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Rethinking the Mac 26
In article ,
(Parallax) wrote:
They state a PHRF of 240-250. Would have to refigure the PHRF of
other boats to make them consistent with this figure.
As far as I can tell, your S2 runs 180 or better. That's significantly
faster. Considering how fast the Mac seems off the wind, it's pretty bad
working to windward.
And as others have said, loaded for cruising, you won't get the
advertized performance. Yes, you can get momentary bursts of speed,
perhaps an hour at a time, but you'll have to be very alert and active
to keep it going. For cruising, expect to sail somewhat slower than the
S2 -- and to motor more.
PS says the Mac 26 is built with a hull deck joint on an outward
turning flange with SS bolts every 4", this is pretty good. Look at
some older boats, even "name brands" and you find riveted joints,
sometimes "pop" rivets to hold them together while the glue in the
joint dries.
The other factor is how beefy the flange is that they're bolted through.
Our 21's flange and the deck at three stanchions disintegrated when
sideswiped on a mooring.
PS implies the Mac26 has too light rigging. Macgregor says it has
never been a problem. Any remarks about this anyone?
We had trouble with the 21's rigging (which is essentially the same). As
I said in an earlier message, expect to replace it fairly regularly
(about 5 years, I found); immediately inspect it thoroughly if it's been
shock loaded; buy and learn to use Nicropress fittings.
And other things will break. I had to replace our mainsheet
fairlead-cleat after about 10 years. (it broke at the swivel). Various
other items broke about that same year. It's been a while, so I can't
give you a full list, but they mounted up. The equivalent gear on our
Xan is now 30 years old and still going strong; we sail her much more
(and harder) than we could have sailed the Mac.
Other than the remark about the light rigging, PS has little bad to
say about the Mac26.
PS doesn't pan many boats. They instead concentrate on how well each
works *for the intended purpose*. Macs are inexpensive entry-level
trailed boats, built strong enough for protected waters for a few years
and light to tow.
-----
It seems you're trying to justify getting one, no matter what others
say. Try to borrow or rent one for a while and see how it actually works
for your purposes. I suspect you'll find life on a Mac isn't as rosy as
you're imagining it.
--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/
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