Hi all,
After two fun summers sailing my SJ21, I'm seriously considering upsizing. I've been cruising the various sales forums since last fall, and even gone to look at several boats. I live in MT, and the selection is definitely limited. A couple weekends ago We took a roadtrip to the Puget Sound area to look at 4 different boats: Lancer 25, Lancer 28, South Coast 26 and a Neptune 24. The Neptune was easily in the best condition, but not quite the right interior layout and the keel raising mechanism was jammed. The Lancers had a lot of water leaks from various parts of the topsides, and the mold smell indicated that a complete gutting would be required to remedy the mold. The South Coast 26 has been a lawn ornament for many more years than the advertisement, and the owner had it priced with at least 2 extra zeroes to even be close to actual market value.
A couple months ago we looked at another boat over by Helena, that was in need of some repairs to the keel and again just not the right layout.
We are a family of 5, including 3 teenagers (one in college). The probability of extra crew (friends/family) is high. So far we have only sailed at Flathead Lake, but there are other options in the area that we would like to visit. So, what we are looking for in a boat: MUST be trailerable, and that includes relatively easy to launch/retrieve. Large enough cockpit for the wife to lay out and have her sailing siesta. Retractable keel is almost required, as we've found that a lot of the areas we would like to put in only have maybe 2 or 3 feet depth. Private area for a port-a-potty would be great. A basic galley would be nice, but not required. Sleeping for 4 is required, 5 or more would be better. We have no need to sail around the world, we are on protected inland lakes. Having said that, the winds at Flathead can be very variable. I have a little 3hp on my SJ21 and it does fine for getting out of a wind shadow. I acknowledge that an engine is useful, but I really have no desire to motor fast. Being able to motor to better sailing areas does appeal to me, as does being able to motor back to the doc if the winds just die off and I'm miles away.
So, why a Mac 26X? First and foremost because I found one for sale and it's in my price range. Second, and possibly just as important is that I've wanted one since I first saw one at the Puyallup Fair in 1998. Yep, 23 yrs. I already know that Mac owners have to have tough skin. I also know that the family with a 26M up at Flathead was on the lake having fun every change they had. I have no desire to please others with my fancy toy. I want a toy that will be fun for the family for the few years that I have left before my kids wander out into the world. It seems the 26 fills pretty much every need I have. I realize that I'm giving up a lot of performance going from the SJ21, and I'm OK with that. My want is for a boat that the family and friends can enjoy playing on the lake with. I have no need to race, with either wind or the iron genny. If I want performance, I'll take the SJ21 out.
So, I'm posting this thread to ask if anyone who actually owns or has owned a 26X has anything in particular that they liked or disliked? The one I'm looking at is an '01 with a 70hp 4 stroke. I may or may not downsize the outboard. Thanks in advance!
After two fun summers sailing my SJ21, I'm seriously considering upsizing. I've been cruising the various sales forums since last fall, and even gone to look at several boats. I live in MT, and the selection is definitely limited. A couple weekends ago We took a roadtrip to the Puget Sound area to look at 4 different boats: Lancer 25, Lancer 28, South Coast 26 and a Neptune 24. The Neptune was easily in the best condition, but not quite the right interior layout and the keel raising mechanism was jammed. The Lancers had a lot of water leaks from various parts of the topsides, and the mold smell indicated that a complete gutting would be required to remedy the mold. The South Coast 26 has been a lawn ornament for many more years than the advertisement, and the owner had it priced with at least 2 extra zeroes to even be close to actual market value.
A couple months ago we looked at another boat over by Helena, that was in need of some repairs to the keel and again just not the right layout.
We are a family of 5, including 3 teenagers (one in college). The probability of extra crew (friends/family) is high. So far we have only sailed at Flathead Lake, but there are other options in the area that we would like to visit. So, what we are looking for in a boat: MUST be trailerable, and that includes relatively easy to launch/retrieve. Large enough cockpit for the wife to lay out and have her sailing siesta. Retractable keel is almost required, as we've found that a lot of the areas we would like to put in only have maybe 2 or 3 feet depth. Private area for a port-a-potty would be great. A basic galley would be nice, but not required. Sleeping for 4 is required, 5 or more would be better. We have no need to sail around the world, we are on protected inland lakes. Having said that, the winds at Flathead can be very variable. I have a little 3hp on my SJ21 and it does fine for getting out of a wind shadow. I acknowledge that an engine is useful, but I really have no desire to motor fast. Being able to motor to better sailing areas does appeal to me, as does being able to motor back to the doc if the winds just die off and I'm miles away.
So, why a Mac 26X? First and foremost because I found one for sale and it's in my price range. Second, and possibly just as important is that I've wanted one since I first saw one at the Puyallup Fair in 1998. Yep, 23 yrs. I already know that Mac owners have to have tough skin. I also know that the family with a 26M up at Flathead was on the lake having fun every change they had. I have no desire to please others with my fancy toy. I want a toy that will be fun for the family for the few years that I have left before my kids wander out into the world. It seems the 26 fills pretty much every need I have. I realize that I'm giving up a lot of performance going from the SJ21, and I'm OK with that. My want is for a boat that the family and friends can enjoy playing on the lake with. I have no need to race, with either wind or the iron genny. If I want performance, I'll take the SJ21 out.
So, I'm posting this thread to ask if anyone who actually owns or has owned a 26X has anything in particular that they liked or disliked? The one I'm looking at is an '01 with a 70hp 4 stroke. I may or may not downsize the outboard. Thanks in advance!