Just to give you some more perspective on the MacGregor 26 line...

While I haven't sailed on any of them, I've seen a few out on the bay
(sans my friend who has one, who I know is a good sailor). All have
been sailed very poorly. The rigging is light weight compared to other
boats of a similar size. For the bay, they're mostly inappropriate in my
opinion.

Also, I have a family friend who owns the largest (I believe) MacGregor
dealership in Northern Cal. They sell a lot of them. Even his wife thinks
there's trash and the only reason they sail them at all is so they can sell
them. They don't really push them. People come in and basically tell
them to sell it to them.

"Jim Cate" wrote in message
...


DSK wrote:

Jim Cate wrote:


And how many times have you sailed on the 26M, DK? - Was it five times,
ten times, fifteen? I seem to have forgotten.


Gosh, you're so right... it's gotta be better than the old one... it's
NEW & IMPROVED!!

BTW it does not not have a new hull design. Exactly the same, only
painted darker colors
which does not improve sailng characteristics as far as anybody has been
able to
determine.

It has "Exactly the same hull, except for the dark paint"??? DK, you are
either confused or hung over. The M model is definitely a "new hull
design." The M model includes a deep, 15-degree V-hull, as compared with
the X model's much flatter, 8-degree hull. Additionally, the boat has a
vertically retractable, relatively dagger board instead of the pivotable
fin keel of the older boat, which nested in an a rearwardly extending
groove in the hull. Whether or not these changes make the boat "better"
or "improved, there is no question that the hull is, in fact,
substantially different. In the interests of logic, intellectual
honesty, and plain old truthfullness, you shouln't post false assertions
concerning matters about which you really don't know what you are
talking about.


And the ones I have seen certainly don't have rotating masts
either.... anyway
that would be a waste of time on a boat with a PHRF rating of 216.


Again, the M model does has a rotating mast. If the one you are
describing doesn't, it's further evidence that you really don't know
which model it is. Again, in the interest of plain old logic and
intellectual honesty, you ought to do your homework and get your facts
straight.

The two Mac26Ms at our marina I have seen out sailing a dozen times or
so. They are not
even a match for the San Juan 21, of which there is a strong local
class, which rates
252. The SJ21 literally sails rings around the M26M. Figure it out.

The point, Jim, is to enjoy your time on the water. If you happen to not
care about
sailing other than to have some sails up and hear the wake gurgling,
then go for it. If
you enjoy really *sailing* then you'll be disappointed. Doesn't matter
to me one way or
the other.


I may get one of the 26M's. However, I'm not sure I can afford one, and
my budget may dictate that I have to settle for a 34-foot O'Day, Cal, or
C&C.

Jim
Fresh Breezes- Doug King