I just sold my 1979 amf paceship py26 that has a 4'6" draft but barnegat bay has many limitions at other than high tide for this sailboat So I am looking at a1999 Macgregor 26x with a 9" draft and a water ballast how much of a difference is there?? Also salt water versus fresh water?? the weight of my old boat was 6400 lb s any in sight would be great thanks
a tradition draft sailboat verus a macgregor
- Thread starter delibob
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Well delibob, you've answered your own question. Everything has trade-offs. In order to have a shallow draft, you have to have at least a swing centerkeel, and the mac series of waterballast sailboats are great for beaching. I have sailed on X's and M's, as well as many other trailer sailboats, water ballast and swing keel. The water ballast boats will heel easily initially, until about 10-15 degrees of heel, and then they stiffen up nicely. I was curious about the stability of an M Mac, I tried to pull the boat over by hanging onto the sideshrouds (I weigh about 195 lbs). Even without the ballast tank filled, I was unable to roll the boat that much. By all means, go sailing on the boat before you buy. John S
1+ ESPECIALLY on a motorsailor X or M, sail it 1st...
you might also look at the older classic waterbalast 26' boats 1987-1994 (IIRC), as they sail a little better, are cheaper, but don't have the large engine to motor home quickly....
you might also look at the older classic waterbalast 26' boats 1987-1994 (IIRC), as they sail a little better, are cheaper, but don't have the large engine to motor home quickly....
Like everything else in life there is a learning curve. The Mac's are no exception. At slow speeds you must have one rudder down and about 6" of centerboard line out. This will give you some stability and makes it go where you point it. When you power up (above 6knts ) bring all the boards up and have fun. When sailing rudders down, center board down and water ballast FULL. After dropping the sails, open the gate valve for the water and power up the water will drain out as you get up on a plane.
btw: I am thinking of selling my 02x and looking at upgrading to a 31ft hunter to do more extended cruising.
Jim
btw: I am thinking of selling my 02x and looking at upgrading to a 31ft hunter to do more extended cruising.
Jim
How long did it take to sell the Paceship? A MacGregor may sell in half the time and can be sold from your driveway vs a slip. The MacGregor and trailer weigh just under 4000 lbs, easily towable, and in the water with ballast still weighs in at around 4000 lbs.:dance:
I thought I would be a trailer sailor but ended up slipping the Mac26S. It still has advantages over keel boats. The cost for a slip is up to half as much as what the keel boats pay since we don't need to pay for deeper water. We have a longer season as the water level gets too low for the fixed keel boats. We can beach her if we want or get pretty darn close to the shoreline. Cuivienen is much easier to haul in and out for the season, we don't need crane time, just a ramp.
And don't forget Ghunkholling in shallow waters. I love taking my boat close to shore and looking for a nice hole to hide in for the night. And when the wind gets rough you can get in the lee of land, raise your keel a bit and keep going.
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