I'm looking for a used Mac 26. I'm wondering which model/year is considered the best value. The Ms seem a lot more expensive. I'm most concerned with the interior as I'll be spending a lot of time aboard with my 3 kids. Have recent improvements in the interior post 2005 made the extra cost worthwhile? Or should I save my money and go back to an earlier year, or even an X? How about sailing qualities?
which Mac 26 model year is best value?
- Thread starter tdolby2001
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26S?
Don't know about the newer models (M,X) or value, but I like the sailing qualities of my friend's 26S. It just seems to me like the more recent 26's are more of a trade-off between sailing and high-speed motoring. Sure it's an older model, but an older boat in good condition is probably a better value than a new one, simply because depreciation has already run its course. On the other hand, a newer model would have a nicer interior, so....
Don't know about the newer models (M,X) or value, but I like the sailing qualities of my friend's 26S. It just seems to me like the more recent 26's are more of a trade-off between sailing and high-speed motoring. Sure it's an older model, but an older boat in good condition is probably a better value than a new one, simply because depreciation has already run its course. On the other hand, a newer model would have a nicer interior, so....
good point
Mike's response brings up a good point. What kind of sailing do you want to do? The M's and X's are different boat concepts from the D's and S's (classics).
Mike's response brings up a good point. What kind of sailing do you want to do? The M's and X's are different boat concepts from the D's and S's (classics).
S vs X and M
I own a 93 S but have sailed on a X. In my opinion, X and M have a bit more headroom. The S has to deal with the pop-top and cover. As sailing goes, the S is much better as it can point higher, less affected by cross wind, goes faster, and smaller motor to lug around. So if you are some what between rag top and stink pot (not meant to offend) X and M are good compromise. I sail in Lake Ontario with many clubs and marinas around, I have no need for going fast anyway.
I own a 93 S but have sailed on a X. In my opinion, X and M have a bit more headroom. The S has to deal with the pop-top and cover. As sailing goes, the S is much better as it can point higher, less affected by cross wind, goes faster, and smaller motor to lug around. So if you are some what between rag top and stink pot (not meant to offend) X and M are good compromise. I sail in Lake Ontario with many clubs and marinas around, I have no need for going fast anyway.
Experience the 26X
I can only give comment to our experience with the 2001 26X. Our first sail boat ever. We, Rosemary and I plus our two small dogs have made several 10 day cruises along the IntraCoastal Waterway with great success. Meaning the comfort level was very high and we find it(with our limited sailing experience) easy to dock, or moor and sail. The Honda 20 gives us adequate momentum when the wind isn't there, otherwise we may have sought out one with a larger engine, especially if waterskiing might be a possibility Good luck Ron
I can only give comment to our experience with the 2001 26X. Our first sail boat ever. We, Rosemary and I plus our two small dogs have made several 10 day cruises along the IntraCoastal Waterway with great success. Meaning the comfort level was very high and we find it(with our limited sailing experience) easy to dock, or moor and sail. The Honda 20 gives us adequate momentum when the wind isn't there, otherwise we may have sought out one with a larger engine, especially if waterskiing might be a possibility Good luck Ron
Try and X if you can afford it
tdolby, I have owned a V222 (Mac), a 26D, and now have a 26X. They are all very good at what they do. The 26 classics are good sailors and easy to trailer. They are relatively cheap, between $4k and 6k. Since they are old, you have to be careful of the condition. Main problem for me was not enough room in the motor well to turn the motor. You have to steer with the rudder. Makes for interesting docking. Engine ate my rudder one time. The X can be had for $13-15k, including a 50hp or so motor. It sails OK and motors great, but not a fast as advertized. What I like about it best is the interior, which is possible because of the swing keel. Big and spacey. Well laid out. Comfortable. Steering system is a problem, but not too hard to fix. The M sells for around $32k+ and has an interior more like the V22, with the daggerboard keel in the middle of the cabin. I don't like the smaller, isolated feel inside the M, but lots do. The hull is not quite as flat as the X and is supposed to be a better sailor, but I can't say for sure. I like the X, and feel that it fits my needs best.
tdolby, I have owned a V222 (Mac), a 26D, and now have a 26X. They are all very good at what they do. The 26 classics are good sailors and easy to trailer. They are relatively cheap, between $4k and 6k. Since they are old, you have to be careful of the condition. Main problem for me was not enough room in the motor well to turn the motor. You have to steer with the rudder. Makes for interesting docking. Engine ate my rudder one time. The X can be had for $13-15k, including a 50hp or so motor. It sails OK and motors great, but not a fast as advertized. What I like about it best is the interior, which is possible because of the swing keel. Big and spacey. Well laid out. Comfortable. Steering system is a problem, but not too hard to fix. The M sells for around $32k+ and has an interior more like the V22, with the daggerboard keel in the middle of the cabin. I don't like the smaller, isolated feel inside the M, but lots do. The hull is not quite as flat as the X and is supposed to be a better sailor, but I can't say for sure. I like the X, and feel that it fits my needs best.
Price
Bear in mind that the "review" noted by sskeeter is a sales brochure by Macgregor. Obviously, they want to sell the new boats and are not making the X any longer. Most of their points are good. I disagree with the positive comment about the cabin layout. And the $19,000 price is way off, since it neglects to include anything other than the plain boat with the bare necessities. They left off the motor, ($6-8k), additional sails/furlers ($2,500) and a whole load of other things most people want. After thinking about it, my M cost estimate might have been a little conservative. $35,000 might be better. The choice is yours. How about letting us know what you decide?
Bear in mind that the "review" noted by sskeeter is a sales brochure by Macgregor. Obviously, they want to sell the new boats and are not making the X any longer. Most of their points are good. I disagree with the positive comment about the cabin layout. And the $19,000 price is way off, since it neglects to include anything other than the plain boat with the bare necessities. They left off the motor, ($6-8k), additional sails/furlers ($2,500) and a whole load of other things most people want. After thinking about it, my M cost estimate might have been a little conservative. $35,000 might be better. The choice is yours. How about letting us know what you decide?
"review"
Hey Ed - I didn't call that a review. You are correct the information comes from MacGregor and posted on a knowledgeable dealer's site. Some of it is factual and some of it is subjective opinion/marketing stuff. Having bought an myself in June, I think your pricing estimate is probably accurate.
Hey Ed - I didn't call that a review. You are correct the information comes from MacGregor and posted on a knowledgeable dealer's site. Some of it is factual and some of it is subjective opinion/marketing stuff. Having bought an myself in June, I think your pricing estimate is probably accurate.
Different M's
The 26M comes with two different interior flavours, the '03-'04 models have an interior similar to the Macgregor classics whereas the '05 & later lean towards the X with the dinette. I have the '03 M and prefer it over the newer '05+ models because it is more spacious below, the newer ones resrict crew movement too much. With 3 children you may find the X to be more family freindly than the M models, but if you wish to consider the M models you will notice that even though the cockpits are the same (smaller than the X)the older '03-'04 models are more spacious below so perhaps more family freindly. The down side to any new boat is that you have to pay for all the additional equipment, whereas buying used you get most of what you will need to start out. One thing to keep in mind is other family members' preferences, you may have a power boater among them.
The 26M comes with two different interior flavours, the '03-'04 models have an interior similar to the Macgregor classics whereas the '05 & later lean towards the X with the dinette. I have the '03 M and prefer it over the newer '05+ models because it is more spacious below, the newer ones resrict crew movement too much. With 3 children you may find the X to be more family freindly than the M models, but if you wish to consider the M models you will notice that even though the cockpits are the same (smaller than the X)the older '03-'04 models are more spacious below so perhaps more family freindly. The down side to any new boat is that you have to pay for all the additional equipment, whereas buying used you get most of what you will need to start out. One thing to keep in mind is other family members' preferences, you may have a power boater among them.
MvX
I looked at the M and X models before deciding on the M I liked the M more as it was more comfortable IMO especially with the hull being upholstered and the windows finished of better.I got mine new from Bill at Boats4sail in August this year.With 50hp Suzuki 4 stroke, jib sail and Bills package it was around $28,000.Including Ohio tax.Call or email Bill at Boats4sail if you need any help deciding.Good luck with the purchase.
I looked at the M and X models before deciding on the M I liked the M more as it was more comfortable IMO especially with the hull being upholstered and the windows finished of better.I got mine new from Bill at Boats4sail in August this year.With 50hp Suzuki 4 stroke, jib sail and Bills package it was around $28,000.Including Ohio tax.Call or email Bill at Boats4sail if you need any help deciding.Good luck with the purchase.
More "head" room in the 26X
I'm not talking knoggin knocking kinda head room. I'm talking standing room IN the head. Because the X's head is tall and has fiberglass walls (the "M has wood), you can easily use it as an enclosed shower. Very desireable if you live in the hot and humid south. The other reason I prefer the X is the larger and easier to enter/exit cockpit. This is especially important if you scuba, snokel, tube or swim from the 26. Just my personal opinion. Your mileage may vary. Happy sails *_/), MArk
I'm not talking knoggin knocking kinda head room. I'm talking standing room IN the head. Because the X's head is tall and has fiberglass walls (the "M has wood), you can easily use it as an enclosed shower. Very desireable if you live in the hot and humid south. The other reason I prefer the X is the larger and easier to enter/exit cockpit. This is especially important if you scuba, snokel, tube or swim from the 26. Just my personal opinion. Your mileage may vary. Happy sails *_/), MArk
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