Never been on one but we love to laugh at the suckers that buy em.


I have been on one, at a boat show. Special price of $30k, all up and brand
new.

I would not buy it at $3k, unless I knew someone I could lay the thing off on
for $4k.

That is one flimsy boat, and those I have seen on the water (in under 8 knots
of wind) never sailed well (maybe Mac owners could blame the sailor) nor
motored well (maybe Mac owners could blame the engine as too small).

Some people *do* buy them though and call them sailboats just as some people
buy Wasa Brot and call it dessert.

After reading the numerous responses to my note, I conclude that: (1) No
one has sailed the new 26M extensively, and no one so far has any real
experience with or knowledge about the 26M Model; and (2) This doesn't
stop most responders from confidently and dogmatically telling me abpit
all the shortcomings of the 26M (which they have never seen, much less
sailed). In contrast, those I have talked with elsewhere who HAVE
actually sailed and motered the boat are quite impressed with it. What
seems to be overlooked repeatedly is that if I bought the Mac, I could
still charter a number of larger vessels for offshore cruising. In
discussions such as this, it seems to me that it's important to approach
the issues logically and with balanced consideration of all the related
issues. - So far, I see very little logic and lots of emotional ranting
and raving and put-downs of someone some apparently percieved as as a
convenient (novice) target. Nevertheless, I appreciate the helpful
suggestions and comments of those who have some useful information for
me to consider. Again, I can still charter some fine, heavy boats when
going offshore. And one more time..... I can still charter a wide
selection of heavy boats when going offshore.
Jim

Jim Cate wrote:

I'm considering the new MacGregor 26M for use in the Galveston-Houston
area and would like to get comments from anyone who has seen or sailed
on the boat. Or, anyone else.

For sailing and motoring in this area, the MacGregor seems to have some
advantages. - I'm aware of the largely negative comments on this ng
regarding the MacGregor line. However, for the intended use, e.g.,
sailing and motoring with small kids (grandchildren), fishing, and doing
some limited coastal cruising, the Mac 26M has the advantage that it
will motor to a desired destination at around 24 mph and can therefore
get to a desired sail or fishing area, and return, much more quickly
than a fixed keel boat. This tends to minimize the "are we home yet"
issue with small kids and non-sail-type guests. Also, in view of the
hundreds of square miles of shallow bay waters in our area, the boat's
ability to anchor in 15 inches of water, or to beach at one of the
islands, would be an obvious advantage. (The 40-foot Valiant, although
a great boat under sail offshore, was limited to around 8-10 knots under
motor or sail. So, it took us five hours to get from the Kemah marina to
the gulf, and we had to be careful to keep a sharp watch on the depth
finder.)

OK, the comparison is admittedly somewhat ludicrous. For the uses
anticipated, however, the Mac may be a practical and fun choice. Also,
the new "M" model seems to include some substantive improvements. - It
now has both lead and the removable water ballast, has a fin keel (which
I'm assuming may help in pointing), and a structural keel housing
extending vertically from the deck to the ballast area. The boat
reportedly includes additional fiberglass layers and other structural
and ergonomic improvements derived from their experience over the years.
As to it's sailing abilities, there is a video on the Mac web site
comparing the 26M and the 26X under sail, and the new model is clearly
much faster. (Assuming they didn't stage the race or doctor the video.)
With a large genoa, it looks like it might be a fast sailing boat; it
can reportedly plane under sail.

A further consideration is that, if I bought the MacGregor, I would
still have the opportunity to charter a wide variety of heavier boats
kept under charter in our area. Conversely, I couldn't purchase a
conventional fixed-keel boat and also charter a boat similar to the Mac.
(I'm not into motor boats, or staying out in the Texas sun for hours on
a powered fishing boat.) A negative factor is that the new Mac is
fairly expensive when fully equiped, comparable in price to many used 30
- 32-foot boats.

Comments from anyone regarding the sailing and motoring characteristics
of the new 26M would be appreciated.

Jim

Jim Cate wrote:

After reading the numerous responses to my note, I conclude that: (1) No
one has sailed the new 26M extensively, and no one so far has any real
experience with or knowledge about the 26M Model; and (2) This doesn't
stop most responders from confidently and dogmatically telling me abpit
all the shortcomings of the 26M (which they have never seen, much less
sailed).

Are you related to JAXAshby? Your reading comprehension is a bit dim.

At least two people told you that they had indeed seen them, including seeing
them sailing. Is real life good enough for you?

DSK

Doug.. let him buy the damn thing. One learns best from experience.

"DSK" wrote in message
...
Jim Cate wrote:

After reading the numerous responses to my note, I conclude that: (1) No
one has sailed the new 26M extensively, and no one so far has any real
experience with or knowledge about the 26M Model; and (2) This doesn't
stop most responders from confidently and dogmatically telling me abpit
all the shortcomings of the 26M (which they have never seen, much less
sailed).

Are you related to JAXAshby? Your reading comprehension is a bit dim.

At least two people told you that they had indeed seen them, including
seeing
them sailing. Is real life good enough for you?

DSK

DSK wrote:
Jim Cate wrote:


After reading the numerous responses to my note, I conclude that: (1) No
one has sailed the new 26M extensively, and no one so far has any real
experience with or knowledge about the 26M Model; and (2) This doesn't
stop most responders from confidently and dogmatically telling me abpit
all the shortcomings of the 26M (which they have never seen, much less
sailed).


Are you related to JAXAshby? Your reading comprehension is a bit dim.

At least two people told you that they had indeed seen them, including seeing
them sailing. Is real life good enough for you?

DSK


DSK,

You need to read the notes you respond to more carefully. What I said was:

After reading the numerous responses to my note, I conclude that: (1) No
one has sailed the new 26M extensively, and no one so far has any REAL
EXPERIENCE with or knowledge of the 26M MODEL; and (2) This doesn't stop
MOST responders from confidently and dogmatically telling me all about
the shortcomings of the 26M (which they have never seen, much less
sailed). In contrast, those I have talked with elsewhere who HAVE
actually sailed and motored the boat are quite impressed with it

DSK, note in particular the word "most" in the above sentence. Also note
my further statement, that you didn't quote, expressing apprecation for
the helpful information provided by some on the ng. (Incidentally, you
can get reading glasses at most pharmacies these days for under $20.)

Jim

Jim

I think the guy is bi-polar just like the boat he is asking about.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

SAIL LOCO wrote:
I think the guy is bi-polar just like the boat he is asking about.

The funny thing is, he came here to ask advice (more than once
actually), and is walking away thinking it's somebody else who's the
dummy in this picture.

DSK

You need to read the notes you respond to more carefully. What I said was:


Jim, while this group can offer valid and often helpful advice, they soon tire
of a subject and turn to school yard in-fighting. It's been the nature of
Alt.Sailing.Asa for some years now. It's up to you if you want to take any of
it seriously.
The Mac line of power sailors is generally considered by MANY to be ugly, cheap
and poor sailing boats. They are also expensive for what they are. I was aboard
a new M at the AC Boat show (I didn't even know it wasn't called the 26X
anymore). It was a laughable excuse for a power or sailboat. I was told it
could do nearly 25 knots, though 3 foot chop would cut that by a 3rd. A 3rd?
Such a loss of performance from moderate chop is indicative of design limits
too steep for my blood.
Few people, other than a Mac owner will encourage you to buy one. While it may
be the "best" compromise between power and sail, the trade offs are downright
offensive to sailors. If you have sailed good sailboats, I seriously think
you'll be dissapointed in the Mac and regret buying one.

Best of Luck,

Robert B
C&C 32, Alien
NY

What did Porta Scotty's Siedlemann go for new? What would it reasonably bring
today.


I know of two Siedlemann 30s that sold for 4 and 7K. The one for 4K was
actually pretty clean and had new electronics. The one for 7K had deck problems
($$) after a few years that left her high and dry. She's at Harlem YC if anyone
wants her. They are nearly impossible to sell. There's a larger model at
Styvesant Yacht club (33 or 34?) that simply can't be sold.

RB

The new reformed & warned "Bobsprit" wrote


Jim, while this group can offer valid and often helpful advice, they soon
tire
of a subject and turn to school yard in-fighting. It's been the nature of
Alt.Sailing.Asa for some years now. It's up to you if you want to take any
of
it seriously.

Which you are 85% responsible for yourself.



The Mac line of power sailors is generally considered by MANY to be ugly,
cheap
and poor sailing boats. They are also expensive for what they are.


Yet they are the best selling sailboat in history.


I was aboard
a new M at the AC Boat show (I didn't even know it wasn't called the 26X
anymore). It was a laughable excuse for a power or sailboat.


You could tell this at the boat show?