Outboard decisions!

[Kenny T.]

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your useful posts over the last few months. I have been wanting a Mac 26 for about 8 years now...have been trying to get in a position to buy one. I decided to make the plunge this year. When it was time, I discovered, like many of you, the "X" was being replaced with the "M". If I ordered it in Feb. I would have it late June. It was an agonizing decision. I could still have gotten an "X" at that time. I turned to all of you through your postings and all your input REALLY helped! It was against my nature to order a boat sight unseen. I took into account all of your pros and cons, and decided for MY purposes, the "M" would fit best. I finally got to see one in person a few weeks ago. I fell in love! I ordered it with a Honda 50 outboard. Last week, I talked to my dealer and he asked if I'd be interested in a new Yamaha T60. I don't know a whole lot about outboards, so I am stuck! Any opinions? My boat will be fairly well outfitted...quite a bit of weight. I mostly sail lakes, but want to get into some coastal cruising. Hopefully do Bahamas cruise next year! Anyway, any input from you guys would help tremendously! I value all of your comments. Thanks to all and continue being of value to other potential Mac ownwers!Kenny T.

 

[Norm]

imho

I like the Evinrude/Johnson 50hp that I have on my X (used to be called Suzuki DF-50). They've been making fuel injected outboards longer than anyone else. I've been following the Mac boards for about 4 years now. I never heard of these motors having the problems that some of the other brands have. Most importantly though, I would get a fuel injected motor and the right prop for your boat.

 

[lml]

bigger is better

I always try to get the biggest motor that will fit, be it car, motorcycle or boat.Not since age 25 have I gotten in trouble from too much power, but lack thereof has been a problem on occasion.

 

[Sam Kramer]

Will a big engine void the warrantee?

There is a Mac26X in a marina near me with a 70hp which I'm told works out fine, but my dealer said that MacGregor would void the warrantee for any structural problems because it is greater than 50hp. I don't know if this is true. Nor do I know if the 26M has a larger recommended max engine.Like you, I wanted a Mac for a long time. I got my new one in September, '02. Personally I like the fully enclosed head and the larger walk around the engine space on the fantail of the 26X, but I like all the windows of the 26M.Sam Kramer

 

[Steve Cameron]

Disagree With Biggest Engine.

I disagree with choosing the biggest engine you can put on your M. I noticed a significant weight difference between the 50hp 4 stroke Johnson/Suzuki that I have vs. the next size up. Sure you can get 10 or 20 more hp, but do you really need it at the cost of another 100lbs sitting on the tail of your sailboat? How much faster do you think that extra 10 or 20 hp will take you? IMO you might get an extra 1 or 2 knots, but there is a cost in sailing performance, fuel consumption and purchase price. How often are you really going to need that extra speed? Unless you'll frequently be pulling a water skier, it might not be worth it.

 

[Kenny T.]

Thanks for the help!

After reading the responses and doing a little more homework, I think the Suzuki/Johnson EFI is the way to go. I have chosen to put a Johnson 50 on it. I don't think the extra weight and expense is really worth the extra horsepower...at least for MY purposes. Thanks everyone!