26X Model Yr Diffs (Mfg Change List)

[Hamin' X]

OK, Guys. I've just spent the last several hours searching the archives for the answer to this question and have found hints here and there, but not a comprehensive discussion of the matter. Perhaps I just did not use the right key words for the searches.

I have decided that I am going to purchase a used (can't buy a new one), for various technical, monetary and aesthetic reasons. I know that there were some changes made during the 's production run, but can't seem to pin them all down as to the model year differences.

I don't want to get into which version of the is better than the other, simply need a discussion of the manufacturing changes made and what the reasons for the change were. Any help along this line will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

[Mark Chamberlain]

2003 was a bow running light mounted on the rail instead of the deck,
2001 I think was the vent changed to the front of the v bert.
Rudders brackets. were made stronger I think in 2000 models
My best guess

[Catigale]

There was a long thread on this > a year ago....can anyone help find it?

[bamabob]

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=358

[Hamin' X]

Thanks, BAMABOB

[ALX357]

BASICALLY, you want a year 2000 or newer boat.

[Theo]

Pretty much what AXL said. I don't think they made any changes after 2000 as they were probably concentrating on bringing out the M boat. The most important thing to my little mind is the steering changes. With the old steering it had a high failure rate if left attached to the engine (which everyone seemed to do).

I definitely have also heard the rumor that the ballst tank, and even the weight distribution of the entire boat was changed to compensate for the heavier 4 sroke engines that were mandated. Don't know the year.

Theo

[Frank C]

While I was quite pleased to see that my new model 2000 had all of Roger's change list, there's no need to get hung-up on seeking a only 2000 or later 26X. The '98 models built after January have many of the same improvements. All of the '99 models have most of the improvements.

It's bonehead easy to confirm that a boat has stainless rudder brackets. If you're curious about whether it has the steering rack, just unscrew the pedestal's portside black plexi side cover. THose are the two changes that I'd focus on.

[Chip Hindes]

Interesting the improvements which some consider important.

Particularly interesting that some believe the rack steering is essential, while at the same time (maybe different folks?) have bad-mouthed the Detmar steering gear chosen for this duty, insisting it's weak and needs to be replaced with the superior aftermarket Teleflex.

My '01 still has the original Detmar which continues to perform with one-finger ease. Maybe I was blessed, can't say, and I'm not familiar with the previous system, apparently a drum and cable, so I don't know comparatively how valuable is this improvement.

All things being equal, I guess the best possible scenario would be the later rack and pinion system upgraded to the Teleflex by the PO. But they seldom are. Equal, that is.

[Hamin' X]

Good tips all, folks and thanks. The old thread was most helpfull, also. Now I have the dilemma of whether, or not, to buy the that's on eBay, or save some more money and wait for the right to come along. I'm thinking that I would get most or all of the money back on the when it comes time to sell. Maybe I'm just getting the Mac Bug.

[Jeff]

Hey Hamin' X,

It would be a long tow, but have you seen Moe's X in the Classified Ads here on the site? If I was in the market for an X his certainly looks like a good one.

Jeff (KC4YXW)

[Chip Hindes]

Hamin'

Just hafta say, if you're going to base your Mac purchase primarily on what will get you the best return should you choose to turn around and sell it, perhaps you don't really want a Mac at all.

I'm sure the Mac 19 is a very nice boat compared to other 19 footers. Though I've seen them from a distance, I've never ridden on or been inside one, so really can't comment. I also don't see any reason to make me believe it will hold its value better than (say) an early X.

But I don't believe there's any way the 19 is even remotely comparable to the 26X. Different boats, different purposes. If you buy a boat based on projected resale percentage instead of your expectations as to how you'll use it, you're likely to be disappointed.

My recommendation: Don't buy yet. Decide what you want out of your boat, then ask more questions.

[kmclemore]

It would be a long tow.........

Not so long a tow. I bought ours in New Mexico!

And I agree with Chip... you don't buy a boat for resell value - all boats are, by their very nature, gaping 'money pits'! But having said that, they can be loads of fun.

No, you buy a boat based upon what your and your family really need or want - to fit your lifestyle.

(Umm.. on second thought... no, scratch that... in reality, you buy because your Admiral tells you what features she wants, and your boat better damned well have'em! 'Cause as everyone knows, if the Admiral ain't happy, ain't nobody gonna be happy!)

[Hamin' X]

You are correct in saying that you do not buy a boat for resale value. However, it can be one of the considerations in making the purchase.

A little background may be in order here.

The Major (Can't call her the Admiral 'cause she's in the Army) was called up to active duty for a 2 to 3 year stint. She is in Sacramento and I'm up here in Oregon. I did take a horse down to her to keep her out of the bars. I travel down there about once a month for a long weekend and she gets up here about twice a year. Our main combined hobby/pastime is our horses. She rides and I ride and train them.

Latest addition this spring --Misty's Moon Twist

Sailing is a hobby that we are just getting started on in the hopes of pursuing it with more gusto at retirement (5 years). Since she is not around up here, my thought was to get a little bit bigger boat than the Holder 14.



The Mac 19 seems to be a resonable priced interim that would be easy to single hand and not lose too much additional value when it comes time to move up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... AMEWA%3AIT

I'm not thinking of it as an investment, but the Scotish in me hates to throw money away. The 19 would be used as a day sailor only, and would let me get more experience till the Major gets home. Also, being a true power sailor, it is more suited to sailing on the Columbia River, which is only about a mile wide around here. Makes beating up wind a pain to get home before dark.

[Zavala]

Hamin',

I can speak to the versatility of the 19. It's a fine boat, that can fill a lot of needs. We bought ours in '98 with a similar thought of upgrading to a 26 eventually. We ended up keeping ours long term instead, because it was a good fit for our actual needs -- versus our somewhat elevated aspirations for long term cruises, etc. I think you'll find the 19 is a fun daysailor, good powerboat, and a decent little weekend getaway for two people.

As for resale value, I've kept an eye on this for the last few seasons, and they just don't drop much. If you can get a decent price on one in good shape, you'll get most all your money back in a year or two -- assuming you maintain the condition. Same probably holds true for the early 26's though. Once you get to the low end of the depreciation curve, things move slowly.

All that said, I think the advice of getting the right boat for your needs is on target. The 19 is great for the intended purpose, but is lean on accommodations vs. a 26. I'd make sure and tour either model in person before jumping in.

Kevin

PS -- The $5995 buy it now on eBay seems like a decent deal if condition is good. But a nice 19 comes up on eBay every few months -- so I wouldn't feel the need to rush into anything either way.