I can get
time off to do some serious cruising, but also purchasing one of the new
MacGregor 26M (their new model with deeper V-hull, dagger board, and a
partial lead/partial water ballast),

Jim, you can do a LOT better than the 26M. It's not a very good sailing boat.
I strongly suggest more study/sailing time before you choose a boat.

Robert B.
C&C 32
NY