Need help in comparing the 260 w the 26x. Ease of trailering and setup is a big factor If you have a 26x how important is the 50hp ob? Would you just as soon have a good 9.9? I like both boats and trying to make the right decision.
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not McGregor
Long time sailors have concerns about either boat, but many w/experience feel the McGregor is not a good choice.
Long time sailors have concerns about either boat, but many w/experience feel the McGregor is not a good choice.
apples and oranges
I owned a 26x for three years and it was a blast. If you want the ability to go fast with a 50 hp, launch very easily and tow with a small car the Mac 26x is the boat. But remember it is a compromise between sailing and powering. The Hunter will make you happier when sailing.
I owned a 26x for three years and it was a blast. If you want the ability to go fast with a 50 hp, launch very easily and tow with a small car the Mac 26x is the boat. But remember it is a compromise between sailing and powering. The Hunter will make you happier when sailing.
Mr. Higgins Not MacGregor
Your statement needs further explanation. I'm sure that Ted would like to hear it as well as the rest of us. Is your statement based on heresay, experience, in depth knowledge? How about it?
Your statement needs further explanation. I'm sure that Ted would like to hear it as well as the rest of us. Is your statement based on heresay, experience, in depth knowledge? How about it?
Ted, I own a 95 H26 and have seen and talked
to owners of the Mac 26. The last conversation was this summer with a new owner of a new Mac. I have also sailed with and against this boat, but never on one. The boat is beautiful, has nice lines and some very nice features. The Mac package does have a rather high entry cost, and to me it did not justify this expense, nor did it appear able to return much of that value upon resale. There is a very small group of buyers that want this type of boat. The 50 hp motor is expensive to start with. IMHO the added linkage and structural weight needed for it to function heavily compromises the sailing of the boat. The boat is not a true sailboat and falls very short when trying to be a powerboat. IMHO the only improvement it adds to a sailboat is the ability to haul ass home when the thunderboomers attack. I also feel that this boat with a much smaller OB would be further compromised. It appears to be much less than a stable platform as a powerboat and I would guess it is frightining to operate while trying to pull skiiers if it could. Most powerboats under 30' seem to want to do this. The cockpit is also very busy and small. In my opinion it is a bad buy. When sailing you need the best sailboat you can afford. IMHO this combo is not very good as either type of boat. About the Hunter 260. Our 26 is almost a carbon copy of the 260 except the 260 has many improvements. My Hunter is a dream to tow, even with my 1981 Ford 1/2 ton pickup.(300 cu in with 4 speed, 2 wd) We can raise the mast, rig the boat, pile in the coolers and gear, launch and set sail within 1 and 1/2 hour. I also, so far, can beat any boat on our section of the Columbia River, EXCEPT that damn Mac when we're "haulin ass" to beat that boomer, or to have that "Miller Time". Ray S/V Speedy PS. The gasoline odor from the ammount of fuel used in this boat is also a turn-off.
to owners of the Mac 26. The last conversation was this summer with a new owner of a new Mac. I have also sailed with and against this boat, but never on one. The boat is beautiful, has nice lines and some very nice features. The Mac package does have a rather high entry cost, and to me it did not justify this expense, nor did it appear able to return much of that value upon resale. There is a very small group of buyers that want this type of boat. The 50 hp motor is expensive to start with. IMHO the added linkage and structural weight needed for it to function heavily compromises the sailing of the boat. The boat is not a true sailboat and falls very short when trying to be a powerboat. IMHO the only improvement it adds to a sailboat is the ability to haul ass home when the thunderboomers attack. I also feel that this boat with a much smaller OB would be further compromised. It appears to be much less than a stable platform as a powerboat and I would guess it is frightining to operate while trying to pull skiiers if it could. Most powerboats under 30' seem to want to do this. The cockpit is also very busy and small. In my opinion it is a bad buy. When sailing you need the best sailboat you can afford. IMHO this combo is not very good as either type of boat. About the Hunter 260. Our 26 is almost a carbon copy of the 260 except the 260 has many improvements. My Hunter is a dream to tow, even with my 1981 Ford 1/2 ton pickup.(300 cu in with 4 speed, 2 wd) We can raise the mast, rig the boat, pile in the coolers and gear, launch and set sail within 1 and 1/2 hour. I also, so far, can beat any boat on our section of the Columbia River, EXCEPT that damn Mac when we're "haulin ass" to beat that boomer, or to have that "Miller Time". Ray S/V Speedy PS. The gasoline odor from the ammount of fuel used in this boat is also a turn-off.
By all means, sail them both
You'll hear many varying opinions on these two boats. I even looked at a Mac when I was first kicking tires. I would sail each, and feel which one you like better. From a design standpoint (freeboard, keel, overall balance), I would think the Hunter would sail much better than the Mac any day of the week. However, I would want some time behind the helm before I made that expensive decision. Have fun playing with them, and let us know which path you chose. Rob
You'll hear many varying opinions on these two boats. I even looked at a Mac when I was first kicking tires. I would sail each, and feel which one you like better. From a design standpoint (freeboard, keel, overall balance), I would think the Hunter would sail much better than the Mac any day of the week. However, I would want some time behind the helm before I made that expensive decision. Have fun playing with them, and let us know which path you chose. Rob
My Brother asked the same question!!!
Ted, My brother was also considering the McGregor. After his research, he told me that the problem with the Mcgregor is that it is not a good sailboat or a good power boat. He went with a 1990 Hunter 27 and loves it. I have seen a McGregor crusing around Cape Coral. It is wild seeing a sailboat go that fast. But, it just did not look right. I was actually a litle curious and jealous. Good Luck with your Decision, Daddy's Dream
Ted, My brother was also considering the McGregor. After his research, he told me that the problem with the Mcgregor is that it is not a good sailboat or a good power boat. He went with a 1990 Hunter 27 and loves it. I have seen a McGregor crusing around Cape Coral. It is wild seeing a sailboat go that fast. But, it just did not look right. I was actually a litle curious and jealous. Good Luck with your Decision, Daddy's Dream
One of Each
Why not look around and I bet you can find a McGregor, aka Venture 25, and a true powerboat for less than the cost of a new Mac 26X. I bet a new Mac 26 X cost more than 25K with a 50 hp. Heck you can buy a Hunter 25,5 or Cat 25 for less than 10K and get a pretty nice runabout for less than 10K and throw in a PWC to round it off just to tick everybody off.
Why not look around and I bet you can find a McGregor, aka Venture 25, and a true powerboat for less than the cost of a new Mac 26X. I bet a new Mac 26 X cost more than 25K with a 50 hp. Heck you can buy a Hunter 25,5 or Cat 25 for less than 10K and get a pretty nice runabout for less than 10K and throw in a PWC to round it off just to tick everybody off.
Jack Hunter And 26X
Mac26X---15,800, includes starter safety equipment, 2 bags of sails, and a trailer. Pedestal steering. Engine your choice. Yamaha 50hp---6,500. This is for a new one. True, I may be off a 100 bucks or so, but not much more than that. Options, are what makes the price go up. This applies to any new boat, power or sail. Go out and price new Catalinas, Hunters, etc., just for the heck of it. See what you can get new for that price, for that size, and equipment. Its interesting.
Mac26X---15,800, includes starter safety equipment, 2 bags of sails, and a trailer. Pedestal steering. Engine your choice. Yamaha 50hp---6,500. This is for a new one. True, I may be off a 100 bucks or so, but not much more than that. Options, are what makes the price go up. This applies to any new boat, power or sail. Go out and price new Catalinas, Hunters, etc., just for the heck of it. See what you can get new for that price, for that size, and equipment. Its interesting.
Mac 26X Defense
I'm new to sailing but have noticed that "old salts" are quick to put down Macs but only with a static analysis. Let me explain, you don't hear car guys putting down a BMW X5 because it is not as fast as the Porshe 911 and does not have as much room as a Ford Excursion. It is what it is and its not either of these vehicles so don't compare. Back to the Mac: It is a GOOD sailboat that can go fast. It is not a powerboat and will not win a Volvo race but it was never intended to do either. By the way, if you must compare statically a Hunter 26 is even a worse powerboat than a Mac 26X! I am docked in Wash DC where the Potomac is polluted and very thin shore to shore. It became very boring to drive a hole in the same couple miles of water everytime out. I can now get 40-50 miles downstream before noon and sail new expansive waters. The Mac 26X is great if you want to sail for fun (i.e., not competitively)and also want to get to new waters and adventures or have fun when the wind dies. The fit and finish is good. Its inexpensive not cheap. I have also seen two year old 26Xs cost almost as much as new boats so don't worry about resale.
I'm new to sailing but have noticed that "old salts" are quick to put down Macs but only with a static analysis. Let me explain, you don't hear car guys putting down a BMW X5 because it is not as fast as the Porshe 911 and does not have as much room as a Ford Excursion. It is what it is and its not either of these vehicles so don't compare. Back to the Mac: It is a GOOD sailboat that can go fast. It is not a powerboat and will not win a Volvo race but it was never intended to do either. By the way, if you must compare statically a Hunter 26 is even a worse powerboat than a Mac 26X! I am docked in Wash DC where the Potomac is polluted and very thin shore to shore. It became very boring to drive a hole in the same couple miles of water everytime out. I can now get 40-50 miles downstream before noon and sail new expansive waters. The Mac 26X is great if you want to sail for fun (i.e., not competitively)and also want to get to new waters and adventures or have fun when the wind dies. The fit and finish is good. Its inexpensive not cheap. I have also seen two year old 26Xs cost almost as much as new boats so don't worry about resale.
MAC 26X vs H26
Both boats are water ballast so they will sail somewhat the same. The hunter will sail better because it is a true displacement hull. The 26X is a modified planning hull. The 26X need to plane off to hit speeds above hull speed. This effect the sailing and stability of the boat. I have seen them knocked down in a puff(not sure in owner had water in the tank). The H26 is nicer inside. My girlfriend took one look inside the 26X and said no way are we getting this boat! Owner have fixed them up too look better. The big advantage of the 26 is speed. One of the 26X fellows at the dock asked me how long is took to get to Dave
Both boats are water ballast so they will sail somewhat the same. The hunter will sail better because it is a true displacement hull. The 26X is a modified planning hull. The 26X need to plane off to hit speeds above hull speed. This effect the sailing and stability of the boat. I have seen them knocked down in a puff(not sure in owner had water in the tank). The H26 is nicer inside. My girlfriend took one look inside the 26X and said no way are we getting this boat! Owner have fixed them up too look better. The big advantage of the 26 is speed. One of the 26X fellows at the dock asked me how long is took to get to Dave
Not true!
There is a one year back waiting list to buy a Mac 26X ( people want them) There is no perceptable odor from my 50 HP Bigfoot fourstroke motor. I have nice days boating when there is no wind. The other boats stay in the marina when we are out having a good time.To each his own, but lets keep it real.....Bill
There is a one year back waiting list to buy a Mac 26X ( people want them) There is no perceptable odor from my 50 HP Bigfoot fourstroke motor. I have nice days boating when there is no wind. The other boats stay in the marina when we are out having a good time.To each his own, but lets keep it real.....Bill
Mac 26x - 5,000 Sold in 6 years
You've received some well-balanced answers to your question already. It really depends on what your personal goals are, recreational boating or just pure sailing? It's just as important to judge the perspective from which those opinions are rendered, and whether they have first-hand experience. If you're a sailing purist, you would find a Mac challenging because it's not the easiest boat to sail. Those who criticize the 26x usually have not tried it, or if they did, they've probably not learned about it. If you're a recreational boater looking to enjoy the water with friends and family, you owe it to yourself to consider the 26x. See my response "Are you Roger Mac" on the topic named "Fitting the need." You'll find some real-world observations from a 26x owner and sailor.
You've received some well-balanced answers to your question already. It really depends on what your personal goals are, recreational boating or just pure sailing? It's just as important to judge the perspective from which those opinions are rendered, and whether they have first-hand experience. If you're a sailing purist, you would find a Mac challenging because it's not the easiest boat to sail. Those who criticize the 26x usually have not tried it, or if they did, they've probably not learned about it. If you're a recreational boater looking to enjoy the water with friends and family, you owe it to yourself to consider the 26x. See my response "Are you Roger Mac" on the topic named "Fitting the need." You'll find some real-world observations from a 26x owner and sailor.
Speed boat vs. power boat
Which do you want. The 26X is a dog, a real dog under sail. In a pick up race I blew the sails off a 26X with my slower than slow watkins 27 cruiser. The windage of the 26X is so huge that I sure would not want to try to float her into a dock with a contrary breeze blowing from port or starboard. Get a bayliner if you want a cheap power boat. Or get a trailer and a blo bote if you want to explore further away sailing grounds..Good sailing..Denny P.
Which do you want. The 26X is a dog, a real dog under sail. In a pick up race I blew the sails off a 26X with my slower than slow watkins 27 cruiser. The windage of the 26X is so huge that I sure would not want to try to float her into a dock with a contrary breeze blowing from port or starboard. Get a bayliner if you want a cheap power boat. Or get a trailer and a blo bote if you want to explore further away sailing grounds..Good sailing..Denny P.
An "expert" calls it the Hunter 26X
If you know so much about it you should know that it is the Macgregor 26X. The person that wants to buy one should take it out on a test. If they like it buy it, but don't base your decision based on opinions of others who have "admired" the Mac from afar. All boats have compromises. It all depends on what you want. I can power around for hours on a few gallons of gas. Try that on your Bayliner! How much does a 26 foot Bayliner cost ? How much does it cost to maintain. How easy is it to trailer? How does the Hunter under power compare to the Bayliner? Also don't judge a boat's sailing ability on one race with an unidentified captain.Hunters cant keep up with Hobbicats either. Not everyone needs a race winner under power or under sail. The proof of the pudding is the many happy owners. See www.speedy rigger.com for interesting stuff about the Mac.Try the Mac. If you don't like it look elsewhere.....Bill
If you know so much about it you should know that it is the Macgregor 26X. The person that wants to buy one should take it out on a test. If they like it buy it, but don't base your decision based on opinions of others who have "admired" the Mac from afar. All boats have compromises. It all depends on what you want. I can power around for hours on a few gallons of gas. Try that on your Bayliner! How much does a 26 foot Bayliner cost ? How much does it cost to maintain. How easy is it to trailer? How does the Hunter under power compare to the Bayliner? Also don't judge a boat's sailing ability on one race with an unidentified captain.Hunters cant keep up with Hobbicats either. Not everyone needs a race winner under power or under sail. The proof of the pudding is the many happy owners. See www.speedy rigger.com for interesting stuff about the Mac.Try the Mac. If you don't like it look elsewhere.....Bill
26X does sail
I have sailed against the 26X and it is slow in light air! In heavy air hull speed is hull speed! It will get close to hull speed! But, 22 MPH under power is nice! If you want to go some where quick like a resturant or if a storm storm comes up 22 MPH is a very nice! Too bad the boat is not nicer inside!
I have sailed against the 26X and it is slow in light air! In heavy air hull speed is hull speed! It will get close to hull speed! But, 22 MPH under power is nice! If you want to go some where quick like a resturant or if a storm storm comes up 22 MPH is a very nice! Too bad the boat is not nicer inside!
Compromise
The Mac 26x is a compromise. It isn't the best power boat and it isn't the best sailboat...it is, however, the perfect solution for a number of people. We could debate the flaws in the 26x for the rest of eternity. Nothing is perfect. Reality: My Mac easily trailers, has great cabin room, comfortably accomodates friends and family. Sails better than many boats I've been on (contrary to an earlier post, hull speed is not hull speed when discussing a planing hull--I regularily exceed hull speed under sail) Provides fun when the wind isn't blowing. Allows for a high speed when required or desired. Combines many of the attributes of two boats without the maintenance or expense of owning both and allows you to be on both boats at one time. In a sense I own a minivan of a boat. The lines aren't as pleasing as a Porsche, it doesn't haul what a truck does, it's isn't as nimble as a car, it doesn't carry as many people as a school bus...I think you get the point. Consider your needs carefully. Select the craft that best fullfills your expectations and by all means test drive the contenders. Don't rely on uninformed prejudice. Whatever decision you make will be based upon your needs not the opinions of people with other expectations. If it turns of that you choose poorly (My, that's never happened to anyone here) you can always get another boat. My two cents. BOL
The Mac 26x is a compromise. It isn't the best power boat and it isn't the best sailboat...it is, however, the perfect solution for a number of people. We could debate the flaws in the 26x for the rest of eternity. Nothing is perfect. Reality: My Mac easily trailers, has great cabin room, comfortably accomodates friends and family. Sails better than many boats I've been on (contrary to an earlier post, hull speed is not hull speed when discussing a planing hull--I regularily exceed hull speed under sail) Provides fun when the wind isn't blowing. Allows for a high speed when required or desired. Combines many of the attributes of two boats without the maintenance or expense of owning both and allows you to be on both boats at one time. In a sense I own a minivan of a boat. The lines aren't as pleasing as a Porsche, it doesn't haul what a truck does, it's isn't as nimble as a car, it doesn't carry as many people as a school bus...I think you get the point. Consider your needs carefully. Select the craft that best fullfills your expectations and by all means test drive the contenders. Don't rely on uninformed prejudice. Whatever decision you make will be based upon your needs not the opinions of people with other expectations. If it turns of that you choose poorly (My, that's never happened to anyone here) you can always get another boat. My two cents. BOL
Well said kevin
The Mac 26X is less than 8 feet wide. In some states a permit must be obtained to legally tow boats over 8 feet wide. The width requirement varies from state to state. I like boats, all of them ! Even liked the plastic one I got out of a Cracker Jack package when I was a kid even though it floated on its side in the water.So if you have a boat different than mine I love it too. Bill
The Mac 26X is less than 8 feet wide. In some states a permit must be obtained to legally tow boats over 8 feet wide. The width requirement varies from state to state. I like boats, all of them ! Even liked the plastic one I got out of a Cracker Jack package when I was a kid even though it floated on its side in the water.So if you have a boat different than mine I love it too. Bill
Kevin's post
I like what Kevin says, too. Both the Hunter and Mac have their strengths and weaknesses. Take the time to figure out how you will use your boat, what you can spend, then buy what best matches your needs. do that and you're sure to be happy with your purchase.
I like what Kevin says, too. Both the Hunter and Mac have their strengths and weaknesses. Take the time to figure out how you will use your boat, what you can spend, then buy what best matches your needs. do that and you're sure to be happy with your purchase.
I like mine.
I own a 2001 Mac 26X. On LI Sound, we have generally light winds (5 to 15 mph) that vary widely over a fairly small area. I noticed this summer/fall that I frequently seemed to be one of the few sailboats out in (light) marginal conditions. I find that I'm more likely to go looking for good winds, since I can get there ;-) I don't know why the Hunter owners don't come out to play as often, since I'm not one. If I lived in a different wind condition area, I may have purchased a different boat. Perhaps I'd prefer the Hunter in a moderate to strong wind area. I do like the way the Hunters are "finished" more than the Macs. I could have bought either, I picked the Mac. No regrets. Specifically answering your questions: Setup and trailering couldn't be much easier. First time setup was 55 minutes. Now, it is routinely 20 minutes (takedown is a bit less). Trailering is predictable and docile behind my Honda Odyessy with dealer-installed tow package. I am at the maximum gross trailer weight recommended for this vehicle (3500 lbs). The Merc 50 HP 4-stroke EFI Bigfoot is a key to the way I use my boat... a 9.9 HP motor wouldn't suffice. You couldn't even keep up with the tidal currents in the sound with a 9.9. With my setup, I can traverse "the race" (4 to 5 knot tidal current) with confidence against the current (not my goal, but do-able). Good luck!
I own a 2001 Mac 26X. On LI Sound, we have generally light winds (5 to 15 mph) that vary widely over a fairly small area. I noticed this summer/fall that I frequently seemed to be one of the few sailboats out in (light) marginal conditions. I find that I'm more likely to go looking for good winds, since I can get there ;-) I don't know why the Hunter owners don't come out to play as often, since I'm not one. If I lived in a different wind condition area, I may have purchased a different boat. Perhaps I'd prefer the Hunter in a moderate to strong wind area. I do like the way the Hunters are "finished" more than the Macs. I could have bought either, I picked the Mac. No regrets. Specifically answering your questions: Setup and trailering couldn't be much easier. First time setup was 55 minutes. Now, it is routinely 20 minutes (takedown is a bit less). Trailering is predictable and docile behind my Honda Odyessy with dealer-installed tow package. I am at the maximum gross trailer weight recommended for this vehicle (3500 lbs). The Merc 50 HP 4-stroke EFI Bigfoot is a key to the way I use my boat... a 9.9 HP motor wouldn't suffice. You couldn't even keep up with the tidal currents in the sound with a 9.9. With my setup, I can traverse "the race" (4 to 5 knot tidal current) with confidence against the current (not my goal, but do-able). Good luck!
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