Looking at buying MacGregor 26M. Have questions.

[AKCoastie]

Hi guys. As you can see I am brand new to these forums. I have been window shopping for a newer boat to buy once I get down to Florida. I was caught between my want of a sailboat but I also wanted a powerboat to use for fishing. Today I came across the MacGregor 26M and was blown away. It looks like my dreams were answered. I wanted some more info if you have time. 1) The specs list a max HP rating of 50hp. I have seen through some searching that folks have put up to a 90hp engine out back. What can it handle and what size shaft does it use? Reason I ask is that a have a spare 100hp Mariner 2 stroke that could save me a couple grand if I bought a new boat. 2) It's pretty obvious to see the good points about the boat. What about the gripes? Any major complaints about your boats? If you know of any prior post that answer these, please point me in there direction. Sorry if these questions are repeats, I am still wading my way through the forums.

[NiceAft]

First of all AKCoastie, Welcome

I would suggest using the search function to answer your questions. There have been many discussions on the topics you mention, and I don't feel like rehashing them

The M is a good boat, and it can do much, but it does have it's drawbacks. Do your research. Read what the varied members say. Find someone near wherever you are in Florida, and get to go out on one. Then make your own decisions.


Ray

P.S. I do go fishing on my M and love it, but with more than two people fishing, it can get crowded.

[AKCoastie]

Fair enough. I have been searching around now and have answered some of my own questions. The one other question that has popped up concerns me a bit. I have seen that this boat in not concidered an "open water boat". I am not looking at doing any major trips off the coast and not interested in trying to sail through bad weather unless it's an emergency. I am wondering if someone might be able to point me in the direction of what the boats capabilities are in rough weather in case I were to get caught in some bad weather when trying to reach a fishing spot 20 miles or so offshore. I was figuring, by the size and construction, that I could expect approximately the same performance in waves as you would an old Catalina 27 footer. Am I correct in assuming this or am I way off. Keep in mind I am an experienced sailor and have no intention on pushing my luck if I can avoid it. Tooling around in 4-6 foot waves doesn't sound fun but I need to make sure the Mac is capable of taking waves this size on in order to be comfortable with deciding to buy one (in emergency).

[David Mellon]

While I haven't seen very serious weather, I have been in some fairly high seas. The boat get pushed around a bit and I have had to fight the helm some. My only real issue has been the open cockpit. I get soaked through and through. I wear foulies and even goggles but it can still be pretty miserable. My crew has always buttoned up the cabin and been completly dry and safe. A complete enclosure would be my answer if I expected to go out in rough seas on a regular basis. Living here in SoCal I can see weather coming days in advance and plan accordingly. I have spotted a squall and made a run in at 19 mph which is something a keel boat just can't do. That is one of the beauties of the Mac, the ability to get out of trouble fast. I have the Evinrude 60 and am quite happy with my choice, personally I see no reason not to use your old engine.

[AKCoastie]

Sounds good. Now I just need some advice on how to break this to the wife. I was able to get the last boat by her by explaining that all I had to do was catch x number of fish to have the boat pay for itself. Not even close yet. Trying to get another $30,000 or so should be interesting.

[Hardcrab]

I don't see a reason why your 100 hp would'nt work unless it's very heavy.
My 90hp 2 stroke weighs in at 315lbs.
Make sure to add the big backplates inside the hull for the mounting bolts.
Be advised that the X or M will hold 24 gallons of fuel in the fuel lockers.
An older two stroke usually does drink up the fuel.
As for the Admiral Factor, look to find a good used one and save some bucks.

The Mac will handle much differently than the Catilina 27 you mentioned.
Being light weight, it's more "cork" like on the water. Not bad, mind you, it just rides higher.

It's a jack of all trades, master of none. Repeating, master of none.
It's not a blue water boat, or a race boat, by a long shot.
It's a family- style cruiser with speed under motor.
Nothing about the boat and trailer could be called "over-engineered and over-built"
I think the engineering and construction are exactly just up to the task.
Much in the same way an aircraft cannot be built over weight, but still be strong enough.

Trailer storage, shallow draft, higher speed, decent enough sailing, roomy enough cabin, and great pricing has sold many an X /M.
These positives, in most owners opinions, make the choice very easy.
Non owners (usually racing snob types) will go to every end to convince you and themselves the negatives only count,
mostly because the boat is "out of the box" from what they are used to.
You'll have to get used to it.
Mac owners are somewhat mavericks in this regard.

It will be very good if you are handy with tools and such.
Some simple and inexpensive modifications will greatly enhance the utility and comfort of the boat.
The sky is the limit here.

Like others have said, find a ride on one and see for yourself.

Of course, owning a Mac will give you a reason to hang out here and get the benefit of many the great folks who are more than glad to help with any Mac topic under the sun.

[NiceAft]

As for the Admiral Factor, look to find a good used one and save some bucks.

Hardcrab, shame on you This fine fellow comes to us for advise, and you insult his wife

Ray

[Hardcrab]

NiceAft,
You're right, I shall now consider myself duly shamed.

(But it just might work better than wine and roses.)

Only AKCoastie knows for sure.

We (she) looked at a used 03/04 M, then an X, followed by a trip to the sales lot for a look at the brand new 06 model,
and that did it for the Admiral of our Mac.
(I would have been happy with any of them)

That layout was love at first sight for her. The boat is what sold her, I just put it in front of her.
We found and bought a used 05 advertised on this site, and haven't looked back.
Before we jumped, I wanted her to be a true co-owner, in every sense of the word, and not just the typical passive passenger.
After all, sailing was my passion, not hers.
The Mac has changed her from a non sailor to a sailor.

[James V]

Sale points -

Kept on trailer, no slip fees.

Can sleep, cook and live aboard for weekend or more.

cheeper than any new 27 foot cabin cruiser.

Can take anyware for a vacation with a 1/2 ton truck.

No wood work to take care of.

cheep for the weekend.

She can sail the boat herself when you are at work.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

As a West Florida Mac Sailor, I can tell you that running into the ground is a way of life seeing as there are so many shallows. Now this may not apply if you will leave it slipped out in deep water and only go out into the even deeper water. But if you start going into any bays, estuaries, gunk holes, etc., you might like the swing up centerboard of the X model versus the M. It is true that if you want a new boat, you will need to buy an M. Also, by design, the dagger board of the M will typically perform better since there is a smaller opening...unless you are hitting ground all the time and break it off (like some on this bb have done). A nice condition used X boat will also save you probably close to 50% of the cost of a new boat (or even more if you want a fixer-upper), but this is all a personal preference.

Btw, if I was 20 miles offshore and a big blow started up with big waves, I would much rather be in my sailboat than in an open fishing boat. Keep the front hatch closed and you can submarine the bow into big waves all the way home but in an open boat, do that more than about once and you could be in big trouble.

[AKCoastie]

It's a jack of all trades, master of none. Repeating, master of none.
It's not a blue water boat, or a race boat, by a long shot.

Sounds exactly what I'm looking for. I can't forsee ever wishing that I had that extra 2-4 knots a purpose built sailboat would bring and fishing boats stopped coming with sails somwhere around the turn of the 19th century. I want a boat that can go sailing on a lake one day and fishing a few miles offshore the next.

(But it just might work better than wine and roses.)

Yeah right. She's never happy. She's married to me after all.

you might like the swing up centerboard of the X model versus the M. It is true that if you want a new boat, you will need to buy an M. Also, by design, the dagger board of the M will typically perform better since there is a smaller opening...unless you are hitting ground all the time and break it off (like some on this bb have done). A nice condition used X boat will also save you probably close to 50% of the cost of a new boat (or even more if you want a fixer-upper) but this is all a personal preference.

Forgive my ignorance but I was under the assumption that the M model had the swing up keel. If that's not the case, how do you raise and lower the keel on the M model. From the pics I have seen, I think I really like the looks, inside and out, of the M better. I only have access to pics on the internet right now being that I am in AK so I can't get a real detailed look or take a ride on one.

For everyone, what are some of the reasons you may have picked one model or another (barring price of a used over a new)? Also, it sounds like this boat may be a bit more fragile than others to keep the weight down. How well do these boats age? I plan on keeping it for a long time if I get one but I want to make sure it's not going to start falling apart in a few years. Are there any dealers that would sell and mount the 90hp Evinrude as a package? I'm not necessarily looking for speed, just the ability to keep getting on plane with a heavy loaded boat if needed. Thanks for everyone that's taken the time to write back.

[c130king]

AKCoastie,

The is a dagger board. Works with a line to the cockpit just like the swing keel...except this one pulls straight up and down. But there is more interior room due to the reduced space required by the dagger vs. the swing keel.

As for aging...several here have Macs over 10 years old and they seem to be doing just fine. I was on a '97 (RickJ) just last week and it seemed to be in excellent shape in my opinion. Handled 5' seas with no problems...other than it gets tossed around like a cork and driving in those conditions can be challenging...but not unsafe IMHO. 20 miles off-shore has the potential to be "risky"...up to you as to your comfort level in a Mac or .

I love my ...but I do think the swing keel might be a better option...I just wanted a newer boat. There are threads in here comparing/contrasting to ...if you do a search you will probably find them and see what everyone's opinion is.

The best sail boat is the boat you are sailing.

Good Luck,
Jim

[AKCoastie]

Thanks c130king.

Another point that is important to me if ease of transporting this boat. I am in the Coast Guard, so I have to move every 3 or so years. Being able to trailer this with a moderate vehicle is a HUGE deal.

[c130king]

I completely agree...I am USAF. I also move every 2-3 years. I tow with a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer.

Just don't get stationed overseas...unfortunately I had to leave my boat behind while I am in London.

Jim

[Hamin' X]

As for the Admiral Factor, look to find a good used one and save some bucks.

Are the second-hand Admirals really cheaper than new ones

~Rich