How to test second hand trailor sailor?

caguy · Jun 4, 2014

idh63 said:
Hi Folks;

Been wondering this for a while. I am interested in a trailerable sailboat bigger than my Merit 22.

Wife thinks a second hand Macgregor 26M is her craft of choice. So how does one go about finding out when the macs for sale are 4 hours away or more?

I am in Indianapolis IN.

I guess I could just straight up ask if anyone in Indiana is willing to show off their boat. Is that considered poor form to ask?

On EBay you nave a "Closest Distance First" option.

For Craigslist use Yakaz.com

http://us.yakaz.com/

MrUnix · Jun 4, 2014

If you can find your desired model at a local marina, most owners would be more than happy to show you around their boat and give you their opinions. Just let them know that you are looking to get one yourself and trying to get more information and a first hand look. Might even get one or two to take you out for a short ride.. offer to pay for the beverages in return

Cheers,
Brad

chrisandmolly · Jun 4, 2014

There are several sailing clubs in your area. Contacting them or looking what is on their web sites (for sale) would be a good place too.

patrickince · Jun 4, 2014

I like this site, you can filter by boat type and state. Happy hunting

http://www.sailboatlistings.com/

hawk232 · Jun 4, 2014

I went through the exact same situation a while back but with a 26s. I found a few local ads on craigslist and sent a completely honest response. basically what I said was that I was not in the market for a boat at the time so there is absolutely no chance of a sale, that being said I would be willing to pay a little $$ for their time. I would also say that I would be happy to come just before or after a serious potential buyer came so they wouldn't have to set the boat up for someone who isn't even interested. the response was overwhelming. I believe almost everyone I asked encouraged me to come take a look!

soldier1964 · Jun 5, 2014

I am in Indy as well, and there are marinas where you can go to for info. eagle creek has a nice marina where owners would be happy to assist you. might even find a deal to your liking.

Skully · Jun 7, 2014

Try Sailboats Inc. located there in Indy. They have a nice Mac 26 on their lot along with a few other nice boats that might fit your needs.

MrBill_FLL · Jun 12, 2014

I have asked for a a 'sea trial' usually with a non-refundable deposit, but can be applied towards a purchase.

if no sale, then it was just a ride. you could try that route.

-should avoid the legal problems of boat for hire. since its actually a 'deposit', not a charter/rental.

MrBill_FLL · Jun 12, 2014

also look at macgregor-sailors.com

more x and m owners there...

on the power sailor, I would recommend a 60-70 HP, or, around 25 and forget planing.

Chief RA · Jun 12, 2014

Mr Bill: I am trying to figure out why you would advise a 25 hp if not going to plane. A 10 would seem to be best since hull speed dictates max speed. Can you explain? Chief

Crazy Dave Condon · Jun 12, 2014

If you do not know sailboats that well, suggest like the others say a test ride. do not be offended if you have to pay because probably those folks had many to test sail for a joy ride only. As a former dealer, I got to the point charging a small fee which was given back if sold or if I got to know they were serious but not interested in the boat. If you like the boat, suggest a survey.

If on Craigs List, always see the boat. be wary of scammers as I use to run into them. for those selling, never divulge hull number or owner until you are sure if this is for real. In addition, if you are nervous about paying to an unknown, then there are third parties whom can handle the money/title work exchange. Never give out any bank information for a wire but if you do, then create a temp. bank account for that purpose only and make sure when the monies come in, it is deposited immediately from that account to your regualar account. I stopped the scammers head on.

When looking at a boat, make sure the better half agrees with you. Find the boat that fits the needs and close to the budget without too much work. Here is one thing to consider. Some would buy a project boat to fix up but after some time, those boats were resold. So what I am saying do you want a fixer upper or one that will sail from the get go. With all said, you will keep a boat longer if you find the one most pleasing to the eye for the two of you as you are more apt to keep the boat longer.

MrBill_FLL · Jun 16, 2014

10hp would work too.

suzi has some with elect start. usually 15hp+ you get the controls (throttle/shift) you want on a 'M'.

can you find a 10 hp w/ controls? it should work fine.

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I think the best reason is the 20-25 can swing a bigger diameter prop. bigger diameter prop, more bite. better reverse/ maneuvering. the hp of the 10 will work. but might slide and not stop on a dime.

Vrotate · Jun 16, 2014

Sailboats Inc. Still has a 26S in Indy. We looked at it but are trying to stay away from water ballast.

Indysailor · Jun 18, 2014

Vrotate said:
Sailboats Inc. Still has a 26S in Indy. We looked at it but are trying to stay away from water ballast.

And they are good folks, too. Can give you worthwhile advice on the model or trailer sailors in general.

finding41 · Jun 23, 2014

Vrotate said:
Sailboats Inc. Still has a 26S in Indy. We looked at it but are trying to stay away from water ballast.

Why stay away from the water ballast?
I'm just wondering. I have 2 MacGregor 26D and love the shallow draft when I want it. Or going DDW with the DB up... Less drag.
People call these boats tender... I don't agree so much. I call a Lazer tender. When it starts heeling it can keep on going. Not so for the Mac 26 D or S.
I really love the idea of leaving 1200 lb of ballast in the lake.
I tow both 26' boats with a 2.3L Saab wagon. Hauls them out nice too. That picture is at a fuel station along the 401 near London Ont. It's a 4 lane 100km/h highway.

How to test second hand trailor sailor?

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