26X vs 26M: which one is the best in your experience?

[marsanden]

If someone has had the opportunity to test both mac gregor boats ( 26 X and 26M ) i was wondering to know which one is the best ( sailing , boating, living inside them) and why.
Thanks in advance

[kziadie]

Oh boy... this thread is going to evoke some emotion. I think everyone is going to espouse the model they own. I think you have to break it down further due to the 2 cabin layouts of the M... the 03-04 layout and the current one. I have the new style M and love it. Admittedly I have never sailed an X, but the M has one option the X never did... the blindingly fast, ultra low friction blue coating (which was developed by NASA for use on the space shuttle)

Kelly

[beene]

this thread is going to evoke some emotion

I doubt it. This forum has "been there" and "done that".

Just be happy with what you have.

marsanden, you should be able to find many threads on this topic in the archives. IIRC it eventually lead to the board being shut down for a while and many posts were deleted. If you look over on the Mac backup site, you will find more info on that.

Something about "sleeping dogs" and letting them sleep comes to mind.

Both the M and X have their pluses. As for sailing performance, the classics would beat either IMHO. But like I said, just be happy with what you have.

G

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

this is a definite search item as the topic has been "over-discussed" in the past 5 years.
you'll find that the X'ers will say the X is best, and the M'ers will say that the M is best.
also, lots of talk about "Blue M goes faster".

[marsanden]

... you'll find that the X'ers will say the X is best, and the M'ers will say that the M is best ...

thats why i asked about someone who has had the opportunity to test both.

[mallardjusted]

Yes, "best" is defined by what your individual/family wants and needs are.

For us, it was an easier decision that I thought it would be. We looked at, and were ready to buy a new M, mostly because we like "new", and thought the boats would be similar. But, we both have some medical issues with our knees, and found out quickly that an X suited us better. In fact, if it wasn't for the X, we wouldn't have bought at all: boarding from the dock to the boat is easier (not as high), and going from the cockpit to below is MUCH easier (not as tall a step to go up from the cockpit floor over the lip, and down an additional step. There were a lot of other things we just "liked" about the X (adding a kicker mount, location of head, sleeping layout, slightly larger cockpit, etc), but the access issues drove our decision. So, if access issues aren't as critical to the decision, one still needs to look at all the other things. The best way is for you to try both - looking at them and their layouts, and then trying them as you think you would use them.

[kmclemore]

If someone has had the opportunity to test both mac gregor boats ( 26 X and 26M ) i was wondering to know which one is the best ( sailing , boating, living inside them) and why.
Thanks in advance

Simple answer.

The best one is the one your wife likes best.

[ALX357]

'Wonder how many would buy a NEW if Roger were to put it back into production.
Yeah, two boats, similar, at the same time. But the question is would the majority of buyers, new and repeat, prefer a new over the

[Catigale]

Its less a function of the boat and more of your intended use I think. Since you can only get an used now, it kind of gets moot to compare a new boat with one that probably has a lot of extras added.

The clearly has some upgraded sailing features as well as (I believe) better transom release so I think it will sail better. That being said a good skipper in an would kick my a** in an most any day, except under Edgartown Rules.

Of course a good used would be 1/2 as much....

[bastonjock]

when i picked up My 26x,the guy had arranged for us to use the launch ramp at Macgregors UK down in Falmouth.

Whilst i waited for my boat to arrive i had the chance to speak with the manager of the facility,I listed a few reasons why i preferred the X,mainly the internal layout and the centerboard as i would be sailing in an area that has a lot of shifting sand banks etc

the guy revealed that quite a few people who had moved up to the M,were now moving back to the X

The one item on the M that i would like to have on my x is the rotating mast

[Frank C]

Seems to me there are several, quite objective and irrefutable answers.
At the same time, there is NO single Answer.

• "Best" for sailing efficiency -- 26M with rotating mast.
• "Best" for fast motoring -- 26X with flatter stern.
• "Best" for shoal-sailing -- 26X with swing CB.
• "Best" for sailing in 'heavy air' -- 26X with swing CB balancing.
• "Best" cabin layout -- unanswerable . . . purely in the eye of the beholder.

"Best" for me ... 26X, even further improved with a rotating mast.

[RandyMoon]

I think they are both great boats. I like the X interior layout better because of the head arrangement. I like to colors on the M interior better. The M has a nice sliding galley that can be slid out of the way for more sitting room. I like the X arrangement for the mainsheet, off the pedistal. But the M has the traveler.

Buy what you can afford and be happy. You will not be disapointed with either model.

[acdave]

My wife & I have been sailing our other 26' keelboat around New England coast for over ten years. We cruise on our boat for 2-3 weeks at a time.... so when we decided to also get a lighter waterballast sailboat for trailering, the 26x was our choice.

We did look at the new M...but went for the X for the following reasons (IMO):

1. The Head on the X is much better location for extended cruising & anchoring out...can retrofit a hand held shower in it. This was the most important difference.... for us a standing hgt head with fiberglass enclosure was a must for cruising.
2. Overall layout much better for extended cruising....open cabin lends itself to improvements & everything has its fixed place ...no moving galleys etc. so building in more items is possible.
3. Cockpit...where we spend a lot of time.... is bigger.
4. Centerboard for grounding...and we do ground out every once in awhile.
5. Backstay rigged.... I feel is much stronger rig and can easily adjust mast from cockpit with adjustable backstay
6. Boat sits lower than M & more room at transom pass thru to dock....easier access for an aging Baby Boomer!
7. Test sailed both the M & X and did not think the difference was all that much to offset the cruising issues listed above.

If all the above was in the M... I guess I would have bought one....

We have had the 26x since May...and it has proved to be a good choice for us.

[John McDonough]

I have owned a 1997 26X and presently own a 2000 26X. I spent 2 days with Albion on his 2007 26m. As far as sailboats go they are both slow, but I really could not say which boat I think is better sailing. Surely someone out there has raced the vs I prefer the 26x transom with a bit more room, I liked the 26m travelor system in front of the cabin door but it makes it much harder to enter the cabin with the extra steps. Rotating mast didnt impress me, more trouble than its worth on a cruising sailboat. Interior set-up. I liked them both, I could live with either. Entrance Ladder, my 26x Ladder swings up and made access to the rear easier but its no big deal. Centerboard vs Daggerboard. We did run aground and had to pull up the daggerboard, whereas the centerboard would of lifted itself. No big deal in protected waters but iif it got rough the daggerboard could cause problems if grounded. Motoring and handling using the motor was similar. Both macgregors are a pain in the butt pulling up and lowering the two rudders. I did notice that the 26X had longer rudders.

Thats just my 2-cents. They are similar. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend. I personally liked my 1988 mac 26D which was a very good fast sailboat, No standing headroom below deck, only capable of a 10 hp motor and 7 mph top motoring speed. I really liked sailing on a 28` trimaran but thats almost $100,000 and half the interior space of a 26x.

[Paul S]

It can not be answered. it is how you sail and live.

Spent a lot of time on the X and (early) M before we bought the 04 M (early interior). We (at least I) found it the best choice. X owners prefer the aft location of the head on the X. I prefer the forward, but smaller, location of the head. on the M. X (and late M) owners love their table! We never use it other than for eating, which I just bring it out and use it, then store it away. Again, personal need and opionion.

Since joining the North East Trailer Sailors (http://www.ne-ts.com), spent even more time on all the models(x, early and late M). That also solidified my opinion of the early M.

Just about anything you want to change on either boat you can. They are easily modified. Also, I find that some of the differences people point out as negative of the M are actually (to me) positive. Like the cockpit being a bit narrower...this makes it easy to brace yourself when heeled. Also gives far easier and useful access to the aft berth. The daggerboard is simple, durable. No hinge/pivot to fail. Offers a flat interior floor compared to the centerboard. Contrary to popular belief, centerboards can break off if hit in any direction other than straight on, even then could shear off as well. It MAY kick up, but it may not too. The DB boat will just stop. You can feather the daggerboard and keep the same shape regardless of how far you let it down. No maintenance on a DB other than replacing the line and safety line. If a DB breaks, it is easy (well easier) to replace than a CB. There are 2 sides to every feature or flaw, depending on your POV.

There are a TON of threads X vs M here to get an idea of the differences. But even with people with experience on all the models will have different opinions.

Find some for sale and take a few rides to get a feel for them. What other people like and need, really, IMO, don't have a lot of bearing on a purchase. Listen, understand, and respect peoples opinions and suggestions. Use it as a guide to learn, not as a decision making tool.