'96 26X Questions and advice.

[Dog House]

Hi everybody,

To give a quick rundown of my situation: I'm a Canadian who has recently relocated to Maryland for the next 3 years. The house we rented here is on the water and comes with slip/docking privileges at the Marina next door. The Chesapeake Bay is literally around the corner. I've been desperately wanting to get a boat for the last couple of years, and now that I'm here the time seems right.

I happened upon an ad for a 26X a couple months ago, and although that boat sold, it got me very interested in the 26X. I like the tradeoff between power and sail, and given that I'm new to sailing this would let me get out on the water while I take the necessary courses (ASA 101 and 103 are what I'm looking at right now). Despite the fact that many posts elsewhere are cautious about the Mac, this forum has deepened my interest and made me quite certain that the Mac is the perfect boat for me.

All that said, I still have some convincing to do on the soon-to-be Admiral... She's concerned about maintenance costs, insurance costs, and whatever else. And given that this is a first boat, the price is a factor. I've found one 96 26X locally that's right in the sweet spot for what I want to spend. I know they made numerous feature enhancements after 99, but these all seem like a bit of a reach for me price-wise. I'm trying to convince her that the Macs are really easy to maintain. I'm more than willing to put money into this to upgrade/mod it, but I don't want something that is an endless pit of money like some of the powerboats I see.

The specific boat I'm looking at right now is listed on http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/49230 As far as I can tell it looks clean, needs a tiny bit of TLC, and would work well for me. I still need to find a way to have the motor checked out, and I couldn't really inspect the centerboard (or don't know how to when its sitting on a trailer). I don't know if there's anything else I should be looking at. I know I'd have to get the bottom painted, but that seems reasonable enough. My goal right now is get out on the water, learn to sail without buying a money pit.

I obviously have quite a bit left to research/learn and I'll keep scouring through the forum, but my specific questions at this time are:
1) Is there anything specific that I should be on the lookout for when I look at this boat again?
2) Can anybody recommend a mechanic who could look at the motor? Or at least point me in the right direction?
3) If there is anybody in the area who would be able to help me look at this boat, even after a potential purchase, to give me a once over? (Any assistance provided be more than willing to compensate somebody for their time)
4) Do I need to start collecting pizza orders now, or should I hold for a bit longer?

Thanks in advance for any and all info/advice. This board has been very helpful to this point, and I expect it will remain that way for some time.

[Starscream]

Hard to tell the boat's condition from the ad, but the price is certainly tempting. Less than 7K for a 26X with a 40 horse motor sounds like a bargain if there's nothing else wrong with it. I'd go take a look because if it IS in good condition it should sell fast.

Depending on what you want to do with it, the 40HP is a little light if you want to use the X as a motorboat, but more than enough if you sail most of the time. In my opinion, of course.

Looks like there are a couple of goodies like solar power, sail cover, some sort of electronics, and what looks to be a reefing line led back to the cockpit.

Good luck!

[grady]

Throw caution to the wind......... Buy it!

[Dog House]

My personal biggest caution lies in the fact that it has been on the market for at least a couple months... Now the seller had reused a previous listing so im not certain how long. Also there's no roller furling and I'm getting answers about the Bimini and other cushions. But if there are issues I don't mind doing a little TLC (I quite enjoy it actually), and the hull seemed pretty sound.

But my thoughts are that is as long as the hull is sound that it's a good deal. And if another MD Mac owner was able to confirm that, I'd probably buy it tomorrow and deal with the Admiral-designates wrath.

[Chinook]

A potential plus with this boat would be the galvanized trailer. It looks like an original stock trailer that a PO has had galvanized. It's worth checking out the soundness of the base of the tongue (tap with a hammer to see if it's sound). Also, the brakes/bearings/tires will need checking before going out on the road. This board is loaded with threads and posts about trailer replacement for 26X boats of this vintage. If the trailer is sound, you'll be saving up to 5 boat bucks in replacement cost. Good luck with your decision. I think you'll love sailing the Mac on Chesapeake Bay.

[Don T]

Hello
No rigging mods
Original cushions & covers

Mods I noticed:
Solar panel
Slide hatch pull handle
Screem-o-meter
Propane system & stove
Galley pump
Fuel locker covers (snaps)
Grab bar w/ radios mounted and cockpit table
Some sort of fill fitting port side aft w/ vents (Water??)
Late style rudders mounted to original aluminum brackets
Rear shower head which suggests a pressure water system.
Although similar looking it does not appear to me to be a mac trailer. Forward rail is straight rather than bowed inward to the tongue, 4 steps instead of three, different tail lights, rear bunk side pads instead of being mounted to the goal posts.

Also the 40 & 50 hp Tohatsu engines are identical mechanically, the difference is the 50 horse has reed valves that open further and the ignition timing is different. So essentially it's just the tuning.

[WASP18]

Look for a surveyor and bargain him/her to $300. Place a modest, returnable deposit on the boat (maybe $500) to place it on hold and tell the seller that your intention would be to buy depending on the outcome of the survey. If problems are found that you think you can fix, use them as a bargain chip to lower the price.

The surveyor needs to crawl under the boat to scrutinize the condition of the hull. The motor needs to be run using a garden hose attachment. If the trailers tires are over four years old, they are probably in a dry-rot condition. Ask when was the last time the wheel bearings were greased and/or replaced.

Tohatstu is a good engine. It's the most popular engine among Japanese fishermen. Forty horsepower is plenty of power if you choose to cruise at hull speed like a trawler. The engine is probably carbuerated rather than fuel injected. This means you'll have to insure that all gas is drained from the carbs when you winterize.

To satisfy your admiral, suggest opening a separate checking account to support the boat. This will take the pressure off the household budget. Start the account with discretionary income and support it with dividend checks or other unearned income if you have these resources.

[dlandersson]

It's coming across as a seriously good deal.

Hello
No rigging mods
Original cushions & covers

Mods I noticed:
Solar panel
Slide hatch pull handle
Screem-o-meter
Propane system & stove
Galley pump
Fuel locker covers (snaps)
Grab bar w/ radios mounted and cockpit table
Some sort of fill fitting port side aft w/ vents (Water??)
Late style rudders mounted to original aluminum brackets
Rear shower head which suggests a pressure water system.
Although similar looking it does not appear to me to be a mac trailer. Forward rail is straight rather than bowed inward to the tongue, 4 steps instead of three, different tail lights, rear bunk side pads instead of being mounted to the goal posts.

Also the 40 & 50 hp Tohatsu engines are identical mechanically, the difference is the 50 horse has reed valves that open further and the ignition timing is different. So essentially it's just the tuning.

[Sea Wind]

And if another MD Mac owner was able to confirm that, I'd probably buy it tomorrow and deal with the Admiral-designates wrath.

I know the broker and he has been in business for a long time. The marina where the boat is at used to have a Mac dealer, there are still a lot of Macs over there as you probably noticed. I used to have my there, but moved to a nearby marina last year. PM me if you need more info.

[Jimmyt]

It's part powerboat, and it's on a trailer. Not sure about your reference to powerboat maintenance. Sails are not cheap, so check them carefully. If you mean fuel cost, depends on how much you motor. We dont't use near the gas a 60 hp powerboat would use in a day, because we only motor for a short period.

Boat looks to be in good shape. I just got a Mac myself - strictly due to to the split personality of power and sail. Never saw one in person before I went to look at the one I bought, but had read a lot on this site and was intrigued. I like to sail and the kids like to power/tube. One test ride and I was sold. I love mine. Maintenance is pretty limited if you trailer and keep it washed and flushed. Motor is the big item, but if in good shape won't eat you alive. I'd have the water pump replaced and the motor serviced if you get it. Keep the batteries charged (and replace occasionally). We use marine gas. Wheel bearings and tires have to be kept up. If you keep it in the water it will be easier to use, but may introduce additional maintenance issues - others are more qualified to address this. Mine stays in the garage and has fresh tires, bearings, and power, so I just wash, flush, charge, and sail. Make sure you and the crew are up to the launching and rigging if you're going to trailer.

The X is a great boat - some prefer them over the M. I would have purchased either one at the right price. Oh, and most importantly, the wife really enjoys it now that she's used to heeling. If it surveys well, go for it!

[Bilgemaster]

If you've got that marina just down the street, I don't see why you wouldn't want that 26X...or your "Admiral-apparent" for that matter. The price is just a few hundred more than what I paid recently for a 2001 26X in what I'd guess might be comparable shape, though yours seems to have some goodies mine lacks. Reportedly boat prices have been a bit "soft" lately--like all "meltdown melty"---especially for any degree of "fix-er-upper"...and they're ALL "fix-er-uppers"...Though apparently this other fellow asking $18,000 for the same type boat never got that memo. Well, at least you can show that ad to the Admiral to illustrate what a bargain you've found. "Two Thirds Off, Honey!...66% Off!", you'll cry.

I would concur with WASP18's great advice in your case about biting that smallish bullet for a surveyor, just as he describes. That $300 or so you'll spend for someone knowledgeable to point out each and every one of the thing's little flaws and boo-boos stem to stern in a dispassionate Joe Fridayesque monotone will almost certainly knock down the price at least that much anyhow. Worst case scenario, or, maybe better case scenario if you're still thinkin' straight, it'll very possibly steer you clear of any real nightmare of a money pit that honey may have lurking under her freshly power-washed surfaces...And don't forget that it's almost August, and the sailing season's winding down. Hardly anyone buys a sailboat in November. If they aren't motivated to haggle down a bit, then they really should be.

Frankly, I hope you do get it and make good use of it, if only because I'm just down the Bay, hang a right, and then up the Potomac in Woodbridge, and would love to be able to drop into that marina of yours from time to time. With a bit of luck I may be picking my 26X up this weekend and trailering her to her new home. Sure, the PO's still working on sorting out the trailer title, or lack thereof, but I'm eager to just roll 'er home on the strength of a bill of sale and boat title alone, so that I can get to working on her. Any other Mac 26 owners hereabouts with a sudden hankering for CostCo Pepperoni in Woodbridge are welcome to shoot me a PM and drop on by to offer moral (or immoral) support and much-needed advice as I bathe and powder the gal.

~Bilgey

[henecle]

There are plenty of Macs around Casa Rio marina in Edgewater... Capt'n Al used to sell Macs over there. We bought our first Mac, a 19 power sailor from Grab bag boats. Price seems low but the market may just be that soft. Guess I'll hold on to our X boat awhile longer... Located in northern VA and keep her in Woodbridge, VA.

[Catigale]

I'm guessing the market is soft so buying low is always good.

Macs are cheap,to fix, if you can budget 1500-200 per year for stuff and get the Admirals buy in then go close the deal.
You can't spend 10k per year on a Mac like you can a keel boat. With a slip at the house, you can use it every day.

If that motor imploded in three months, a 9.9 HP mercury brand new is 3k and two people can lift it and mount it on the transom. That being said Tohatsus are bullet proof and if it starts and idles well, I would skip,the survey.

That boat looks well cared for and maintained. I've sailed out of that marina with Colonel King ...lots of Macs there!