MacG cease product'n in CA. 2 new boats to be made in FL

[kmclemore]

Credit where credit is due.... it's important to remember that these new Tattoo boats are not being made by Roger, but instead by his children.

I do like the 22 - I think it fits a market that's been an open one for many years. Yes, there's still a big market for a 26, and I expect we'll continue to see good sales figures in that area, but with the economy the way it is, and with smaller cars being more popular, I think this 22 will do very well indeed. Like the rest of you, I look forward to seeing more detailed shots of the interior and cockpit, as well as the overall specs. And has been said, the ship's wheel is a must in the modern day - most folks aren't ready to accept a tiller - it's just not something they are used to (though for smaller boats I personally prefer them, but then I've been sailing since I was 7 years old!).

[BOAT]

The tiller does feel a LOT better and is more intuitive to people who have sailed a lot, but the emerging market wants a wheel. I too like a tiller more than a wheel, but I think my generation is over. The wheel is 'the thing' now.

So, will captain Victor have a new toy for our 'wheel' soon?

[vizwhiz]

My bet is that the 22 "pop-top" is actually a front-hinged "prop-up top", and not a full pop-up...just looking at the way it sits on top like it does, the angle it sits at, and the complications associated with the older pop-top design (which are not really complicated, but are a lot more complicated than a couple hinges), I just think it's going to be a cooler-lid, and not the old pop-top. Will work just fine, but I have a sneaky suspicion...

[Russ]

I like the lines of the deck. Very modern looking. The blunt bow also seems in step with more modern boats. Not sure how it will feel to walk on the deck. We'll have to wait for reports once it's real glass and not a drawing.

I wouldn't want a wheel on a 22' boat, but if it's a POWER sailor, I guess it fits.

[Tomfoolery]

My bet is that the 22 "pop-top" is actually a front-hinged "prop-up top", and not a full pop-up...just looking at the way it sits on top like it does, the angle it sits at, and the complications associated with the older pop-top design (which are not really complicated, but are a lot more complicated than a couple hinges), I just think it's going to be a cooler-lid, and not the old pop-top. Will work just fine, but I have a sneaky suspicion...

That's also about the only way a vang would be able to be used, assuming one is used at all.

[BOAT]

Yes, a wheel seems wrong to us but to the market It's probably a really a fast power boat - the bow is actualy a copy of the old wooden classic power boats like the Chris Craft that all the modern power boaters are copying today.

The pop up is probably a 'Westfailia' (hinges at the front) and that is also a very familiar configuration to that market from the popular camping vans.
I think the boom is way too short in the picture - in reality it will need to be much longer. The stays bely mast spreaders too, but I doubt they would be necessary on the final design and would slow down the boat under power. I guess it depends on if they have dumped the rotating mast.

[RobertB]

OK, now you guys have me looking at the picture - what I notice is that the mast tabernacle is on a forward facing slope - should make raising/lowering the mast quite interesting unless it is hinged several inches above the deck. If not, the mast cannot lay back horizontally.

[finding41]

I'm sure there will be some more refinements before it splashes. I do like the look of it!
As for size... My family is comprised of three of us. The small one, (Squeaky) is 5. She gets the V berth on our 26D and my wife and I get the pizza oven. Works great. I think I would miss the 4' though. I like the handy storage and lock ability of the lazerette. But that is out family. Others may like the closeness a 22' provides.
One thought as to the wheel VS tiller. I would love to see the 26 with a two wheel system! It would require a big design change for the cockpit but I think it would work nicely. Be a LOT more contemporary looking too! (Even with a 90 hp on the back.) BUT It would look best without any. Maybe a small Torquito electric...

[Tomfoolery]

Being a computer rendering, a lot of detail is missing. It'll be interesting to see the final product.

[dlandersson]

I have S4, D6. We like the extra 4 feet also.

I'm sure there will be some more refinements before it splashes. I do like the look of it!
As for size... My family is comprised of three of us. The small one, (Squeaky) is 5. She gets the V berth on our 26D and my wife and I get the pizza oven. Works great. I think I would miss the 4' though. I like the handy storage and lock ability of the lazerette. But that is out family. Others may like the closeness a 22' provides.
One thought as to the wheel VS tiller. I would love to see the 26 with a two wheel system! It would require a big design change for the cockpit but I think it would work nicely. Be a LOT more contemporary looking too! (Even with a 90 hp on the back.) BUT It would look best without any. Maybe a small Torquito electric...

[vkmaynard]

So, will captain Victor have a new toy for our 'wheel' soon?

Check your PM.

Thanks,

Victor

[mrrandyd]

The following is an e-mail I received (my request) from Tattoo:

Feb 15, 2013

Randy D.

The Tattoo 26 will have the same lines as the MacGregor 26 but will differ from the as follows:

The standard boat will be white with blue stripes on both the hull and deck. The blue will be a dark navy and the white will be warmer than MacGregor white. Computer displays aren’t always accurate, but we will be posting the colors on our website in the next few days.

We will be reducing the size of the stripes on the deck. We may also break the upper stripe between the side and front windows.

We are changing the steering pedestal to a metal post with a fiberglass top to increase foot room. The pedestal will be designed to make it easier to run cables and install engine controls. We are also looking at modifying the helmsman’s seat to make access easier.

The interior liner will be cream and the cushions will be a lighter color. This will be neutral enough that the entire look of the interior can be changed with a few accent colors. Interior photos are on our website. You’ll be surprised that all the photos were taken in the same boat.

The table in the photos and the wood on the galley will be changed. We plan to make a molded fiberglass table that may incorporate some storage, and the wood accents will be lighter than the current mahogany.

The carpet will no longer continue inside the head compartment. We are looking at a liner and a new door. The under bunk hatches will be modified so they don't slide around.

We hope to offer the standard trailer with a galvanized tongue and wheels if we can find a supplier who can do the galvanizing. The jack and hitch will be bolted on rather than welded so they are easier to repair or replace.

We are installing a ballast plug with a molded female receiver instead of trying to adjust the plug to the hole in the fiberglass tank.

We are going to a 6-switch 12-volt panel and LED lights. We will fit a messenger line in the mast to allow the installation of an anchor light.

Lines will be coded with color tracers.

The traveller is replaced with a pad eye on centerline and an offset position to move the boom out of the cockpit at anchor. A 6:1 vang is standard equipment. Halyards will be led aft. We will be fitting metal sheet winches.

The hull number will be molded in rather than on a brass plate.

This is a ‘work in progress’ so the specifications may change in the upcoming months.

Best regards,
Laura MacGregor Sharp
Tattoo Yachts LLC

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Sounds like a lot of good ideas, although I'm not sure I would prefer the M style helm pedestal over my X design. Ie, I have 4 drink holders and 2 speakers built into my helm that might not fit with the metal pipe design. Also, I like bracing myself against the lower part of the pedestal when I'm at a high degree of heel. And my 6 year old son could not reach his legs across to the other side of the cockpit so I also taught him how to brace against the pedestal as well. Perhaps you can also do this on the M style pedestal but there must be a lot less to brace yourself against.

[Ixneigh]

I recommend a few simple modular storage "kits" either finished in the color used inside or unfinished. You guys have that fancy cgi cutter. Add a few patterns of mods people here have done. Won't cost anything to have the patterns available as options. I would have a nicer logo then that plastic oval with the lettering that fades. How about one cut from aluminum? That's what I'm replacing mine with. I do not like the loss of the traveler. I typically sail with mine to leeward.
Ix

[Johnacuda]

My bet is that the 22 "pop-top" is actually a front-hinged "prop-up top", and not a full pop-up...just looking at the way it sits on top like it does, the angle it sits at, and the complications associated with the older pop-top design (which are not really complicated, but are a lot more complicated than a couple hinges), I just think it's going to be a cooler-lid, and not the old pop-top. Will work just fine, but I have a sneaky suspicion...

The top might even be removable for a bit more open sailing. But man, I have enough problems storing the hatch on my