Head in 26m

[awmasparky]

This is my first post, I think I am ready to purchase a Mac. I have always wanted the 26x and not sure I like the new 26m. My Biggest concern is the head in the . Is it as dificult to use as it looks? Does anyone fish off of the (salt water)? I would like to purchase a new boat but this new has got me thinking maybe I should go with a used .

[Lovekamp]

The deciding factor for me was the cockpit size: the felt cramped for my family of four. The carpeting near the head seemed like a bad thing, as well: my boys are 7 and 9; sometimes the aim isn't too good, especially on a moving boat. We bought a this spring, and we are extremely happy with it!

Many arguments between the values of each model have been waged on this forum. Basically, it boils down to buy whichever strikes your fancy. Either of them are more enjoyment than about any other sailboat!

[Moe]

We were in the same boat (pun intended) you are now. We wanted a new My first post here, 3 days short of an even year ago, stated that. The isn't even close to what we wanted. Here's why. We bought a lightly used Staying out 4-5 days at a time, we're sure glad we did!

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

WOW Moe...
1) over 1700 posts in less than a year!
2) excellent X vs M comparison

[awmasparky]

I read your thread a few days ago and found it very informative. I just got financing for a new boat, and I am trying to convince myself that the new will be fine. My credit union only finances new boats not used. I may need to save up for a used one or find other financing options. Thanks for the response.

[mike]

Moe's X vs. M pitch is indeed quite convincing. However, before making your decision, realize that there are plenty of happy M owners, and undoubtedly some of them will chime in here too.

--Mike

[Sloop John B]

Hey Sparky,

Ever try to use the head on an X? I've never laid eyes on an M but reports seem to indicate it is worse yet.

These things are designed for the 'ladies' who come along with the ol man when he's shopping for a boat. "Oh, how nice, there's a door I can close and be away from everybody while I do my business."

Well, yeah, at least they let us buy the sucker.

So, let me tell you about the head in the X at least. It takes up a lot of unnecessary critical space. There's a sink in there, I kid you not. You can take a half step out of the crapper and you're standing at another sink. I guess the thought was the 'ladies' want the door shut with sink business.

Anyway, the head sink can hold a lot of gear without it rolling all over the place. In my case, the whole head holds a lot of gear and the good door keeps it from rolling all over the place. It's also a good place to hide the porta pottie from guests, who would normally see it located at the foot of the V berth in a boat this size. You know, with a little plastic curtain for the 'ladies'.

Check out the new Mayo rectangular containers in the supermarket. One size fits all for number one. For number two, more complicated. Have to unpile all the gear on the pottie and toss it on the galley.

Yeah, okay, I know it sounds a little Bohemian. However, with just a Mate along there's never a problem with anybody's 'privacy'. One or the other of us is up in the cockpit.

Also, it helps be together so long that mental telepathy sets in.

Up checking the anchor set, seems okay, and I'm thinking, boy I could use a tall one about now. Mate says, "Yeah, so start chipping up some ice."

[Divecoz]

Well we have been out on our 05 M a few times this year( not near as many as we would like ) and overnighted as well and the head is fine . . ./ its not were I sail anyway . . .cramped / close yes!!! Want a nice head get a bigger boat IMHO many have no head at all in this size range . Both boats are fine for 2 adults / camping. . I would think from what I see you might have a bit more room in an X but that is because of the open / one room layout . . we love the look and the feel of our M but it is not for everyone . Does or is. . . the rotating mast what has made Audrey appear to be such a great sailor ??? I don't really know but first real. . . . time out she sailed into every compass heading and NEVER lost headway . . .
Moe BTW is very adamant about the X finds Nothing good to say about the M you take it from there . . .

[Frank C]

Well, I agree w/ Moe. Look at any keelboat less than 33' and you'll find the head and galley at the companionway ... it's simple, spatial logic. The daggerboard is the obstacle that defeats that logic ... and I find IT a disadvantage, TOO!

But that's not where I find the advantage in the X's hull. It's just the vista one gains upon descending into the cabin. The X offers a 200* vista of horizon, an open-feeling cabin that can't be duplicated by mirrors, IMO.

The financing is one of those immutable facts of life. Maybe a home equity-line could serve in lieu ??? Anyhow, if I was going to replace my 2000 X today with budget less than $50,000 ... I'd buy a 2002 Mac 26X.

[Sjack]

As a prospective X/M buyer, I'll be watching this thread. I'm used to reading all the love/hate debates about the Macs on other boards, but this X vs M debate is gonna get real good, real fast.

[Frank C]

BTW, welcome to both Sparky & Sjack and the Lovekamps too. Incidently Greg, be prepared for demotion ... most "cruise directors" here have quickly become Admiralty!

I'm not sure the X vs. M debate is valid. There's really no debate that both are the best boating values available in their genre. It's a genre of only two choices.

Both are better for value and versatility than any other alternatives in the market. The answer lies with the buyer, the beauty with the beholder.

[Divecoz]

Na I think we are past that. I think we each have what we like . . want . . can afford . . needed . .are happy with. . and for a list of reasons that got very long. . tiring . . confusing . .and was often more guessing than knowing and a lot of spinning . . . . .etc etc. Go take a look at each. . . . first alone . . .then maybe with the wife. . . after.. . . your ready to support your choice just in case there is a need ..I am very lucky to have Audrey she rolls with the punches quite welll and is. . . Miss Optimist cannot even find a reason for me not to buy the Ferrari I have been looking at buying except to say . . I don't think it'll pull the boat hahahaha

[Greg]

Years ago when I did canoe camping trips and also liked to sail. I formed a boat in my mind that would be trailerable, would have accommodations, could sail or motor and would be able to go into shallow water. When I first saw an X I knew I found my boat! That was roughly four years ago and I set a goal to buy one.
Last year, the wife, 3 kids and I went to the dealer to look at a new M and expected to check it out, like it and buy one. After spending maybe an hour checking the M out, sitting in the cabin and cockpit and getting on and off, we weren't convinced. There was a used X in the lot and we boarded it and everyone said the X is the boat for us (we had previously been on an X). I started seriously looking and found our X within a couple months.
Obviously the M will fit some folks' needs and will be happy with one. For our family, the X is a perfect fit. If possible, tryem both out.

Greg

[richandlori]

We went with a used 2004M and I was looking at the new 05M at my time of purchase as they were just comming out. I have been on both X' and M's and it always come down to the personal choice issue. What else are you going to buy used or new in the price range and VALUE range of the Mac? I say nothing else even comes close.

For about a month after making the M purchase ($27,000: honda 50, genny, roller), I was sure that I had made a mistake in not going with a cheaper/older X. But with over 35 excursions of daysailing and overnighting in less than the year since we have owned the boat I wouldn't have done it any other way!

But truthfully, I have been on an X long enough to know I would feel the SAME way about it too! So how does this answer help you? It is simple, buy the boat that you are most comportable with and don't spend hours upon hours worrying and fretting about your decision, you will be happy with a MAC, X or M.

Here are some random thoughts:

The larger aft bunk on the M is great

we removed the head door anyway because it SUCKS

I love the rotating mast and it DOES make a difference in boat speed

the M's helm pedistal helps with cockpit legroom

the M cockpit IS smaller, my family of 4 doesn't care about the smaller cockpit

my boat was 32 days old when I bought her, NOT 2-3 years like the "newest" X you will be able to find older item means MORE work

HATE the interrior cussion material, it gets cold and clammy, like the X fabric better even if it doesn't "Look" as nice

older things that have been in saltwater need more TLC to keep nice and "new", no matter how you slice it an older boat is USED and has used up some of its life

you can save about $10,000 by going with a used X...could be a good thing, heck with LOW rates currently a line of credit on the house would be a good option and get tax deductable intrest!

that $10,000 could go a long way in getting all the cool equipment you could EVER want for your mac.

If you are a Mod Guy, a new boat will be clean of all mods, depending on the X, you could be left with the PO's mods, like them or not

The blue hull looks great, but is a bear to keep looking nice!!! TRust ME!

X' only come in white, so they will always be slower than the Blue hull M

That last point may seem worthless, but then again all of my opinions are worthless, just like everyone elses opinion regarding which boat is right for you and your conditions!!!!

Make a choice, don't worry about it, and get out there on the water!


Rich

[kmclemore]

I voted X, for many of the reasons above. M just seemed to small for us (head, cockpit, dining table), though I did find it to be more 'classy' inside - wood trim, nicer fabrics, etc. The M fabric may be 'clammy' as said above, but the X fabric itches me... to each his/her own!

Also, I've never been too fond of the dagger-board idea on the M, either. Reminds me too much of a Sunfish. I like the X's swing-centerboard - it's just like my BW Harpoon, and I'm just more comfortable with that design.