MacGregorSailors.com

Not sure this is the place to ask this question or look for an answer, but any help is appreciated!

I am new to sailing (brand new) and have been looking for 3 - 4 months for a boat. I am looking for a boat in the 25-27' range and i have steered my search to a MacGregor 26X (mostly because of the kids and the ability to use the boat locally as well as a coastal boat, without the added expense of slip fees at a marina) I have located one locally (1997 26X), the problem is the boat was last registered 04-10 and has been sitting since then. The owner told me to make him an offer and without coming in too low or too high, I would like someone who is familiar with these type of boats to give their opinion. It has a 1997 50HP 4-stoke Yamaha on it (sun has pretty much took all of the color out of the cowling) that i know will need a carb job as well as regular maintenance (quoted $1300, from a local dealership), all the running rigging on the boat is in poor shape (sun), the boat is covered in green slime and black marks and needs a lot of TLC both inside and outside!! the sails are with the boat and look to be in decent shape with no tears visible, the trailer has been sitting and I'm sure will need some maintenance itself. I've seen this year boat online for sale for around $10-13K depending on the shape, but thinking I'm going to have to put another $2-3K into this boat along with some elbow grease to get it "water ready" what would be a fair price to offer?

Like I said, any comments would be appreciated.

I was in your spot about four months ago and I've learned alot. I love the my 26x but we've had some real teething issues. A lot of them due to benign neglect and sun exposure. Your neglect is harsher. Mine had a clean interior (still had problems) but has been a continuing list of fixes already mostly because the PO's used it up. From your described condition I think the low ask is still fairly high.

The Admiral has politely asked when I am going to do some of the comfort things. I told her systems and safety first. She understands. All of the labor has been mine and a good friend's: Tires, $360, Waterproof trailer light rewire and total replace $120, two high end gell batteries and high end charger $650, carb rebuild/filters and plugs fluids $250, running rigging, $400, used genoa $350, need new forestay $100?, electrical panel for switches and light $100, Overhaul of steering system (MOD article to come) $250. New cleats....There is sooooo much to do. And I've only touched the surface.

On the plus side I have been out 6 times and it is a blast, some genuine mellow moments. Each trip has an entirely different complexion. With my recent steering fixes it powers nicely and is a serviceable motorboat as well as a sailboat. I think the Mac is right at the best compromise sweet spot for boating. It is blazing hot in Arizona and stepping the mast in the heat is a form of torture...so I pulled all of the sail rig off and we are exploring the canyon lined nearby lakes and having a grand time. In a month or two...sailing!

Go get you one! Just don't pay what they are asking!

P.S. This site is "the bomb", it has cajoled and assisted me and given me heart when I've been unsure what to do. So many great people on it! It is part of the value of my Mac.

thanks windypatrick, based off of your experience and the cost of the "necessary items" you've had to replace, do you think I should make an offer of around $7K? based upon an assumption of needing to sink $3K into it - that would put me around $10K for the boat, not including "my time"!!

I was in your spot about 6-8 months ago, and I think I have learned more then Patrick.

I would guess about 11,000 is about right for one that needs work.

one thing I massively underestimated was engine . A old/almost dead engine , is worthless. The feeling out there, on the water, as it gets darker, and the other boats have left, and you trying to get yoru engine started is horible.

I will need a new engine, or at least a huge overhaul before next year, on my 1996 evenrude. 50HP. I would have rather saved 1000$ then have bought teh boat with that.

Kevin Nemrava

kevinnem wrote:I was in your spot about 6-8 months ago, and I think I have learned more then Patrick.

I am sure that Kevin has . I am suffering an intermittent engine problem that is a genuine harassment. So I am marching through each system 'til it goes away. Motoring along at full speed and going completely dead, then the engine wakes up again with no negative indications is disturbing to passengers. Since for now I am puddle sailing it isn't dire. But I won't do more until I have a trustworthy motor.

I would agree that for a moderately clean fixer -upper can be 11,000 but I would still offer lower, there are plenty of 's out there everyday. Wait a month and one will show up near you.

The status of the engine is a major factor. An engine with a lot of repairs is going to cost you much. The 4 stroke is probably a bonus there. I would get a mechanic to look at that motor.

How is the trailer? Rust? Brakes? Lights? That can be pricey also.
You say it's green slimed? Where is the boat? In the water? Can you inspect the bottom?

Low ball it. You can always go up. If you have to sink a lot of money into it, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for all of the advice!

The boat is on the trailer (which has some signs of rust on the poles in the front which guide the boat to the roller, but looks to be in decent shape elsewhere) out in the open but partially under a tree, I think 4-5 gallons of bleach and a few magic erasers should take care of most of the stains and then a good buffing and waxing should take care of the rest.

I'm with you on the motor part, after owning many power boats in the past, the hull itself doesn't do any good (other than float) if you have engine problems and to rebuild, fix, or replace a motor would be costly!!

After reading every ones comments, I spoke to the owner and he accepted $9k for the boat, motor, and trailer pending an inspection on the motor tomorrow at a local dealership.

Once again thanks for every ones input, hopefully if everything works out I'll have a few more questions for everyone in the near future!! If not I'll come across one before too long and still have questions!!

I know there are a lot of issues, and it may be a challenge about where to start, but (as an owner of a well cared for '98 26X) I would suggest that you consider replacing the shrouds soon. As a general rule of thumb, I have heard from a variety of sources over the years that replacing the shrouds every ten years is a good idea, especially if the boat has seen a lot of salt water. I replaced my fore stay last year and had it cut and examined by West Marine riggers since shrouds corrode from the inside out and can look OK on the outside, but be a problem inside. Fortunately, mine was in good shape (we have been almost totally a freshwater boat), and we decided to wait a couple more years on the rest of the shrouds. Just a thought.

Hi. I got my 1998 26x last winter. Mine sat for 3 years but appeared to be in good shape at least on the major concern was the hull. I was used to boats that are in the water all the time and so when I got this all one I spent time crawling under the boat looking for anything bad on the hull. I figured that could be difficult to fix later. Then I checked that the engine ran and wasn't seized or something lie that. I was told the engine carbs had been rebuilt before he stopped using it. However on the first trip out found they needed to be done again.
I have since replaced all of the rigging and cam cleats. Things I wasn't worried about fixing later. I will be doing the steering this winter but that's all.
I did also add a good stereo, vhf radio, and garmin gps charts. I still have little things to do. Total expenses not including the outboard and electronics is about $2000.
I think the boat is a hobbie not just to go out on but also tinkering on the weekends. I don't think I will ever get my money back out of it, but the fun times are priceless. Like going on a vacation, when you come home its gone. The boat however will be there. I have a one hour plus drive to get to the lake and went out 16 days so far this year. All being well still have a couple more to go on.
I would look at the major stuff... Hull engine sails trwiler. If they are good then add about 2000$ what I spent. I would start offers at $8000 and maybe go up to $10 at the most. Be sure the major items are Ok.

I paid $8000 for my 1997X without trailer and now more than $15,000 . Thats with new tandem trailer,sails, rigging and whole bunch of elect. gear.
Sterio,anchor system, elect. panels, lighting. etc. it adds up.
I still have to add the rub rail and replace all windows that I bought over a year ago.
Just need to retire.
The new 50hp Bigfoot will set me back another $7200 instaled with controls.
My pockets have had big holes in them that money pours thru.
Ya got to do what you want, young life is already behind you.
Dave

mc2 wrote:Thanks for all of the advice!

The boat is on the trailer (which has some signs of rust on the poles in the front which guide the boat to the roller, but looks to be in decent shape elsewhere) out in the open but partially under a tree, I think 4-5 gallons of bleach and a few magic erasers should take care of most of the stains and then a good buffing and waxing should take care of the rest.

I'm with you on the motor part, after owning many power boats in the past, the hull itself doesn't do any good (other than float) if you have engine problems and to rebuild, fix, or replace a motor would be costly!!

After reading every ones comments, I spoke to the owner and he accepted $9k for the boat, motor, and trailer pending an inspection on the motor tomorrow at a local dealership.

Once again thanks for every ones input, hopefully if everything works out I'll have a few more questions for everyone in the near future!! If not I'll come across one before too long and still have questions!!

Just remember don't worry about the cost as long as it's a sound hull. Just remember all the great times you have making the boat great and going out sailing.

My 97 Mac 26X had lots of options and cost me under $11k.

I'd offer 7-9K and stress the work involved. Mac 26X/M are great family vehicles.

Thanks again for all the advice!!

I had the motor checked by a local dealer and with only 71 hours on it, they said it was in overall good condition!

I ended up getting the boat for $9K. I think all in all I got a fair deal, other than wanting to replace the rigging, electronics, and servicing the motor everything else is just sweat equity!!!