that using a water-ballasted Macgregor without the water ballast is comparable to losing a keel on a traditionally ballasted sail boat? That seems absurd. If a sailboat loses its keel, it is a big deal, and often leads to investigation of the manufacturer. I seem to recall that Bavaria had issues that led to investigations. Not anything to be taken lightly.
Yes, they behave the same. No ballast, from either keel or water, and you tend to go turtle. And don't forget, I'm talking about the accident boat, a 1988 26D, which is a sailboat.
OTOH, while Macgregor doesn't exactly condone the use of the boat without ballast, they simply offer warnings about using it unballasted. I think there is a big difference.
The current model, the 26M, as well as the previous 26X model, are hybrid power sailors. They have about 300 pounds of permanent ballast, take on additional water ballast, have stern sections designed to handle 50/60 hp outboards and have hull designs that try to be both sailboat and power boat. The accident boat, a 26D sailboat, isn't supposed to be used at all without the water ballast tank full.
I am not sure where you arrive at the conclusion that I offer myself as an expert. I'm simply opining on what I read, and I have never represented anything other than that. Sure, I am forming my opinion based partially on the advertisements of more current Macgegor ads (txtowman adds an interesting side note), but are you saying that the capacity of the 26S is different than what is now published? Are the limitations different? I'll be happy to be informed if they are.
You keep waving this LxW/15 formula as if it is the USCG's gift to the boating world. There isn't a single small sailboat owner here, or on any of the half dozen or so boards talking about this accident, that would ever consider using that formula as a guide. It yields way to many people. And others have also pointed out that the formula assumes the average person is 150 pounds. Not in this double cheeseburger society.
Really read what actual owners of small sailboats are saying. Six people is not an unreasonable limit for small sailboats.
I believe Roger MacGregor has told the press that the limit for the 26D is six people or 900 or 960 pounds.
It is interesting to note that there are people responding in defense of Macgregor, who appparently wouldn't own this particular water-ballasted style of boat from Macgregor (for whatever reason - possibly safety?). I find that telling and it reinforces my opinion.
I'm not sure you know what you are talking about. The accident boat was a 26D sailboat. People who have said they wouldn't own "this particular water-ballasted style of MacGregor" are talking about the 26X/26M powersaior models. They say this because the 26X/26M gave up too much sailing performance in their attempt to be a power boat at the same time. If you choose to believe it's a safety thing, than believe what you want.
(I actually find arguing over the safety record of Macgregors of this design far more interesting than arguing over the folly of the captain in this instance. Arguing that the captain was irresponsible is a no-brainer afterall and probably wouldn't lead to more than a handful of posts).
So, you think you have been arguing the safety of MacGregor design boats? Which model? What do you think the safety record is? This is the first time I have ever heard of a 26D, 26S or any of the other MacGregors SAILBOATS having an issue like the one that occurred last weekend. I do know of one fatality accident involving a 26X/26M where a crowd of people went on deck to watch fireworks, complete with lawn chairs & coolers. No water in the ballast tank because they weren't going "sailing" and it went turtle trapping two children below deck.
What is the safety record you want, or think you are educated enough, to argue?
