MacGregorSailors.com

robh2 wrote:1. Has anyone tried one of the latest small marine AC units and do they fit in any of the compartments? Not interested in moving an AC around the boat.

3. Has anyone found a decent place to mount a small Honda 1000/2000 gen so it doesn't have to always be moved?

4. At cruising speed, how long will the 24 gallons typically last by time or distance with max HP?

5. Is anyone aware of transom issues when a larger engine is used? Any issues with insurance or Coast Guard over the larger engine?

6. Anyone with the larger engines documented with the Coast Guard instead of registered with the state?

7. What is the typical standing headroom under the bimini? Anyone alter the boom hight to get more standing headroom?

8. Anyone use a dodger and does it help much? Do you still have easy access to the deck? Have you attached it to the bimini? My bride is a redhead and needs all the protection she can get. She gets sunburns watching tv. lol...

9. With MacGregor gone and Tattoo seems to be gone or on hold based on their website, Where is everyone getting parts and such for modifications?

10. Any concerns between the X and M that made you want a specific one? My concerns between the two are differences in the centerboard, fixed ballast in the M, good or bad, interior layout with head locations and room inside, headroom between the two with two people onboard sharing the space, location of the main sheet on the helm on X vs. the companionway on the M, sailing characteristics between the two and ease of maintenance on the centerboard and other parts?

RussMT wrote:Oh, it's been scientifically proven that the blue hull has less friction and is slightly faster. Just sayin'

robh2 wrote:6. Anyone with the larger engines documented with the Coast Guard instead of registered with the state?

Documenting a boat is expensive. And I don't see the utility in it for knocking around US coastal or inland waters.

7. What is the typical standing headroom under the bimini? Anyone alter the boom hight to get more standing headroom?

I have the Dowsar bimini, and there's full well-over-6 ft standing headroom. I've never touched my head to the hoops.

8. Anyone use a dodger and does it help much? Do you still have easy access to the deck? Have you attached it to the bimini? My bride is a redhead and needs all the protection she can get. She gets sunburns watching tv. lol...

Also made by Dowsar, it's wide, and does make it more difficult to get to the deck, but I'm used to it. Nice for hiding from the rain with the sliding hatch open and companionway hatchboard removed. I also have a bridge section (aka 'connector') to attach the two of them. When docked, I just take a couple of turns of the topping lift around the boom to raise it to clear my head.

9. With MacGregor gone and Tattoo seems to be gone or on hold based on their website, Where is everyone getting parts and such for modifications?

BWY for almost everything specific to the Mac, but another vendor and advertiser here has supplied many Mac owners with new sails (JudyB).

10. Any concerns between the X and M that made you want a specific one? My concerns between the two are differences in the centerboard, fixed ballast in the M, good or bad, interior layout with head locations and room inside, headroom between the two with two people onboard sharing the space, location of the main sheet on the helm on X vs. the companionway on the M, sailing characteristics between the two and ease of maintenance on the centerboard and other parts?

Fixed ballast in the M plus water ballast totals around the same weight. I believe the fixed ballast is to counter the heavier and taller mast rotating mast when there is no water ballast, like when motoring at high speed. It's not something to give much thought to, IMO. A traveller would be nice on the X, but not a practical option, though a second mainsheet system to windward can help pull the boom closer to the centerline. Swing CB of the X is a piece of cake to drop and inspect or change the line on, while I believe you can simply lift the M CB right out of the trunk from above. Two people below decks is tight unless one is sitting. Headroom is tight, too, at least when not directly under the sliding hatch, but that's what you get with a small trailer boat - it's bigger inside than just about any other 26 ft or smaller sailboat. I sleep in the vee berth, and the admiral sleeps on the table (lowered to berth position) on an air mattress. Plenty of room that way.

I think that is enough for now. lol... Thank you for your time and patience!!! Again, sorry for the many questions.

sailboatmike wrote:My X on the hard live between a 26 foot Austral 8 and a 25 foot Farr 7500, non of them have close to standing headroom, both a probably better sailors to windward.

I figure it this way, boats are always a compromise, one of the reasons they are better sailors to windward is because they are not so high, so have less windage, however I also figure that actual time sailing is way less than time spent at anchor and enjoying your destination, not being able to stand up in the cabin severely hampers that IMHO.

Something like can you imagine going on a camping trip in a station wagon instead of a camper van, sure the station wagon may get you there slightly quicker, but living, sleeping and cooking in the station wagon is going to be a real pain when you do get there

robh2 wrote:Wow, you have all been so amazing. Thank you so much. The detailed answers and the offer to look at one were just too kind. I sincerely appreciate all of you!

Amazing group of people!

Herschel wrote:After thought. My boat is not for sail, sorry for the wording on my previous post. I meant, if you want to see one of our boats and get a feel for it before you buy. I am keeping this baby forever. I love it.