Checking out a 2004 26M this weekend, any suggestions?

[Frank C]

. . . We currently have 4 sailboats and 28,27,26 and 12 feet between my 2 sons and I and a bad day on anyone of them is still better than a good day in Idaho.

[Matt 777]

Whew! - I agree - whatever you do, don't bother visiting Idaho...The sailing is terrible...


http://www.bayview-idaho.com/photogalle ... m=10&pos=1[/url]

[cpost]

1) The price is WAY too much.
2) Save your $$ and buy a traditional style sail-boat - trust me - you will not like the Mac. I owned a 2005 26M and had nothing but problems with it. The boat is tender and very slow. The construction quality is below poor.

Construction seems pretty solid to me .. I will agree it is not as fancy as others with all that teak but this just means a lot less maintenance for me. Previous owner came way down on price so I feel I got a good deal considering he added and upgraded a lot on the boat. Bottom line is I'm having a lot of fun and really .. isn't that what it's all about?

[beene]

Bottom line is I'm having a lot of fun and really .. isn't that what it's all about?

BINGO

Give the man a prize.

Some will love the Mac, and some will always hate it.

Just get out there and have fun. I KNOW I am.

G

[waternwaves]

Matt


Don't tell anyone that northern idaho is not really part of idaho.......

If more people knew abou the lakes.........

it would be overrun.

Lets see.... a small list of the other wonderful lakes. to visit...Couer D'Alene, Priest, Dworshack...........then back to uncivilization west of the cascades............ with of course a stop on lake roosevelt........ ..

[tangentair]

You guys don't really want to start a "whose got a real lake?"

If you want to consider Superior and Michigan as fresh water seas with their waves and currents, then the real lake title belongs to those northern neighbors sailing on Great Slave. The rest are just big bath tubs floating rubber duckies.

[Matt 777]

CPOST -

If you are on the water enjoying your boat - whatever kind it is - then everything else is just talk. Enjoy the MAC - I enjoyed mine - but I probably had unrealistic expecations after learning to sail on a J24.

As far as who has the "best" lake ; I'll defer that question to someone else. I'm sure everyone has their personal favorite. I just happen to like cyrstal clear waters, consistent wind, and steep pine tree filled mountains surrounding the lake.

Waternwaves - you are correct - North Idaho is not really "Idaho"

[Frank C]

. . . I'm sure everyone has their personal favorite. I just happen to like cyrstal clear waters, consistent wind, and steep pine tree filled mountains surrounding the lake.

Sounds like Lake Tahoe, to me!

[waternwaves]

Or the north end of Roosevelt

or the North end of Chelan

or Shuswap

or...... (fill in the blank)



Matt,
If you ever get a liking for Fir trees....... just come out a little farther west... (tho the water does not taste as good....lol)

[Matt 777]

I would love to cruise the san juans for a couple of weeks.

[tangentair]

I would love to cruise the san juans

I know a boat you can get on...

At least I think that is how the song went.....

[baldbaby2000]

If you are set on a trailerable boat - buy a late model Catalina 22' - You will be much, much happier with it..

I've sailed a bit and helped rig Catalina 22s. Your comparing apples and oranges. It sails well, about the same effort to rig, but doesn't have anywhere near the room inside. Not saying you should buy one over the other but if you want the Mac 26 for the interior room, the Catalina 22 doesn't even compare. I've also had friends who owned Catalina 25s. A great boat but still isn't as roomy as a 26M and an SOB to rig. Also can't easily be beached.

Daniel