26M purchasing advice.

[SeaBelle]

I am looking to buy a preowned 26M and need some advice. Must have's on this 26M are, 30 amp shore power, a minimum of 50 H.P. outboard with tachometer, roller furling system, pump-out head. Options which I can and will install include, stern seats, boarding ladder, bimini, cockpit cushions, sail covers. What are the trouble areas or components that I should pay special attention to when inspecting a 26M for purchase ? I am concerned about a headstay failure, areas of water damage and rot in hull and transom. Should I be concerned about freshwater verses saltwater with these boats and trouble areas associated with saltwater ? I live in Bradenton, Florida on a saltwater canal and we have a dock with a 20,000 lb. boat lift.
I appreciate any and all advice and please be specific with you responses. I have owned many power boats, my last being a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer, however this will be my first sailboat.
Thank You
Dave T.

[Rick62]

Firstly congratulations on your first post.
Most of these boats have been optioned up over the years especially if they have had multiple owners. All will have a minimum of a 50 Hp.Go with a 4 stroke however, just a lot lot quieter and less fumes . Just about all boats in Australia are sailed in salt water. We do have lakes but most coastal lakes are salt water, and not many big inland lakes. The best advise I can give you and you will receive on here is this... Try to make a friend with someone who owns a Macgregor 26M in your area. That's exactly what I did with my Mac X and I have made a great friend with Dennis aka "Sunshine Coasting" here in Queensland Australia. He has been terrific and extremely helpful. Getting a survey before making a final decision can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Good luck and happy hunting.

[NiceAft]

I agree with the survey advice. There are some on the board who think otherwise, but unless you really know sailboats, get a survey.

I will also recommend the Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship Course. It will enlighten you to what you don't know about what you should know about . I highly recommend it.

Lastly, your list is extensive, I guarantee that if you like sailing, you will be adding to that list.

Oh yes, here is one not on your list, self inflating PFD's for the whole crew, including the captain. To be worn, not kept handy for just in case if.........:

Ray

[grady]

Oh yes, here is one not on your list, self inflating PFD's for the whole crew, including the captain. To be worn, not kept handy for just in case if.........:

Ray

Not sure about rules everywhere but here if you are not wearing your inflateable it does not count as a PFD. So you will need regular PFD's along with the inflateables inless you plan on wearing them 100% of the time.

[NiceAft]

That's why I said “ to be worn, not just kept handy for just I case if”

I am of the belief that PFD's are worn at all times while underway. That is also why I recommend self inflating. Since the first sail on Nice Aft twelve seasons ago, it's been the law on her. I am glad to say I am not alone in that thinking, although those of that ilk are probably in the minority.

Also think about what you said. In order to store away self inflating PFD's, you should keep regular PFD's on board, but also not worn

Is wearing an inflatable PFD really an inconvience? By the way, please be assured I am not attacking you or anyone else. Looking at printed words does not accurately convey emotion as well as hearing the human voice. Think calm and collected on my end

Ray

[Flightfollowing]

I would probably not worry about 30 amp shore power nor a pump out head, both could be pretty easily and not to expensively retrofitted, and you might consider a composting toilet instead anyway. Expensive items like full enclosure and stern seats would rank higher on my list of items nice to have especially if I knew I was going to get them regardless.
Also, make sure you are aware of the variation in interior layout between pre and post 2004 model 26m boats, that will probably be your biggest decision.
Be aware of previous mods, PO's can sometimes make a mess of things.

[npsrangerchuck]

One thing we found when searching for our was that any options beyond RF Headsail will come with a premium cost- in other words, most owners seem to want to get full-retail return for options they have installed in the boat. Last summer, we were fortunate to find a 2005 with the interior in original, pristine condition, a 50hp etech engine, roller furling, a lowrance GPS chartplotter/depth sounder, standard bimini and nothing else. As such, we were able to get the boat at a great price and will be able to customize/modify just as we like.

Good luck on your quest! And welcome aboard.