26S & 26D

[Stewart]

First of all thanks to Dan for answers to many of my (and others) questions.Were the 26s & 26d the forerunners to the 26x? I am still looking at which boat to buy and it seems that the prices on the s & d models are more affordable for my modest budget. How do they compare to the 26x as far as ease of trailering, launching, rigging etc ?

 

[dan]

www.macgregor-boats.com

Hi stewart....Check out this site on MacGregor history.The 26S(centerboard) and 26D(daggerboard) arethe same to rig/trailer/launch as the 26X.Thats ware it ends.The early Macs where displacement hull sailboatsThe 26X is a powerboat/sailboat hybrid planningtype hull. The advantages with the 26X are powerboating to 20mph , cabin layout/headroomand ballast dump while moving.The disadvantages are more freeboard, sailinghull drag and all around poorer sailingperformance than the 26S or 26D.The hull speed for the 26S is around 6-8mph max Depending on your needs pick the right boat foryou. I have a 98'26X and will most likely tradeit once I learn to sail it. Haven't given up onit yet! Would like a used Catalina 27 with fixedkeel and inboard diesel. But....still hooked on the trailerability of the Mac to visit inland lakes and cruise shallow water.Look at boats in the water before you purchase.That will give you the answer! happy shopping........dan