During my research I found the MacGregor 26 planable sailboat. If you have a 50 hrs outboard it can reach speeds of 22 knts, and it is trailerable. Does anyone have any input as to the quality and sailability of this boat? Yngve
MacGregor 26
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MacGregor - 1996 and Newer
Dear Yngve, Your question can only be answered relative to what you are looking for in a sailboat. I had a 1988 MacGregor 26D model and she was a boat that sailed well and fast, cost little to purchase and operate but was cramped inside. Since 1996, MacGregor has produced the X and M models that can accommodate the large outboard and have ample room inside. I will tell you that they are have comparatively poor sailing performance and don't motor well either. My experience has been that those who buy them ultimately sell them to get a "real" sailboat. I have a 2005 Hunter 260 and it is the most roomy and best sailing trailerable you can buy - in my humble opinion.
If you're new to sailing and want to trailer, I'd recommend a MacGregor D or S model - a 1988 through 1995 or so. You'll be glad you did and won't miss the big outboard. David Hoch
Dear Yngve, Your question can only be answered relative to what you are looking for in a sailboat. I had a 1988 MacGregor 26D model and she was a boat that sailed well and fast, cost little to purchase and operate but was cramped inside. Since 1996, MacGregor has produced the X and M models that can accommodate the large outboard and have ample room inside. I will tell you that they are have comparatively poor sailing performance and don't motor well either. My experience has been that those who buy them ultimately sell them to get a "real" sailboat. I have a 2005 Hunter 260 and it is the most roomy and best sailing trailerable you can buy - in my humble opinion.
If you're new to sailing and want to trailer, I'd recommend a MacGregor D or S model - a 1988 through 1995 or so. You'll be glad you did and won't miss the big outboard. David Hoch
A compromise, McGregar 26X with a 50HP o/b motor
sail boat, motor boat. As with any compromise it doesn't do anything well but does the split tasks fair to poor. The boat in question is built very light to be able to plane, but for some people the compromise is worth it. The boat in question is an inexpensive way to get into sailing with a new 26ft boat. My 2 cents worth. I have a compromise boat in a Hunter 260, trailerable making it not realy a blue water boat, my Corbin 39 is my blue water boat. That is why I have two boats John USNret S/V Baums Rush and S/V Bright Eyes
sail boat, motor boat. As with any compromise it doesn't do anything well but does the split tasks fair to poor. The boat in question is built very light to be able to plane, but for some people the compromise is worth it. The boat in question is an inexpensive way to get into sailing with a new 26ft boat. My 2 cents worth. I have a compromise boat in a Hunter 260, trailerable making it not realy a blue water boat, my Corbin 39 is my blue water boat. That is why I have two boats John USNret S/V Baums Rush and S/V Bright Eyes
I had
two of these boats and liked them very much. Sailed from Seattle to the British columbia Gulf Islands with no major problems. Boat has an amazing amount of space inside so is good for overnighting and camping. Great for a small family or couple. Sailing? Yes, it sails, but you will not sail as fast as anything in the same size range; but we had many sun-filled afternoons in the cockpit that were great. Motoring? It won't do 22 knots with the 50, but we routinely got 19. Best cruise was about 10 to 15 depending on conditions. The bottom is flat so when heavy water hits it wants to bounce around a bit rather than slice through the waves like a modern sharp entry, balasted keelboat. When the weather pipes up you will be going slower--6 to 8 knots. Safety? The best there is. It has foam compartments and can't be sunk. Do something stupid and it won't break. I think it is a great boat to learn on, but as others have pointed out many folks move on to larger keelboats. Trailerability? It is the best since the height above the ground is the lowest of any trailerable boat. If you must trailer and launch then this is your boat. If you plan to put the boat in moorage, then you have many more choices. Best place to learn about this unusual boat is here: http://macgregorsailors.com/index.php
two of these boats and liked them very much. Sailed from Seattle to the British columbia Gulf Islands with no major problems. Boat has an amazing amount of space inside so is good for overnighting and camping. Great for a small family or couple. Sailing? Yes, it sails, but you will not sail as fast as anything in the same size range; but we had many sun-filled afternoons in the cockpit that were great. Motoring? It won't do 22 knots with the 50, but we routinely got 19. Best cruise was about 10 to 15 depending on conditions. The bottom is flat so when heavy water hits it wants to bounce around a bit rather than slice through the waves like a modern sharp entry, balasted keelboat. When the weather pipes up you will be going slower--6 to 8 knots. Safety? The best there is. It has foam compartments and can't be sunk. Do something stupid and it won't break. I think it is a great boat to learn on, but as others have pointed out many folks move on to larger keelboats. Trailerability? It is the best since the height above the ground is the lowest of any trailerable boat. If you must trailer and launch then this is your boat. If you plan to put the boat in moorage, then you have many more choices. Best place to learn about this unusual boat is here: http://macgregorsailors.com/index.php
The best...
You will not find another sailboat that motors as fast nor another motorboat the sails as good. The MacGregors are light because they are "hand laid" not because they skimp on material. Because they are light, they sail faster and trailer easier. Older 26 sales video: http://ezrecord.com/Sailing/Mac26S%20PromoCD.wmv (You'll have toadd the "%20PromoCD.wmv" to the link yourself.) 26X sales video: http://ezrecord.com/Sailing/Mac26x.wmv MacGregor sailing video: http://ezrecord.com/video/sailing04longversion.wmv Enjoy, MArk
You will not find another sailboat that motors as fast nor another motorboat the sails as good. The MacGregors are light because they are "hand laid" not because they skimp on material. Because they are light, they sail faster and trailer easier. Older 26 sales video: http://ezrecord.com/Sailing/Mac26S%20PromoCD.wmv (You'll have toadd the "%20PromoCD.wmv" to the link yourself.) 26X sales video: http://ezrecord.com/Sailing/Mac26x.wmv MacGregor sailing video: http://ezrecord.com/video/sailing04longversion.wmv Enjoy, MArk
Ahem...
Mark, we all know ya like Macs but c'mon. No boat that sails as good? I have an old Venture 21 (yes, it's a Mac) and routinely outsail the new 26's. Now, if you're talking about the Black Pearl project by Blue Water in Seattle, that's a whole different story. Not motoring? Nah, nothing beats a Mac.
Mark, we all know ya like Macs but c'mon. No boat that sails as good? I have an old Venture 21 (yes, it's a Mac) and routinely outsail the new 26's. Now, if you're talking about the Black Pearl project by Blue Water in Seattle, that's a whole different story. Not motoring? Nah, nothing beats a Mac.
Mac26
yngvepau: Are you a sailor or a powerboater? The consensus of the sailing community is that there are much better sailboats in this size range. The consensus of the powerboat community is that there are much better powerboats in this category. As a result, the Mac26 does not do either very well. However, it is a good first family boat. There are several flavors of the Mac26.
yngvepau: Are you a sailor or a powerboater? The consensus of the sailing community is that there are much better sailboats in this size range. The consensus of the powerboat community is that there are much better powerboats in this category. As a result, the Mac26 does not do either very well. However, it is a good first family boat. There are several flavors of the Mac26.
Sorry, friend, but there are many, many
better choices for entry level boats than the 26x abomination. If you want to go 15-20 mph then you need to buy a power boat. If you need lots of room inside, get a houseboat. If you want a 25-27 foot trailerable sailboat that will hold it's value and be a joy to sail, buy a used Catalina 25/250 or a Hunter 260. Or the older Macs.............
better choices for entry level boats than the 26x abomination. If you want to go 15-20 mph then you need to buy a power boat. If you need lots of room inside, get a houseboat. If you want a 25-27 foot trailerable sailboat that will hold it's value and be a joy to sail, buy a used Catalina 25/250 or a Hunter 260. Or the older Macs.............
Help!! I need a four wheel drive vehicle??
I want to join a four wheel driving club where we will be driving on old two tracks with deep ruts, lots of mud and many water hazzards. I'd like a vehicle I can drive to work during the week and still take off roading on the weekends. I'm considering a Suburu Impreza. Do you think it can take a winch????? How would it look with a winch, brush guards, 32" mud tires and a big Hella light bar mounted on top? What kind of gas mileage do you think I could get if I put big tires on it.....If you want to do serious four wheeling you buy a dedicated four wheel drive like a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser. A MacGregor is like a Suburu Impreza with a 4" lift kit, 32" tires, off road lights, brush guards and a winch. Bottom line is it does not perform like a true four wheel drive and never will. Picture this "pimped" Impreza in your mind.... It would look very stupid Mickey Moused to look like a four wheel drive vehicle and that's all it would do is "look". The Mac 26x looks like a "pimped" Impreza...... If you want to sail you buy a sailboat. If you want to motor, water ski or sit at a dock and look cool you buy a power boat not a "crossover" that really crosses over to do neither very well. Before any of you make assumptions, like I've never sailed on a Mac, that's not true I've saild on a Mac 26x, to be fair I've never sailed the Mac 26m, the 26x is by far the worst sailing boat I have ever steped foot on and I've sailed literaly hundreds of boats in 34 years. It sails worse than my 8 foot Walker Bay and I only paid $399.00 for it... I hope this helps make the point! The Hunters, Catalina's, O'day's etc. all have decent room, not like the 26x, but they sail far better. If space is the absoute concern then by one but if sailing is what you want to do there are many better choices.
I want to join a four wheel driving club where we will be driving on old two tracks with deep ruts, lots of mud and many water hazzards. I'd like a vehicle I can drive to work during the week and still take off roading on the weekends. I'm considering a Suburu Impreza. Do you think it can take a winch????? How would it look with a winch, brush guards, 32" mud tires and a big Hella light bar mounted on top? What kind of gas mileage do you think I could get if I put big tires on it.....If you want to do serious four wheeling you buy a dedicated four wheel drive like a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser. A MacGregor is like a Suburu Impreza with a 4" lift kit, 32" tires, off road lights, brush guards and a winch. Bottom line is it does not perform like a true four wheel drive and never will. Picture this "pimped" Impreza in your mind.... It would look very stupid Mickey Moused to look like a four wheel drive vehicle and that's all it would do is "look". The Mac 26x looks like a "pimped" Impreza...... If you want to sail you buy a sailboat. If you want to motor, water ski or sit at a dock and look cool you buy a power boat not a "crossover" that really crosses over to do neither very well. Before any of you make assumptions, like I've never sailed on a Mac, that's not true I've saild on a Mac 26x, to be fair I've never sailed the Mac 26m, the 26x is by far the worst sailing boat I have ever steped foot on and I've sailed literaly hundreds of boats in 34 years. It sails worse than my 8 foot Walker Bay and I only paid $399.00 for it... I hope this helps make the point! The Hunters, Catalina's, O'day's etc. all have decent room, not like the 26x, but they sail far better. If space is the absoute concern then by one but if sailing is what you want to do there are many better choices.
Happy Mac owner
Like anything else you buy,it's what you think of it that really counts. I have a new Mac 26M-and I like it. I owned a "real" sailboat too,and I liked it also. Different boats-different reasons. The Macgregor 26M is the roomiest boat for the money,if you buy new. Don't look at the $19,900 list-in reality,you will be into the boat for 30-34K,with options. Still not a bad deal. The boat sails reasonably well,doesn't point quite the way I would like-working on that. The 26M is a bit faster than the X,and the deeper V hull makes it handle rough seas better. As for speed,I rarely motor faster than 10kts,so it doesn;t matter to me. I bought a sailboat,not a power boat. Consider that if you are buying an M,it's a "sailboat starter kit". You will find many items that you may want to upgrade,such as deck hardware,electrical etc,to make the experience better. If you are looking for a fast sailboat,or a high quality blue water cruiser-this isn't it. If you want a great boat to weekend on with a family,and have some great sailing fun,this may be your ride. If you want to sail,but inconveniently weren't left a trust fund,this may be your ride. I sailed in all 6 New England states this season,with a great bunch of folks from North East Trailer Sailors,most of whom have Macs. There is a huge support network on line,and with local clubs,for Macgregor owners Mooring Fees this year-$0 Storage Fees $0 Hauling Fees $0 Bottom line-go look at a Macgregor,sail it,decide what you need in a sailboat,and if it makes you happy-that's all that counts!
Like anything else you buy,it's what you think of it that really counts. I have a new Mac 26M-and I like it. I owned a "real" sailboat too,and I liked it also. Different boats-different reasons. The Macgregor 26M is the roomiest boat for the money,if you buy new. Don't look at the $19,900 list-in reality,you will be into the boat for 30-34K,with options. Still not a bad deal. The boat sails reasonably well,doesn't point quite the way I would like-working on that. The 26M is a bit faster than the X,and the deeper V hull makes it handle rough seas better. As for speed,I rarely motor faster than 10kts,so it doesn;t matter to me. I bought a sailboat,not a power boat. Consider that if you are buying an M,it's a "sailboat starter kit". You will find many items that you may want to upgrade,such as deck hardware,electrical etc,to make the experience better. If you are looking for a fast sailboat,or a high quality blue water cruiser-this isn't it. If you want a great boat to weekend on with a family,and have some great sailing fun,this may be your ride. If you want to sail,but inconveniently weren't left a trust fund,this may be your ride. I sailed in all 6 New England states this season,with a great bunch of folks from North East Trailer Sailors,most of whom have Macs. There is a huge support network on line,and with local clubs,for Macgregor owners Mooring Fees this year-$0 Storage Fees $0 Hauling Fees $0 Bottom line-go look at a Macgregor,sail it,decide what you need in a sailboat,and if it makes you happy-that's all that counts!
Another 26M owner
The macgregor is what it is. It is the 'right' boat for us. There was no other 26' boat, new, in the price range (under $30 well equipped with trailer and motor), that floats in 12" of water, can trailer without a permit, trailer with a full size car, pickup or SUV. The boat is built well with high quality parts and material. Are there better dedicated sailboats?. Sure. But will have at least one limitation that makes it a no-go for me (price, draft, trailerability, etc). After a full season this year, we sailed (with dan and other ne-ts members) in ME (casco bay), MA (boston harbor a couple times, buzzards bay (Cuttyhunk and Marth's Vinyard), Naragansett bay a few times, even down the Charles river (yes lots of low bridges - got to love the mast raising system and shallow draft!! Each trip less than a week since the last one. Just drive near where you are going to sail, throw the mast up. Sail away. No drama. Can't beat it. With 21 days on the water this year, we went through about 25 gallons of gas the entire season! Still no other boat I would rather own. If we ever get a 'real' sailboat, the mac will stay on its trailer ready for duty where the 'real' boat can not go! Paul
The macgregor is what it is. It is the 'right' boat for us. There was no other 26' boat, new, in the price range (under $30 well equipped with trailer and motor), that floats in 12" of water, can trailer without a permit, trailer with a full size car, pickup or SUV. The boat is built well with high quality parts and material. Are there better dedicated sailboats?. Sure. But will have at least one limitation that makes it a no-go for me (price, draft, trailerability, etc). After a full season this year, we sailed (with dan and other ne-ts members) in ME (casco bay), MA (boston harbor a couple times, buzzards bay (Cuttyhunk and Marth's Vinyard), Naragansett bay a few times, even down the Charles river (yes lots of low bridges - got to love the mast raising system and shallow draft!! Each trip less than a week since the last one. Just drive near where you are going to sail, throw the mast up. Sail away. No drama. Can't beat it. With 21 days on the water this year, we went through about 25 gallons of gas the entire season! Still no other boat I would rather own. If we ever get a 'real' sailboat, the mac will stay on its trailer ready for duty where the 'real' boat can not go! Paul
La Perla Noir (26M on steroids!) Thanks Charlie
Charlie, you got me curious about the Black Pearl project so I looked it up. They've got an excellent website. It's an amazing custom job. A lot of the improvements I suggested to Roger 5 years ago. (Related link below) Happy sails *_/), MArk
Charlie, you got me curious about the Black Pearl project so I looked it up. They've got an excellent website. It's an amazing custom job. A lot of the improvements I suggested to Roger 5 years ago. (Related link below) Happy sails *_/), MArk
Abomination??
Sometimes I think discussions about the Mac 26x might belong in the "politics, religion, and other angst" discussion forum. I couldn't resist chiming in on this comment though: " If you want to go 15-20 mph then you need to buy a power boat. " What if you want to sail "over there", but want to get your boat there faster, and maybe even water ski on the way? The Mac 26x is NOT an "abomination", unless of course you bought it thinking you were buying a serious sailboat, or a serious powerboat. It's neither. Nor was it designed to be. As has been stated, it does nether well, but as has also been pointed out, it uniquely does both. I was talking to a friend (we both had boats on Lake Pontchartrain) about a guy that owns a 26x down there. The 26x owner (my friend was telling me) talks about how a weekend of sailing for others means they can poke around a few places close to Oak Harbor (our marina). A weekend of sailing for HIM means he could go across the lake quickly, if he wants, and poke around over there. In other words, the boat has its place. Who are we to condemn it simply because it doesn't fit OUR needs and/or desires.
Sometimes I think discussions about the Mac 26x might belong in the "politics, religion, and other angst" discussion forum. I couldn't resist chiming in on this comment though: " If you want to go 15-20 mph then you need to buy a power boat. " What if you want to sail "over there", but want to get your boat there faster, and maybe even water ski on the way? The Mac 26x is NOT an "abomination", unless of course you bought it thinking you were buying a serious sailboat, or a serious powerboat. It's neither. Nor was it designed to be. As has been stated, it does nether well, but as has also been pointed out, it uniquely does both. I was talking to a friend (we both had boats on Lake Pontchartrain) about a guy that owns a 26x down there. The 26x owner (my friend was telling me) talks about how a weekend of sailing for others means they can poke around a few places close to Oak Harbor (our marina). A weekend of sailing for HIM means he could go across the lake quickly, if he wants, and poke around over there. In other words, the boat has its place. Who are we to condemn it simply because it doesn't fit OUR needs and/or desires.
Dangerous
Didn't a bunch of people drown a few years back because the water balast caused the boat to capsize? Tim R.
Didn't a bunch of people drown a few years back because the water balast caused the boat to capsize? Tim R.
Tim, it was the FAILURE to fill...
the water ballast tank which contributed to the outcome IIRC. Also the boat was overloaded and alcohol consumption was invloved. Link is to articles on the accident.
the water ballast tank which contributed to the outcome IIRC. Also the boat was overloaded and alcohol consumption was invloved. Link is to articles on the accident.
Fair enough
But I cannot recall ever hearing of a fixed keel boat that rolled from 2 extra crew and a few kids in calm waters. Not to mention that if the water ballast tanks were full and the boat went over it would be just as likely to sink. FRP does not float. The 3rd child probably survived because the tank was empty. Kind of ironic. Bottom line is that this accident would not have happened if it were a fixed keel boat. Sure the captain was alledgedly intoxicated and must shoulder all blame for this tradgedy. I never meant to imply that the vessel caused the accident. I think the water ballast design is just a bad idea on some boats. Cars with exploding gas tanks don't kill people, it's the idiots who rear end them! Tim R.
But I cannot recall ever hearing of a fixed keel boat that rolled from 2 extra crew and a few kids in calm waters. Not to mention that if the water ballast tanks were full and the boat went over it would be just as likely to sink. FRP does not float. The 3rd child probably survived because the tank was empty. Kind of ironic. Bottom line is that this accident would not have happened if it were a fixed keel boat. Sure the captain was alledgedly intoxicated and must shoulder all blame for this tradgedy. I never meant to imply that the vessel caused the accident. I think the water ballast design is just a bad idea on some boats. Cars with exploding gas tanks don't kill people, it's the idiots who rear end them! Tim R.
Speaking from experience......
The Mac 26 reminds me of back in the 1960's when the VW beetle was a hot item. It was as close to a real car as one could get. Was it fast as a chevy? NO!. Was it as comnfy as a Cadallic? No. Would you like to be in one if it was in a wreck with a real car? NO. Could you get past 20,000 miles without a valve job? No! Could it keep up speed with real cars on mountain roads? No. So, what the hell good was it? It was cheap, economical to run, and had great traction in bad weather, Oh yea, one more thing....it was fun to drive. I have been on several Mac 26X'x. I regularly sailed on one out of Biloxi, Ms. and another one in Slidell, La. Did it sail as well as a Catalina or a Hunter? No. Was it comfortable in rough weather? No. Could it keep up with other boats its size? No. So whats the attraction? For one thing, the boat and rigging is so easy to handle, the boats go out more often than other boats. If you were to restrict yourself to coastal cruising or bay sailing, it then truly becomes a 'go anywhere' boat. When there was no wind near shore and too hot and humid to take out the 'real' sailboats, the Mac sped out about 12 to 14 miles in the gulf to Ship Is. and Horn Is. where there was some wind. When the weinies in their bigger more substantial boats headed in because it was uncomfy to anchor in the rough waves, the Mac stayed on the Islands, literally. They just beached it. If i were a betting man, my money would say that Mac owners log more hours and distance traveled than any other brand of boat. There are lots of Mac clubs. While we sit here and discuss what we need to do and how to prepare for Bahamas trip, the Macs are doing it regularly. What it all boils down to, is , what are we primarily going to do with the boat. If I didnt have an inclination for cruising, which a lot of people dont, I would say that the Mac 26 is the ideal boat for its size range on the northern Gulf of Mexico. I have owned many sailboats in my short sailing career, and am currently living on my Allied 39. I figure that in about 10 years or less, it will be too big for me to handle (currently I'm 60% of the way to being 100 years old.). When that day comes, I will more than likely end up with a new mac 26. The water ballast idea became a great innovation to bay and coastal sailors. We can debate forever how safe it is or is not. No telling how many lives were saved because in rough weather a Mac can be beached. Can you do that in a keel boat? Last statistics i remember was that a new Mac 26 left the factory every 2 hours and most Mac dealers cant get more than 2 new macs a year. Roger Macgregor must be doing something right. He gave us the Volkswagon of the sailing world. Tim "cannot recall ever hearing of a fixed keel boat that rolled from 2 extra crew and a few kids in calm waters." I cannot recall ever hearing of a water ballasted boat colliding with a freighter. In either case, the problem was not the boat, it was the operator.
The Mac 26 reminds me of back in the 1960's when the VW beetle was a hot item. It was as close to a real car as one could get. Was it fast as a chevy? NO!. Was it as comnfy as a Cadallic? No. Would you like to be in one if it was in a wreck with a real car? NO. Could you get past 20,000 miles without a valve job? No! Could it keep up speed with real cars on mountain roads? No. So, what the hell good was it? It was cheap, economical to run, and had great traction in bad weather, Oh yea, one more thing....it was fun to drive. I have been on several Mac 26X'x. I regularly sailed on one out of Biloxi, Ms. and another one in Slidell, La. Did it sail as well as a Catalina or a Hunter? No. Was it comfortable in rough weather? No. Could it keep up with other boats its size? No. So whats the attraction? For one thing, the boat and rigging is so easy to handle, the boats go out more often than other boats. If you were to restrict yourself to coastal cruising or bay sailing, it then truly becomes a 'go anywhere' boat. When there was no wind near shore and too hot and humid to take out the 'real' sailboats, the Mac sped out about 12 to 14 miles in the gulf to Ship Is. and Horn Is. where there was some wind. When the weinies in their bigger more substantial boats headed in because it was uncomfy to anchor in the rough waves, the Mac stayed on the Islands, literally. They just beached it. If i were a betting man, my money would say that Mac owners log more hours and distance traveled than any other brand of boat. There are lots of Mac clubs. While we sit here and discuss what we need to do and how to prepare for Bahamas trip, the Macs are doing it regularly. What it all boils down to, is , what are we primarily going to do with the boat. If I didnt have an inclination for cruising, which a lot of people dont, I would say that the Mac 26 is the ideal boat for its size range on the northern Gulf of Mexico. I have owned many sailboats in my short sailing career, and am currently living on my Allied 39. I figure that in about 10 years or less, it will be too big for me to handle (currently I'm 60% of the way to being 100 years old.). When that day comes, I will more than likely end up with a new mac 26. The water ballast idea became a great innovation to bay and coastal sailors. We can debate forever how safe it is or is not. No telling how many lives were saved because in rough weather a Mac can be beached. Can you do that in a keel boat? Last statistics i remember was that a new Mac 26 left the factory every 2 hours and most Mac dealers cant get more than 2 new macs a year. Roger Macgregor must be doing something right. He gave us the Volkswagon of the sailing world. Tim "cannot recall ever hearing of a fixed keel boat that rolled from 2 extra crew and a few kids in calm waters." I cannot recall ever hearing of a water ballasted boat colliding with a freighter. In either case, the problem was not the boat, it was the operator.
Water Ballast on the 26x
The water ballast on the Mac 26x is not "poor design", it's deliberate. To plane the boat, you drain the ballast. With the water gone, it's a planing boat. With the water in, it's a displacement boat. There was more than just "2 extra crew" and alcohol involved in that accident. Not only did they have "extra crew", the adults were on deck instead of in the cockpit, contributing to the top-heavy effect. No one is supposed to be outside the cockpit on deck with no ballast. So, they had a drunk operator who was unfamiliar with the boat. It was top heavy, and he pulled sharply away from another boat he had been rafted up with, with kids asleep in the cabin. And these deaths were because of the design of the boat? I think not. While it's true that it wouldn't have happened with a keelboat, it's also true that if all these recreational boaters would stay on dry land, there wouldn't be any recreational boating accidents.
The water ballast on the Mac 26x is not "poor design", it's deliberate. To plane the boat, you drain the ballast. With the water gone, it's a planing boat. With the water in, it's a displacement boat. There was more than just "2 extra crew" and alcohol involved in that accident. Not only did they have "extra crew", the adults were on deck instead of in the cockpit, contributing to the top-heavy effect. No one is supposed to be outside the cockpit on deck with no ballast. So, they had a drunk operator who was unfamiliar with the boat. It was top heavy, and he pulled sharply away from another boat he had been rafted up with, with kids asleep in the cabin. And these deaths were because of the design of the boat? I think not. While it's true that it wouldn't have happened with a keelboat, it's also true that if all these recreational boaters would stay on dry land, there wouldn't be any recreational boating accidents.
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