One other item that needs to be considered. Both the x and m are water ballasted. This has a couple of characteristics that come along. First, the boat will heel further before it hardens up. Not a problem if you and your crew are used to sailboats that heel. Can be an issue for uneasy crew initially. Boats with retractable weighted keels are heavier to trailer, but often give a lower heel angle.
Earlier water ballasted boats may require the ballast tank filled before it's safe to walk the side decks. Don't think that is an issue with the x; not an issue with the M.
Second, the boat has 1200-1400 lbs (give or take) of water ballast in it, unless you've motored above 5 knots and drained it. So, you need to float it on the trailer, open the ballast valve and move slowly up the ramp as it drains. You really need a ramp that allows you to submerge the trailer and float on. Ballast valve is 4", so it drains fairly quickly. If you sail in waters with invasive species, special precautions must be taken before going other places - usually consisting of purging and disinfecting the ballast tank. This issue is typical for water ballasted boats in general though - not just macs.
I can't stress enough how important a test sail with a competent skipper is when considering any boat you are not familiar with.
Earlier water ballasted boats may require the ballast tank filled before it's safe to walk the side decks. Don't think that is an issue with the x; not an issue with the M.
Second, the boat has 1200-1400 lbs (give or take) of water ballast in it, unless you've motored above 5 knots and drained it. So, you need to float it on the trailer, open the ballast valve and move slowly up the ramp as it drains. You really need a ramp that allows you to submerge the trailer and float on. Ballast valve is 4", so it drains fairly quickly. If you sail in waters with invasive species, special precautions must be taken before going other places - usually consisting of purging and disinfecting the ballast tank. This issue is typical for water ballasted boats in general though - not just macs.
I can't stress enough how important a test sail with a competent skipper is when considering any boat you are not familiar with.
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