Great Circle Route

[Dennis Kiefer]

Planning GCR trip for approximately a year. Starting at Jacksonville, FL, exploring the many historical rivers along the way. Cruise the Cheapeake. Side trip to England (via airplane!), Lots of time in the Great Lakes, Keys, and a trip to Bimini then home again.Had not initially considered a Mac because of a lot of poopooing about the water ballast etc... Started researching though and it appears that this might be a good craft (the 26X) for this trip because of its power boat capability, roominess, and ease of handling.Please tell me, good owners, your opinion about this vessel's capability, seaworthiness/kindliness/design etc....Any offshore passage info greatly appreciated.I will be mostly single handing with the wife aboard about 3 months then friends and relatives at intervals -----up to 4 people aboard for up to a week....Thanks much,Dennis Kiefer

 

[Dave Brown]

YOU GO GUY !!

Sounds like a great plan, Weather watching is most important! Can't think of a better boat for the bucks. Four crew for a week may be a bit crowded, but doable if all of similar likes etc.If going into Canadian waters be advised you can't use the portable head. Must be a pumpout. Ive made a number of modifications to my 26 (not a 26X tho),will be doing the Ohio River to Tenn River,to TennTom waterway, thence to Mobile Al and coastal down Fla.to southern part. Hey, they are a great boat and all you need is water. Don't spend too much time envying those big ones either, the owners probably don't use their boats as much as we do. GOOD BOATING !Be sure to get some input on provisons. You'll need a fair amount of "stuff".

 

[John Kosmalski]

Plan carefully in the Great Lakes

Sounds Great. Roomiest boat for its size and money and I agree with Dennis.Plan carefully in the Great Lakes. The 26X is not an offshore boat and the extra power features won't help much in bad weather and rough water which you will encounter in all the G.Lakes. There are lots of good ports to visit.Have fun and give a report as you go. Best months for G.Lakes July, Aug.

 

[Dean Smith]

Why not England?

Why fly to England? The Mac26X floats even when swamped. You should be able to ride the Gulf Stream even if you take a big one.Ha!Good luck and keep us informed. We might even consider publishing a major article from you for $$.