New 26M or Upgraded 90HP

[Tom F.]

I was probably going to buy a new 90HP Honda this spring for my 2001 26X. It will probably cost around $6,500 installed with the existing 50HP as a trade at the local dealer. That was so expensive that I did some back of the envelope calculations on a new 26M and a well equipped one would be around $33,000 with a 50HP and around $35,750 with a 90HP. Based on an average used price found at mcagregorsailors.com of $21,400, I'd be looking at around $11,600 w/ a 50 or $14,350.
I could have a new boat for "only" $5,100 more than a new engine or an upgraded for "as little" as $7,850. I think I need the new .

[Chip Hindes]

Man, this is some truly convoluted math to make a $14K "upgrade" appear justified

IMO, the only thing you've clearly demonstrated is how nearly worthless is a five year old 50HP motor.

I went through the same math this summer when contemplating replacing my damaged '00 50HP Tohatsu with a new 90HP TLDI. What prompted this was an accident and the prospect of spending over $2K in motor repairs.

No matter how badly I bent the math, I couldn't justify it. I spent the $2K on the repairs.

But if it works for you, go for it.

Be careful you don't outsmart yourself, though. I'm guessing the $21.4K "average" for an '01 X is asking price, not actual sales price; looked at another way, I believe a $21.4K X (actual sale price, not asking) is going to be much better equipped than a new $33K M.

[scott vos]

Tom
I have to agree with Chip on the upgrade and the $$$$. Unless your motor is really giving you problems stay w/ the 50 and enjoy the boat, the 90 is not that great of an upgrade. I have the new M w/ the 90tldi (never been on a Mac prior to purchaseing my boat) and have since met many other X'ers and M'ers that are in love w/ their boats and rightfully so. IMHO, I would have been just as satisfied w/ a nice, clean X w/ a 50 as I am with my boat, now knowing what I know(its mostly about sailing anyway isn't it). I read all the hype on the 90's over the last couple years, and thats why i had it installed after my dealer quoted a price on a 50 (w/ his markup and i got a quote from an engine guy it was a push) no brainer. My advise is wait until MacGregor (or his closest competitor)builds that 30' + trailersailer w/ the galvinized 2 axel trailer and then make your move on it.

scott

[richandlori]

Tom
is markup and i got a quote from an engine guy it was a push) no brainer. My advise is wait until MacGregor (or his closest competitor)builds that 30' + trailersailer w/ the galvinized 2 axel trailer and then make your move on it.

scott

I agree...be happy with the 50HP and save the $ for the NEXT BIG THING!

[jetta01]

I think that you will find the M more expensive than your original estimate by the time you do all the standard upgrades that you read about on this site...

Disconnect Steering
AutoPilot
GPS
Sail Slugs
Lines led aft
...the list goes on...

[richandlori]

...the list goes on...

Ain't that the truth!

[Tom F.]

You guys are not helping me...if I needed reason to NOT justify the "minor" monetary upgrade in boats or engine, I could have asked my wife. Where is the advice that I needed like you only go around once you can't take it with you????

[Catigale]

You only sail the world once and then pass the boat onto the next generation.

When I married you, I would have given $28000 to upgrade that boat....10 years later, dont you love me half as much at least???

(Taken from an old Kirby vacuum cleaner Sales pitchbook.....)

[Chip Hindes]

You guys are not helping me...if I needed reason to NOT justify the "minor" monetary upgrade in boats or engine, I could have asked my wife. Where is the advice that I needed like you only go around once you can't take it with you????

So if you're looking for fantasy rather than reality you should say so up front.

As I said, if it works for you, go for it.

If you need words to convince your wife, you're really on your own. I don't know your wife at all, but I'm guessing if she's like any of the other Mac wives I know, she's far too smart to fall for any of the BS we could come up with, and if she weren't, you probably wouldn't have married her in the first place.

In these cases, what sometimes works for me is words to the effect: "I know this is dumb and can't be justified in any way, but I really, really want to do it." Practice the puppy dog look in the mirror beforehand. It's one of the main reasons I got the boat in the first place. That, and the sympathy factor after she told me I couldn't have the Harley.

Also, anyone who doesn't figure the cost of an occasional, strategic piece of fine jewelry into the boat bucks budget is going to be at a nearly fatal disadvantage in such negotiations.

Good luck.

[Tom F.]

Now we are talking, I'm starting to feel al little better about my decision to waste money. I particularly like Chip's approach because I could have a new 26M with a 90 HP motor by simply giving the Mrs. a couple of bangles!! This is why this board is my favorite website.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I'm on the other side of this discussion....I got her the mega diamond anniversary gift this year so thats taken care of. I just can't yet justify to ME that its worth getting rid of my perfectly well running 4stroke 50HP Big Foot for the extra 5-10 mph in speed...but as it gets older, I'll probably be more inclined.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

you get a new 6 year warranty...

let me clarify:
- 6 years on the Etec 90
- or 3 years + cash back

i think that's it!

[Rolf]

If you have a wife who loves boating but hates sailing, get the 90. If you plan on using the boat in the ocean where rough conditions can sneak up on you, get the 90. Ballast full, loaded down boat encountering 7-8 foot seas and 20 knot wind on the beam, the boat is grossly underpowered with the 50-- hard to control. IMHO. I've experienced it with both motors first hand. If you just plan on sailing or lake motoring, stick with 50 or less (unless you waterski!)

Rolf

[maddmike]

Rolf,

Really have to disagree with you on this one. I have been in those type conditions routinely, both with my initial 45 Honda & later just using a single 6 hp. engine and had no problems. Next time maybe try this and see if it helps. Keep up a reefed main & about 20% Jib (I'm assuming you have furling, if not drop the Jib). Cock and lock your engine at about 10 degrees to windward and reduce power. Position the rudders as if to drive directly ahead (if they are linked, both at a little less than 10 degrees). Then steer the boat using the main sheet and by adjusting power. By doing this you are driving the boat something like a windsurfer. You will find it will not take long to learn to effectively balance the mainsheet and 'cocked' engine rpm and make for a comfortable and fast passage when abeam such seas. Hope this helps. Maddmike

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Rolf, I disagree with that statement too. The Mac is a totally overpowered sailboat with a 50HP on it. In nasty seas, you can't even use more than 10% of the power of a 50. Only thing I can think of is maybe you had a small prop on the 50 and so you noticed a better slow speed handling on a 90 with the larger lower unit. There are lots of reasons to justify a 90 on a Mac, but that isn't one of them IMHO.