Hello all I currently own a Mac 25 and love it. However, I recently have an opportunity to slip into a Balboa 26 for an incredible price. I love my Mac but am looking for something that might handle bigger water (I'm on Lake Superior) and the Mac makes me a little nervous in rough weather. I like the Balboa because I can still use the swing keel...The biggest selling point so far is that you can STAND up in the Balboa. The biggest draw back is I know what is wrong with my Mac and I know what needs to be fixed while the Balboa is an unknown. Any advice would be great.
Balboa 26 vrs Mac 25.
- Thread starter Capt Strapfoots
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All I can tell you from history where the Balboa was made is that at the time, it had some nice gear and was a pretty stout boat. She was often found off shore in the Catalina Channel where the seas and winds can be challenging. Now, of course, all bets are off due to age and the dilemma you have is understandable and appropriate. I won't venture (excuse the pun) to give an opinion. Good luck and tell us what your decision is.
I agree and the Balboa comes with auto pilot, a 15 gal built in gas tank, 15 fresh water tank, and the head is already plumbed in .
mac vs balboa
The Mac is a pretty light boat. Light weight construction and rigging. The Balboa is sturdier
and probably a better sailer and more suited for lake Superior. But there are other considerations: You did not tell us the age or condition of the boat. Get a survey to determine if it pays to buy the boat and get it in tip top shape
The Mac is a pretty light boat. Light weight construction and rigging. The Balboa is sturdier
and probably a better sailer and more suited for lake Superior. But there are other considerations: You did not tell us the age or condition of the boat. Get a survey to determine if it pays to buy the boat and get it in tip top shape
It is in amazing shape here is the original ad
http://sailingtexas.com/201101/sbalboa26109.html
the original owner sold it to a gentleman who suddenly needs to move it. The new owner only sailed it twice and only owned it for about one month...He is willing to let it go for very cheap.
http://sailingtexas.com/201101/sbalboa26109.html
the original owner sold it to a gentleman who suddenly needs to move it. The new owner only sailed it twice and only owned it for about one month...He is willing to let it go for very cheap.
the balboa was not built specifically as a trailerable boat which the MacGregors were which is why they are lighter than the balboa
I think we are all being pretty polite about the Mac. If you are only going to day sail, it will get you by just fine. If you want to cruise the Great Lakes, it is not beefy enough. Cruise long enough and you WILL get caught in some serious weather.
I think Lyle Hess might beg to differ. But without a doubt, it's a LOT more boat to tow, especially for a car. That's why I went with the Mac, even though I like the B26 a lot. If I had a bigger tow vehicle (not in the cards), it would have been on my short list.
Attachments
Capt - check your PM's. I have a dozen marketing pages in jpg format. I'll email them if you PM your email address. I could post them here I guess, but the site reduces the file size, so you'd lose something. I don't think I can add attachments to PM's, either.
Balboa 26
Hello, Just able to post, also not to hot on the key board. I have a friend that we sailed his bal.26 from fla.to Isla Mujeres Mmexico three times,no problems took three and half days. We also took it to the Bahamas twice. He ended taking it by trailer to Wash. Stste and San Jauns. Regular maintence, keep and eye on center board pin and rubber gasket on it. It sometimes gets lose and leaks.
Hello, Just able to post, also not to hot on the key board. I have a friend that we sailed his bal.26 from fla.to Isla Mujeres Mmexico three times,no problems took three and half days. We also took it to the Bahamas twice. He ended taking it by trailer to Wash. Stste and San Jauns. Regular maintence, keep and eye on center board pin and rubber gasket on it. It sometimes gets lose and leaks.
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