Mac-Dealer Questions

V8Buggy · Post by **V8Buggy** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:13 pm

Hi,
This is my first post this board. We are considering a new 26M and are looking at different dealers. We live in Georgia and Boating Atlanta is the nearest dealer, however their web site doesn't inspire much confidence in their MacGregor experience. A dealer in Colorado, Kelly-Hanson looks to be a very complete dealer with a lot of good info on their web page and several of their own products for the Macs. However I have called them at least 20 times over the last two weeks and have never been able to reach a person. I have left messages and phone numbers, but have yet to receive a return call. Does anyone have any experience with either of the two dealers, good or bad.
Thanks in Advance!

Mac Ziggy · Post by **Mac Ziggy** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:12 pm

I bought my 26M from Gateway Sailing in Seneca, SC, earlier this year. I am very pleased with the boat, the price, and they are good folks with a lot of experience with Mac's.

http://gatewaysailing.com/

Mark Passmore recently got an M from Atlanta. You might want to check with him.

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/profi ... ile&u=3755

Bransher · Post by **Bransher** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:20 pm

I haven’t had any experience with any of the two dealers that you mentioned. But when I was ready to buy a new 26M, I had a similar experience with another dealer. He finally sent me something in the mail, but it had my name spelled wrong, the wrong address crossed out once and then still wrong, insufficient postage, and the envelope was filthy. It was amazing that I ever received the envelope.

This was my first and lasting impression of him, and I took my business elsewhere as a result.

LOUIS B HOLUB · Post by **LOUIS B HOLUB** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:44 pm

Bransher wrote:I haven’t had any experience with any of the two dealers that you mentioned. But when I was ready to buy a new 26M, I had a similar experience with another dealer. He finally sent me something in the mail, but it had my name spelled wrong, the wrong address crossed out once and then still wrong, insufficient postage, and the envelope was filthy. It was amazing that I ever received the envelope.

This was my first and lasting impression of him, and I took my business elsewhere as a result.

I think you made a wise decision.

V8Buggy: Ive done business with Sailventure, Inc., based in Baytown, Tex. And, Ive been pleased with the owner's knowledge and help concerning MacGregors. I bought my first Mac (26-S), which he brokered for an elderly family that quit sailing due to health. After the sale, I mentioned that the galley faucet seemed stopped up. I didnt expect any warranty, but Sailventure, Inc. provided a brand new galley faucet at his expense.
I thought that was awesome. Sailventure, Inc eventually sold the 26-S for me, after my Mac-X purchase. Its been a good experience.

tangentair · Post by **tangentair** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:34 am

Zero commercialization is discussed in those threads ... for good reasons. We should all respect that "somewhat fuzzy" line of demarcation, as part of our individual contributions to Heath's website. Let's agree that any commercial advantage from this site is rightly reserved to its support.
And further, when we have need of any product, check here first for competitive dealers.

I think this complies.......
ModEdit: Yes, complies totally. Please note that Heath's advertising dealers do not self-serve.
But customer feedback & discussion 'among members' is always welcomed, fair game! ~fc

Actually, I had a similar experience when buying my boat. I looked south and west (I live north of Chicago) and then north to Bill at Boats4Sail. He advertises here, is listed in the directory, and often reads and posts. I bought from Bill because in the end, he had the most patience with my questions, was a local of sorts, told me about this web site, and was very specific on what he provided and did not provide - the d@^n motor to be blunt. He gave me the name of a local-to-him merc dealer but did not push them. He also suffers fools badly, but at the same time is very patient and will stay with you until you are comfortable knowing how to rig, tow, outfit your boat etc. There are also other dealers here who provide this type of service and if you read some of the past threads, you will find owners who sing their praise.

I guess the point I am trying to get to, is first know what you are buying. The boat is priced and built for very specific reasons that means it performs and is equipped for a specific market. Moreover, the dealer organization has developed accordingly. It is a safe boat, but it does not have inlaid wood panels or exotic electronics, most of the hardware will let you motor and sail in relative comfort but you will not feel bad about upgrading it or tossing it as you change the boat to meet you particular way of using it. You are right to try to find a dealer that you can communicate with and relate to and that you feel is knowledgeable. But do not think they are an Audi dealer unless you live in CA or WA. Their markup just does not support that level. In hindsight, I would still buy from Bill and would not base my decision on where he was located, and would consider the cost to transport it home as a minor additional cost not major.

mssydnie · Post by **mssydnie** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:32 pm

Always a big question! I had no luck with the dealer servicing Michigan...although others seem to like him. Ended up dealing with Mike Inmon at Inmon Yachts in Marina Del Rey, California. He had boat...new 2002 Mac26X delivered to me in Detroit at only a very very little cost above the Michigan dealer. I found Mike purely by "lucky" accident. He posts on this site. Boat was trailered to me completely set-up and in excellent condition. Turns out that he is really close to Roger Macgregor. Can't say enough good things about this guy!

Divecoz · Post by **Divecoz** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:02 pm

I bought mine from Bill @ boats4sail he advertises here and supports this website.$$$$
Many of the mods others hunt for assemble and then install came with my boat. Bill is a sailor and it shows in his boats. Bill is in Wisconsin but has sold to folks in almost every state that says a lot about Bill.
Few have sailed Mac Gregor boats for as long as Bill. Who's the oldest who's the biggest well Bill is only 5'7" and about 58 y.o.

But Bill seems to GET BOATS I assume because Bill Buys and sells a lot of Boats.You dont have to wait to get a boat from Bill.
I am very happy with my experience dealing with Bill @ Boats 4 sail.

albion · Post by **albion** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:11 pm

YUP I agree with Divcos. Bill's a great dealer.
He usually has some Macs in stock.
You will get a good deal from him.

Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL · Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:24 pm

Clarification on a couple of points.

I'm 5'3" and 63 1/2 y.o.

I'm not "the dealer servicing Michigan" referred to above, I don't think. I've sold dozens of Macs to customers from Michigan. My first repeat customer was from Michigan. I believe there is another dealer that claims (wrong) that he is the exclusive dealer for Michigan.

I got a call earlier this week from someone that paid over $32,000 for a 26M from one of the other dealers mentioned above. No slugs on the mains'l, no halyards aft, etc. He wanted me to do it for him.

A week before that another person that had paid over $32,000 from another dealer actualy showed up at my shop with his boat. Not rigged correctly, no slugs, no halyards aft, etc. Nothing to simplify sailing.He was here, and it was a nice day, and he was a nice guy so I helped him out.

If you're looking to buy a 26M, I suggest you contact some of the dealers, preferrably ones that pay to advertise and help support this site, and see what they can do for you, not just what you can do for them.

I've also sold several boats to customers from Georgia, most recently about two months ago.

ii2003a · Post by **ii2003a** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:13 pm

A honest dealer - well, this is a good start. A dealer who helps you and doesn't push you - this is a good continuation. A dealer who gives you a good (maybe the best) price - provides you with an excellent long-lasting feeling. A dealer who is always reachable afterwards and who doesn't hide that he cares about you after you have made the purchase - this tops it all.

I have found all of these in Bill (@boats4sail) while purchasing my boat. You will find all of the above too if you go with him.

On top of that, just as a recognition for his help, I gladly topped his asking price by some small amount knowing that he had earned it and would appreciate it. He deserved it.

For the record, I don't have any affiliation with him, nor I benefit in any shape or form from recommending him. Trying just to help those who are still in need of a boat.

Ivan

mssydnie · Post by **mssydnie** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 4:26 am

No Bill...your not the daeler "servicing MIchigan" I was talking about. This was a guy out of Ann Arbor but mainly out of Tennesee. I have heard nothing but great things about you on this site....follow all your postings with great interest and would not hesitate to buy from you. Just went with Mike Inmon as I said "by lucky accident" but it was a good experience...as I am sure it would be with you.

James V · Post by **James V** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:08 am

Hmm Have you checked the factory web site to find dealiers a little closer to you?

V8Buggy · Post by **V8Buggy** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:36 am

Hmm Have you checked the factory web site to find dealers a little closer to you?

If you are talking to me, the originator of this topic, then yes, still checking them all out. Lots of good info, thanks for all of the replies.
I have never been one to shop by price alone. I look for good before purchase service with a competitive price. Almost never is the lowest priced. I have found if their service while trying to sell you something is marginal, it will certainly be miserable after they have your money. Several of the dealers web sites appear nothing more than"cut and paste" from the factory web site. Anyway, still looking.
Thanks

beene · Post by **beene** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:12 am

I'm 5'3" and 63 1/2 y.o.

I would have guessed 4'8".... but then again.... your were once taller than me remember.....

G

James V · Post by **James V** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:51 pm

V8Buggy - Yes I was talking about you. Did not mean to offend but you did not mention about the local dealiers. My dealier in Fl sold so may Mac's that he did not need to do anything special to draw people in.
There was always a 2 month waite to get a new boat. I am assuming that you have visited their business. As for me, I only had a couple of things that needed to be fixed after the sale. Having somebody close to where the boat is stored was much needed. If you buy out of state and need something done, where do you take the boat?

I suggest that you find some people in your area and talk to them.

Good luck, James M/S Lynx

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