What Are The Differences Between The Different Years Of X

[GaryMayo]

One thing I see is rudders changed, also the step was replaced with a ladder.

What other changes are there between the years?

One I am looking at is a 2000 with the ladder in the cabin.

Interested in changes in control functions.

What year did they go from a step to a ladder in the cabin?

Thanks!

[eddy]

My is from 1998 no ladder and the ballast vent under the V berth.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I have a 99 Mac X, and my cabin entry doesnt have the ladder. I suppose the ladder was added in 2000. My 99 X has a "step" design, which is removable with one wing nut. When the wing nut is removed, a bolt is right there on the platform step, very dangerous if stepped on accidentally. I think the ladder is safer, and easier to move for access to the rear berth.

Also...you'll enjoy the Mac-X. We've had no complaints with this model.

[GaryMayo]

I am also looking at a 95/96. The 95/96 is a slip stored boat from march to November and stored outside mast up all winter. It has a 60 hp engine that still has all the paint on the prop, it is fresh replaced this summer, and they want 14500. Three sails. Older main, needs replaced soon, newer jib, and brand new spinnaker. Trailer. Comes with a end slip, on a nice solid dock that has water, electricity. Slip is about a grand a year. A little more maybe.

The 2000 is very clean, pretty much original, and it looks to have been trailer stored and kept out of the weather. It is listed at 11500 with two sails, and a 8 hp remote control engine. The 8 hp engine is like going to the pet store wanting a Great Dane and coming home with a goldfish in a bowl. Looks to be a newer model. I would remount it as a kicker engine after I purchase a giant sized engine. Billy watch out. Trailer

The slip is all but impossible to get with waiting lists. The only way to get on this exclusive slip seems to be to buy a boat and inherit the slip. A lessor slip with only wood and lake is easier to get, but that might take a couple years also. The cheaper slips are built on foam docks that rock like Elvis moved his hips. Very hard for me to walk on, and no security gate.

The lake does have available mooring balls, if you like swimming or rowing out to your boat. Can't see me climbing in and out of a small row boat. Hard enough walking on the docks.

Both are one owner boats.

I am leaning towards the Mac dealer boat that is newer, cleaner and less money, but the slip and a real boat engine makes me wonder. That may well be worth that extra three grand.

It boils down to the boat. Is a 2000 more desirable than a 95 from a features standpoint?

Keep looking? Or is one of these boats the deal?

[TAW02]

Obviously the 2000 model X would be more desirable in many ways. However the 8hp levels the playing field here.

The purchase price of a new or used 60hp would hike the price of the overall end by 7k ... easily.

While on the other hand, a fully equipped turn-key X by little more (of three g's) makes the older X more affordable. So in that analysis, the overhall cost of the 2000 X would be 3K or thereabouts, over that of the 95/96.

Definately worth looking into the newer X. Just be sure to get a genny that is fuel injected over carburetor in that most of the woes facing any engine these day (ethanol) are centered around carburetor models. Especially outboards. Remember too that once you tilt your engine fully up, carb float bowls full of fuel get siphoned into cylinders which can make cold starts difficult and hard on the starter.

Two strokes have much more low-end torque and thus can swing a larger prop. Quite handy when fighting tidal current flows between island cuts. I would definately recommend an Evinrude Etec. Fuel/oil injected economical and never needs a timing belt or an oil change. Much lighter too.
Tom

[Trouts Dream]

Speaking as the owner of an older Mac...I would go for the big engine and slip. From everything I know a slipped boat gets used a heck of a lot more than a trailered unit. You can always upgrade later if you don't like the boat/slip combo.

[trdprotruck]

Also one thing to note is that Macgregor changed the deck from a sandwiched balsa to a ribbed fiberglass somewhere around 1999-2000. I've heard of problems in earlier years where water intrusion could rot the balsa and give you soft spots. Not likely to happen on the 2000.

-Randy

[Tomfoolery]

FWIW, my '99 also has the removable step (no ladder) with the ballast vent under the vee-berth. I don't know what the core of the cabin roof is, though. Not yet, anyway, as I may figure it out when I start drilling out some of the leakers and resealing.

[Seapup]

Here is a link to the archive of the original macgregor 26x site that list all the official changes:

http://web.archive.org/web/200108070010 ... the_26.htm

Also the older ones had metal seatbacks and the cushions/foam did not seem of the same quality as the newer ones to me. (maybe just older and worn more?)

I looked at both and held out for the newer model, was enough difference for me.

You sound like you want a power sailor so I would only use the realistic resale value of the motors in the equation, not the HP. You will upgrade either if you want to go over 14mph. If its a 1996 2 stroke 50 its not worth much more than a 8hp.

This season is over take your time and find what you want. These boats are fairly common and more will come up before next spring.

[TAW02]

Also one thing to note is that Macgregor changed the deck from a sandwiched balsa to a ribbed fiberglass somewhere around 1999-2000. I've heard of problems in earlier years where water intrusion could rot the balsa and give you soft spots. Not likely to happen on the 2000.

-Randy

Excellent point Mr Randy

I think also Mr Mayo should also check this 'ol thread so that he has a 'heads up' on an important item to check before making his purchase.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... ion#p96588

Tom

[GaryMayo]

I committed to the newer X.

That only seems like a sweeter deal, until I go to price engines for her next spring.

I will be happy with the advancements in Rudder and composition of materials in the newer boat.

[Jamie79]

Gary I have lurked here for a while and I want an X , unfortunately it will be a while. I think I would settle with a 50 and learn the boat and later upgrade to a 90 or maybe more, just to get the feeling of a new boat again. 14 knots on a boat this size with the mpg looks pretty good to me. But that's just me happy hunting and good luck I can't wait to do my true, I'm ready to buy search.

[dca81]

Gary,
Do not worry about getting a slip, the poor economy may have some benefit in making leisue activities less expensive (ie cost of boat) and more available. I purchased my boat in the fall two years ago. The lake I wanted to slip on has two marinas and I immediately inquired about a slip. Each informed me there was a 3 year waiting list. What do you do? I signed up at both marinas, but the most desirable one was on the same side of the lake as our mountain house. Next spring got a call from both marinas that a slip was available, in fact the Marina I wanted had 3 slips available and I got my choice. I chose the one almost on the end of the dock that allowed for a straight in and out to and from the lake. I sent a picture of the slip to my son who had lived a couple of years in Hawaii on a 37' Tayana. His immediate response was " What the heck is that , a handicapped slip?" I'm old, fat and not as nimble or fast as I remember, so I'll take any help I can get...but I love my slip...great mountainn views for enjoying a brew,and even get to sit in my comfortable boat and get a super view of the July 4th fireworks.
Good Luck.
Bob