New features-----new model
I have a 99 Mac26x 1. the air vent for the ballast tank has a better location----highest point of the tank, which allows he air to vent properly. The 97 has the vent under the stares---middle of the ballast tank. 2. Stainless Cleats.---I've seen broken plastic 1997 cleats. 3. Electric panel is by the companion way in the 1999----easier to work on electric, then over the forward v-berth. 4. The line connected to the centerboard in the 1997 is steal cable. I know one guy who had his corode up, causing it to seize and malfunction. Mine is braded line---doesn't foul. Can u just switch the cable out?---No---not unless u bore a larger through hole in the centerboard trunk. 5.The ballast valve in the transom is small in the 1997--taking twice the time to fill as the 1999 ((((((((((BUT)))))))))) about 50% of all new Macs leak when it rains-----According to Mac. Corp. New Macs have more bubbles in the gelcoat-----I had about 20 and one was large enough to know they layed up the glass incorrectly in construction----easily filled the cavity with resin. Most bubles in the gelcoat were about the size of a dime. the one i filled was 3 inches by one inch and quater inch deep.--------Good luck.
