26M Video - Hype vs Realty

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Fri May 05, 2006 8:00 pm

I dont think you opened any cans. The M vs X debate is a non entity.

Xer's like X's because they have one. Mer's like M's because they have one. New buyers buy M's because X's arent available and more used boat buyers buy X's because theres more out there.

As for the speed debate, X's have beat M's and M's have beat X's. On paper the M appears to be a faster boat. These boats werent designed to be racers, they were designed to be Macgregors. Not fast by any means but fast enough to be fun.

A 2006 Mustang is faster than a 1999 Stang but in real world applications it come down to what you want. Seems as though your description puts you right up Mac alley. I have sailed a bunch of boats over the years. Many waaaayyyyy faster than the Mac, studied up on this board and shopped for years and still bought a Mac.

We've been around this block a bunch and some that have huge pride in their boats, blue or white tend to get downright defensive. Dont let that dissuade you from asking the questions that you want answers to.

If I was in the market for a brand new boat today I would prob buy a Mac again. I've been well pleased with my boat after all of these years.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Fri May 05, 2006 11:57 pm

Seeker, Like Chip, I too was miffed, until reading ...

MacSeeker wrote: ... And of course I look forward to being chastised by Chip when I offer up something lame, illogical or simply not grounded in scientific fact ..

... so, I guess you're okay!

Yep, the Mac 26 is less than many boats, but it's also lots more than just a boat.
It's a vacation sitting in the driveway, a weekend away, a second home, an RV ...
or as Roger says, "Your own little island!"

Octaman · Post by **Octaman** » Sat May 06, 2006 2:48 am

"Does it deliver what it promises?"

The answer is, "YES!"

Quality?
That is relative; for what you are paying it is hard to beat.

I have not regretted the purchase, so go ahead and buy a Mac. It seems you know what you want and understand what you are getting!

Happy sailing!

Octaman

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Sat May 06, 2006 6:46 am

Xer's like X's because they have one. Mer's like M's because they have one. New buyers buy M's because X's arent available and more used boat buyers buy X's because theres more out there.

Best X/M debate summary I've ever seen. If you're looking used, certainly check out the Xs, and Ms if you can find any.

If you want new, I'm sure you'll be happy with the M, as would I.

Sloop John B · Post by **Sloop John B** » Sat May 06, 2006 6:00 pm

If I were fresh in the market I would be looking over the new M.

I have a end of the line 2002 X.

I dont understand why Roger poo pooed the X in promoting the M.

If you look back at the old X promos, he poo poos several things he did with the M.

The man should have more continuity with his customer base. By that, I mean he shouldnt crap on the thousands of X owners out here criticizing the boat.

But we were there and now gone and have paid the price. Whats new to sell?

My friends tell me about how it is out there in California, but it cant be all that bad or true.

aya16 · Post by **aya16** » Sat May 06, 2006 6:52 pm

Get the e-tech 90 for the wife (lucky guy) doesnt even have to sell her on it.

And dont worry, the M is faster sailing except when you sail against steve
or Chip.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:13 am

I don't see the hype put out by Roger to be any different than the hype put out for any other product, it's all sales pitch B.S. designed to promote sales of the product, take it with a grain of salt. There are only a few design changes that could possibly affect performance of the M over the X , the rotating mast, 20 square feet of extra mainsail, deeper V-hull to name a few, but for the most part it is the skill of the sailor that counts. As for quality, it comes down to, 'you get what you pay for'. The MacGregor was designed to be affordable to the masses and as such many compromises were made. The boat comes begging for upgrades, everything from the barely adequate trailer to the rigging and sails. I started with the basic ready to sail package and in the three years I have had mine I have spent an additional 10K on additional options and upgrades that were needed for overnight cruising. But even for small things like snap shackles, quick release pins, etc., I have spent a fair amount with no end in sight, I can easily see another 10K required to suit my needs (actually wants). I bought the Mac because it is versatile, simple and most of all affordable, but there is one thing about the boat that really sticks in my craw, 'it is too damn skinny' that and the fact I am having to replace or modify just about every piece of rigging that it came with. It is my first boat and a big learning experience I do like it, don't get me wrong, it is just that my eyes are now wide open after sailing a few seasons. If and when I ever find the means to upgrade I would prefer a much heavier and beamier boat, the Mac is very corky in rough water and lacks the roominess and stability that is found in larger boats. Of course the larger ones cost more and that is why I own a Mac, it is a great boat for the money, but it is not that much money compared to other boats so it is also not that much boat either. It is within my financial means and gets me out sailing and that's what counts but I have to confess, I sure wish I could have a bigger boat.

Divecoz · Post by **Divecoz** » Mon May 08, 2006 11:39 am

sticks in my craw, 'it is too damn skinny'
But that is the only way you can trailer one .. . . everywhere . . . anytime. . . . day or night and why Most of us bought them

Sure 10 foot more length and 4 foot or more beam would be great but sit at a dock it would for sure and cost 2 to 10 times as much no doubt...

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Mon May 08, 2006 11:47 am

Divecoz wrote:sticks in my craw, 'it is too damn skinny'
But that is the only way you can trailer one .. . . everywhere . . . anytime. . . . day or night and why Most of us bought them Sure 10 foot more length and 4 foot or more beam would be great but sit at a dock it would for sure and cost 2 to 10 times as much no doubt...

sure..and a far wider boat trailer would cost more..wouldnt be able to pull it with the same light duty vehicles..and need permits and crap..

give me 12" of water an I am happy

Paul

Sailfish · Post by **Sailfish** » Mon May 08, 2006 12:20 pm

I've had my boat for 8 months. This is the first sail boat I've had, I feel there is some hype in the DVD but to me this boat delivers. The boat is so easy to load on the trailer ( if you can walk it on never tried to motor it on ) The boat sails as easy as advertised, my only problem is my lack of experience. So to me this is a basic boat that does what they say it does. If I had more sailing experience I might find fault with the claims but I love this boat. So If you want to learn to sail and like doing your own mods this is a good choice. I like the ability to power to Catalina Island and sail around for a weekend. good sailing Phil (sailfish)

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon May 08, 2006 12:42 pm

I cant stand it anymore, Im lightin' my powder....

Xer's like X's because they have one. Mer's like M's because they have one. New buyers buy M's because X's arent available and more used boat buyers buy X's because theres more out there.

completely left out my group

SOme

and some

like both

and 26 D 26 S ....(I leave anyone out?) because

...the worst day on the water beats the best day at work..

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Mon May 08, 2006 5:42 pm

Don't forget the Mac 25 and the Ventures!

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:51 pm

Divecoz & Paul wrote:

Divecoz wrote:
sticks in my craw, 'it is too damn skinny'
But that is the only way you can trailer one .. . . everywhere . . . anytime. . . . day or night and why Most of us bought them Sure 10 foot more length and 4 foot or more beam would be great but sit at a dock it would for sure and cost 2 to 10 times as much no doubt...

sure..and a far wider boat trailer would cost more..wouldnt be able to pull it with the same light duty vehicles..and need permits and crap..

Well, when I win the big one I won't need the trailer, besides I live in a port city and I can ride a bicycle to the docks as they are that close,(too far to walk though) When I was at the boat show I drooled over those big boats till slober ran down my chin. Yes the cost is more but even now I slip for 6 months so it is really just double that and a bit more for the extra length, oh yea and the cost & maintenance of a larger boat. But hey, Rich Boren is doing it and did he win the big one. I don't have a lot to spend money on and retirement is not that far off, all I need is the Gods to smile on me and bring me some good luck in the same proportions that I get with bad luck and I'll have it. Never say never

I say it is too skinny because every time the Admiral needs to get by I have to sit down or move, most of the time I get exiled to the cockpit, there just doesn't seem to be enough room when overnighting, always shifting stuff around, it is a tad claustraphobic.

LOUIS B HOLUB · Post by **LOUIS B HOLUB** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:55 pm

As a former Mac 26S, and now a Mac 26X owner, I can say both are fine boats. There are Mac M owners in my Marina, and they're as happy with theirs as I am as an "X" owner.
I think one small (but great) improvement with the Mac M is the mast raising system...I like the winch system very much. Another improvement are the Mac M classy lines...Its a good looking boat with good interior comfort...and the blue is awesome.
I just wonder what's the next factory improvement agenda in years to come, (a shower?) Why not ? Or at least a shower option kit that would function...

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Fri May 12, 2006 5:33 am

FWIW - for those trying to get a handle on the speed comparison, in the PHRF thread a racing person who seems knowledable estimates the

PHRF in the mid 300s, and the

about 20 lower...

so....one might expect the

to be 7% faster based on those numbers....I suspect hull shape, transom shape, and more cloth are the difference more so than rotating masts...but since I know more about calculating how the strong force couples to the blue hull than hull design Im going to focus my efforts on that calculation, and unifying into string theory.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

26M Video - Hype vs Realty

Re: Awesome Posts!

Hype?

sticks in my craw, 'it is too %^&* skinny'

Re: sticks in my craw, 'it is too %^&* skinny'

Good as they say

bigger boat