New 26 m

[Bawgy]

I plan on buying this week and want to know what the must have items are . I will probably buy from Bill here on this site and I like his B4S options. I will probably get most everything on his list for factory options . Any advice on extras that the boat needs before I sign the line ????.

I have not made up my mind on the engine yet . I was concerend about the warranty being voided if I put more than a 50 HP on it . I like the Bigfooot 4 stroke .

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Definately a depth finder...that centerboard is expensive when you run aground. But anyway, include a fish finder with the depth finder--it's fun.

After you finalize that deal, here's wishing you and yours years of family fun, good memories, and safe sailing.

[ssichler]

Maybe we need a new section called FDQ - Frequently Debated Questions. We can add the "Will installing a larger than 50HP void my warranty?" to the top of the list.

[beene]

Speaking from experience:

- definately get Bill's b4s option pkg
- Bill has great advice as to what you need and don't need from factory options
- I bought all 4 sails, but then again, I am a sailor.
- Buy the furller, only if you plan to leave the M in the water for long periods, not much point if you are in and out every time.
- get a porta potty 5+ gal
- I would get at least a big foot, but a motor is either important or not at all, depends on you. Personaly, I wanted a bigger motor to ensure getting up on a plane would never be a problem, motor at higher speeds with less rpm, etc etc...

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the world of possibilities, where the memories created as a result of owning a Mac will last a lifetime.

Fair winds

G

[mallardjusted]

Some dealers are allowed to put up to a 70 on them ..... not sure if Bill can??

[beene]

Last time I checked, Bill doesn't get invovled in that.

BWY is the only one I am aware of that does the 70 thing.

FYI

THIS

is a great site for information about sailing etc.

[Scott]

I personally have a 40 horse engine and havent yet found the need to upgrade. More power to the folks with mondo engines but 40 gets me there pretty fast. (when I start smuggling drugs Ill prob get twin 250's.)

If you do the lines lead aft go light. I wouldnt do the lazy jacks or cradles and I 'spect Bill will caution you against same.

If you are an experienced sailor get an asym spinnaker, if not wait a couple seasons.

Most of the other mods/ options are a matter of taste. If you are going to be a weekender, you will need suprisingly little more than the B4S options, if you plan on Boat camping the list is endless and will be dictated by your desire for creature comforts.

Some on the board are minimalists and just add sailing stuff, some are gadget junkies like myself and add everything they can strap bolt or glue to their boat.

Have fun. A mac just begs to have stuff added to it!!

[Frank C]

Invice and register your boat at the bare-bones price of the hull.

Then, have Bill invoice you for options as an after-sale upgrade.

[delevi]

Invice and register your boat at the bare-bones price of the hull.

Then, have Bill invoice you for options as an after-sale upgrade.

What a great idea Frank. I wish I thought of that when I bought my boat. Then again, Arena Yachts probably wouldn't do that.

On motors, Go for the E-Tec, especially if you go for the bigger HP one. The 75 or 90 is about the size and weight of many 50 hp outboards. The 40/50/60 is 220 lbs and really compact. Great engine too. Of course, I'm bias but the ratings speak for themselves. If you get your engine nstalled from the outboard dealer, or do it yourself, you would be limited to 50hp to keep the warranty intact. If the dealer is approved for 70hp, you're still covered, but only in that scenario. Check with Bill about his engine options.

Leon

[ssichler]

Has anyone actually validated there is such a thing as a dealer being approved to install the larger engines besides the claim on BWY site?

Look at the warranty. The first exclusion specifically states that all items Macgregor determines are the responsibility of the dealer including preparing a new vessel are excluded. The second exclusion is all items installed by the dealer. It does not state that installing a larger than 50 hp will void the warranty but it's clear that any issues around the engine and installation are between you and the dealer.

[Matt19020]

I purchased from Bill in November and have no regrets or complaints so I think once you make the purchase from him you will be very happy.
I am still installing my extras at this point and I am finding that building "My Perfect Boat" is taking more time then I have. I am a gadget guy like Scott suggested earlier.

Phase 1 - My "Must Have" items were:
Permanent Head
28" Edson Wheel
70 HP Motor
Stereo & Bose cockpit speakers (more difficult then you think!)
AC Power with Circuit Breakers
GPS (Lowrance 3600)
Compass
Raymarine ST40 Bidata Depthfinder
Dual batteries and switching
Stern Seats from BWY
Bimini from BWY
Sail Covers from BWY
Fortress Anchor
On board Charger
Inclinometer
Trailer Brakes
Boarding Ladder

Phase 2 - This is how the list expanded:
Added ACR to batteries
Replaced DC panel with Circuit Breakers
Hour Meter
Companionway Hatch Handle
Cherry wood enclosures for the electrical panels
Pedestal Guard from BWY
Dual Fuel Tanks
Fuel Monitoring System
Spare tire holder on trailer

Phase 3- (when my budget recovers)
Bottom Paint & barrier coat
BBQ or stove
Replace interior lighting with LED or Flourecent
110V inverter
Hatch holder
Air Conditioner
Solar Vent
Fuel water separator/Filter
Pressurized water
microwave
In cabin hot water shower
Remake cabin table with a chart imbedded
Cockpit Table
Dinghy & Motor

[Bawgy]

I saw no mention of engines on his site

[James V]

Hard question. Some people have removed the 2nd tank to put in a propane tank for the grill.

What are you going to do with the boat. Just weekend?
A week or more on the Lakes?
Full time?
Just play with the kids during the day?

What are your anchor needs? That is, sleeping on the boat? during bad weather? bottom type?
Want to put the anchor on the bow roller?
Chain? at least 25 feet to hold the anchor down.

Some people just pack up their camping gear and take off, without a compass or VHF or GPS.

How much more do you need? Depends on your comfort level. It also depends on when you want to buy it.

I suggest that anything that you put in the cockpit be able to be taken off easily and stored at your house and all end connectors on the boat be properly protected.

[Gazmn]

All the best to you and yours with your new endeavor.

I second Delevi's motion of the E-tecs. I add, get at least a 70 HP if warranty voiding is an issue. Years go by fast and I can't' see MacG not standing behind their product. What's it a 3 yr warranty?

I repowered with the 90 as it started the Saltwater series and I wanted that extra protection.

Think about how long you plan on using and keeping your boat. [I tend to think forever for me. Otherwise it'll add to it's resale value] And you may want to "upgrade" yr OB within 5 or so years. You can still fanagle 7 year warrantees out of some Evinrude dealers. Maintenance is MUCH easiesr and if you have to put up for your winters. Winterization is a 7 min excercise that can be done at any time by you. No need to change out many 4 stroke items.

My .02, and I don't mean any disparragement to you or any other's motor choices.

Cheers,

-Gaz

[jda]

Just get at least one of everything. That way you're prepared for anything.

jda