Choosing a 26X Resale

MadMacX · Post by **MadMacX** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:47 am

Hi All,

I'm new here so please be patient. I have been lurking here for a few weeks to get some info on the MacGregor 26X and I can say that you guys really rock. If I needed clarification on an issue or an answer to a question, you guys pointed me in the right direction. What a wealth of information.

Now my question. I have decided to pull the trigger and get a MacX. I looked at the MacM, but that is out of my price range, plus this will be my first boat of this type, so rather than learn on a new boat, I felt used would make more sense. I am going to look at two boats this week, so I would like to know what I should be looking for. I understand the basics, engine, gelcoat, fittings and the like, but where should I look to find any hidden problems? Problems that may be structural or very costly down the road. Any advice you can provide will be sincerely appreciated.

On another note, why can't some people just just get through their head that you want to buy a MacGregor? I can't tell you the number of "experts" that told me how stupid I was or how I was wasting my money on a Mac, when I could have had a Hunter, Cal-Pac or whatever. Now I'll be honest, I am not a sailing purist, sorry, I'm just a guy that wants to take my boat out and enjoy myself. Maybe on a river, on a lake or maybe the coastal waters or where ever my wife and I decide to go. When I was younger, I sailed a little bit, but I also had powerboats. I liked both and now I want to experience both. What is so wrong with that?

Regards,
Pat

bastonjock · Post by **bastonjock** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:09 am

Hi Pat

Welcome to the forum,dont let the mac knockers get at you,when you point out that their boat costs them $$$$$$$$$ to moor up,parts are expensive,the mac fits your requirements just fine,as it fitted mine and every other mac owner.

as for what to look for,well there is not a lot that goes wrong with these boats that is expensive to fix for a start,what year are the boats that you are looking at,another thing let the guys know where you are,maybye somebody close by can help

Andy hipetrol · Post by **Andy hipetrol** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:32 am

I just purchased (three months ago) an

and had negotiated a price and almost had to get a loan from a different bank because the final approval had to come from an avid sailor who could not understand why I wasn't buying a Catalina etc. Of course this gave me second thoughts. I bought it anyway. I had been a lurker like you on this forum for a good year.

So far I love the boat there are at least 6 Mac's on Lake Travis that we have counted. I have mine in a slip and am able to sail until dusk or eat at one of the restaraunts on the lake till dusk and motor home at dusk. The last two times we have gone out have been at 5:00. We sail where we want then motor on back. Try that in a regular sailboat.

Best of luck
Andy

Loefflerh · Post by **Loefflerh** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:15 am

I just got my 2nd mac, had the X for 10 years and loved it. For that pricetag there is nothing else on the market. And you have a sailboat, powerboat and a cabin cruiser in one! There are many more arguments which make the X or M the boat of my choice- like maintenance, how easy to get the mast up nd down and very important to me the shallow draft. I rescued a couple of boats already running aground in our tenthousand island area here or down in the keys......
you can't go wrong with a 26X"!

hans

tangentair · Post by **tangentair** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:33 am

Regarding what to look for, do not over look the trailer condition

also try searching - you can scan the results and you might see post like these - just remember to select the search for all terms "radio button" - my seach terms are listed after highlight= in the url
http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... ed+trailer
http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... +used+boat
http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... +used+boat

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:27 am

Pat - think about getting a marine survey done on a used boat, and if not that then have someone who knows Macs well look it over.

For an 8 year old motor, find its sales value on ebay, find out the cost of a new motor of your choice installed, and add that to your expected budget. If the old motor works out great, but thats a HUGE risk. Pretty much everything else can be fixed.

Now I'll be honest, I am not a sailing purist, sorry, I'm just a guy that wants to take my boat out and enjoy myself

A Mac will be a perfect boat for you with this mindset...just like mine.

Post by **Russ** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:36 am

You could get a compression test on the motor by a mechanic. Might show possible problems.

Brian26x · Post by **Brian26x** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:21 pm

Look for improperly installed, after market deck mounted hardware. If not installed right, water can get into the balsa core in the deck, and rot it. I found my dodger, and pump out fittings had issues, holes had been drilled and screws sealed with only silicone. West systems has very good online info on how to do the job right. My 26x is a 1996, it has a balsa cored deck, the newer ones don't, not sure what year mac made the change.

Also, check for blisters on the hull below the waterline. I had those as well.
It was a job and a half fixing them and then applying 5 coats of interprotect 2000 epoxy.

MadMacX · Post by **MadMacX** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:13 pm

Hi Guys,

Thanks to all of you for some great information. Based upon what has been posted, I spoke with one of the sellers and he informed me that his boat had an old Force 50 HP 2 stroke motor, which I absolutely do not want. So either he lowers the price, or I walk away. (Thanks Russ & Cat)

I also was not aware that the older Mac X had a balsa wood core up top. I'll have to keep a close watch out for any attachments on those models. I'm sure any damage could be repaired, but I've spent a lifetime rebuilding and remodeling houses and I don't want to start a new career doing boats. (Thanks Brian)

Just another question regarding motors, about how many hours should a 50HP 4 stroke go with normal maintenance? Something like a Honda or Yamaha? One boat that I'm looking at has just about 600 hours on it right now, but the guy has all the maintenance records and it appears that he has done a good job of preventive maintenance.

Again thanks for your help.

Pat

jeffz · Post by **jeffz** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:03 pm

Good luck and hope you get a good rig.

I have developed hearing problems since buying the Mac. It is a terrible affliction that seems to come and go. BEWARE!!!

It happens when I get into a sailboat conversation with a person who is dead set against moving any faster than 6kts.

My condition must be due to one of the many following and growing list of causes:

The wind in my ears as we motor at 20mph
The lovely sound my Suzuki at WOT and also at 6kts
Fuel savings vs a 27' 15yr old bayliner that pays for the moorage
3 months of moorage saved while it is here at the house
Savings on sandpaper and marine varnish for the "Real Sailboats"

I could go on and on.

Welcome to the board, lots of good info here!

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:45 am

I think 10 years/1000 hours is a good marker for end of life, and certainly end-of-value.

For purchase purposes, you wont get anything towards a new motor, so you have to build in the cost of a new one into your conservative budget.

I would love to think someone would pay be 5k for my 2003 Mercury BF, which basically never goes over 3000 rpm, but if I were buying and knowing it would cost me another 1k to control/install that price wouldnt make sense to me as a buyer - more like 3k maybe.

Unless you know the person and they go to church with you, used outboard deals suck. Exception is made for reputable dealers who will stand behind the product of course.

beene · Post by **beene** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:29 am

I bought my 2005 Merc 75 4s from iboats for $3299 in the fall of 2006 used.

Nil probs, and saved a pile O money.

Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Highlander just did the same thing, from the same place, and will be mounting his 2007 Merc 75 EFI on his 26M in a few weeks.

Cheers

G

Post by **NiceAft** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:43 am

Interesting enough, there is an article in the April 2008 issue of Seaworthy magazine on page eight. It's titled Buying a Used boat? Some Thoughts on Hiring a Good Marine Surveyor. If you're a member of BOATUS, you may receive the magazine? If not, you may know a sailor who does.

Ray

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:12 am

[quote="Catigale"]I think 10 years/1000 hours is a good marker for end of life, and certainly end-of-value.

More like 10yrs / 4000hrs

An eng on a mac with only 1000hrs will most likely only have about 200hrs of hard running which helps clean the carbon out , most four strokes o/b run around 4000hrs before needing any major work just food for thought the hrs dont mean as much as the maint. that was done . no maint. is the issue

J

James V · Post by **James V** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:59 am

My dealier told me that those who looked at a Mac would not buy another boat. Maybe that is why they are trying to change your mind quickly.

After 5000+ miles and 200+ days onboard I can tell you that I am glad that I choose a Mac. The plus points are so much better like going to windward into a 20+ wind. Space inside, weight, etc....

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Choosing a 26X Resale

Choosing a 26X Resale