We are looking to buy a 26' boat. We are looking both at the Hunter 260 and the MacGregor 26X. We will sail our boat in the Mississippi river. We'll need to lock through the dams at times and we will like to at times cruise up the river several miles by motor and then sail down the river back to our home port. The Mississippi can have a hefty current at times. What do you recommend to us? We have seen the Hunter 260 and liked the interior and apparent quality. Hunter owners seem to be the most satisfied with their boats. Viviana grew up sailing in a river in Argentina, had to deal with similar current and weather conditions (changing and dying winds, sudden storms) and likes the idea of having the availability of a faster engine to get to places or return home or find an island cove before the storm hits. She likes the possibility of a 50 HP motor. We want to know which boat is best at sailing. What do you think? Thanks, Viviana and Greg
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
R
Ray
There isn't much comparison here.
I would have an actual demo on water similar to what you want to use it on. If not I wouldn't spend any money on a guess such as this. The disappointment could be large and expensive. Just my thoughts. Ray
I would have an actual demo on water similar to what you want to use it on. If not I wouldn't spend any money on a guess such as this. The disappointment could be large and expensive. Just my thoughts. Ray
Have to agree!
First, There was an article in Latitude 38 on a Mac 26 near Treasure Island in the SF Bay that had emptied thier water ballast and the boat capsized and would not right it self. Second, If you are looking for a pure sail boat, the Mac 26 is NOT. It is a compromise boat which does go like hell for a motoring sail boat and does not go very well for a sailing sail boat. If you are primarily looking to sail go with the Hunter and get a largest engine to fight the current. I would also look at what you will have in 3-5 years for resale. You should be able to calculate the residual value 5 years from now. The other thing that you need to consider is the cost of fuel and repairs. That 50 HP engine is going to burn a LOT of fuel and oil, even when you don't go very fast. With the Hunter you can now get a 4 stroke 15 HP engine that will only burn about 1.5 gal/hr. Good luck in your decision. Check with others in the area and see what they say.
First, There was an article in Latitude 38 on a Mac 26 near Treasure Island in the SF Bay that had emptied thier water ballast and the boat capsized and would not right it self. Second, If you are looking for a pure sail boat, the Mac 26 is NOT. It is a compromise boat which does go like hell for a motoring sail boat and does not go very well for a sailing sail boat. If you are primarily looking to sail go with the Hunter and get a largest engine to fight the current. I would also look at what you will have in 3-5 years for resale. You should be able to calculate the residual value 5 years from now. The other thing that you need to consider is the cost of fuel and repairs. That 50 HP engine is going to burn a LOT of fuel and oil, even when you don't go very fast. With the Hunter you can now get a 4 stroke 15 HP engine that will only burn about 1.5 gal/hr. Good luck in your decision. Check with others in the area and see what they say.
S
Scott Blahnik
Go with the inboard
I went through the Hunter/Mac dilemma myself last year. I monitored the Mac website for enough time to determine it wasn't going to be the best boat for me. If you don't have to trailer it, consider the 270. Good Luck!
I went through the Hunter/Mac dilemma myself last year. I monitored the Mac website for enough time to determine it wasn't going to be the best boat for me. If you don't have to trailer it, consider the 270. Good Luck!
S
Steve O.
no brainer
As someone mentioned, the Mac is an attempt at a compromise but my personal opinion is that it fails in both regards. If you want 50 hp. at your disposal, you might as well get a power boat, because the Mac will not perform either function well. I'm not dissing power boats here, I love boating and if I didn't sail I would power, and I probably will someday when I get too old for this foolishness.
As someone mentioned, the Mac is an attempt at a compromise but my personal opinion is that it fails in both regards. If you want 50 hp. at your disposal, you might as well get a power boat, because the Mac will not perform either function well. I'm not dissing power boats here, I love boating and if I didn't sail I would power, and I probably will someday when I get too old for this foolishness.
K
Ken Kindrick
Consider motor
I'm now a H340 owner which replaced a Mac26x. The Max26x is for trailering. 50hp will get you through the current quickly. When used correctly, it is safe. (Raise the rudders and centerboard when motoring fast.)But if the boat is going to be at a slip, get a boat with a diesel inboard. Also, the Mac26x head is very small.
I'm now a H340 owner which replaced a Mac26x. The Max26x is for trailering. 50hp will get you through the current quickly. When used correctly, it is safe. (Raise the rudders and centerboard when motoring fast.)But if the boat is going to be at a slip, get a boat with a diesel inboard. Also, the Mac26x head is very small.
V
Viviana
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone for your comments and interest. We are making arrangements to go try both, and in similar conditions, so that we can see how we feel in the boats. We'll keep you posted!! Thank you, Greg and Viviana
Thanks everyone for your comments and interest. We are making arrangements to go try both, and in similar conditions, so that we can see how we feel in the boats. We'll keep you posted!! Thank you, Greg and Viviana
R
Robin
Goooooooo Hunter
We too had considered the motor sailor for the speed but realized that when it came to quality, looks, and resale there was no comparison. You will have to truly decide if it's a sail or motor boat you want. They showed us a video at the Macgregor sales office and we came to realize that idea for ourselves. If you want speed than go motor but there is no comparison in our eyes when it comes to a Hunter.
We too had considered the motor sailor for the speed but realized that when it came to quality, looks, and resale there was no comparison. You will have to truly decide if it's a sail or motor boat you want. They showed us a video at the Macgregor sales office and we came to realize that idea for ourselves. If you want speed than go motor but there is no comparison in our eyes when it comes to a Hunter.
B
Bill Thiers
ditto Goooooo Hunter
Also looked at the motor boat with a mast. Was turned off. Got a Hunter 34. Glad I did!
Also looked at the motor boat with a mast. Was turned off. Got a Hunter 34. Glad I did!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.