Newbie to sailing, thinking about 26m

[Timmay]

Hi everyone,
Very nice board here.
For a couple years now I have been thinking about getting a sailboat. I live in NOVA and slips are pretty expensive so I am looking at "trailor sailors". I have ample room on my property so that is not at issue.
I came across the MacGregors and like the idea of them and have read numberous good/bad things about them. I have read all about you can't have a powerboat and sailboat in a single boat and I completely understand it but I think I am willing to give a little on both sides for the conveniences of the 26m.
I live about 2 miles from the Potomac river about 3 miles south of DC. My plans with the boat are weekend cruises, maybe 2-3 days on the Potomac and out to Chesapeak Bay. I am pretty sure, but wanted to double check that the 26m will handle this. I would also like to travel the ICW down to NC if anyone could let me in on experiences with that.
Also, I have heard that pointing is very poor with these boats, does anyone have stats on how it does and also comparables like a Catalina?

I have found an 05 26m local to me for $18300. It has the 50hp Suzuki and here is all they list (no pictures):

Roller-furling 150 genoa, mast raising/lowering system, custom cushions for cabin and cockpit, AM/FM cassette player, 2 6-gallon fuel tanks, depthfinder, traveler, swim ladder, force10 cooker, tools, PFDs,etc

I have asked them to let me know further about condition of the boat, how it was stored and how many hours on the motor. Is there anything else I need to consider? Is this a good price?

Thank you in advance for any replies, maybe I can become part of the MacGregor family. Timmay!!!

[pokerrick1]

Sounds OK - - - you'll need two more 6 gallon fuel tanks and quick connectors, but everything else can be pay and obtain as you play the don't make 12 gallon tanks that fit any more (Tempo discontinued)- - - have fun - - - do EVERYTHING safely! The Mac will handle ALL YOU DESIRE TO DO EASILY!! Do some searches using your destinations as keywords for hours of information.

Rick less in Las Vegas

[red_sky_at_night]

I'm shopping for one too, came across the same ad. Looked good to me, worth exploring, but it's on the wrong side of the country as I'm on the west coast. Good luck

[popI]

It sounds like the Mac 26M is tailor-made for your intended mission. Your questions are valid, but the answers are largely matter of opinion. That said, as a 26M owner (new sailor when I got the boat) and sometimes Big Boat charterer, I am happy to provide some context. As stated, the Mac is ideal for missions such as you describe; its a floating camper, especially equipped as the one you described with heater and some canvas. Our family of 5 camps for a week at a time on the 26M routinely. You may find that you need a full enclosure if you spend a lot of time in the rain (we do fine with just a bimini), and you may want some extra water storage for longer trips. You'll want a barbeque and a portapotti (don't mess with a marine toilet-the porti is fine).

Handling. Pretty good. All the people laughing at us and complaining about the poor sailing/motoring abilities of our boats are largely doing so from their living room or tied to a dock. Its a fact. You will find it quite easy to ignore them though, because you will be on your Mac, up some deserted creek, having the time of your life, while they sling verbal diarrhea at the concept.

I think the boat sails OK, but not as good as an equivalent-size keelboat, due to less mass, and less keel, primarily. Just don't race them, unless you have an expert crew and the competition does not. Go camping in the Chesepeake or cruise the ICW instead. Learning to sail is all about the journey, and it doesn't matter how long it takes to get there, as long as you learn something or enjoy the moment. The 50 hp is lots of power for anything except going more than 10 knots, so tubing, skiing, etc. is out. Any claims to the contrary are pretty unrealistic, if not totally false. I don't really like the handling under power, but I don't like power-boating anyway, so again, it comes down to your objectives. I need to pull my kids, so I require the 70. It sounds like you don't, so the motor you're looking is excellent. It will provide a reserve of power to handle strong currents, cruise quietly and efficiently when throttled back and give superb reliability, while being easy to maintain.

BUT THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH You get a reasonable sailboat, and and OK powerboat for reasonable cost. The price you quoted for that boat is very good, as long as it's not damaged. In comparison, 18 K is enough money to keep a 40' Beneteau in the Virgin Islands for about 8 months. I know, because I love the big boats and I love sailing there, and have been pursuing a number of schemes to make it a reality. But that's the cost. This boat is a challenge to sail well and will well-prepare you for sailing bigger keelboats should you ever want to. If you ever do step up, I would bet money you will remember your mac days as some of the best. Go for it!

[irayone]

Hi
I have a 2005 witrh a F 60 Yamaha 100 hrs on it when I bought it. paid 25k However it is coastal cruising ready. The most important issue on the boat is that they are sold naked. 21,500.00 for the boat and trailer...Now add the motor controls fuel tanks etc Every item and equipment you add makes the price go up. gps chart plotter compass etc. Replacement value on my boat would be 50K if I had to buy everything and add to it. Go to the Macgregorsailsatthefactory.com. You will see the options they sell. A new boat is 30K and all you get is a motor and sails. No hand rails, swim ladder, porta potti, nothing nada. Compare the inventory on your boat to other boats.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Sounds reasonably priced, if the care and upkeep have been done.
Some folk with Macs have travelled from Fla. to the Bahamas (members within the NE Trailer Sailors). Some of the boats on these extended trips have been the older, 26-S, 26-D, and with the newer Mac X and M.

Your mention of travelling the ICW shouldnt be a problem at all.

I'm amazed at the vacationing and travels some have done aboard their MacGregors. In my opinion, the Mac functions very well for 2 folks. (some do well with a total of 4 aboard) !

You should take a look at the travels of the "Chinook" (that will convince you the Mac will do the job).

Happy Sailing !

[Hamin' X]

James V has made the ICW trip in his . He has a great travelogue in this post:

ICW Florida going North

A number of other members have motored, or sailed various portions of the ICW, as well. Use the Advanced Search at the top of the page.

~Rich

[Timmay]

Thanks for all your replies. I will definately look at some of the trips people have taken.
I think the boat I found may not work for me though. I would like to have the option of skiing, kneeboarding and tubing if possible. I did stumble across a company that has any upgrade motor slightly more powerful than the factory 60hp one. Looks like that could be expensive though. I think I will need to keep looking for another 26m or look into ordering a new one.
How hard are these boats to maintain?
Thanks again.

[Rick Westlake]

Thanks for all your replies. I will definately look at some of the trips people have taken.
I think the boat I found may not work for me though. I would like to have the option of skiing, kneeboarding and tubing if possible. I did stumble across a company that has any upgrade motor slightly more powerful than the factory 60hp one. Looks like that could be expensive though. I think I will need to keep looking for another 26m or look into ordering a new one.
How hard are these boats to maintain?
Thanks again.

The Mac 26M factory video has footage of an M with mast up (but bare), towing one water-skier. I think that was with the 50hp engine. People on this board have talked about using 75s and 90s, which would give you some more speed and probably a better hole shot - but the Mac ain't no MasterCraft. Just as it ain't no J-Boat for running the buoys.

For me, the Mac is a brilliant compromise: powerboat enough to have some "go-fast" noisy splashy fun that way, sailboat enough to jog along nicely (if not competitively) under the canvas, and "funny-shaped travel trailer" enough to keep me comfy after a night (or during a few weeks) of hauling her up the Interstate to new cruising grounds. Oh - and economical enough that buying her, and her tow vehicle, didn't break my bank.

As for taking care of them - they're quite easy to maintain. They are white-gelcoat simple, inside and out. No woodwork to "worship"; very simply constructed; very very little to go wrong, especially compared with that Beneteau 40 that "popI" mentioned. Very cheap to feed and easy to care for the engine, compared with say a 300hp inboard MasterCraft.

Just remember - ALL boats are compromises. I just believe this compromise matches my present needs and most of my current desires with commendable simplicity, adequate performance, and good economy. YMMV....

(BTW, if you're military or DoD-affiliated, check out Fort Belvoir Marina.)

[Divecoz]

Thanks for all your replies. I will definately look at some of the trips people have taken.
I think the boat I found may not work for me though. I would like to have the option of skiing, kneeboarding and tubing if possible. I did stumble across a company that has any upgrade motor slightly more powerful than the factory 60hp one. Looks like that could be expensive though. I think I will need to keep looking for another 26m or look into ordering a new one.
How hard are these boats to maintain?
Thanks again.

There Are Numerous members with much larger motors than the 50's but if you get a big foot / large 14" prop- your all the better for it.
I just showed my boat to a fellow ( Bob) who may soon be a new owner
He and his wife and 2 children were happily surprised with how roomy this 26' boat is inside.
Now is it really YOU who wants to water ski behind a weekend liveaboard powersailer????
IMHO your asking a lot... I have skied for a lot of years and I doubt the Mac would be fun for anyone but a child or a brand new skier ( and really only after he's learned to pop out) I can only imagine how much dragging would be going on , even with a 90 or a 135 with a newbie on the back.. Does anyone make a 26' runabout? Would they suggest a 90HP motor to push that boat to 32mph with the skier up? For a ski boat its got a soft bottom for a sailboat its all but hard chined....so as you have seen heard and read the Mac is a mix. I do believe you could enjoy yourself tricking off the back though. For that 15 to 18 mph is often plenty .... Just so happens Overtons has those on sale this month

[Russ]

The Mac 26M factory video has footage of an M with mast up (but bare), towing one water-skier. I think that was with the 50hp engine. People on this board have talked about using 75s and 90s, which would give you some more speed and probably a better hole shot - but the Mac ain't no MasterCraft. Just as it ain't no J-Boat for running the buoys.

For me, the Mac is a brilliant compromise: powerboat enough to have some "go-fast" noisy splashy fun that way, sailboat enough to jog along nicely (if not competitively) under the canvas, and "funny-shaped travel trailer" enough to keep me comfy after a night (or during a few weeks) of hauling her up the Interstate to new cruising grounds. Oh - and economical enough that buying her, and her tow vehicle, didn't break my bank.

As for taking care of them - they're quite easy to maintain. They are white-gelcoat simple, inside and out. No woodwork to "worship"; very simply constructed; very very little to go wrong, especially compared with that Beneteau 40 that "popI" mentioned. Very cheap to feed and easy to care for the engine, compared with say a 300hp inboard MasterCraft.

Just remember - ALL boats are compromises. I just believe this compromise matches my present needs and most of my current desires with commendable simplicity, adequate performance, and good economy. YMMV....

(BTW, if you're military or DoD-affiliated, check out Fort Belvoir Marina.)

Very well said.

If you are buying a Mac because the video shows a skier, don't. Don't! The mac is not a ski boat. I wouldn't attempt to pull a skier. A tube, yes, done it and it's fun. There are plenty of good ski boats and buy one.
But if you want to sail and spend time onboard and maybe tow some toys with children on them, the Mac is a good compromise.
I've owned "real" keel sailboats and "real" runabouts that can tow a skier. The Mac is fun to sail as long as you aren't in a rush. I've never met a real sailboater who wanted to get to point A to B in a rush. It goes pretty fast for a slow powerboat and is fun to sail. But it's a compromise. If you aren't able to compromise, pick a true sail/keel boat or a true powerboat.

As Rick pointed out, this is a simple boat to sail/power. The KISS principle is worth a lot for many Mac owners. Easy to maintain, easy to operate. But it's a hybrid compromise boat. Don't expect to tow skiers like that video shows. If you do, hop off right now.

--Russ

[puggsy]

You lucky one, you...to be able to get a for what is equivalent to about $27,000AU....In Oz they would cost anywhere from $60,000 to $72,000AU [ and still with the 50 Suzuki.
If you have no experience, you may find the a bit difficult to handle. After all it is a very "tender"yacht.
And even experienced sailors can get a few handling problems with "tender"" aspects.
No one likes a bragger, but I am proud to have gained commercial qualifications in the 60's in the lobster industry and ther sea experience has held me in good stead when choosing vessels for a purpose...like...if I want performance such as pointing high, as you would in racing, then choose an MB24. If you want exceptional living quarters, maybe a 40 ft. ketch...but then you have to have a crew and a place on the water to park.
And I have had even one of those in the 90's.
And with that experience, I still chose the It does not sail as well as an MB, does not point as high, yert for me is ideal And I can handle it solo.
Maybe in five years, I will be too old for that and need a crew????
My advice is to get some experience in more than one type before you commit yourself...the chap I bought SEAHORSE from was ingto racing and was disappointed with the yet his wife loved it for its accommodation...and I like it because of its VERSATILITY...to overnight at the upper reaches of a 25km river never more than 6 feet deep is an achievement few genuine yachts can make.
Right now I dont have the means to post a pic, but they can be found in a search...Regards...Puggsy

I also have the 50 suzuki and had no trouble.

[Timmay]

I definately appreciate everyone's responses. I am just trying to find out all the "little things" about it before I commit. I emailed the person selling their but haven't heard from them yet. Skiing is not that important, just something I would like to be able to do but if the can't do it, I can live with that. I love sailing and boat life in general. They have a MacGregor dealer down in Fredericksburg and I will probably go down there this weekend to look at them. My wallet really hopes I don't like them too much.

[Timmay]

Also,
Can anyone let me know a ballpark of how much boat insurance costs? Thanks again. Timmay!!!

[puggsy]

In OZ, my recent quote was for $740 AU covering $60,000 with a $350 AU excess...and that includes trailer, mast, rigging and sails...thats about $500 US