MacGregorSailors.com

Moe wrote:
I'm sure some M owners won't agree, but IMHO, the cockpit is too tight, and the V-berth too short, to call it a two-couple, or two adult-three kid, In the latter case, some are probably going to have to be below anyway, especially in the M.
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Moe
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You're right Moe. They don't agree. Nice graphic though!, and as to the short V-berth, yes I'm modifying mine to extend a couple feet aft on the port side.

Not sure I agree about the lack of room in the M moe but Would like to know what program you use to make all your great drawings.

We used to lease sailboats long before we bought the Mac and I got to tell you it doesnt matter how big the boat is 2 couples unless very friendly for more then a day sail can get very tight. We were getting ready for a trip once to Catilina for a week on one of the lease boats a newport 33, very roomy and my neighbor saw us packing. He asked if he and his wife could go for three of the days with us and as we get along great at home I said sure. Big mistake 3 days of hull. the boat could have been 50 feet and it would have been bad.

The mac is great for a couple and a couple kids, The cockpit on the M is large enough for 4 adults but all sitting on the same side would be very freindly, also the two adults close to the Jib lines would have to work the lines for tacking. or your crawling all over people. But part of the fun of sailing would be everyone being able to help out. I use to try and do it all myself and treat everyone as a passenger, but have found that people like to crew as its much more fun for them and a lot easier for me. And we added the rail seats. Now the best way to sail with the 4 adults the driver sits on the captains seat the 3 adults move side to side for trim. There is plenty of room this way. and very comfortable for the crew. The rail seats are an added bonus. The dog sits on the low side of the boat so she doesnt slide all over, plus she gets 6 feet of seat all to herself.
I had to over come the (everything has to be perfect) way of sailing with a new crew and laugh if a tack doesnt work just right, or some one drives us into irons, The crew is more relaxed and lots of fun is had by all even me when a another sail boat passes us, uhhh I hate that.
Bottom line: Even though your X is slower then my M its a lot of fun and thats what its all about.
I dont know how much sailing you have done in the past but when you take your boat out launch it set it up take a second to look at her sitting there. Climb aboard. head her out and run the sails up. Look again and feel her move under you. A sail boat dances with the ocean she doesnt fight it, even a Mac, feel her follow the seas movement and matches every step. And when the sea steps on her toes once in awhile see how she responds and glid her into the new beat. Take a breath feel her, then look at the crew and say it doesnt get any better then this. The Mac is a wonderful boat. She is different then a heavy keel boat but she is light on her feet and responds to a gentle touch, Not better or worse just different.
Moe I promise you, as you take her out the first time all the world will wash away, just put up the right amount of sail for the conditions and she will do the rest.
Mike

Cruising with others for more than a few days is certainly more about the people than the boat - been there, done that....

Catigale

Yea I see what your saying, My boat has the 04 layout and I took the cushion out across from the head installed a 1.5 cf fridge, this does come out easy and is replaced with a large cooler so the aft berth is not used for anything but sleeping. I am going to make the ladder removeable to get in and out easier but as far as 2 couples the v berth wouldnt cut it for the other couple so the seats facing each other make into beds. as far as the table it takes up to much room to leave up so we bought two small folding tv type tables that work good and can be walked around. I have had 4 people and a dog in the cockpit and doesnt seem to be crowded at all as long as someone other then the driver works the sheets. I dont ever plan to camp out with 2 couples on my boat, me and karen and the pup are about it. So the space works for us. A couple kids would be ok as the v berth and side seating would work for them. I do like the layout of the X but the M does work for us. Besides the x is tooo slow. Just kidding be nice.