On Thu, 04 Mar 2004 12:16:30 -0500, DSK wrote:

felton wrote:
Actually I am leaning towards the theory that "jim" either already
owns one, is in the business of selling them or is some sort of
disinformation campaign trying to resurrect the Mac26X/M from it's
well deserved position in the sailing Hall of Humor.

Good call. I should have ignored him, but it's a slow day. And the
weather has really turned beautiful, I need to go sailing!

Spring is almost here, as well. I can always tell when they start
forecasting golfball sized hail and possible tornados


I do wish Jim the best, though, in acquiring the Mac26M as it seems to
be the boat which meets his needs and fulfills his desires. I suspect
he needs to look elsewhere for confirmation. I have never yet met
anyone with any sailing background or ability who would agree with
him.

I have a number of friends who've owned the things... all but one have
moved on. We went sailing & cruising in company many times in the
mid/late 90s. They are kinda fun if you don't mind the looks (and this
is one improvement in the new version)and don't expect much to happen
when you work at getting the sail trim right (once you get the rudders
fixed). It's really a camper trailer that also functions as a boat!

In fairness to MacGregor, people who own the things do seem to enjoy
them. I sort of view them in the same way as those old cars that
looked a bit like the Studebaker that were capable of driving on land
or powering through the water. Oddly interesting but nothing that I
would want to own unless I just wanted an oddity. I suppose if I was
in a big hurry to get somewhere, I wouldn't own a sailboat. If I
wanted a powerboat, I would get a decent one and not stick a little
sail on top. Obviously I am not the target market, though.


I'd be interested to see what MacGregor bases the claims of redesigned
hull upon. I've seen both on their trailers, and there ain't any visible
difference. You could literally swap trailers and not notice. But then
MacGregor has unfortunately gone down the road from mildly deceptive
advertising, to flirting with outright falsehood... maybe now they've
crossed the line?

Wouldn't life be dull if we all liked the same thing


wrote:
Also note that the claimed speed of 24 MPH is with a 50 HP motor, one
person aboard, no water ballast, and the rigging entirely REMOVED.

I believe I mentioned something along those lines. The speeds I've
observed for the things in real life is more in the neighborhood of 15
knots (18 mph)


..... The water ballast
weighs 1400 pounds, so that would be an instant drop to a possible top
speed of only 10 MPH according to the MacGregor website (1 MPH drop
for every 100 pounds added.)

The drag increases on a curve, so each added 100 lbs would decrease the
speed a bit less. Anyway, the ballast tank is designed so that it can be
emptied while motoring.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King