I suspect the real problem many ppl have with the mac26 is that it
does not support the self supporting long range cruising dream

Yes and that it is a boat that can sail
and power which is better than a boat that
can only sail (and has deep draft to boot).
The Mac is all compromise and many people
a problem getting their minds around something
like that.
BTW the boat will need upgrades in hardware
before going to the Bahamas and such.
It also sounds like you could be happy with a
pocket trawler but the Mac can still go in
much thinner water.