the M. Also its a higher and smaller hatch to get up and through to access the cabin.

[Divecoz]

School house, the cockpits may be the same length but the M has a bench across the front. Its no problem putting 6 in the X cockpit....real tight in the M. Also its a higher and smaller hatch to get up and through to access the cabin.

6 in the cockpit of the M would be tight. I have yet to ever have more than 4 and 90+% of the time its just me and the wife.
But tell me Steve why do you think Roger paid the huge cost to make the hatchway changes? Do you think there was a practical need? Or do you think Roger is just so stupid and inept as a business man that he incorporates change merely for the benefit of change, cost and there by profit be damned? What practical purpose could there possibly be??? Why would anyone even think of Raising the bottom of the hatchway to the cabin a couple more inches above sea level?
What Mechanic advantage could possibly be gained for the increased cost of the mold and the fiberglass and resin and labor for reducing the width of the hatch opening by an inch or so. Surly there is no practical purposes at all.
No Doubt Roger is just some frustrated Ladies fashion designer

[Catigale]

Ive heard the new Mac 26V is coming out with only pink hulls

[Andy hipetrol]

Personal preference I like the darker interior of the M versus the Blue of the X. The cockpit is tight on the M. Six people would probably need either one person standing in the hatchway or rail seats.

Having a white M myself and just last week seeing a Blue hull on the water that Blue hull is beautiful. It was definitely faster Blue hull but of course he had a 90 and I had the 50.

Andy