What changed over the years on the 26X?

[loanshark]

I'd like to know what's changed and the years that you think are best and why.

Also I've not been on a mac since my dad's old 70 something venture. On the venture the deck seemed weak and almost spongy to me. I'm a heavyweight, and I'd like to know if the macs are more solid now.

Thanks for any help.

[kmclemore]

Welcome, Loanshark.

I think you'll find everything you need to know on these previous postings:

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=358

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4202

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1535

Discussions about what's 'best' are pretty subjective and can sometimes lead to disagreements... I'll just say I have a 98X and I like mine... the only thing I think I'd want from the later models is a re-located ballast vent (moved to under the front V-berth from the companionway floor).

[Frank C]

Good job, Kevin!

How'd you find those threads (search words)?

[Randy Smith]

impressive Kevin,

I thought, "how are we going to cover all that again?"......

Valid question for a new Mac'er to ask and good that you were able to locate those threads.

Loanshark, this is the best Mac site and there is vast knowledge here....welcome.


Randy

[aya16]

The X bloomed into an M.

[kmclemore]

Good job, Kevin!

How'd you find those threads (search words)?

I searched on "list changes 26x"... (select all searchwords)

[Randy Smith]

Aya,

you meant that the X "inspired" the M? While they are the same concept, they are a different boat.....both wonderful in their niche as a motorsailor.......
Randy

[argonaut]

I'm a heavyweight, and I'd like to know if the macs are more solid now.

Much more solid at least deckwise. My old V17 was springy on the foredeck, probably plain old glass. Even the 26C I walked felt solid, and I was about 190 lbs. then.
The X from 95-97 has an cabin liner with I believe plywood in the middle of the sandwich but I believe later X models and Ms eliminated the wood coring in favor of a plastic core that can't rot like plywood and gave a better bond.
That said my '97 foredeck is plenty stiff even with two on it.

Now the hull isn't as thick as say an Oday 25 or Catalina, though it has been strengthened in the 26X to M models due to the increased hull forces from motoring at higher speeds. But peruse the threads, it's as strong as it needs to be for the boat's intended purpose. If it oilcans it'll pop right back. The older Odays and the like were overbuilt since noone really knew how strong an FRP hull needed to be. Thicker hulls just add weight.

[loanshark]

Thanks allot Kevin. I searched but couldn't find that info.

If we ever meet I'll buy you a hot fudge sundae.

[Randy Smith]

loanshark....buddy, I am 250lbs and scoot around the boat with no problems.......just hard breathing and some sweat!!!