Does anyone have any actual experience with the Mac 26M?

In my unending search for the right boat, this boat appears to have many features of interest. I understand that the sailing performance is compromised to gain in other areas, but if speed is not my thing, why should I care?

If the 26M is a poor boat, that what trailerable boat in that size range (abt 25') can do better?

Scout

Based on actual experience aboard and sailing both the Mac 19 and Mac
26X.... I would have to say they represent some of my biggest
disappointments in vessel design and ability. Of note, is that in sailing
configuration, neither models displayed ability for upwind or downwind
performance. In powerboat mode, neither model performed well nor where they
comfortable. It was not possible to get the Mac26X on step despite the 40hp
outboard. The hulls of both models oil canned to the touch of a finger. The
interior is loud at anchor and the foredeck is not an area to induce
confidence. The running rigging and stays are woefully small and of poor
quality. The capability of both models to be affected by the wind resembles
"the fat man in a canoe" syndrome.... the bow is prone to swinging at the
slightest breeze.

Based on this.... I cannot believe they have so radically changed their
design with the Mac26M to warrant consideration.

CM


"Scout" wrote in message
...
Does anyone have any actual experience with the Mac 26M?

In my unending search for the right boat, this boat appears to have many
features of interest. I understand that the sailing performance is
compromised to gain in other areas, but if speed is not my thing, why should
I care?

If the 26M is a poor boat, that what trailerable boat in that size range
(abt 25') can do better?

Scout

How about a water ballasted Catalina 25? It's not the best sailing
boat, but it's just fine and I can make you a great deal on this 100%
like example with trailer....


http://boatmax.com/photos/12201_1.JPG


She's so untouched...never even had holes for instruments added! Asking
19K with a 4 stroke honda (less than 15 hours!), but I can do a LOT
better on price.
Anyway...it's something to consider.
And what about those tough little Seward boats? Neat looking and well
built.


RB
35s5
NY

Bob,
I'm caught in a philosophical dilemma. I can't decide which is more
important to me, a large, comfortable, sea-worthy sailing vessel, or a
flexible, beachable craft that can go in all the quiet coves and shallow
back bays. There's my problem: do I want to duck around the back bays? or
head out for Nantucket or Cape Cod?

I can't see me attempting Nantucket from Philadelphia in a Mac 26, but maybe
I'm wrong. On the other hand, there's a lot of the bay less than 3 feet
deep. Why wasn't I born rich so I could have both?

I haven't ruled out either vision, and need to do more boat-yard searching
and soul-searching. I would like to stay under $50K, but for the right boat
would go 20-30% higher.

I'm taking Friday off to search boat yards, probably in the Chesapeake area.

Scotty - any Chesapeake boatyard recommendations to look at "for sale" boats
in the 30-40 ft range?

TIA!
Scout



"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

How about a water ballasted Catalina 25? It's not the best sailing
boat, but it's just fine and I can make you a great deal on this 100%
like example with trailer....


http://boatmax.com/photos/12201_1.JPG


She's so untouched...never even had holes for instruments added! Asking
19K with a 4 stroke honda (less than 15 hours!), but I can do a LOT
better on price.
Anyway...it's something to consider.
And what about those tough little Seward boats? Neat looking and well
built.


RB
35s5
NY

I certainly wouldn't want to take a Mac offshore direct, but you could
always throw it on a trailer and drive it to New England. In fact, I
would think that one of the primary virtues of that boat. It might
not be fun on all days in Vineyard Sound, but with the big engine you
don't have to worry about details like the current at Woods Hole.
Right now we're trying to figure out a schedule for our return that
works around some 30 knots winds and the strong currents. It would be
a lot easier if there was a trailer waiting for us in New Bedford.

On the other hand, looking around, I don't see any Mac's here even
though one of the large dealers is in southern Mass.

If I were looking for a smaller shallow draft boat that could be
trusted in a blow, and loaded on a trailer a few times a year, I'd be
looking at this:
http://www.marshallcat.com/M22Lines.htm
But that's just my taste. It would certainly fit in here.





Scout wrote:
Bob,
I'm caught in a philosophical dilemma. I can't decide which is more
important to me, a large, comfortable, sea-worthy sailing vessel, or a
flexible, beachable craft that can go in all the quiet coves and shallow
back bays. There's my problem: do I want to duck around the back bays? or
head out for Nantucket or Cape Cod?

I can't see me attempting Nantucket from Philadelphia in a Mac 26, but maybe
I'm wrong. On the other hand, there's a lot of the bay less than 3 feet
deep. Why wasn't I born rich so I could have both?

I haven't ruled out either vision, and need to do more boat-yard searching
and soul-searching. I would like to stay under $50K, but for the right boat
would go 20-30% higher.

I'm taking Friday off to search boat yards, probably in the Chesapeake area.

Scotty - any Chesapeake boatyard recommendations to look at "for sale" boats
in the 30-40 ft range?

TIA!
Scout



"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...
How about a water ballasted Catalina 25? It's not the best sailing
boat, but it's just fine and I can make you a great deal on this 100%
like example with trailer....


http://boatmax.com/photos/12201_1.JPG


She's so untouched...never even had holes for instruments added! Asking
19K with a 4 stroke honda (less than 15 hours!), but I can do a LOT
better on price.
Anyway...it's something to consider.
And what about those tough little Seward boats? Neat looking and well
built.


RB
35s5
NY




--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

"Jeff" wrote in message
...
I certainly wouldn't want to take a Mac offshore direct, but you could
always throw it on a trailer and drive it to New England. In fact, I would
think that one of the primary virtues of that boat.

This is probably the best advice. Long distances in small boats are often
best covered on the road via a trailer. We have some friends who've just
returned from two weeks in the North Channel with their 21' swing-keel boat.
They trailered it to DeTour. The sail up Lake Michigan from here would have
required at least 4 very long, hard days of sailing/motoring on that boat
just to reach DeTour.

Max

"Scout" wrote in message
. ..
Bob,
I'm caught in a philosophical dilemma. I can't decide
which is more
important to me, a large, comfortable, sea-worthy sailing
vessel, or a
flexible, beachable craft that can go in all the quiet
coves and shallow
back bays. There's my problem: do I want to duck around
the back bays? or
head out for Nantucket or Cape Cod?

IMHO, you'll use the smaller boat more often.
What works for many sailors is to have the 'big boat' for
sailing and use the dinghy / canoe / kayak for exploring
creeks and such.


I can't see me attempting Nantucket from Philadelphia in a
Mac 26, but maybe
I'm wrong. On the other hand, there's a lot of the bay
less than 3 feet
deep. Why wasn't I born rich so I could have both?


That's one of the reasons I love my Seidelmann 295, 3"
draft w/board up. Ask Doug, there are a few good ceterboard
boats.
BTW, the Bay opens up the more South you go.
Mac 26s have sailed all over, Bahamas, S.A. , Hawaii, that
doesn't mean I'd want to do it.



I haven't ruled out either vision, and need to do more
boat-yard searching
and soul-searching. I would like to stay under $50K, but
for the right boat
would go 20-30% higher.


Don't forget to budget money for upgrades and such, if you
buy used.



I'm taking Friday off to search boat yards, probably in
the Chesapeake area.


I took this week off. Funeral yesterday, going to Ocean City
today -Sun , for Sons' wedding.



Scotty - any Chesapeake boatyard recommendations to look
at "for sale" boats
in the 30-40 ft range?


All of them. You never know where you'll find that 'perfect'
boat. Maybe once you figure out what kind of boat you want,
a broker could help locate it. I don't know of any good
ones. Be willing to travel. When I was looking for a
trailerable, I ended up buying one in Boston.

Scotty

Scotty wrote:


I took this week off. Funeral yesterday, going to Ocean City
today -Sun , for Sons' wedding.


What happened, couldn't talk sense into that Canuck he's going to wed?
;-o

Cheers
Marty

"Scout" wrote in message
. ..
Bob,
I'm caught in a philosophical dilemma. I can't decide which is more
important to me, a large, comfortable, sea-worthy sailing vessel, or a
flexible, beachable craft that can go in all the quiet coves and shallow
back bays. There's my problem: do I want to duck around the back bays? or
head out for Nantucket or Cape Cod?

Do what I did--buy a Boston Whaler to poke around in the gunk holes.


I can't see me attempting Nantucket from Philadelphia in a Mac 26, but
maybe I'm wrong. On the other hand, there's a lot of the bay less than 3
feet deep. Why wasn't I born rich so I could have both?

Being born rich isn't quite as satisfying as becoming rich by one's own
resources. Have you seen Shannon's Shoalsailor? Talk about a beachable 35'
sailboat!!! But she ain't cheap.


Max

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 05:56:36 -0400, "Scout"
wrote:

Bob,
I'm caught in a philosophical dilemma. I can't decide which is more
important to me, a large, comfortable, sea-worthy sailing vessel, or a
flexible, beachable craft that can go in all the quiet coves and shallow
back bays. There's my problem: do I want to duck around the back bays? or
head out for Nantucket or Cape Cod?

I can't see me attempting Nantucket from Philadelphia in a Mac 26, but maybe
I'm wrong. On the other hand, there's a lot of the bay less than 3 feet
deep. Why wasn't I born rich so I could have both?

I haven't ruled out either vision, and need to do more boat-yard searching
and soul-searching. I would like to stay under $50K, but for the right boat
would go 20-30% higher.

I'm taking Friday off to search boat yards, probably in the Chesapeake area.

Scotty - any Chesapeake boatyard recommendations to look at "for sale" boats
in the 30-40 ft range?

TIA!
Scout


I've been struggling with the same dilemma and, after much thought,
decided to move toward the trailerable gunkholer. For the four or
five cruising grounds I want to cover in the next few years it would
make more sense. After that, who knows.

Initially set my tow limit at 4K lbs., however that was based on
towing with my current truck. A Dodge Dakota, which is rated to 4800,
it struggled a bit recently when towing a friends boat at about 3500,
so I may change both the vehicle and the boat weight limit.

By the way, Seaward just sent me an email indicating they have taken a
2004, 26RK in as a trade, asking priced at $49K, if you have any
interest. It is on their web site in the brokerage section. Located
in the Florida panhandle. I was down there last week, had I known, I
would have looked at it. Too busy to go back right now, however, may
go back in October and look at it if it is still there.

Frank







"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
roups.com...

How about a water ballasted Catalina 25? It's not the best sailing
boat, but it's just fine and I can make you a great deal on this 100%
like example with trailer....


http://boatmax.com/photos/12201_1.JPG


She's so untouched...never even had holes for instruments added! Asking
19K with a 4 stroke honda (less than 15 hours!), but I can do a LOT
better on price.
Anyway...it's something to consider.
And what about those tough little Seward boats? Neat looking and well
built.


RB
35s5
NY