Mac 26M or Hunter 27E Edge, I've owned both
It's only one data point and it's my personal opinion, so please people don't rip me a new one....
I know my experiences aren't completely applicable to the question asked here but it can be hard to find people who have owned the exact same two boats from different manufacturers someone might wish to compare.
As someone who has owned both a Mac 26M and now own a Hunter 27E Edge I can at least provide feedback on my experiences with these two boats since I've bought both boats new in the last 2 years.
I got the Mac first and so thoroughly disliked it that I sold it for a loss barely a year after I bought it. I thought it was flimsy and not at all well built. The fit and finish of it was, IMO, poor.
I've owned the Hunter Edge for about a year now and really like it a lot. In my opinion it is much more solidly built with better fit and finish. Is it a perfect boat? No. Are there things I'd change about the design. Yes. But in the overall assessment I've been very happy with it.
At only 6in longer and 6in wider I find both the cabin and cockpit to be much roomier. Two people can stand side by side in the cabin and I can seat 7 adults in the cockpit and people can get up and move around without having to climb over each other's laps. This is a big plus for us.
I've been on board Mac 26Xs. Again, in my opinion, I think the layout on the 26X interior and cockpit is better than the 26M. I wish I'd had a chance to see a 26X before buying the 26M new since I'd probably have bought one instead. I personally think they ruined the Mac 26 when they changed the layout.
For myself I think that the extra cost between the 26M and the Hunter Edge 27E was worth every penny I spent. If price is your bottom line then you won't agree. But if you're in the market for a new boat and price isn't the overriding concern then take a look at the Hunter Edge.
If you're anywhere near Boston I keep mine up in Salem and am happy to show it to you.
Jay H
