Buying a new Mac

R Rae · Post by **R Rae** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 7:50 am

FWIW

5 years ago, I had my 20 hp 4 stroke Honda (weighs only 110 lb) installed and love it and the fuel economy of it.

I can motor at 10 mph if needed, and in all that time have never looked for any more speed. Usually if going out for a cruise (motor only), I enjoy 5-7 mph .

Good luck

Ron

Post by **Russ** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 8:51 am

Pete wrote:I guess the biggest thing I am still up in the air about is the motor. I have been looking at everything in the 50-90 hp range. To me weight is the biggest downfall of larger motors. Am I over worried about the extra 100-150 lbs a 75 or 90 hp motor would add. Will I loose to much sailing performance by adding the extra weight of the bigger motor.

E-Tec 40, 50, 60 = 240LBS
Honda 75 = 365 Lbs
Yahama 50, 60 = 237 Lbs
Yahama 75, 90 = 369 Lbs

Pete

Performance under power is more important to me. If I wanted a great performing SAIL boat, the Mac is probably not the best choice. The flat bottom (shallow draft), high speed under power is what appeals to me. The fact that if I'm 20 miles from port and the weather gets hairy, I can get back quickly is attractive. Sailing is fun because it's slow and relaxing, I'm not in a rush to get anywhere. I could take a small hit on sail performance.
However, if the extra weight means that I have to limit the number of people on board (specifically in the cockpit), that might be a problem.

I'd be more concerned with reliablity. What motors have the best reliablity ratings?

Post by **Russ** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:15 am

What about bimini options? Should I go for the factory/dealer option or are there other better choices?

I've seen photos of stern pulpits with seats. Is this new for the M or is it an option? It looks like a good idea.

I've mostly sailed larger boats (34') and hate spinnakers because they are hard to manage. Especially in heavy winds, I've seen spinnakers get all wrapped up. This, however, looks smaller and easier to manage. Any problems using the Mac spinnaker?

What about a dodger? Is it more in the way then it helps for a non-cruising sailor?

--Russ

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:43 am

I'll be in the market for a bimini for next season. I'll probably take parrothead's advice, given here...

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... t=overtons

~Bob

Andy hipetrol · Post by **Andy hipetrol** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:27 pm

I too have been lurking on this board for a while. I would like to own an M, but am worried about storage and a boat payment. I know this may sound crazy but do any of you guys get grief from your neighbors about having a 26 foot plus boat in the driveway? I would be the only one in the neighborhood with a boat of any size in my driveway. I do not think it would fit on the side of the house.

I probably entered this comment in the wrong topic with people who have already figured out how to manage the buying and storage I am a novice to boat ownership.

Andy

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:01 pm

Congradulations Pete,

Jib vs. Genny? As mentioned the Mac can get overpowered easy. The boat may not even be balanced very well in very light air with a Genny. If you do go with the Genoa you might consider getting a luff foam strip installed so it maintains a little better shape when partially furled. I'd consider going with the jib and see how you like it first.

Cruising spinnaker? What kind of crew do you have. It takes work and timeing to deploy and douse it. I have one but rarely use it. It's not much good going downwind in my experience and can overpower the boat on gusts.

Blue hull? Looks nice but does show scratches.

Swim ladder? Yes

Line led aft? I have my halyard led aft and am glad I do.

Motor? Depends on how you're going to use the boat and how much reserve you think you need if weather gets bad. In most of the sailing I do my 40hp is probably a little big for what I need.

Daniel

Post by **Russ** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:06 pm

Wow thanks Currie,

You know, I didn't realize the Mac M didn't have a backstay. Now it looks more attractive. No lines in the aft to get in the way.

I may have to check this out instead of the stock bimini.

wbpenney · Post by **wbpenney** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:48 pm

pete
I just ordered a

from Scotts Yachts with a ETEC 90.

Bill

wbpenney · Post by **wbpenney** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:13 pm

Sorry for the multiple posts. Being a newbie the Forum Censor is zapping me. Will Scott of Scotts Yachts spent about 3hrs with me putting a

order together. We decided on an ETEC 90 because it is 15 lbs lighter than the 70s being installed on the West coast. The secound battery is going under the V-berth to help offset some weight.

Bill

ALX357 · Post by **ALX357** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:29 pm

Blue is not worth the maintenance hassle and heat. IMHO.

bastonjock · Post by **bastonjock** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:34 pm

if you go for a blue hull,get some Paint protection film,3M scotchcal is the best,its expensive though

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 6:01 am

wbpenney, Will said he had one boat on order, he must have been talking about yours. I Just got my quote from him yesterday and I am sending him a deposit today for mine. I am going to go with the E-Tec 90 also, unless I hear a reason not to before he gets them in.

He said that he does not have a source for the gas tanks. I know there was a discussion about them a little while ago but I dont think it ever ended with a replacement for the discontinued ones.

Pete

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 6:39 am

I haven't seen anyone mention the mast raising kit... priceless!

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 6:56 am

Got it. I will be keeping the new

on the trailer so its worth the extra 140 bucks

wbpenney · Post by **wbpenney** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 7:22 am

I am also keeping mine on the trailer, so I got the mast raising kit.

Bill

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Buying a new Mac