What boat should I buy?

Sumner · Jul 1, 2012

Are you interested in trailering to other locations? If so how far?

We love our Mac for the type of traveling we do and will keep her probably until we can't sail any longer. I still haven't seen anything better all around for our needs. If we were going to slip a boat and sail one location we'd go a different route and get a bigger heavier boat, which we did with the Endeavour, but at some point it will move to a new owner and we will still have the Mac,

Sum

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Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

jviss · Jul 1, 2012

sail20k said:
Hi there, I am looking to upsize my boat to something around the 25 the 28 foot range. I live on Galveston Bay and would like a boat that has a swing keel so that if I run across some shallow water I will not completely break it. I also would like the boat to be able to sail around the country at about 3 miles out, comfortably. Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.

Budget?

If money is no object, and I were looking for a 28' boat I would seriously consider an Alerion Express 28, 'though 4'6" draft might be too much for you.

Stu Jackson · Jul 1, 2012

That's a great boat, but as I understand it is is not made for overnighting, it is a daysailer.

As Sum suggests, you really can't have it both ways.

higgs · Jul 1, 2012

Seaward has some models that look to me to be well thought out shallow draft boats. A winged keel Catalina 30 is another consideration.

higgs · Jul 1, 2012

Nor Sea 27.

Doug L · Jul 1, 2012

I really liked the Hunter 26 water ballast boat I used to have. It is very roomy below, and is pretty stiff for a water ballast boat. I did keep it in a slip, it took a little work to launch and rig. Probably not any worse than any other boat that requires a gin pole to raise the mast.

higgs · Jul 1, 2012

If you are just day sailing, you can pretty much buy anything.

Eric M · Jul 2, 2012

Island Packet 27'. Not a swing keel, but only 3'8" draft and being a full keel you don't need to worry about breaking it off.

mark_swart · Jul 2, 2012

sail20K -- I think you need to define what you want a little better! Budget... minimum dimensions... sleeping areas... inboard or outboard engine. Spend some time dockwalking with a cold one and think about it : ) !

korchinskyp · Oct 8, 2012

Is it a good idea to keep a water ballasted boat in a slip permanently?
Should the water not be drained periodicaly?

MrBee · Oct 8, 2012

Based on the EXACT use you list I would say the Seaward is one you should look at. I have never sailed one but have look at a few. Just at the annapolis show. Not perfect for us but shallow draft and coastal cruising for you sounds about right.

Does anybody ever read the question that is asked ??

finding41 · Oct 8, 2012

Mac 26S. It has a swing keel.
I own a Mac 26D. Its got a dagger board I'm yet to break or hit anything with it.
I would take it out 3 miles and more. These boats have proven themselves over and over again.
But, there is always a but. You have to weigh the pluses and minuses of all boats. For me my Mac 26D is everything I want and need right now. I'm sure it won't be what I want it to be in the future.
Look a Sumners Mac 26S and Endeavour links. He has done an amazing job of documenting all the modifications he has done to both. You will see the pluses and minuses of a trailerable swing keel VS a full keel boat on the hard right now. There are some big differences.

SailorJoe · Nov 7, 2012

Alerion Owners Group??

Does anyone know if there is an Alerion 28 owners group? I looked on Google but didn't find anything specific. I have an Alerion 28 I would like to list for sale.

Thanks for your help.

SJ