"Frogwatch" wrote in message
ups.com...
I like the concept of the Mac26 because Mac26 owners REALLY do more
things with their boats than most displacement hull sailboats ( I own
a displacemnt keel sailboat). Furthermore, the Mac26 concept appeals
to many people who do not want to pay absurd amounts to keep a
displacement boat at a slip. Such people want to sail if they feel
like it but they also want to use the motor to go interesting places.
They do not care if it sails optimally or if it motors optimally,
optimal performance is not the point, optimal use IS.
Two years ago, I realized that my 8.5M S2 (8700 lbs) would not take me
all the cool places I wanted to go, generally shallow water or simply
too far away to go for a couple days, I built a 20' Tolman Skiff power
boat. The sailboat is for sailing or serious cruising, the powerboat
is for getting somewhere in a hurry. The Mac26 combines these
features in a reasonable package.
Since I am now seriously into boat building, I wonder if there is an
available design for a homebuilt marineply/glass and epoxy version of
a hull that can plane but can have water ballast for sailing, probably
with a gaff rig to avoid stays. I considered Michalak's "Cormorant"
for this but it really isnt intended for planing.


Horses for courses, as they say. Loads of people love their pontoon boats,
and for sheer deckspace you'd be hard-pressed to beat one. They can be fast,
and can pull right up onto a beach if you want. I see no real reason why
someone couldn't, if they wanted to, rig a pontoon boat with a tabernacled
mast and lee boards, and turn it into a rather capable sailing cat.