Seeking all opinions

[robertbanfield]

I wanted a sailboat, she wanted a powerboat, so naturally we agreed to shop for a Mac.
At the risk of opening a can of worms we seek your opinions on the following question. As a potential new Mac owner should we buy a new 26M “basic” boat with the factory warranty or seek a used boat that has been upgraded costing the about the same?
My mental conflict lies in that outfitting a new boat with most of the upgrades we think we want puts our boat out of our “comfort zone” financially. On the other hand, the used boat(s) I’m looking at are only between 2 and 3 years old but I might being buying someone’s “lemon”.
This question also makes a few assumptions, in that 1.) MacGregor stands behind their new boats in terms of defects from the factory, also something I have no experience with. 2.) We will have to be patient as we slowly upgrade a new boat. And 3.) Macs are “tough enough” and a two or three year old boat is not old in terms of “Mac years” (excluding abuse of course) .
When I speak about upgrades, I refer to the common ones I’ve read about here, ie. sale covers, better rudders/daggerboard, radios, genoa, cockpit rigging/cushions, vents, sail rollers...etc. Of course a survey will be performed if the majority of you recommend we go the “used route”.
Thank-you in advance. Robert

[Hardcrab]

I'd think it should come down to your personal skill level with tools and such, or the amount of "handyman" you have in your background.
The more dependent you are on paying someone else to do mechanical/electrical/building things, the newer the boat might have to be for you.
If you have a somewhat rounded history of fixing or building things, then a used boat just might make more sense.
These boats aren't rocket science in any way.

I'm not aware of any generic "problem" areas on an M that need special attention in a search for a used boat.

[bjmeunier]

Hey Robert,

I just picked up a "blank canvas" 26x. It was an estate sale and had absolutely nothing on it. On one hand, I find this to be exciting because I can do everything myself, the way I want, and really learn the boat. On the other hand, I was stuck on shore this weekend because the boat is not prepared to go out into the bay... I saved some money up front, and am able to space out my upgrades and improvements as I go, but will lose some of the creature comforts already installed in some of the used boats for the time being. When you buy used, there is always a chance of getting a lemon, but, if your careful you should be all set. Look around your area and try and find a trailer sailor group and join. They will know most of the boats in the area and will probably know how well it was cared for. I also had offers to come out and help me look over the boats by members of these communities(sp?). If you do go used, pay special attention to the motor! Either way you go, good luck! I'm having a blast with my and I haven't hit the water yet...lol

[pokerrick1]

These boats aren't rocket science in any way.

That's easy for you to say I, on the other hand, who is NOT handy with tools etc., had to pay to have someone else do almost every mod (I did install an under the dinette refridgerator by myself ie. - - placed it under the dinette and pluged it in)

Rick less in Las Vegas

[Wind Chime]

If you decide to go with an I suggest you look at the years 2000 or newer, as this is when the last design changes were made (campanion way ladder, vent plug, hull, rudders, etc.) There is a list of all the changes on this site if you search.

[40Toes]

I faced the same question a few years ago. I opted for the used route. Buy from a owner who is handy, they can't help themselves and have to continually upgrade their boats until they run out of mods

[rfrye94760]

Robert, I just brought my new 26M home this weekend. I, too, was looking at a few 3 or 4 year old boats with a fair number of add ons. In some cases the options added by the seller put the price higher than a new boat. Many here on this board advised buying my boat and using it for awhile and then see what I want or need to add. I finally decided (with the help of the Admiral) to go new but pretty basic. Hard to go wrong new especially if you go with a good dealer. My advice would be to contact Bill at Boats 4 Sail in Wisconsin. Good guy, fair price, couldn't ask for anything more. Even if you're not close by, he's sold boats to people all over the country for a reason. In any case, I don't think you can go wrong either way you go.

[Scott]

I wanted a sailboat, she wanted a powerboat, so naturally we agreed to shop for a Mac.

Based on this statement, I would go used. They retain resale well and you could decide if it works for you before jumping in with both feet on a new wagon.

Make sure you let her do most of the steering. The females seem to like sailing better from the helm.

[Hamin' X]

Whether new or used, pay attention to the make of the motor. Make sure that there is a servicing dealer in your neighborhood and that you are comfortable with them. It will do you no good to buy a brand new Mac with the factory installed ETec 60, if you cannot have it serviced. Same goes for a used boat with brand X motor.

~Rich

[Jim Bunnell]

I don't know if the timing is right, but I bought my '03 M at the end of the season from a dealer - Super Sport Marine in Nevada - who had used it as a demo for the summer. So it was "used", but dealer maintained, and had most of the basic accessories already installed (I added a few more - couldn't resist ). I saved several thousand by doing so, and John (the owner) delivered it to Michigan personally! Might be worth checking around.
Good Hunting.
Jim

[Kaceys ' Charm]

My wife also wanted a power boat as well. Now she can't wait until the sails are up and the motor is off as it is more peaceful .The tube and tow line have only been used once. As long as the lines are led aft and she doesn't have to do any work she'll be happy no matter what boat you buy . The problem with Macs are the lack of quality used boats as Mac owners keep them therefore inflating their resale value. So as you know you'll be paying the same price for a bare new boat as a loaded used. My answer is if you have a dealer in your local area that you feel comfortable with buy from them and upgrade when you can. If not buy used. Nine times out of ten if a mac owner did alot of upgrades, they would have loved the boat and want you to do the same. They will problably give you tips and lots of advice after the sale. I have a M now but still miss my venture 25.

[Russ]

I wanted a sailboat, she wanted a powerboat, so naturally we agreed to shop for a Mac.

I just want to remind you that the Mac isn't the best sailing sailboat and is pretty lousy as a powerboat. It is a big compromise. With that said, it's the fastest sailboat under power and is still fun to sail. Realize that most 26 foot powerboats are MUCH faster, MUCH larger and MUCH more stable and also MUCH more expensive.
The Mac is a lightweight fun trailersailor that moves fast under power and for it's size has a huge cabin.

A boat will last a long time with proper care. Most "damage" will be evident, such as mildew and other neglect. The motor is the most expensive addition to the Mac and where you want to be careful with used. If well maintained it will last a long time, but they can easily be neglected and abused. One cold winter without proper winterization can ruin a good motor. If buying a used boat motor, I'd get a mechanic to look it over and do a compression test. For the boat, you can probably see what has been taken care of.

When in doubt, just buy new and have fun adding stuff to it. Some things though you should add when you buy a new Mac. We love the rear cockpit seats. I'm glad we went with the 70hp motor. Most of the rest you can add later.

--Russ

[bscott]

I second buying a boat from John at Super Sport Marine---but he's in Nebraska

Bob

[irayone]

Hi Check out the classified section of this web site... The problem with new is the cost in outfitting the boat for you area of sail. If you are just in the bay or lake you would outfit for your conditions. Or perhaps you want to go coastal crusing? Different set up. For example more anchor line and size of anchor. VHF hand held and installed. Battery set up.. Solar? Charger? The question is.....What will you be doing with the boat????Water ski and an occational sail?? Or Catalina????

[Jim Bunnell]

I second buying a boat from John at Super Sport Marine---but he's in Nebraska

Yeah - I knew that ... must be getting old ... nah ... what?

Jim ... I think