I'm hearing, from non-Mac owners about the poor pointing ability of the Mac 26M to windward. Is it true? I don't care about water skiing, so I would mount a 25 hp 4-stroke engine. Will that be OK for the balance of the boat for sailing? The brochure shows a daggerboard that does not kick-up or back. Isn't that really dangerous when sailing in shallow water or an obstruction in the water? Another sailor friend of mine says he heard that Macs heel more severely because there isn't enough ballast low enough in the water. True or false? One last item. I would like a boat with stern rail seats because the cockpit in the Mac 26M doesn't really look that large, as compared to the cabin area. Has anyone installed stern rail seats on their Macs? I saw a website that offers them for about %500 a pair.
Considering a Mac 26M?
- Thread starter mykcoon
- Start date
- Status
uh oh
I hope this doesn't turn into another "size matters" thread
I have an S model so I can't vouch for the M's upwind ability. Daggerboard's always run the risk of getting stuck in the shallows. I like my swing keel for this reason. I wouldn't say Macs heel more but they do heel quicker, then the righting moment kicks in. Some people just prefer a more "stable" boat. I'm not particularly fond of the cockpit on the M. You can get stern rail seats for them but I don't know how useful they are when sailing.
I hope this doesn't turn into another "size matters" thread
I have an S model so I can't vouch for the M's upwind ability. Daggerboard's always run the risk of getting stuck in the shallows. I like my swing keel for this reason. I wouldn't say Macs heel more but they do heel quicker, then the righting moment kicks in. Some people just prefer a more "stable" boat. I'm not particularly fond of the cockpit on the M. You can get stern rail seats for them but I don't know how useful they are when sailing.
I'm with Justin....
but I think maybe we're taking the wrong tack from the beginning. There are going to be plenty of detracters of the "M", but maybe the first thing to find out is: What drew you toward the 26M in the first place? What are you looking for? You stated you were not interested in skiing.......so.....what is your interest? The M may be exactly it or it may miss completely. What do you want your boat to do? As Justin said, the "M" (or any water ballast boat) will act initially more tender than a standard ballast boat, but that water ballast will kick in as it gets nearer the pivot point and is very very reliable and stable. Justin and I both have 26S and I'm sure that he, like I, had to learn how to trust the ballast. My S is far more tender initially than my old V22. At first, it really bothered me, but time on the water cured me. I've sailed the Gulf in 10 - 12 foot seas and inland lakes in 30+ wind with higher gusts. (Incidentally, I had never reefed my sails til after the 30 mph day). The water ballast takes some getting used to, but it works beautifully. Now back to the original point; what are you wanting your boat to do? Maybe we can help you better if we know that rather than just raining negativity.
but I think maybe we're taking the wrong tack from the beginning. There are going to be plenty of detracters of the "M", but maybe the first thing to find out is: What drew you toward the 26M in the first place? What are you looking for? You stated you were not interested in skiing.......so.....what is your interest? The M may be exactly it or it may miss completely. What do you want your boat to do? As Justin said, the "M" (or any water ballast boat) will act initially more tender than a standard ballast boat, but that water ballast will kick in as it gets nearer the pivot point and is very very reliable and stable. Justin and I both have 26S and I'm sure that he, like I, had to learn how to trust the ballast. My S is far more tender initially than my old V22. At first, it really bothered me, but time on the water cured me. I've sailed the Gulf in 10 - 12 foot seas and inland lakes in 30+ wind with higher gusts. (Incidentally, I had never reefed my sails til after the 30 mph day). The water ballast takes some getting used to, but it works beautifully. Now back to the original point; what are you wanting your boat to do? Maybe we can help you better if we know that rather than just raining negativity.
It's what you are looking for
I chose an M because I owned a MAC25. Getting old and know that cast iron keels and pivot bolts will break your heart, your back and depending where the cable decides to break, your wallet. Besides all that, an M is easier maintenance for me.
I chose an M because I owned a MAC25. Getting old and know that cast iron keels and pivot bolts will break your heart, your back and depending where the cable decides to break, your wallet. Besides all that, an M is easier maintenance for me.
Well I'm impressed
The article written by "You Yours" is probably one of the most coherent and lofty articles that I've seen short of a magazine boat review article. The literary style is excellent and the voice is extremely clear and decided. The degredation of vascilation or lack of confidence is far removed from his writing. Aside from the probable typo using the word "regular" rather than the proper adverb, "regularly", in the second paragraph, this review could easily be published. Maybe it was. A couple of things were missing though, that would lend credibility to the assessment. No owner's profile is available by the author to let us know what boat he sails. No experience history is given to let us know if he owns a "M" or if, perhaps, he has ever sailed one. Strong statements as "Most call the powersailor a 'Waterbeggo'", leave me wondering. Since I had never heard the term before, I wonder who "Most" are. Admittedly I am turned a bit toward "argument and support". When I hear as many strong statements as in the last review, I look for supporting statements or documentation of some sort. I wonder what style of steering device our reviewer has himself, or prefers and just where it should be placed. Also, admittedly there may be great merit to most all of the observations made. I've never had the opportunity to sail a "M", so I cannot speak authoritatively, but I am slow to accept mere opinion or prejudice as fact. I've been curious about the rotating mast. But I want to hear about it from someone that has sailed it enough to KNOW if it makes the difference claimed by the company. The non-equivical review was certainly well stated from our writer's point of view, but it still comes back to our original issue posed by "mykcoon"; for what type of sailing are you looking. What do you want your boat to do?
The article written by "You Yours" is probably one of the most coherent and lofty articles that I've seen short of a magazine boat review article. The literary style is excellent and the voice is extremely clear and decided. The degredation of vascilation or lack of confidence is far removed from his writing. Aside from the probable typo using the word "regular" rather than the proper adverb, "regularly", in the second paragraph, this review could easily be published. Maybe it was. A couple of things were missing though, that would lend credibility to the assessment. No owner's profile is available by the author to let us know what boat he sails. No experience history is given to let us know if he owns a "M" or if, perhaps, he has ever sailed one. Strong statements as "Most call the powersailor a 'Waterbeggo'", leave me wondering. Since I had never heard the term before, I wonder who "Most" are. Admittedly I am turned a bit toward "argument and support". When I hear as many strong statements as in the last review, I look for supporting statements or documentation of some sort. I wonder what style of steering device our reviewer has himself, or prefers and just where it should be placed. Also, admittedly there may be great merit to most all of the observations made. I've never had the opportunity to sail a "M", so I cannot speak authoritatively, but I am slow to accept mere opinion or prejudice as fact. I've been curious about the rotating mast. But I want to hear about it from someone that has sailed it enough to KNOW if it makes the difference claimed by the company. The non-equivical review was certainly well stated from our writer's point of view, but it still comes back to our original issue posed by "mykcoon"; for what type of sailing are you looking. What do you want your boat to do?
rotating mast
I have never sailed the Mac 26M but have a rotating mast on a Hobie cat and have been around them for many years in the land and ice boating world where you pretty much must have some sort of rotating mast. Ive heard from people who’s opinion I respect that they do make a difference on the displacement hull sailboat. One of the observations and things I suspect is that the jib in front of the main "pre-directs" the air flow so that the rotating mast is less important. So this year, I’m working on being able to reef my main rather than drop my jib when the winds come up so that my non-rotating mast on the S will work better. When single handing and when the winds came up, its pretty easy just to drop the jib and with the traveler let out, I could sail on just my main in some fairly high winds. But in this condition, the apparent wind on the main is much more from the side and the boom is way out also to the side so that the flow entry of the lee side of the mast is just a very nasty shape (with the non-rotating mast) at just about the most important area on the sail. The boat is still under control and good sailing but it definitely just doesn’t feel like the main is working well. So while I’m hoping that I get better performance with the jib plus reefed main, the boat would be a lot easier to sail single handed if I could just drop the jib (or roll it up if I had that option) and only run off the main with a nice leading edge possible with a rotating mast. So for me, it would just be more about "convenient performance" in higher winds or in a place with up and down winds (which is my case). Note also the M mast is larger (width and thickness - I guess also length) than any previous model masts. That would make it harder to raise if you trailer but probably still fairly easy. The M also has no back stay and the larger mast I guess wont bend like the earlier models so you cant affect sail shape as much - but then again, you probably don’t need to and the back stay is always a pain if you also have a bimini (at least on my boat). I guess people still put some sort of rigging on these mast to pull them back but I understand the main purpose is to keep the forestay tight.
I have never sailed the Mac 26M but have a rotating mast on a Hobie cat and have been around them for many years in the land and ice boating world where you pretty much must have some sort of rotating mast. Ive heard from people who’s opinion I respect that they do make a difference on the displacement hull sailboat. One of the observations and things I suspect is that the jib in front of the main "pre-directs" the air flow so that the rotating mast is less important. So this year, I’m working on being able to reef my main rather than drop my jib when the winds come up so that my non-rotating mast on the S will work better. When single handing and when the winds came up, its pretty easy just to drop the jib and with the traveler let out, I could sail on just my main in some fairly high winds. But in this condition, the apparent wind on the main is much more from the side and the boom is way out also to the side so that the flow entry of the lee side of the mast is just a very nasty shape (with the non-rotating mast) at just about the most important area on the sail. The boat is still under control and good sailing but it definitely just doesn’t feel like the main is working well. So while I’m hoping that I get better performance with the jib plus reefed main, the boat would be a lot easier to sail single handed if I could just drop the jib (or roll it up if I had that option) and only run off the main with a nice leading edge possible with a rotating mast. So for me, it would just be more about "convenient performance" in higher winds or in a place with up and down winds (which is my case). Note also the M mast is larger (width and thickness - I guess also length) than any previous model masts. That would make it harder to raise if you trailer but probably still fairly easy. The M also has no back stay and the larger mast I guess wont bend like the earlier models so you cant affect sail shape as much - but then again, you probably don’t need to and the back stay is always a pain if you also have a bimini (at least on my boat). I guess people still put some sort of rigging on these mast to pull them back but I understand the main purpose is to keep the forestay tight.
Well Larry, since you asked ...
You may never hear too much out of anything until something bad happens. Whenever something doesn't work as well as it is supposed to or is simply marginal enough to require certain 'tips' to make it work better. So goes the rotating mast rig. No news is good news there. Many 26X owners are retrofitting their boats to this catamaran style rigging mast. Why? Because it works well. There are some complaints about the mast not turning well, or getting stuck et cetra. And there are a scant amount of tips to overcome this problem such as re-tuning your rig (shroud stays). Some swear apon certain wet/dry lubricants on the thrust washers at the base of the mast (an all-in-one step assembly). I tried this on my boat using a lubricant that resembled vasoline called Festogel. Immediately washed that crap out when it got gritty from dust and sand and applied a dry lubricant that didn't do any better. That too got washed out el'pronto. Why did I lube it at all if the rotating mast was working in the first place?. I found that the mast does not rotate in light wind conditions. Simply isn't enough pressure in the sails to start the mast rotating. Going from a port to starboard (or visa versa) broad reach the sail will look a bit wrapped over the face of the mast. I jump up and help things out by rotating the mas myself in light winds. So you get the picture. My intentions by lubing the darn thing in the first place was purely a 'tinkerers' play and one of learning how things work. My findings are that due to the weight of the mast and the shroud stays, there is a load pressure on the thrust washers and the tiny bit of benefit you gain by lubing them aren't worth the hassle of cleaning them and regreasing them as frequently as needed. They work best when they are bone dry. Did I mention that I like the rotating mast? Remember I did own a MAC25 and can say, a big YES. I don't know if this mast technology makes sailing easier or faster (I don't carry a speed indication device. Just a stopwatch and charts), but I do know that it lends great mainsail shape. Sail on
You may never hear too much out of anything until something bad happens. Whenever something doesn't work as well as it is supposed to or is simply marginal enough to require certain 'tips' to make it work better. So goes the rotating mast rig. No news is good news there. Many 26X owners are retrofitting their boats to this catamaran style rigging mast. Why? Because it works well. There are some complaints about the mast not turning well, or getting stuck et cetra. And there are a scant amount of tips to overcome this problem such as re-tuning your rig (shroud stays). Some swear apon certain wet/dry lubricants on the thrust washers at the base of the mast (an all-in-one step assembly). I tried this on my boat using a lubricant that resembled vasoline called Festogel. Immediately washed that crap out when it got gritty from dust and sand and applied a dry lubricant that didn't do any better. That too got washed out el'pronto. Why did I lube it at all if the rotating mast was working in the first place?. I found that the mast does not rotate in light wind conditions. Simply isn't enough pressure in the sails to start the mast rotating. Going from a port to starboard (or visa versa) broad reach the sail will look a bit wrapped over the face of the mast. I jump up and help things out by rotating the mas myself in light winds. So you get the picture. My intentions by lubing the darn thing in the first place was purely a 'tinkerers' play and one of learning how things work. My findings are that due to the weight of the mast and the shroud stays, there is a load pressure on the thrust washers and the tiny bit of benefit you gain by lubing them aren't worth the hassle of cleaning them and regreasing them as frequently as needed. They work best when they are bone dry. Did I mention that I like the rotating mast? Remember I did own a MAC25 and can say, a big YES. I don't know if this mast technology makes sailing easier or faster (I don't carry a speed indication device. Just a stopwatch and charts), but I do know that it lends great mainsail shape. Sail on
Thanks Guys,
I just visited the MacGregor site to look again at the "M" rigging. Having only been around more standard riggings, I was having trouble envisioning how a mast could rotate while pinioned by stays fore, aft, and to the sides. Clown pilot reminded me that there was no backstay. If I am correct, the website pics indicate that all stays terminate to the fore side of the mast. That would aid in allowing the mast to rotate. Correct? Clownpilot, how does this affect forward flex in heavier blows? Does the jib or genoa have a tendency to stop the rotation since the fractional forestay is attached to the mast front? What about the remarks earlier in the forum about lighter weight sails and lines? Since you can compare the 25 and the 26M, how do you rate the "M" for pure sailability and will the mast stay together in a hard blow offshore? Thanks again, for your experienced info. I also owe a thanks to "You yours" for the pics and observations on the stern seats. That is the very sort of thing that I look at this forum for. When we get information born of experience, THEN we gain value for our own decisions/actions. Thanks again.
I just visited the MacGregor site to look again at the "M" rigging. Having only been around more standard riggings, I was having trouble envisioning how a mast could rotate while pinioned by stays fore, aft, and to the sides. Clown pilot reminded me that there was no backstay. If I am correct, the website pics indicate that all stays terminate to the fore side of the mast. That would aid in allowing the mast to rotate. Correct? Clownpilot, how does this affect forward flex in heavier blows? Does the jib or genoa have a tendency to stop the rotation since the fractional forestay is attached to the mast front? What about the remarks earlier in the forum about lighter weight sails and lines? Since you can compare the 25 and the 26M, how do you rate the "M" for pure sailability and will the mast stay together in a hard blow offshore? Thanks again, for your experienced info. I also owe a thanks to "You yours" for the pics and observations on the stern seats. That is the very sort of thing that I look at this forum for. When we get information born of experience, THEN we gain value for our own decisions/actions. Thanks again.
On the contrary Larry
...seems the heavier wind or sudden blow the better the mast responds to the mainsail direction. In fact it is the boom that steers the mast, although the goosneck is pivotal on a horizontal axis to the mast, it is the side load that creats mast inflection. So the goosneck connection is more like a tie rod to a axle hub configuration. It is the 'pull' that the goosneck exerts on the mast connection link that brings the mast around in line with wind direction. Of course the yardarms (spreaders) are pivotally attached as well as the forestay being a swival type connection on a bale at the mast connection. This, of course, creates no influence over mast rotation. Perhaps it may add a bit of restriction or opposing load forces against the mast in a heavy blow. Whether this enhances mast rotation I cannot say. I do know that in heavy winds, the mast handles itself without me helping it. And that's good. Hope that helps out.
...seems the heavier wind or sudden blow the better the mast responds to the mainsail direction. In fact it is the boom that steers the mast, although the goosneck is pivotal on a horizontal axis to the mast, it is the side load that creats mast inflection. So the goosneck connection is more like a tie rod to a axle hub configuration. It is the 'pull' that the goosneck exerts on the mast connection link that brings the mast around in line with wind direction. Of course the yardarms (spreaders) are pivotally attached as well as the forestay being a swival type connection on a bale at the mast connection. This, of course, creates no influence over mast rotation. Perhaps it may add a bit of restriction or opposing load forces against the mast in a heavy blow. Whether this enhances mast rotation I cannot say. I do know that in heavy winds, the mast handles itself without me helping it. And that's good. Hope that helps out.
More thanks
to both you guys. I appreciate the info from experience on your 26, Clown pilot. And Youyours, the pic helped me immesurably get the concept of how the mast can pivot while still being suported laterally. The links supplied also were very informative. It calls to mind my sailing buddy's Catalina 22. He has 4 shrouds (2 on each side). There are two that sweep back farther than on my 26S. He does have a full masthead rig, but reading about the B&R rig makes me think of his shroud configuration. It does limit downwind boom swing, but then, I experience that too. Prior to reading up on this type of rig, I had severe questions about not having a backstay. After reading up and seeing the pics, along with your explainations, it makes me wonder if it would be a good retrofit on my "S". Since I trailer sail, it would be really nice not to have to fool with the backstay. It would also help with the bimini, etc. Thanks again for your info. This is what I feel forums like this should be used for.
to both you guys. I appreciate the info from experience on your 26, Clown pilot. And Youyours, the pic helped me immesurably get the concept of how the mast can pivot while still being suported laterally. The links supplied also were very informative. It calls to mind my sailing buddy's Catalina 22. He has 4 shrouds (2 on each side). There are two that sweep back farther than on my 26S. He does have a full masthead rig, but reading about the B&R rig makes me think of his shroud configuration. It does limit downwind boom swing, but then, I experience that too. Prior to reading up on this type of rig, I had severe questions about not having a backstay. After reading up and seeing the pics, along with your explainations, it makes me wonder if it would be a good retrofit on my "S". Since I trailer sail, it would be really nice not to have to fool with the backstay. It would also help with the bimini, etc. Thanks again for your info. This is what I feel forums like this should be used for.
Rotating Mast
I use "Sil-Glyde" lubricating compound on my mast thrust washers. Comes from NAPA store in a spray can. Says "It prevents freezing, water repellent, stays put, won't run, gum or harden at temperature extremes." It helps but I still have to help in light winds. Boom kicker as well as vang both hinder the mast rotation.
I use "Sil-Glyde" lubricating compound on my mast thrust washers. Comes from NAPA store in a spray can. Says "It prevents freezing, water repellent, stays put, won't run, gum or harden at temperature extremes." It helps but I still have to help in light winds. Boom kicker as well as vang both hinder the mast rotation.
I finally took a ride in a 26M
What I want my boat for is for lake cruising... not skiing or racing. What drew my interst in the Mac 26 was first the price and also the comfort. Compared to a lot of other boats that size, it's a Holiday Inn. But I took a ride and didn't like it. Lake sailing around here involves dealing with a lot of puffs and not steady wind like you see on the coast. I felt like in was riding on a fishing bobber. I admit, the boat was very stable when the ballast took over on a hard heel, but I would rarely get to that point on a typical sailing day. My Precision P165 fixed wing keel is rock solid, but a terrible boat to overnight in. So for now, the Hunter 25 (after 2005) shallow-draft fixed keel is my first choice and the Catalina 250 fixed wing keel is my second choice. The Hunter is very heavy, but I have a tow vehicle that can handle it. The Catalina's fixed wing keel puts it very high on the trailer, but sails better than their water ballast model. Both a lot more expensive than the Mac, but I think I'd be happier with them. Thanks for all of your input and happy sailing in the new year!!
What I want my boat for is for lake cruising... not skiing or racing. What drew my interst in the Mac 26 was first the price and also the comfort. Compared to a lot of other boats that size, it's a Holiday Inn. But I took a ride and didn't like it. Lake sailing around here involves dealing with a lot of puffs and not steady wind like you see on the coast. I felt like in was riding on a fishing bobber. I admit, the boat was very stable when the ballast took over on a hard heel, but I would rarely get to that point on a typical sailing day. My Precision P165 fixed wing keel is rock solid, but a terrible boat to overnight in. So for now, the Hunter 25 (after 2005) shallow-draft fixed keel is my first choice and the Catalina 250 fixed wing keel is my second choice. The Hunter is very heavy, but I have a tow vehicle that can handle it. The Catalina's fixed wing keel puts it very high on the trailer, but sails better than their water ballast model. Both a lot more expensive than the Mac, but I think I'd be happier with them. Thanks for all of your input and happy sailing in the new year!!
Freedom Boat Works
I work for a company here in Colorado that is getting ready to introduce five new trailerable sailboats. They range in size from 21 to 28 feet and will be introduced next month at the Seattle Boat Show. The website should be up soon. I hope it is okay to post this here. My boss told me last week that they will be advertising on all the Owners sites and Trailer Sailor once our site is ready.
I work for a company here in Colorado that is getting ready to introduce five new trailerable sailboats. They range in size from 21 to 28 feet and will be introduced next month at the Seattle Boat Show. The website should be up soon. I hope it is okay to post this here. My boss told me last week that they will be advertising on all the Owners sites and Trailer Sailor once our site is ready.
A question regarding rotating masts....
I have not seen one of the Mac "rotators' but I'm curious what it would take to modify a 26S? From the few pictures I've seen it looks like the spreaders and lower shroud attachments are arranged to offset/cancel their forces. Still not sure how you adjust shroud tension so it all remains "nuetral" and doesn't bias the mast. Then there is the matter of upper and lower bearings (I have not seen enough pictures to see hoe that works). Not sure I'd want to modify Teliki but just curious... Chris
I have not seen one of the Mac "rotators' but I'm curious what it would take to modify a 26S? From the few pictures I've seen it looks like the spreaders and lower shroud attachments are arranged to offset/cancel their forces. Still not sure how you adjust shroud tension so it all remains "nuetral" and doesn't bias the mast. Then there is the matter of upper and lower bearings (I have not seen enough pictures to see hoe that works). Not sure I'd want to modify Teliki but just curious... Chris
reference
Chris, I dont know the specific details but looked into this earlier (some useful discussion here http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8776 I came to the conclusion that it might be best just to go and buy an M mast setup. Its a pretty big deal as you also need a new main cut for the rotating mast. I also came to the conclusion that my effort at the moment was better spent on making the two sail combo (main and jib) with the fixed mast work over a wider wind range. Im guessing the conversion above would be over $3K (??) by the time you got done.
Chris, I dont know the specific details but looked into this earlier (some useful discussion here http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8776 I came to the conclusion that it might be best just to go and buy an M mast setup. Its a pretty big deal as you also need a new main cut for the rotating mast. I also came to the conclusion that my effort at the moment was better spent on making the two sail combo (main and jib) with the fixed mast work over a wider wind range. Im guessing the conversion above would be over $3K (??) by the time you got done.
mykcoon, to answer your questions
26M's ain't for everyone, but yes it is important to answer questions like the ones you pose. First of all, why buy a 26M if you plan to stunt its true potential? A 25 horse 4 stroke. LOL Save your money Bud. Just hang a 9.9 evinrude on her. A 25HP won't get her up past a plow. If all you wanna do is plow, get yourself an ol fashioned keel boat. Otherwise get her up on a plane and cruise the way she was designed on the drawingboard to do! And while you're at it get a 2 stroke Evinrude Etech that has some decent low-end torque to hole-shot itself up on a plane while the 4 strokers are huffing a smaller prop. When it comes to a high center of gravity, yes she can win awards on heeling. But she is safely balanced thanks to the water ballast system. Traditional sailboats heel as well, but because they are low in the water (less freeboard) they feel as if they have more 'presence' in the water. Found out that that is just a feeling and has nothing to do with the mechanics of actual physics here. The inclimeter mounted at 3 ft above water lines on a Mac25 vs a Mac26M is similar. Actually based on your concerns, I believe you are better off with a traditional type sailing vessel. A true keelboat. Not a powersail
26M's ain't for everyone, but yes it is important to answer questions like the ones you pose. First of all, why buy a 26M if you plan to stunt its true potential? A 25 horse 4 stroke. LOL Save your money Bud. Just hang a 9.9 evinrude on her. A 25HP won't get her up past a plow. If all you wanna do is plow, get yourself an ol fashioned keel boat. Otherwise get her up on a plane and cruise the way she was designed on the drawingboard to do! And while you're at it get a 2 stroke Evinrude Etech that has some decent low-end torque to hole-shot itself up on a plane while the 4 strokers are huffing a smaller prop. When it comes to a high center of gravity, yes she can win awards on heeling. But she is safely balanced thanks to the water ballast system. Traditional sailboats heel as well, but because they are low in the water (less freeboard) they feel as if they have more 'presence' in the water. Found out that that is just a feeling and has nothing to do with the mechanics of actual physics here. The inclimeter mounted at 3 ft above water lines on a Mac25 vs a Mac26M is similar. Actually based on your concerns, I believe you are better off with a traditional type sailing vessel. A true keelboat. Not a powersail
Forget That!
If breakage is a common issue, that tells me there's a design problem. Between that and the excessive freeboard, I've decided against a powersailer in favor of a conventional fixed wing keel boat.
If breakage is a common issue, that tells me there's a design problem. Between that and the excessive freeboard, I've decided against a powersailer in favor of a conventional fixed wing keel boat.
Forget That!
If breakage is a common issue, that tells me there's a design problem. Between that and the excessive freeboard, I've decided against a powersailer in favor of a conventional fixed wing keel boat.
If breakage is a common issue, that tells me there's a design problem. Between that and the excessive freeboard, I've decided against a powersailer in favor of a conventional fixed wing keel boat.
Mykcoon, be happy and get youself a traditional sailboat
Mykcoon, Pretty much everything that YouYours has said about the 26M is true. I used to sail a Hunter 27 and now I've got a Mac 26M. Based on what you say you are looking for I would advise you to get yourself a traditional mono-hull fixed keel lead ballasted sailboat. Even though the things You Yours has pointed out about the Mac 26M or X I still bought the M and am happy with it. You did exactly what a prospective boat buyer should do you evaluated what you wanted and made a decision. In my case I wanted a low cost, trailerable sailboat, houseboat, motorboat, fishing boat and a gunk holler all in one, that can also get into 12" of water. So the choice was easy for me I got the ultimate compromise in boating which was a 26M. The M serves my purposes well today. If I wanted a sailboat only I wouldn't have bought the M, or if I wanted just a motorboat only I wouldn't have bought the M. Since you want a sailboat only then get one. I recommend the Hunters and am partial to them. Sailed all over the Caribbean in my younger days with my bride in our little Hunter 27. It was awesome and was great to sail and handle in open water or in tight quarters. I used to sail it in and out of the slip. I wouldn't even try that with the M. But the traditional sailboat won't motor 25mph and won't anchor in 12" of water so I don't want one now. I am a proponent that you need to do whatever makes you happy. So if you're going to go that way, then IMO don't get another trailsailer or water ballasted boat or you aren't fullfilling your dream. Go all the way and get a fixed keel lead ballasted monohull sailboat. Send us a picture of your new Hunter when you get one. Kind Regards, JonBill
Mykcoon, Pretty much everything that YouYours has said about the 26M is true. I used to sail a Hunter 27 and now I've got a Mac 26M. Based on what you say you are looking for I would advise you to get yourself a traditional mono-hull fixed keel lead ballasted sailboat. Even though the things You Yours has pointed out about the Mac 26M or X I still bought the M and am happy with it. You did exactly what a prospective boat buyer should do you evaluated what you wanted and made a decision. In my case I wanted a low cost, trailerable sailboat, houseboat, motorboat, fishing boat and a gunk holler all in one, that can also get into 12" of water. So the choice was easy for me I got the ultimate compromise in boating which was a 26M. The M serves my purposes well today. If I wanted a sailboat only I wouldn't have bought the M, or if I wanted just a motorboat only I wouldn't have bought the M. Since you want a sailboat only then get one. I recommend the Hunters and am partial to them. Sailed all over the Caribbean in my younger days with my bride in our little Hunter 27. It was awesome and was great to sail and handle in open water or in tight quarters. I used to sail it in and out of the slip. I wouldn't even try that with the M. But the traditional sailboat won't motor 25mph and won't anchor in 12" of water so I don't want one now. I am a proponent that you need to do whatever makes you happy. So if you're going to go that way, then IMO don't get another trailsailer or water ballasted boat or you aren't fullfilling your dream. Go all the way and get a fixed keel lead ballasted monohull sailboat. Send us a picture of your new Hunter when you get one. Kind Regards, JonBill
Mykcoon, be happy and get youself a traditional sailboat
Mykcoon, Pretty much everything that YouYours has said about the 26M is true. I used to sail a Hunter 27 and now I've got a Mac 26M. Based on what you say you are looking for I would advise you to get yourself a traditional mono-hull fixed keel lead ballasted sailboat. Even though the things You Yours has pointed out about the Mac 26M or X I still bought the M and am happy with it. You did exactly what a prospective boat buyer should do you evaluated what you wanted and made a decision. In my case I wanted a low cost, trailerable sailboat, houseboat, motorboat, fishing boat and a gunk holler all in one, that can also get into 12" of water. So the choice was easy for me I got the ultimate compromise in boating which was a 26M. The M serves my purposes well today. If I wanted a sailboat only I wouldn't have bought the M, or if I wanted just a motorboat only I wouldn't have bought the M. Since you want a sailboat only then get one. I recommend the Hunters and am partial to them. Sailed all over the Caribbean in my younger days with my bride in our little Hunter 27. It was awesome and was great to sail and handle in open water or in tight quarters. I used to sail it in and out of the slip. I wouldn't even try that with the M. But the traditional sailboat won't motor 25mph and won't anchor in 12" of water so I don't want one now. I am a proponent that you need to do whatever makes you happy. So if you're going to go that way, then IMO don't get another trailsailer or water ballasted boat or you aren't fullfilling your dream. Go all the way and get a fixed keel lead ballasted monohull sailboat. Send us a picture of your new Hunter when you get one. Kind Regards, JonBill
Mykcoon, Pretty much everything that YouYours has said about the 26M is true. I used to sail a Hunter 27 and now I've got a Mac 26M. Based on what you say you are looking for I would advise you to get yourself a traditional mono-hull fixed keel lead ballasted sailboat. Even though the things You Yours has pointed out about the Mac 26M or X I still bought the M and am happy with it. You did exactly what a prospective boat buyer should do you evaluated what you wanted and made a decision. In my case I wanted a low cost, trailerable sailboat, houseboat, motorboat, fishing boat and a gunk holler all in one, that can also get into 12" of water. So the choice was easy for me I got the ultimate compromise in boating which was a 26M. The M serves my purposes well today. If I wanted a sailboat only I wouldn't have bought the M, or if I wanted just a motorboat only I wouldn't have bought the M. Since you want a sailboat only then get one. I recommend the Hunters and am partial to them. Sailed all over the Caribbean in my younger days with my bride in our little Hunter 27. It was awesome and was great to sail and handle in open water or in tight quarters. I used to sail it in and out of the slip. I wouldn't even try that with the M. But the traditional sailboat won't motor 25mph and won't anchor in 12" of water so I don't want one now. I am a proponent that you need to do whatever makes you happy. So if you're going to go that way, then IMO don't get another trailsailer or water ballasted boat or you aren't fullfilling your dream. Go all the way and get a fixed keel lead ballasted monohull sailboat. Send us a picture of your new Hunter when you get one. Kind Regards, JonBill
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