On 24 Mar 2007 16:50:30 -0700, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

With a single outboard, you can realize some pretty impressive speeds
when in the "powerboat mode".

Strangely enough, this hardly interests me, although since it's there
I'll probably make use of it at one time or another. I'm really not
at all interested in speed, and would be content with a trawler or
tug if that could happily meet my finances. My goals have a lot
vested in economy. Sails suit that well with the silent pleasure
aspect of sailing thrown in.

As far as interior accommodation goes- that small cockpit that
restricts your fishing room translates into about 3 times the interior
cabin room of most 26-foot powerboats.

Good point, and one I easily forget when thinking about how I'm going
to fish from that boat. I *really* need some hands-on time.

As you can see, there are certain brands of boats (usually among the
more moderately priced) where ownership comes with a steady barrage of
nasty comments from nasty people who can't wait to tell you what a
dunce you were for not buying whatever brand they happen to own. I
have to wonder how many people wind up buying a beat up old hulk with
an "acceptable" trade name on it just to avoid dealing with such
jerks?

Or a new Honda instead of a used Chevy (-:
Being a used Chevy guy, my skin deflects all arrows.
And has some bearing on why I can afford a boat in the first place!

I still think you'd be no worse off with a new Mac 26, (given the rest
of your requirements) than you would be with a 1979 version of a
"real" sailboat (with "real" headaches) for maybe the same kind of
money.

Thanks for your comments, Chuck.

--Vic