I am considering the purchase of an M. I have been reading the post and trying to find out the good and the bad and the ugly. I've seen the MacGregor factory video and just looked at one new today. There are two issues I have heard different facts on.
Setup time: from the trailor to the sails on???
The video says about 15 minutes. The dealer said about two hours starting out and eventually you can reduce that time some. What is a "realistic" time to set the boat up from the trailor?
Motors: I have read all good things about a bigger Motor however... The dealer told me they will not do it because it is not rated for anything larger then a 50hp and the larger ones he has seen develop stress cracks at the transom after a couple of years.
True or false???
And now my biggest fear...The SIZE... Is this boat a nightmare to dock or put on a trailer due to how high it sits out of the water? I have about 2 years solo experience on a 20 ft daysailor (Flying Scot) with a 5hp. The boat is still in perfect condition so at least it shows I know a little about getting it to the dock opposed to thru the dock ...however I've never handled anything this size and solo. Should I be concerned or is the learning curve relatively painless?
Any other Pros or Cons and Advice would be greatly appreciated before deciding to get the M ..... at this point things look good....
(search terms: pros & cons, vintage, comparo, comparison)
Considering an M - Questions?
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LOUIS B HOLUB
- Admiral
- Posts: 1315
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 7:40 am
- Location: 1999 Mac-X, Nissan 50 HP, Kemah, TX, "Holub Boat"
Matt...I havent found anything seriously negative about Mac-M, in my observations by others in my Marina. I've owned a Mac26-S, and now a Mac26-X, and have been quite satisfied.
Im not happy the trailer, which I think should be replaced in 4 - 6 years with a dual axle, aluminum (or galvanized).
My rigging and launching takes about 45 - 55 min., depending on how much help my Admiral provides...But Ive had no serious problems rigging, launching, loading, or trailering.
The high freeboard occasionally causes docking problems when I have any serious cross winds (but this is not often).
Im not happy the trailer, which I think should be replaced in 4 - 6 years with a dual axle, aluminum (or galvanized).
My rigging and launching takes about 45 - 55 min., depending on how much help my Admiral provides...But Ive had no serious problems rigging, launching, loading, or trailering.
The high freeboard occasionally causes docking problems when I have any serious cross winds (but this is not often).
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Divecoz
- Admiral
- Posts: 3803
- Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 2:54 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: PORT CHARLOTTE FLORIDA 05 M Mercury 50 H.P. Big Foot Bill at Boats 4 Sail is my Hero
We have a 05 M. I have launched it less than 6 times and am down to less than 1/2 an hour. Thats from Rigging to pulling away from the pier. We Rig it in the parking lot then back down the ramp etc. I did cheat and practice a few times in the drive. I own the speedy rigger tape which is helpful to a newbe like me . We have a 50 HP BF Mercury more than enough muscle. WE have found that after less than a dozen or so days on the water, that motors offensive 
That from a past power boat guy. Each model has its stronge suits and weak as well. Its a great Sailing Cruiseing Camper . Want a ski boat buy a Ski Nautic 
That from a past power boat guy. Each model has its stronge suits and weak as well. Its a great Sailing Cruiseing Camper . Want a ski boat buy a Ski Nautic -
Bobby T.-26X #4767
- Captain
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:48 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA
though i have an X, i agree with most everything Louis stated.
- setup and take down time is not much longer than 30 minutes (i don't use the mast raising system so there's some time saved).
- regarding motors...no stress cracks to be found using a 60, 70, 90, 115, (and yes!) 140hp. at least not advertised on this site.
if you want a bigger motor, buy a used X (or M) with an old or undersized motor and re-power on your own. most dealers who specialize in motors will do it for you.
and for voided warranties due to a motor larger than 50hp???...only the initial purchaser of a Mac is warranted for the first 2 years, subsequent owners are not covered.
i'm a "subsequent owner", purchased used, sold the 50hp off the rear end, and re-powered with a 90hp. best thing i ever did...
- finally regarding trailers/docking/launching...it sits very low on the trailer because of no keel so you can launch in very little water.
the X only weighs 2,350#, so it's extremely light for a 26' boat.
the high freeboard can cause problems around a dock in windy conditions, without ballast, and centerboard...but allows for a roomy cabin. it's something that you get use to and can live with.
Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki
- setup and take down time is not much longer than 30 minutes (i don't use the mast raising system so there's some time saved).
- regarding motors...no stress cracks to be found using a 60, 70, 90, 115, (and yes!) 140hp. at least not advertised on this site.
if you want a bigger motor, buy a used X (or M) with an old or undersized motor and re-power on your own. most dealers who specialize in motors will do it for you.
and for voided warranties due to a motor larger than 50hp???...only the initial purchaser of a Mac is warranted for the first 2 years, subsequent owners are not covered.
i'm a "subsequent owner", purchased used, sold the 50hp off the rear end, and re-powered with a 90hp. best thing i ever did...
- finally regarding trailers/docking/launching...it sits very low on the trailer because of no keel so you can launch in very little water.
the X only weighs 2,350#, so it's extremely light for a 26' boat.
the high freeboard can cause problems around a dock in windy conditions, without ballast, and centerboard...but allows for a roomy cabin. it's something that you get use to and can live with.
Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki
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delevi
- Admiral
- Posts: 2184
- Joined: Fri May 06, 2005 1:03 am
- Location: San Francisco Catalina 380, former 26M owner
- Contact:
The part about rigging/derigging which consumes alot of time is attaching and removing the mast raising system. Also, roller furling takes longer. If you have a number of lines led aft, as I do, removing the lines and blocks and then putting the whole deal together takes time. Securing the forestay w/ furler takes time (certainly a big chunk comapred to a regular forestay w/ hank-on jib.) My rigging/derigging takes about an hour and half. This includes getting fully ready for trailering or vice-versa. I am, however, very particular about checking everyhting at least twice to make sure nothing is loose, etc. Fortunately, I only do this when going to other sailing spots. I keep my boat in a mast-up facility on the trailer and go throug a 15-minute launch/haulout ordeal if I just want to sail on the bay. I'm strongly considering getting a wet slip, however. Nothing beats having your boat just sitting at the dock, ready to go any time you are. Good luck with your Mac purchase.
Leon
Leon
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richandlori
- Admiral
- Posts: 1695
- Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:08 pm
- Location: Living Aboard in Morro Bay, CA
- Contact:
Lets see...
Negatives: besides not being able to sail down to New Zeland I just don't have a single complaint during my 1 1/2 years of owning our Mac M. The only reason we sold was we wanted to do a multi year Cruise...
Larger Motor: If that dealer won't do it...find one that will. He is blowing smoke about cracks....
Rigging: 30 minutes is doable...did it all the time
My only suggestion is to try and find a USED 26M and save a few thousand dollars.
It is a Great Boat.
Negatives: besides not being able to sail down to New Zeland I just don't have a single complaint during my 1 1/2 years of owning our Mac M. The only reason we sold was we wanted to do a multi year Cruise...
Larger Motor: If that dealer won't do it...find one that will. He is blowing smoke about cracks....
Rigging: 30 minutes is doable...did it all the time
My only suggestion is to try and find a USED 26M and save a few thousand dollars.
It is a Great Boat.
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James V
- Admiral
- Posts: 1705
- Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:33 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Key West, Fl USA, 26M 06, Merc 50hp BF "LYNX"
I have mine in boat stoarge with mast up right next to the water. The storage has a paid service that will splash it and take it out. Thay had problems until I let them use my 50 foot dock lines. This makes it much eaiser if cross winds are present when you have nothing down. You also do not have to get your feet wet. I have never motored onto the trailer.
Motor size - I have found that when the wind is blowing to much there is a lot of spray above 8 mph. I want to get some weather cloths to see if that will help. So a larger motor will depend on what you want to do with your boat. Mostly fair weather in protected waters? You can go big. Going out into the ocean or larger lakes or bays then you may not need more than a 50hp. I am only able to go above 8 mph about 1/4 the time I am on the water because of too much spray and TOO RUFF. My sailing area is from Ft Myers Fl to the Keys. For me, the extra Horse power would not be much use. I do like my Merc 50hp Bigfoot. The smart craft system has saved my motor from overheating damage EVERY time I went to the Keys. It does move the boat at the dock rather impressively.
Motor size - I have found that when the wind is blowing to much there is a lot of spray above 8 mph. I want to get some weather cloths to see if that will help. So a larger motor will depend on what you want to do with your boat. Mostly fair weather in protected waters? You can go big. Going out into the ocean or larger lakes or bays then you may not need more than a 50hp. I am only able to go above 8 mph about 1/4 the time I am on the water because of too much spray and TOO RUFF. My sailing area is from Ft Myers Fl to the Keys. For me, the extra Horse power would not be much use. I do like my Merc 50hp Bigfoot. The smart craft system has saved my motor from overheating damage EVERY time I went to the Keys. It does move the boat at the dock rather impressively.
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rockman
- Engineer
- Posts: 100
- Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:24 am
- Location: Singleton NSW Australia
- Contact:
I am not sure how a roller furler adds that much time to rigging. I think it is quicker.
The attachment at the bow is the same - so that does not add any time.
The job sheets and blocks are the same - no matter what you use
The furling line runs back to the cockpit - all of one minute.
No jib to drag up on deck and attach to the forestay and haul up - save 5 minutes.
Am i missing something - or do the US boats have a different system?
30 minutes is reasonable - the dealer told me to not put the trailer in the water too soon after arriving - or the hot hubs will cool and suck water into the hubs.
Rockman
The attachment at the bow is the same - so that does not add any time.
The job sheets and blocks are the same - no matter what you use
The furling line runs back to the cockpit - all of one minute.
No jib to drag up on deck and attach to the forestay and haul up - save 5 minutes.
Am i missing something - or do the US boats have a different system?
30 minutes is reasonable - the dealer told me to not put the trailer in the water too soon after arriving - or the hot hubs will cool and suck water into the hubs.
Rockman
Cant help with the M since we have an X...but we have started rigging it on the water. We spend most of our time on the St Johns River in FL ...so launch....head right out and step the mast at our leisure when the sun has gone down or just come up (when it's cool)....just have to make sure to anchor in a part of the river with no traffic (waves). Then we sail Lake Monroe or Lake George. It has made it much easier for me to get Jim out on the water....we dont dread the stepping etc....unstepping is the same. I usually get everything in place then we anchor...unstep...while he's motoring I get all the lines etc secure. Once at the dock...just load and go after final inspection.
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JSchukraft
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:44 pm
- Location: Sarasota, FL
We recently got a 99 X and love it. Did a lot or research M vs. X and decided we much preferred the cabin layout of the X, as well as the wider transom. We much preferred the fact that the head is aft and closer to the cockpit and has it's own sink. Also, the dinette table will comfortably seat 4 in the X - quite a bit smaller in the M. Also, a factor in our choice was the fact that the X is 300 lbs lighter than the M. Since we're pulling it with a Chrysler mini van as opposed to a truck, that was a big factor. Okay, so much for our sales pitch. Don't mean to disrespect the M's - they're all great boats!
Now on to the topic...currently, we have to trailer the boat - waiting for a spot where we can store w/ the mast up. My husband rigged it for the second time yesterday (with gopher help from his 1st mate). So far, both times, we've rigged it in the parking lot at the ramp. First time took about 2 hrs - but that was partly because the roller furling system needed to be completely set up. Yesterday was quite a bit quicker - about an hour to rig and 45 min to de-rig for trailering. Realistically, we can see it getting down to 30-45 min to rig, with practice. So far, both times have used manpower - the walk-up method in the Speedy Rigger video as opposed to the mast raising system which we have heard can be time consuming.
Hope this helps. Happy sailing everyone.
Jean and Jeff
Now on to the topic...currently, we have to trailer the boat - waiting for a spot where we can store w/ the mast up. My husband rigged it for the second time yesterday (with gopher help from his 1st mate). So far, both times, we've rigged it in the parking lot at the ramp. First time took about 2 hrs - but that was partly because the roller furling system needed to be completely set up. Yesterday was quite a bit quicker - about an hour to rig and 45 min to de-rig for trailering. Realistically, we can see it getting down to 30-45 min to rig, with practice. So far, both times have used manpower - the walk-up method in the Speedy Rigger video as opposed to the mast raising system which we have heard can be time consuming.
Hope this helps. Happy sailing everyone.
Jean and Jeff
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Divecoz
- Admiral
- Posts: 3803
- Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 2:54 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: PORT CHARLOTTE FLORIDA 05 M Mercury 50 H.P. Big Foot Bill at Boats 4 Sail is my Hero
***So far, both times have used manpower - the walk-up method in the Speedy Rigger video as opposed to the mast raising system which we have heard can be time consuming. ****
I use the mast raiser/ winch. It Might add 5 minutes( it takes me 30 from the time I get up on the boat in the parking lot till we are backing down the ramp) however it but adds a LOT of safety . I can stop raising the mast get off the boat at any point of the raising and go back to it hours later and all is well. There is absolutely no way to get hurt IMHO and I can do it alone . I can talk to my wife friends and family about how it works and what I am doing because It takes less effort and attention. If it starts to crank hard stand back put hands in pocket have an Ice Tea look for Problem . . . Oh that shroud is caught ooooops the dog . . . This is not so with the start push don't stop till she's set method . But its all personal desire /opinion . I have yet to use the head and most agree the sink is 4 feet from a larger and better one . I do wish my transom was wider like my brothers 10 feet .
I use the mast raiser/ winch. It Might add 5 minutes( it takes me 30 from the time I get up on the boat in the parking lot till we are backing down the ramp) however it but adds a LOT of safety . I can stop raising the mast get off the boat at any point of the raising and go back to it hours later and all is well. There is absolutely no way to get hurt IMHO and I can do it alone . I can talk to my wife friends and family about how it works and what I am doing because It takes less effort and attention. If it starts to crank hard stand back put hands in pocket have an Ice Tea look for Problem . . . Oh that shroud is caught ooooops the dog . . . This is not so with the start push don't stop till she's set method . But its all personal desire /opinion . I have yet to use the head and most agree the sink is 4 feet from a larger and better one . I do wish my transom was wider like my brothers 10 feet .
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richandlori
- Admiral
- Posts: 1695
- Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:08 pm
- Location: Living Aboard in Morro Bay, CA
- Contact:
But all that really means is that they are assuming the liability under their insurance policy for any boat damage...there is NO SUCH THING AS AN AUTHORIZED DEALER to put anything above a 50HP on the boat....this came right from Bill at MAcGregors during a Plant Tour. It is a 100% RISK assumed by the DEALER...but I would still do it anyway...because after all the data...it isn't a REAL Risk anyway...and with the SMALL warrenty time anyway...I would rather have MORE POWER long after the warrenty has Faded. BUT if you ever have an accident and the insurance company finds out that you have a motor larger than the Published Maximun HP...GET ready for a lawsuit....will the "authorized dealer" save you then? Nope...not When Mac, in Every single peice of literature says NO LARGER THAN 50. Just things to consider...and again...if I was buying New Today....I would have a 90Hp on my Mac...delevi wrote:Regarding larger motors:
Only a handful of dealers are authroized by MacGregor to install a motor larger tha 50 HP and the maximum is 70 HP. If you want to go bigger than 70, you need to go to someone who is not a Mac dealer.