Small Craft Advisor (SCA) did a remarkably fair and extensive (eight category SCA format) review of the MacX in Issue 14 March/April, 2002 on my boat. Again in Issue 34, July/August, 2005, another extensive review was done on the MacM on a luxury equipped Blue Water Yachts model (what strikes me as odd is how much the boat is heeling in such a light breeze [p. 59]; perhaps there was crew on the lee rail?
There is a comment about that in the text of the article. I recall sailing both with and without ballast on our test sail and the editors, moving all to one side, noted how the X barely changed incline. Anyway, the reviews certainly were better than the one by "Practical Sailor" who tested the MacX on a windless day and relied on testimonials for sailing performance
I've been a subscriber to SCA since 2002 and purchased many of the prior back issues to have the reviews and articles from the archives. Just as in "Sail" magazine, I am not interested in all of the information, like about the $450K Island Packet, but find interesting reading about sailing, boats, and places to sail.
You may subscribe for $26.95 per year or purchase any single issue for $5.95, shipping included, either by sending a check to them at P.O. Box 1343, Port Townsend, WA 98368, or order online via Paypal (and browse all issues list of contents) at
www.smallcraftadvisor.com.
I initially stocked two hundred copies of the MacX review, but have sold them. It's my feeling that every owner would want to have a copy for their model for the price of a burger an' fries.
Here's a snip from the M review [p. 52]:
"For all the changes, it doesn't appear MacGregor has shifted market focus. Like the 26X, the 26M appeals to a buyer's sense of practicality and value. What other shallow-draft trailerable sailboat, they ask, sleeps 6, offers standing headroom, a galley and enclosed head, and will do 20 mph? It is unique in its versatility."
All the discussion board threads about why own a Mac seem to come right down to that simple truth.
