Looking at my options...

[Carolyn1964]

things to consider

I wanted to mention the importance of a trailer in good shape, unless you are a a welder or a good friend of one. I have a 79 Venture 25 and this year I had the trailer worked on 1200.00 later I am sailing. I paid 2800 for the boat and trailer and an unreliable 9.9 2 cycle in 2009 and this winter I upgraded the engine to a electric start Yamaha extra long shaft 8 hp for 1500.00 and had the trailer worked on. I am thrilled with the new outboard, pleased with the way the trailer tows now that it is done and disappointed in the paint job on the trailer but that is another story. Others have mentioned checking what is required to tow. Do you have launch ramps that are suitable where you want to sail. The only way I can afford to sail is in a trailer sailer and I love camping on the boat. Happy shopping to you

Carolyn

 

[MrUnix]

I wanted to mention the importance of a trailer in good shape, unless you are a a welder or a good friend of one

Good point, and one that is often overlooked. When we were looking for our current trailer sailer, I knew I would be towing the boat a lot so the trailers condition was just as important as that of the boat. I saw many boats that were in excellent shape but with rusted hunks of metal that the owners called a trailer, so I just kept looking. Beware of the owner that claims "it still has a few good seasons left in it", even if you are a welder.. you can't fix (or weld) rust!

As for the original query.. there are many very nicely equipped 19-21 footers out there going for $2K or less in todays market. Great daysailers, easy to trailer and setup, and enough of a cabin to pull an overnighter or get out of the rain when required.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Doug J]

Peggie, I had to look up that word (flatulent) to see if there was another meaning for it other than what I was aware of. It figures our HeadMistress would say; what?

But I'm still a little puzzled. Best I can figure Ray is that you mean your opinion is inflated and empty. I think you mean well, don't you? Apology accepted

A couple things you need to understand. We Mac owners take exception when others who never owned a Mac or in many cases, never even sailed on a Mac, find it necessary to criticize. You see, just having seen one, or knowing someone who owns one or has owned one doesn't carry a lot of credence. You'll find very few owners or former owners who will tell you they don't or didn't like their Mac! And that's saying a lot, considering there is a huge number of Mac's in existence!

I think you mean well with what you say, and I agree with you they are not built to the standards of some other brands. But they are terrific boats, built to be easily trailered, at an affordable price, with good accomodations, and sailing characteristics. I also believe they are more tough than you give them credit for. I haven't heard much about rigging failures, but it's true there have been considerable issues with rudders, I personally haven't had a problem yet, knock on wood. But really rudder problems are not uncommon with any brand sailboat. It's important to note that most of the problems with the retractable rudder stem from the fact the boat was sailed a lot with it not fully in the down position. So, if care is taken to be sure the rudder is all the way down, there souldn't be any problem. Just one of the things to be aware of with any trailerable sailboat with a retractable rudder.

The final important point I'd like to make here is that when someone asks for opinions as to what boat they should get for themselves, astromattical in this case, we are all certainly entitled to give our own opinions as you have. But where mis-statements are made, I for one will attempt to straighten it out if I feel I am knowledgeable enough about the topic.

Sumner and I as well as many others on this board love our Mac's, and I hope astomattical will not discard a Mac as a possibility based upon your negative comments or opinion.

 

[RECESS]

I think one of the knocks of the Mac 26X and M is the high freeboard and squirrelly nature coming into a dock. That is not an invalid criticism, it happens. Other than that, I do not see a lot to say. All boats have their pros and cons.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Doug, I never stated something I didn't factually know.

I do concede that Mac's are great boats for many people. For a fact I do know of the mutipule rudder failures that have occured during our yearly race on the upper Columbia River and the failure of the upper shroud/mast hounds.
That said, the boats are great for what they were designed for and for what most owners use them for.
For the type of sailing I do and the weather conditions I love to sail in I simply wouldn't buy a Mac, any Mac.
My apology is for condeming a boat manufacturer outright. These boats are great for many people. They are just not my preference.
Ray

To be flatulent if to fart with gusto.

 

[1977oday22]

We have 2 at our marina. They look great, are a little narrow in the beam area for me, and I see them out alot. As good as they look, there is something that's missing...can't put my finger on it. The owners enjoy them.. so as long as they respect any limitations, they are floating just like everyone else.
Being from the wooden boat era....I've sailed on much worse.......
I use to pick on cars....one day I found myself car-less for about a month. I don't do that anymore.......

 

[Joe11688]

I've never liked Macs but I was really impressed when I sailed my friend Walter's 2002 Mac 26 a few years ago. It sailed great and the cabin set up and accommodations are excellent in that boat.
It's so true what Doug says about tip up rudders, any tip up rudders. If they are not completely down, they will really labor to a point of weather helm which will cause them to flex and eventually break.

 

[mcorse]

Re: Doug, I never stated something I didn't factually know.

Without comment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smlP6iXnk2s