How customized can we go?

[novice]

I'm not sure I've named the right 26, but my question deals with all trailerable coastal cruisers.I've just retired and my wife still enjoys the challenge of a work schedule, but we want a boat that we can use for the weekends and a week during the summer for a coastal cruise. The problem I'm having is determining what type of options I can get with the new Mac 26 (I'm guessing it is new, when I checked the last time it was 25?). Anyway, I need a boat that lets us add the luxury of living the way we are accustomed. I haven't been able to find how to go about customizing a Mac 26 to our needs. Does anyone have any suggestions or tips?For instance, I want pressurized hot and cold water, a stand-up shower, an alternative electrical source, heat and air-conditioning, hanging locker, and a bunch of electronic equipment. Where can I start if we use a Mac? Is there a better choice? It has to be trailerable. Any help, direction, or advice would be appreciated. I want our first experience on our first boat to be everything we've dreamed. I'm just not sure where to start?Thanks,Novice

 

[Mike]

Too Much of a good thing

As a coastal or day sailing craft the Mac is fine. I would advise against a pressure water system, If you have ever had a pressurized supply line break due to the hull "working" you'll understand why. Personally, I think the extra weight you are looking at will degrade the sailing properties of the boat to a dismal and possably erratic crawl. It has been suggested elsewhere that speed will drop about 1 mph for each 100 to 150 lbs added. To supply the energy requirements for pumping and heating water, air conditioning and all the other "comforts" would require at least a generator and a fuel tank. Macs are great for what they are but I would advise against trying to equip a coastal cruiser like a luxury liner. I don't think you would be happy.Best of luck, Mike, "Lady Lynne - S.D."

 

[Kevin Barry]

Mac in NH

Hi Novice, I have a 26x I sail out of Rye Harbour in NH. I'd be glad to show it to you if you need a closer look.  If you're looking for something for daysailing or the occasional weekend or even a week aboard, that is trailerable, you won't find anything better than the mac in my opinion.  You really don't need half the items you mention. I won't address the individual points. You need to think about exatly what you'll do with the boat, where you'll go, and how easy it will be to do it all.  I think you need to look at how you can launch and retrieve the boat, rig the boat, and sail the boat first. You'll sacrifice some things you're accusomed to on land on any boat! Contact me if you'd like to talk more. Radtnh@aol.com. Best wishes, Kevin