Something I just heard... Mac 26

Nereussailor · Aug 26, 2010

I don't think that the coamings will make that much difference in how they sail. They still sail like crap. They're tiny, have no headroom, and not worth the money. The only thing I liked about my 1991 Mac 26S was the aft berth was huge, and the cockpit seats were long enough to lay out flat. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that I really liked about it. I'd buy a Catalina 25 or a Hunter 25 over the Mac any day.

Dave

Mike B1026 · Aug 26, 2010

Opinion

Maybe that was before you learned how to sail. I can understand some idiot blaming the boat...

This kind of statement seems a little unusual around here, sounds more like something you would run across at Sailnet.

Nereussailor said:
I don't think that the coamings will make that much difference in how they sail. They still sail like crap. They're tiny, have no headroom, and not worth the money. The only thing I liked about my 1991 Mac 26S was the aft berth was huge, and the cockpit seats were long enough to lay out flat. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that I really liked about it. I'd buy a Catalina 25 or a Hunter 25 over the Mac any day.

Dave

Sumner · Aug 26, 2010

Two comments.....one we love our Mac 26S and have no plans for a different boat in our future. It suits "our needs" better than any other boat I've seen.

Two, if I didn't have a Mac and was looking to buy I'd still look at an S over the D if I was sailing any shallow water at all. The swing centerboard over the dagger board is a real bonus there.

c ya,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac-Venture Links

higgs · Aug 26, 2010

Nereussailor has learned how to sail and appreciates what what a real sailboat is.

Mike B1026 · Aug 26, 2010

Happy for him

I'm glad he finally learned. Now if he can learn how not to be a jerk.

higgs said:
Nereussailor has learned how to sail and appreciates what what a real sailboat is.

Bob McL · Aug 26, 2010

WOW! I thought this board was more tolerant and included everyone. Yes the Mac doesn't have standing headroom unless the top is up - so! I think other 25' boats are the same. But, if you aren't happy - there's lots of boats. But it seems more Mac's than other brands. So what does that say. Express the pro's and can's but let the rest of the comments, well - rest. BTW, I like my Mac 25.

FourPoints · Aug 27, 2010

How fast does the Mac s or d usually sail at in 10 to 12 kts of wind, and what is the lwl?

Winkfish · Aug 27, 2010

FourPoints said:
How fast does the Mac s or d usually sail at in 10 to 12 kts of wind, and what is the lwl?

LWL = Length at Water Line.

Sumner · Aug 27, 2010

parttimesailor said:
...can anyone comment on the original question?

Check the pictures here.....

http://www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99macgregor26d.html

.... and you can see the difference, not much. I never knew there was one until you posted about it. I wouldn't let it be a determining factor in your decision. Good luck.

FourPoints said:
How fast does the Mac s or d usually sail at in 10 to 12 kts of wind, and what is the lwl?

The PHRF (A lower number being faster) of the D is 213 and the S is 222 with a hull speed of 6.5. In comparison the Catalina 25's are in the 222 to 228 range with a 6.3 hull speed and the Hunter 25's are around 225 with a hull speed of 6.02.

Now the Mac powersailers (the X and M) are slower, but not a lot slower. Most people who are so quick to criticize MacGregors don't have a clue as to the differences in the 4 different models that are all 26 feet long and just lump them all together.

I know of one couple that have taken their X from Seattle to Alaska and back, to the Bahamas, most of the Sea of Cortez, the east coast and a number of lakes in Canada. We have gone to Canada, Idaho, Utah and hopefully Florida shortly and possibly Long Island Sound and then the Erie canal next summer.

A lot of fun in a boat that "sails like crap" and isn't a "real sailboat". I guess we will just continue to take our trips of misery and hope to have a "real sailboat" someday,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac-Venture Links

SirWm · Aug 27, 2010

A lot of fun in a boat that "sails like crap" and isn't a "real sailboat". I guess we will just continue to take our trips of misery and hope to have a "real sailboat" someday,

Sum[/quote]

Touché

biorapper · Aug 27, 2010

you neglected another thing to like about the 26s

Nereussailor said:
I don't think that the coamings will make that much difference in how they sail. They still sail like crap. They're tiny, have no headroom, and not worth the money. The only thing I liked about my 1991 Mac 26S was the aft berth was huge, and the cockpit seats were long enough to lay out flat. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that I really liked about it. I'd buy a Catalina 25 or a Hunter 25 over the Mac any day.

Dave

Their sailing performance. I sail past hunter 25's and catalina 25's all day, for much less money!

If course there are lots of great things about the hunters and catalinas, and I can understand why many people would rather sail them...not dogging them out...the ones I have seen are beautiful boats. But I will dog out anybody that dogs on the 26s...and the boats performance and all the places I have gone for a great price makes it easy!

SirWm · Aug 27, 2010

I found a couple of pix that show the difference between the '88 and '89 Mac 26. I have the '93 26s and it looks just like the '89 26d. The rounded part of the cockpit next to the companionway is where I am while my admiral is at the helm. The extra height there gives my back a rest.

Tom Spohn · Aug 27, 2010

I have owned both the X and the M models and they were fine for the purpose they were designed for. In annual rendezvous where some racing took place the "classic" models sailed rings around us and were always the winners. A friend sails his classic in evening races and while he does not beat my Schock 35 or several J35's, I am always amazed at just how well such a simple boat sails.

CalebD · Aug 27, 2010

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_ID=85

lwl=23'6"

Nereussailor · Aug 27, 2010

Mike B1026,
I think you need to back off a little. The guy is looking into buying a boat and should have all sides presented. I expressed my opinion on a boat that I owned for 2 years. I have sailed on many different boats ranging from 8' to 52' in the 32 years that I have been sailing. Out of the 4 boats that I have owned, the Mac was the worst when it came to how it sails and comfort. And yes it's a fun boat.
I raced on my Mac 26S, a Catalina 25, and Oday26, and a Hunter 30. and an Islander 32. You have to reef in 10 -15kts of wind with the Mac or you'll be rounding up constantly. The Ida Sailor rudder helps, but doesn't cure the problem, but at $479 it's a must have item if you want to sail when the wind is blowing. The cabin height in the Mac is less by about 6-8 inches, which is the difference between kneeling all the time and walking hunched over if you're 6' tall. Except in the 3'x 3.5' pop top area, then you can stand up full height. Another thing about the Mac is the lifelines at the bow. They attach at the base of the bow pulpit instead of the top. It might be good for sail trim, but for safety, there's nothing to hold on to if you get into rough conditions and have to go forward. I've been there more than once.
The Catalina and Hunter might not sail as fast as a Mac 26, but if you're looking for comfort while sailing, and a more stable boat, the Catalina or Hunter are the way to go.
Also Mike B1026, "your" comments are the ones I would expect to find at Sailnet

Dave

Sumner · Aug 27, 2010

Nereussailor said:
Mike B1026,
..... You have to reef in 10 -15kts of wind with the Mac or you'll be rounding up constantly. The Ida Sailor rudder helps, but doesn't cure the problem, but at $479 it's a must have item if you want to sail when the wind is blowing. The cabin height in the Mac is less by about 6-8 inches, which is the difference between kneeling all the time and walking hunched over if you're 6' tall. Except in the 3'x 3.5' pop top area, then you can stand up full height. Another thing about the Mac is the lifelines at the bow. They attach at the base of the bow pulpit instead of the top. It might be good for sail trim, but for safety, there's nothing to hold on to if you get into rough conditions and have to go forward. I've been there more than once.
The Catalina and Hunter might not sail as fast as a Mac 26, but if you're looking for comfort while sailing, and a more stable boat, the Catalina or Hunter are the way to go...........Dave

Those are good comments and something for him to consider. I agree with the reefing, at least for us, but don't see a real problem with it as you are still sailing as fast reefed. Over 20 knots and we are on the motor, but we have only been sailing for a year. If I lived and sailed in an area of constant high winds I might look for something different if I wasn't trailering.

For us trailering is the key as we want to explore the States, Canada and Mexico. I believe the Mac with the disposable water ballast wins that battle hands down. We come in under 4000 lbs. total weight for the boat/trailer/2 outboards and supplies for a month. As far as I can tell the weights of the Hunter and Cat are around 4500 lbs. and that doesn't count the trailer and a loaded boat. I would imagine they would come in at over 6000 lbs. total going down the road. Of course that weight is going to help with the motion comfort on the water.

The Mac is a snap to get on and off the trailer and is.....

....very beach-able with its 15-17 inches of draft.

It is all trade offs and a person has to match the boat to "their needs". So far I'm not sure what is important for "parttimesailor", but I do know for us we wouldn't trade the boat for any other.

c ya,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac-Venture Links

Something I just heard... Mac 26

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