Structural differences 26M 2004 vs 2013

[WhittierAK]

Hello All. As I consider purchase of 26M's for sale are there any significant manufacture structural evolutions or modifications that I should be aware of. I have a tendency of latest and greatest but have a local interest of an early model, i.e 2004 that seems to be equipped for local use vs relocating from southern climes. Thanks for all considerations and advise as I'm convinced the MacGregor 26M is the boat of me in south-central Alaska.

[Rumdirty]

There's some fairly big differences between the X and the M. Early M models 2003-2004? or 2005? had a non movable galley that went behind the dinette next to the head. Later models, sometime in 2005 and on, (mine is a 2005) have a sliding galley along the port side. As far as I know that was the only change in the M models from early to later years. However, that is knowledge gleamed from a shopping around perspective and I don't have a lot of in-depth knowledge. Someone else is bound to correct me.

[Russ]

Structural. Same boat.

Inside galley layout as mentioned changed. We keep our sliding galley in the middle all the time.
I'm pretty sure they all (M models) had rotating masts.
Other small differences had to do with the pedestal steering. A pod on a pole vs the latest toothbrush design.

[NiceAft]

I believe this is an image of a 2004 M. There is a table bracket on the starboard side just under where the back of your calves wood rub. The dinette table is attached there, it would then traverse the length of the seating area.


This is an image of a later M. As you can see, the dinette table was changed to be always there. It would be dropped down for conversion into a single bunk for sleeping.


This is an interior shot of my 2005 26M. As you can see, there is a simulated wood trim around the windows. This was removed in later M's. Some find the wood attractive, others don't. It's a personal opinion as to which lot you identify with I keep my sliding galley as far aft as possible. When sleeping in the aft bunk, I slide the galley to midship.


Ray

[Rumdirty]

Ooohhh.. Wood trim around the windows, I like it and didn't realize later M's didn't get it. Yay! Bonus! I have the pod on a pole pedestal and am not crazy about it. Keep feeling like I could accidentally rip the thing out.

Leopard skin carpets are were not optional

[WhittierAK]

Thanks for all the responses.
I apologize for the delayed response.
This guy's still gotta work, at least to years end.
Operating a 26M is my intended retirement project, soon I hope.
Best to All.

[seahouse]

While not a structural point, the switch from a steel to aluminum trailer eliminated some maintenance issues that the steel trailer had, particularly in a salt water environment.

[Highlander]

Also the spreaders r longer on the later models & they went to a smaller mast

J

[beene]

Also the spreaders r longer on the later models & they went to a smaller mast

J

Yes

We have discovered the mast is thicker and heavier on the 2006-7 M

I have a 2007 built in 2006

Highlander and Dreamer have a 2008 M

We stood in a circle and compared Masts.....

And MINE WAS CLEARLY BIGGER

G

[WhittierAK]

Hello to all viewers. Viewed a 2004, 26M today with the fixed galley. Cabin felt very roomy due to the galley location. Is there an advantage to the sliding galley that I'm not recognizing, as a rookie. Boat was last floated for a fresh water sail in 2008. Single owner states the only saltwater activity in 2004. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Blue sky, steady winds.

[yukonbob]

Hello to all viewers. Viewed a 2004, 26M today with the fixed galley. Cabin felt very roomy due to the galley location. Is there an advantage to the sliding galley that I'm not recognizing, as a rookie. Boat was last floated for a fresh water sail in 2008. Single owner states the only saltwater activity in 2004. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Blue sky, steady winds.

I PM'd you

[Paul S]

Hello to all viewers. Viewed a 2004, 26M today with the fixed galley. Cabin felt very roomy due to the galley location. Is there an advantage to the sliding galley that I'm not recognizing, as a rookie. Boat was last floated for a fresh water sail in 2008. Single owner states the only saltwater activity in 2004. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Blue sky, steady winds.

we always prefered the lounging aspect of our 04 M (which is for sale). We didnt need a table up all the time. The galley in the 04 is just right. More than enough for us. I always felt the galley was too big on the 05+ and the table too big and took too much lounging space..

all personal opinions, of course. All 05+ owners like the 05+ design.

[kasmith21]

I have a 2004 26M, and it has been a good boat. The galley positioning works fine for us. I actually replaced the dining table with a smaller version (I saw a mod on this website which gave me the idea). The smaller table makes it much easier to move around the cabin. The only major issue that we experianced was the steering pedestal did in fact break on my boat. I had it rewelded and I scrapped the mast crutch that went through the pedestal and installed the arch at the rear of the boat to support the mast when trailering (BY yachts). I had the boat in the Abacos this spring and it worked out great.

[Paul S]

I have a 2004 26M, and it has been a good boat. The galley positioning works fine for us. I actually replaced the dining table with a smaller version (I saw a mod on this website which gave me the idea). The smaller table makes it much easier to move around the cabin. The only major issue that we experianced was the steering pedestal did in fact break on my boat. I had it rewelded and I scrapped the mast crutch that went through the pedestal and installed the arch at the rear of the boat to support the mast when trailering (BY yachts). I had the boat in the Abacos this spring and it worked out great.

was it my mod? 2004 Table mod

still have the table. still working great!

[WhittierAK]

Thanks for sharing.