Which sails better, X or M ? I want to buy a 26 and cannot decide if to buy a new or nearly new 26M or to buy and older 26X. I am told the M has a better hull design and more efficient daggerboard, but is it a lot better than the X ? I will probably keep my purchase for 5 years and don't want to wish I had spent more to get a better performer. I expect to loose 10k over 5 years on a new M and less on an X. Can I expect much higher maintenace costs if even if I buy a top condition X ? I will be mostly in SE Florida on the east around Miami on the ocean and intercoastal, with some trips to the west coast. Has anyone owned both or had the chance to do some serious time in both to give me their opinion.
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E
Ed
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Paul, my advice is to keep it simple and use your gut reaction. Try to sail and motor in both models, then make your decision. You can over-analyse easily. I have an older X and am happy with it. I like the large interior feel Used to have a D model and the daggerboard cramped the inside. Both boats handle similarly. I especially like the swing keel because I hit bottom sometimes and it is very forgiving. Also, the older X's can be a lot cheaper- for me a major factor.
Paul, my advice is to keep it simple and use your gut reaction. Try to sail and motor in both models, then make your decision. You can over-analyse easily. I have an older X and am happy with it. I like the large interior feel Used to have a D model and the daggerboard cramped the inside. Both boats handle similarly. I especially like the swing keel because I hit bottom sometimes and it is very forgiving. Also, the older X's can be a lot cheaper- for me a major factor.
One perspective
I'v sailed both and have these thoughts for you. Unless you are a true racer and want to get every last tenth of knot from your boat, then save your money and get an older X. For the average sailor or cruiser, there is very, very little difference in speed or handlinlg in the two. Both require little maintenance, the M a little more. That being the case, then look carefully at the interior floor plans and decide which layout you would be most comfortable with, whether you have crew or not. Finally, I sailed the Florida West coast for over 25 years... hundreds of miles of shallow water that changed from one week to the next. I had a daggerboard boat and a swing keel boat. Never had to repair the swing keel, but had numerous repairs to the daggerboard. Because of that I was not tmepted to trade up to the M when it came out. And, the wife thoght the X had a more efficient use of space for cruising, though the M would be a better party boat. We do cruise but don't party, so there you have it.
I'v sailed both and have these thoughts for you. Unless you are a true racer and want to get every last tenth of knot from your boat, then save your money and get an older X. For the average sailor or cruiser, there is very, very little difference in speed or handlinlg in the two. Both require little maintenance, the M a little more. That being the case, then look carefully at the interior floor plans and decide which layout you would be most comfortable with, whether you have crew or not. Finally, I sailed the Florida West coast for over 25 years... hundreds of miles of shallow water that changed from one week to the next. I had a daggerboard boat and a swing keel boat. Never had to repair the swing keel, but had numerous repairs to the daggerboard. Because of that I was not tmepted to trade up to the M when it came out. And, the wife thoght the X had a more efficient use of space for cruising, though the M would be a better party boat. We do cruise but don't party, so there you have it.
YOUR INFORMATION
Many thanks for your input. I think I will go for an X, keep five grand for reserve in case of emergency and still have change.
Many thanks for your input. I think I will go for an X, keep five grand for reserve in case of emergency and still have change.
My Opinon....
I was happy with my former boat, a Mac26S, but simply needed more "cabin height", and wanted a "power sailor". We bought a Mac26X, with a 50 HP Nissan, and have been quite happy. There are several Mac owners in my marina...X, M, S,models, and all are happy with their boats. I havent met an unhappy MacGregor owner yet. My opinion is that the MacGregor offers a lot of boat for much less $$$ in comparison to competitors. The Mac safety is awesome...the BOAT FLOATS when FLOODED.
I was happy with my former boat, a Mac26S, but simply needed more "cabin height", and wanted a "power sailor". We bought a Mac26X, with a 50 HP Nissan, and have been quite happy. There are several Mac owners in my marina...X, M, S,models, and all are happy with their boats. I havent met an unhappy MacGregor owner yet. My opinion is that the MacGregor offers a lot of boat for much less $$$ in comparison to competitors. The Mac safety is awesome...the BOAT FLOATS when FLOODED.
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