Upgrade
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:45 am
I voted because if there was a viable competitor at the time of my purchase I could easily have been swayed. I multiplied $35K CDN X 1.17 to get $40K US which is what I started out with, I have since spent well over $5K in additional accessories. After a few seasons sailing, experience has given me the hindsight to say that if I could go back in time with my hindsight I would choose a viable competitor.
I noticed at the Vancouver Boat Show a couple weeks ago that the most appealing aspect of the larger boats that got my attention was the beam, it translated into a more roomier boat, I like that, the Mac is just too skinny. I see the 28 is only 6 wider but it is still road legal and an incremental 6 over the additional 2 would likely help prevent the Admiral and I from getting under each others feet. As long as I can tow it with a class III tow vehicle and class III hitch (up to 5000 lbs) I would give it serious consideration, in fact I may even be willing to sell my M and if I can do it with out much further expense, buy a 28.
As far as power goes I usually cruise at 3-4000 rpm, about 10 knots, rarely WOT. I also have to ask really, just how fast does the Mac go under power when loaded with a weeks worth of gear, ballast and the whole family. How fast can you travel in rough seas? We have discovered that we lean towards being sailors more than power boaters and really have no need to be planning even though some say the Mac does not plane. If the competition leaned toward sailing performance/creature comforts over power performance I would consider it, but it would be nice if under power it could achieve the 10 knots I like to cruise at, maybe a bigger engine would help.
I see mention of having power to outrun a storm, makes me wonder how often this situation presents itself and how negligent sailors must be for this to happen on any kind of regular basis. Kind of reminds me of having four wheel drive, nice to have when you need it but how often does that happen. Yes, I have a four wheel Trailblazer, had a four wheel Blazer for ten years before that and I can count on one hand how many times I had to use it. I live in the great white north but rarely see the white stuff. Convertible cars also come to mind, you have to be brain dead to have one here, it rains all the time.
I can understand the need for speed where children and power boaters at heart are concerned but I am a sailor at heart and I have no intention of going out in risky weather if I can help it. Yes, I realize that during extended cruising anything can happen, and I will prepare and act accordingly. I will also admit that when we first got our Mac I was guilty of practicing the WOT stuff just for the thrill, but the novelty has since worn off and it no longer appeals to me as much. (Still do it though)
I noticed mention of family use, we have no children so it is not a consideration. I also have to wonder about the target market, age bracket, size, financial status etc. There are many baby boomers entering the empty nest stage of their lives and looking at a lifestyle change, they are also inheriting their parents wealth, something to consider. These pocket cruisers are very appealing to childless couples and empty nesters, not everyone has children. The Mac is a very fine boat and considering the target market and how many owners/potential owners there are I believe there is room for competition as long as it is worthy competition, the kind that can steal MacGregor customers.
AWKIII:
It would be prudent on your part to do further research on potential target markets and then perhaps tweak your design to appeal to them. Think about how many Mac owners there are and their satisfaction with their purchase. You need the right product in the right place, at the right time, in the right quantity and at the right price and then you will be successful. I will be watching for your final product to see if it meets my needs. Good Luck!
On Edit
35 X 1.17 = 40.95 move the decimal over three places to account for three zeros and you get $40,950. At todays exchange rate we can buy American currency for 1.17 cdn for 1.00 US Did I get it right? Someone has questioned my math, now I am not sure.
Second edit
OK now I see it, 35K US would cost me 41K CDN as Homer would say DOOHHH I voted $40KUS wich would be about 47K CDN which is about how far into it I am in CDN $ including tax.
I noticed at the Vancouver Boat Show a couple weeks ago that the most appealing aspect of the larger boats that got my attention was the beam, it translated into a more roomier boat, I like that, the Mac is just too skinny. I see the 28 is only 6 wider but it is still road legal and an incremental 6 over the additional 2 would likely help prevent the Admiral and I from getting under each others feet. As long as I can tow it with a class III tow vehicle and class III hitch (up to 5000 lbs) I would give it serious consideration, in fact I may even be willing to sell my M and if I can do it with out much further expense, buy a 28.
As far as power goes I usually cruise at 3-4000 rpm, about 10 knots, rarely WOT. I also have to ask really, just how fast does the Mac go under power when loaded with a weeks worth of gear, ballast and the whole family. How fast can you travel in rough seas? We have discovered that we lean towards being sailors more than power boaters and really have no need to be planning even though some say the Mac does not plane. If the competition leaned toward sailing performance/creature comforts over power performance I would consider it, but it would be nice if under power it could achieve the 10 knots I like to cruise at, maybe a bigger engine would help.
I see mention of having power to outrun a storm, makes me wonder how often this situation presents itself and how negligent sailors must be for this to happen on any kind of regular basis. Kind of reminds me of having four wheel drive, nice to have when you need it but how often does that happen. Yes, I have a four wheel Trailblazer, had a four wheel Blazer for ten years before that and I can count on one hand how many times I had to use it. I live in the great white north but rarely see the white stuff. Convertible cars also come to mind, you have to be brain dead to have one here, it rains all the time.
I can understand the need for speed where children and power boaters at heart are concerned but I am a sailor at heart and I have no intention of going out in risky weather if I can help it. Yes, I realize that during extended cruising anything can happen, and I will prepare and act accordingly. I will also admit that when we first got our Mac I was guilty of practicing the WOT stuff just for the thrill, but the novelty has since worn off and it no longer appeals to me as much. (Still do it though)
I noticed mention of family use, we have no children so it is not a consideration. I also have to wonder about the target market, age bracket, size, financial status etc. There are many baby boomers entering the empty nest stage of their lives and looking at a lifestyle change, they are also inheriting their parents wealth, something to consider. These pocket cruisers are very appealing to childless couples and empty nesters, not everyone has children. The Mac is a very fine boat and considering the target market and how many owners/potential owners there are I believe there is room for competition as long as it is worthy competition, the kind that can steal MacGregor customers.
AWKIII:
It would be prudent on your part to do further research on potential target markets and then perhaps tweak your design to appeal to them. Think about how many Mac owners there are and their satisfaction with their purchase. You need the right product in the right place, at the right time, in the right quantity and at the right price and then you will be successful. I will be watching for your final product to see if it meets my needs. Good Luck!
On Edit
35 X 1.17 = 40.95 move the decimal over three places to account for three zeros and you get $40,950. At todays exchange rate we can buy American currency for 1.17 cdn for 1.00 US Did I get it right? Someone has questioned my math, now I am not sure.
Second edit
OK now I see it, 35K US would cost me 41K CDN as Homer would say DOOHHH I voted $40KUS wich would be about 47K CDN which is about how far into it I am in CDN $ including tax.
) are first time owners. They like to be able to improve on their boats gradually. Many manufacturers seem to want to dazzle you with electronics, carbon sails, and others stuff i'd rather add over time.
I'd still add a layer of carbon /kevlar to the mix.