Our new to us boat is in the yard

[ris]

My wife and I just purchased 2003 Macgregor 26x. It has been under trees and not used much so it is kind of nasty looking. 1. Needs to have the top screws done as many leak and one window is cracked. 2.The bottom paint is real flaky and your hand turns black if you touch it so it needs repainting. 3.The whole thing needs a buffing as it is real dull. 4. The trailer is scary, It made me nervous, only to have the single axle, it will soon have 2 axles and a paint job. The inside is unmodified, just needs a good cleaning. I am really enjoying reading all the stuff here about painting the bottom, sealing screw holes, and repair of trailers. Before we start doing mods we will use it some, but the above items will be done right away. As a bonus we spent part of Saturday with Sumner as he was getting ready to put his boat in the water. He is really nice. He answered a million questions from us and we looked at both of his boats. Have a nice trip Sumner!!!

[Chinook]

Hi Ris,

Welcome to this board and to the Mac ownership world. As you poke around this site, you'll make lots of friends and learn a ton about your new boat. 2003 26X boats are actually quite rare, since the 26M hit the market in 2003. 2002 was the last full production year for the X, but I understand that a limited number of new 26X boats were marketed in 2003. You have the benefit of all the incremental changes and improvements in the X line. There are substantial advantages in acquiring an unmodified boat. You'll be able to set it up to suit your own tastes and needs, and won't be having to redo previous alterations that don't come quite up to standards. Good luck with the boat, and say hi to Sum for me. As you've already learned, he's a great guy.

[dlandersson]

Welcome. Might want to update your profile.

Oh, and the newest owner has to buy the pizza - my kids like cheese.

[paul I]

2.The bottom paint is real flaky and your hand turns black if you touch it so it needs repainting.
4. The trailer is scary, It made me nervous, only to have the single axle, it will soon have 2 axles and a paint job.

Ris,
Welcome and congratulations on your new boat. With just a few days worth of elbow grease I'm sure you will get it looking great.

With respect to the above. That might be normal for the bottom paint. I use VC17 on mine and if I rub my hand against it, it will turn my hand brownish grey (the "original" V17 color"). Its meant to come off very slowly to keep a new layer of paint exposed at all times. Flaking is something else entirely and that may require sanding out and repainting. Lots of good info on here about how to do that, especially about how to move the boat off the trailer.

Speaking of the trailer, I also have a single axel. Mine doesn't scare me. If you are going to do a lot of traveling this season then by all means look into upgrading it, but take your time. Better deals on that kind of thing might be had toward the end of the season rather than the start. If, like me, you will only be getting it to a permanent slip for the season you might want to wait even longer. The single axel is perfectly fine for doing that kind of light and infrequent service. Your money may well be better spent on other things you feel you need. Make sure any problems you feel aren't the fault of the tires. Changing them made a big difference on mine.

[Keel_Hauled]

Hey there! I hope you will enjoy and care for Serenity for many years to come!

I was cleaning out a room in my house and I ran across an asymmetrical spinnaker for the ole girl; I didn't list it in the ad because I could never find it. I'll try to ship it out to you this week; spinnakers are fun!

[ris]

If you need my address, or anything just give me a call. I am taking the bottom paint off and waiting for the West Marine sale to buy the paint and other stuff it starts Thursday.

[Obelix]

Welcome to the Florida Mac-Family.
Where about are you in Florida? Our boat is at Boca Ciega Yacht Club in Gulfport, close to the Tampa Bay.

Obelix

[ris]

A little town 30 miles south of I4 on Hwy 27. Takes me about 1.5 hrs to get to Tampa

[mrron_tx]

Welcome RIS..... Hope You enjoy Your Mac...and this forum Ron.