Looking to buy this year

[jschrade]

I didnt realise you could get trapped on United....

Ive gone 8 days on anchor with this crew on my - with practice, you can easily accomodate your family

That's downright cozy! I'm trying to do the math on that one.

Jim

[jschrade]

I have been reading and researching sailboats for 6 years now. My financial means finally allow for a purchase of an under 25000 setup.
I first have to thank Tangentair for taking me out on his Mac in 2008 it was fun. I am undecided between getting a trailerable or a larger cruiser and a slip.
I would be sailing on Lake Michigan out of Jackson Harbor most likely. We have eight year old twins and a seven year old and I am not sure if the Mac would be large enough for us.
I have a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan 4.0L that has a tow rating of 3800lbs and would only be towing flat terrain no more than 100 miles. Does anyone here keep their Mac in a slip? That seems like a good compromise between ease of use and being able to drag it out to a new cruising destination. Another part of me says to get a 28-30ft cruiser that is more stable and keep it in a slip. I know these decisions can ultimately only be decided by me personally but I would like any input you may have. Especially those who sail Chicago area waterways.

It's clear you have given this some thought and it's a tough decision with no right or wrong answer. I made my choice back in March 2010 by buying a 26M. I keep it in a slip year round (Florida) and can pretty much sail every month of the year. The marina is a community marina with a boat club, club house and 10 minutes from my house - it's the cherry on top of the sundae.

To this day, I bounce back and forth between getting a bigger sailboat vice my Macgregor and have come to this conclusion: the bigger boat is my eventual dream for cruising all over the place for months/years on end. Problem is that isn't realistic with a great job that keeps me really busy today and with kids in school it's just a fantasy for now.

Financially, you simply cannot buy any boat brand new for the price of a Macgregor 26M - not even close! And of it's class, there's just no competition even when they are priced much higher.

People load: I have done short trips with myself and my two teenage daughters with no issues and it was comfortable. Not sure I would want to be stuck down below all day on a stormy day. We have found that day sailing with 6 onboard is comfortable. In your case, your wife and babies will likely setup shop below decks. I do highly recommend the stern rail seats, they really give some room in the cockpit.

Range: this is a big deal and really what gives the 26M its glow. On a larger traditional sailboat expect a top speed of around 6-7 knots (~8MPH) motor or wind it's called you hull speed. That's rather limiting in where you can go in a short period of time. I can top out and 16-17 knots (~19MPH) and cruise at about 12-13.5 (~15MPH) which will brings in reach many more destinations in a day sail.

The downs, it's a tippy boat and as people move around so does the boat. This is not a problem when under sail that the boat become more stable. When sailing in gusty conditions, it can heel a lot until you learn to manage the sails. It is simply more tippy than a larger boat. This is a deal breaker to some.

Jim

[Divecoz]

Just a few thoughts..
$25K for a 30' full keel boat may well see you in an older boat ( and possibly the "cheap" seats) For sure get a marine survey.. and, a good one.
There are a TON more possible issues to be found on bigger older boats, issues that Macs just plain dont have..
#1.these are solid fiberglass boats... no balsa cores! That wont be found in the price range your limited too for a bigger boat ..
I have been looking both Here and in Florida with thoughts about selling my Mac, as we hope to be gone from here this Summer. ( here is IL. 59 and Roosevelt Rd. ) BTW I am not selling!! However I am 20 minutes from you if you desire to look and talk, get in and nose around ..
From the moment you purchase your full keel boat to the moment you sell it , you owe for slip or dry dock storage.. You may well have to pay to put it in and take it out as well. If something comes up? Anything.... you owe for storage until its sold. or until you deside you want or can use it again..Our issue was we thought we were moving.. Our Mac sat on its trailer next to my garage for over a year now ( all last season) for free.. I would not be rushed to sell $$$ Storage charges etc....( if that had been the issue) You'll no doubt drop a few bucks into what ever new ( for you ) boat you buy , keep that in mind.. A bigger boat will, be more stable.. it will never go more than about 6 to 8 MPH under power. Lots of fellows here with young families and many use these as Power Cruisers from time to time.
These Boats ( Macs) are not for everyone or everyone would own them.. Chances are? Only from what I read here ,Your van will tow it.
ILL. is pretty dang flat. We slip ours at North Point Marine Winthrop Harbor IL. A few fellows here slip theres another 15 minutes North of me .. I am 90 minutes give or take Driveway to Slip .. As I said I am only a few minutes north of you and I retired early ( but I am for now trapped here : ( so I am available when the snow melts to come up look and play.. we can even raise and lower the mast etc. etc.

I have been reading and researching sailboats for 6 years now.
purchase of an under 25000 setup.
I am undecided between getting a trailerable or a larger cruiser and a slip.
I.

[ualpow]

Divecoz, I would like to come over and have you show me about the Mac. I decided to get one but probably an older X to keep the cost down. I work nights at O'hare and have rotating days off. If you ever have time during the day that would work great. And if it's on a Thu, Fri, Sat or Sun the wife could come also.
Send an email or PM if you want.

[Divecoz]

PM in your box : )

.
Send an email or PM if you want.

[GregR]

I researched and investigated sailboats for amlost 2 years. First I was convinced the Mac 26M was THE boat to have. Then I drove to a dealer and looked at it. Seemed much smaller and 'frailer' than I thought it would be.

Then I took a charter certification class on a Catalina 34....got spoiled on a bigger (but out of my price range) boat like that.

Then I started looking at boats with these criteria:
1) Late '80's vintage - Because they would be in the right price range
2) 28'-34' range - Because I thought I would be comfortable on the Great Lakes in one this size
3) Diesel engine - Because I prefer the safety & reliablilty of a diesel over gas

I really liked the Oday 322. Could have had a 1988 for $25K, but did not pull the trigger fast enough and it sold.

This weekend, I purchased a 1996 Hunter 280. The more I see this boat, the more I like it. Great cockpit, where I will spend most of the time, set up for single-handed sailing, great swim platform on the back, cabin is a bit "modern" compared to some of the classic boats I was considering, but like the Mac in many ways...only better. Wheel steering (with a big wheel), a built-in icebox (with a drain and everything), A stove and sink (that I do not have to move out of the way to sit down), a head that actually has a head and room to sit on it). The aft berth is big like the Mac and the V-berth is useless, like the Mac. All for the price of a newer Mac ($25K).

So, even though the boat was smaller than I originally wanted in a real keel boat, I think it is a great compromise and better suited to me than the MAC. The only thing I won't be able to do is trailer it to Superior for a cruise in the Apostles.

But then, I drive a Honda Civic Hybrid, so I would not be towing anything around anyway

To each his own....but for me...this is the real deal:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Hu ... ted-States

Greg

[Divecoz]

But Greg That One draw back alone...Unable to trailer is a Huge Consideration on this board..
Cannot tow it? No Desire to tow it? Lots of options open up..
Diesel Engine? They Can Be Great.. Use it a lot or that fuel will go bad quickly...Usable Life Expectancy of diesel fuel is going down every year..
I have done a lot.... of work on diesels and I have made numerous repairs and adjustments for folks who "paid " to have that work done by Marine Techs..

[Catigale]

Greg - you stole that boat. Great deal. Close the deal !!

(I have no interest in this sale personally)