15 Horse or 25 HP for Fuel Economy 26m??

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Ramblin' Rod - Mac 26D - SeaQuell

I don't own a Mac 26M.

Not even considering buying one. But it sounds to me like you are asking a question but then not listening to the answers of people experienced with the boat. Here's what I've gotten form hte reposnses so far. A 25 HP won't cut the mustard. If you only want to go 6 or 7 mph, buy a better sailing boat and put a 9.9 on it. If you want a power sailer that will plane easily and get you moving upward of 16 to 18 mph fully loaded, get the M with a 50 to 70 HP. If you want a boat that will get up on plane with diffculty and go 11 mph WOT, while wallowing, get a 25 HP. The 25HP at WOT will probably use more fuel than a 50 HP at half throttle. Lastly, if I were ever to consider purchasing a Mac 26M, it would be a used one, and if it only had a 25 HP motor on it, I would pass it over for a 50 HP. I doubt I'm alone.
 
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minjambe

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Apr 9, 2006
4
- - Crystal River Florida
I was not asking what motor i should buy

Ramblin' Rod said I asked a question and am not paying attention to the answers. but the reverse is true. I did not ask which engine to buy I only asked to see what kind of performance somebody got with a smaller motor. So I wonder who is not paying attention. I responded several times that I was happy receiving the information that was provided. But I don't need to be told off all the time, when I asked a very simple question and was mostly given information supporting 50's. I did not come on here to argue. But at least I have an order in for the boat.
 
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mrbill

15 or 50

dang it, I agree with ROD... getting a 25 will do nothing well. and no one will want your used boat (motor). I'd get either the 15 hp, or the 50, (but smart money will go for the 70hp, if you go big). do a search on zenos arrow. this guy went half way around the world on an X and had some intresting ideas. HE used (2) 6hp 4 strokes.... I think he could do 6 knts with one.
 
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MArk15097

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Nov 30, 2005
53
- - Lakeland, FL
Now that you decided on the 90HP

Gene, I'm sure you are making the right choice going with the 90HP... What??? Of course I was listening! MArk PS: All kidding aside, you CAN get 25HP out of a 90 (just throttle back), but you will NEVER get 90HP out of a 25. Down south, afternoon thunder boomers pop up at a moment's notice. With a big MO you can sail most of the day and then run fast when the clouds move in. With a little puttputt you stay home and don't risk getting caught in a storm.
 
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mrbill

must read - zeno's arrow

search for zenos arrow, this is only one of the threads... must read for the great circle voyagers.... http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4416&highlight=zeno+arrow
 
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BW

If it ain't like mine

All Mac owners have probably heard unfavorable remarks from "purists about their choice of boats. The answer to that, if one cares to answer, is that I bought a Mac because it meets my personal needs and I am happy with it. It seems that now some Mac owners have turned on their comrades because they don't agree with a particular choice of motors. The answer to that criticism, if one cares to answer, is that I bought the motor that meets my personal needs. The motor one buys, just like the boat one buys, is a personal choice and it ain't no skin off any one elses nose. At least I haven't lost any and don't personally know of anyone else who has. I guess there are sailing purists, and now a new class of motor purists.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Several years ago I saw a

Mac sporting a 50 Hp engine and asked the owner about it. He said that he could tow waterskiers. Well if you look closely at the underbody of a Mac it is a planing hull power boat that can be sailed. I think that is cool! Not for me but if that is what floats your boat-------------
 
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Ramblin' Rod

I think you're missing the point Gene.

In direct response to your question, a number here have offered their opinion, that you likely be more happy with another sized motor, regardless of what mileage you would get with a 25 HP.
 
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minjambe

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Apr 9, 2006
4
- - Crystal River Florida
Not GOING WITH A MAC

The advice I have received here and other boards has convinced me that I would be making a mistake buying a MacGregor. I think they are great boats but I have decided that I will be making my trip in something that has an inboard engine. I am looking at boats that have low drafts but will probably end up with 3'6" which is not my favorite. Some recent comments talk about Blue Water Ability and I have done a lot of bluewater but in my Coronado 30 not a Mac. I know that I felt safe during storms on the Coronado. I hope to find something with a lower draft but comfort will be primary, next to the fact that I will be making an inboard my first priority. I will also mount a 5 hp as I have done on my other boats. This backup makes one feel safe. I hope to see Mac's as I leave on my journey as I think they would make great trip boats but, the several thousand pounds gained by a bigger boat can make it more comfortable. I will be buying this boat someplace up north and taking the Journey out of the Great Lakes and hopefully through the Trent Severne in Canada. One reason I wanted the Mac was ease of lowering the mast and I will miss this. Anyone desiring to follow my journey is welcome and they can visit my website http://genesadventures.com Listed below in Related Links. Again Thank you for all of your opinions. Just hope I don't spend half of my time aground on the ICW Gene
 
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