Cape Dory 22 D
I would take a Cape Dory 22 D over any Mac. The "D" stands for Diesel I'm assuming because they made two models, and one is for an outboard which is probably mounted in a well in the cockpit. I've never been too fond of that set-up for the outboard, but a diesel inboard sounds appealing to me. The boat is going to be a little small inside but the trade off is a good rugged coastal cruiser that could cross an ocean if you ever had to. Cape Dory Yachts were manufactured in my hometown of Taunton Massachusetts years ago, and were considered a quality boat with a hefty price tag. As far as Macs go; I always loved the Venture but they are getting scarce. I saw a Venture cutter rig on the river the other day, and it's still a handsome little sailboat in my opinion. I tried out a 2002 Mac 26 with centerboard and water ballast last year and was really impressed by the way it sailed. I'm not keen on wheel steering, but the small wheel was bearable to use and that new Honda 50 can really get you somewhere real fast in this sailboat. Although there is plenty of room down below, I was turned off by the excessive free board it had at the dock. You need a ladder to get on and off this boat. I'm assuming that this isn't the case with the Cape Dory 22 D which has lines similar to some of the Bristol Sloops. I'm very fond of small sailboats, so this would be my choice for all the obvious reasons.Joe